Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please. Thanks to Eisencookie for help developing ideas for this story.

"Stanley and his wife Linda Purcell have been transforming their home, once owned by the late comedian Red Foxx, into their vision of an Italian villa with frescoes in the dining room..... mosaic tiles around the pool, and gardens with Italian cypresses and fountains. The 8,000 square foot, ocean view home, on about an acre, has a separate office and guest house...Architect Gus Duffy helped on the project in its final stages."

Trynia glanced at the old article, dated six or seven years ago, and leaned back in her easy chair. Around her rose the new house that Paul had remodeled since his divorce with Linda. Reading the description of the house that she never saw was sobering. This small but sizeable residence rivaled it, in its 7,000 square feet and ocean view, except it had no guesthouse. She had first seen it in all its glory last Christmas, and it never failed to take her breath away.

Ms. Gina Fuentez, Chris' wife strode in with a stack of letters. Her pen tucked behind her ear, she noticed Trynia sitting at the sofa and coffee table leafing through her collection of old magazines. Coughing she said, "Miss Merin, I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I wondered if you had decided just what you wanted to move into the house?"

"Sorry I still am not sure," Trynia laughed. She sipped some iced tea, and sighed at the boxes of magazines she'd eliminated.

"Well Mr. Stanley did say that you were welcome to box these up and just put them into storage in the basement," Gina said. "If you'd like I could get Charlie to do it."

"Charlie's got his hands full with the gardening," Trynia rubbed her temples. "And lord I forgot about the nurse and the cook..."

"I think Henry's a good choice. And I'm sure Paul would agree with you," Gina smiled. "He's just as eager for steady work..."

"Okay, we go with Henry then." Trynia nodded. "That's the chef taken care of..."

"But the healthcare workers for Mr. Stanley, and the maid... are you sure you don't' want Christine Johnson?"

"No, I like Sarabelle. I think she has a knack for finding lost things," Trynia laughed.

"It wouldn't be because Christine is 25, strikingly beautiful, and blond would it?"

"I guess, I mean... well," Trynia flushed.

"Mr. Stanley is in love with you, not his maid," said Gina. "Don't worry. I'm sure Christine's boyfriend Matt is a little leery about her working at Paul Stanley's house..."

"Her boyfriend..."

"He happens to be a physical therapist..."

"Perfect. Maybe he can help with Paul's PT then," Trynia said. "Okay, we go with Christine... since Paul's familiar with her..."

"Thanks," Gina said. "I am sure you won't be disappointed..."

Trynia nodded and sighed, glancing anxiously at her watch. "It's been two hours," she muttered. "Perhaps I should head back to the hospital... but there are so many things to get ready..."

"Then go, silly..."

"Can you handle things here?"

"That's what you hired me for," Gina laughed. "Now go over there already!!!"

Just then the doorbell rang, and they glanced at each other in surprise. Both wondered who it could be, because they didn't' recall setting up any interviews for house staff that day. Shaking her head, Trynia got up to answer it. Gina followed behind, carrying her planner curiously.

"Maybe it's Gene?" Trynia wondered.

"I had heard he was in an interview of a new band, to keep his mind off Paul..." said Gina. "He says there's nothing like work to keep the mind occupied."

"Otherwise he'd be pacing a hole in the carpet," Trynia joked. She opened the door, and stopped in shock.

On the front doorstep she saw two blond figures, a woman and a little boy. Her heart pounded when she saw suitcases arranged beside them, a stuffed Pikachu in the boy's anxious grasp. With brown eyes he looked up at Trynia and said, "Hi..."

"Uh... Trynia... good, glad you're here," Linda said, extending the hand she didn't hold Aaron's with. "I'm REALLY sorry... but I'm on a tight schedule here. Is Paul home..."

"Uh... well... no he's not here now... I thought you knew..."

"Figures. Look I really need to talk to you about something. You see something's come up and I was wondering if Aaron can visit his daddy these two weeks instead of his grandparents..."

"Well I don't know what the child custody order is," Trynia said, scratching her head.

"I don't' know where to turn. You see, I'm going on a trip, and I can't take Aaron with me. And I called my parents but they don't' have enough room... they're already taking Frank's kids... and the Eisens... I called them but Bill is in for surgery... and they can't take him..."

"Wait a minute, Mr. Eisen is in SURGURY?"

"Oops, I know this is short notice, but you HAVE to help me..." said Linda. "Since you're so good with him, could you please take him? I can't get his nanny..."

"Uh... now's NOT a good time... but he's always welcome..."

Gina suddenly poked her head around Trynia and said, "Oh... Mrs. Stanley..."

"Purcell. I got it changed... hello... miss..."

"Miss Merin's secretary, Ms. Gina Fuentez," she said. "What are you doing here... I didn't think Aaron's visit was for another two weeks..."

"I'm really sorry, but I have to shuffle things. You see I'm getting married, and my honeymoon time was bumped up... the flight that is... and I can't take Aaron with me... and I was hoping that Paul..."

"Didn't you know Mr. Stanley is in surgery..."

"Where's my daddy?" Aaron asked.

"Honey, why don't you take your things into the house while I speak to Miss Trynia all right? You know where your room is right?"

"Sure," Aaron nodded. "Can I, Miss Trynia?"

"Uh... go ahead... Gina when is Christine supposed to be here?"

"Soon... but..."

"Have her help Aaron get settled," Trynia whispered fiercely.

"Aaron sweetie go upstairs and get settled. Mommy will have the chauffeur bring your things..." she said, patting her son's shoulder. He grabbed his backpack and trotted upstairs. Behind him a hispanic featured man in his early thirties carried a suitcase, someone that Trynia had seen once before with Linda the last time she dropped Aaron off. He gave Trynia a polite smile , dark features handsome and rugged. She saw a wedding ring on his finger, and couldn't help but chuckle. Linda had her eye candy just like Paul did when it came to hired help.

"Eduardo's been here last time," she said. "Take Aaron's suitcases and put them in his room, would you?"

"Right Ms. Purcell..." he nodded, and carried a large suitcase in his hand after Aaron.

"Right up the stairs... and to the left..." Trynia muttered, still in shock. A sinking feeling came over her, and she looked helplessly at Gina.

"How long will you be gone?" Trynia asked.

"Two weeks. As soon as I can get a number I'll get it to you... I really can't stay I have to meet Frank and then we'll go to the airport. Trynia, I REALLY appreciate this..."

"Linda... please... don't you know Paul's in the HOSPITAL?" Trynia asked.

"I... well... is he okay?" Linda asked.

"Yes... but..."

"Well you're here, aren't you. And you're one of the FEW people I can trust with Aaron. Please..."

"But his nanny..." Gina put in.

"She's ill. Look, I'll call as soon as I can get away... to check in. Give Paul my regards..." Linda said. Just then Aaron came down the stairs, hand in hand with Eduardo.

"Mommy, where's daddy?"

"Well, he's at the hospital," Trynia said helplessly. "Having something fixed..."

"Be a good boy, Aaron. Mommy promises she'll come back. But before she does, you do everything Miss Trynia says okay? Gimmie a kiss..." Linda said, leaning over to kiss Aaron goodbye. Eduardo gave him the high fives, and rushed out to the black limo that waited for them.

"Goodbye!" Linda said. "Be good!"

"Thank you!" she whispered to Trynia, and grabbed her hand to squeeze it. "Later! Bye!!"

Trynia simply stood in shock, shaking her head as the car pulled away. Gina shook her head, clicking her tongue as they stood there. Suddenly she felt a tug on her shirt as Aaron asked, "Where's daddy and why is he at the hospital?"

"Oh man," Trynia groaned.

After the initial shock wore off, Gina turned to Trynia and whispered, "So, Miss, what do you want to do?"

"Uh, first, maybe you should write down what was said?" Trynia suggested.

"Good I'll go do that... do you still want to go tot he hospital?"

"Yes... but Aaron I don't know if they'll let him into the ICU..."

"Hmm, well I can call Christine to watch him temporarily. She's worked for Paul before as his maid, maybe Aaron will be all right with her till you get back..."

"Have Christine meet us over there. And please, write down EVERYTHING Linda said... got it?" Trynia suggested.

"Sure, I got you. Don't worry, Chris says I got a photographic memory..."

Just then Aaron trotted up, holding his Pokemon cards. "Miss Trynia... can we go see Daddy now?"

"Uh... sure... but I don't' think that they'll let you in to see him if Daddy's asleep..."

"Rats..."

"But we'll try, I promise," Trynia said. "Why don't' we pick some games for your Gameboy you can play while we wait and I talk to the doctors about Daddy... okay?"

"Cool!" Aaron laughed. He took Trynia's hand and led her up to his room to show off his new toys. Sighing, Trynia looked at Gina who grabbed her pen and started to write down in the planner she had under her arm.

"Better go with him. I'll start writing. And I'll make sure the cell phone's charged for you to take when you go," Gina promised.

"Could you please get some snacks for us?" Trynia said. "Meet us down here in half an hour..."

A few minutes later Trynia came down with an overnight bag with various distractions included, holding hands with Aaron who carried his own knapsack stuffed with books, games and toys. Gina handed Trynia the car keys to Paul's Porsche, along with a plastic bag filled with multicolored wrapped packages. Incredulously Trynia held the bag at arms length and puzzled over it.

"Linda left some of Aaron's favorite snacks," Gina explained. "And here's Paul's Porsche keys..."

"The Porsche... oh lord, I can't drive that..." Trynia groaned.

"His Mercedes is in the shop, and the BMW I can't find the keys for. I think Mr. Stanley had them in his pocket... but I did make sure to have the arrangements for you car to be shipped out..."

"Are we taking Daddy's fun car?" Aaron asked.

"Well the Porsche," Trynia sucked in her breath bravely. She put the snacks in her hold-all bag with her purse and slung it over her shoulder. Gina slipped the charged Nokia phone in alongside the rest.

"Cool!" Aaron laughed. "Can we have the top down and can I ride in front?"

Trynia took the keys from Gina and Aaron's hand in hers. Looking helplessly at Gina, she led Aaron to where the Porsche was ensconced in Paul's multi-car garage. She prayed she would have the nerve to back it out without her hands shaking. Aaron automatically trotted over to the car and put his bag in the small seat behind the main one, and climbed into the unlocked car. He buckled his seatbelt without even being asked to, and Trynia settled into the driver's seat behind the wheel. She slipped the key into the ignition and whispered a prayer, adjusting the mirrors.

"Are you gonna push the button to open the doors?" Aaron asked. She groaned internally.

"Why don't you do it?" she asked. "That will be a BIG help to me..."

"All right!" Aaron said, and eagerly pushed the garage door opener button, clipped to the side of the stereo. Trynia breathed a sigh of relief and turned the key in the ignition. Thank God her Mercedes was a stick, otherwise she'd look really foolish about now!

****

After a tense car ride, which was a joy filled pleasure jaunt for Aaron, she pulled into the parking garage at Cedars Sinai Medical hospital. Parking, she mentally programmed herself for what would happen next, preparing for any contingency. Or so she hoped.

Aaron behaved well, unclipping his seatbelt and waiting for her to open his car door while she secured their bags. Hefting her purse she held out her hand to Aaron. He took hers eagerly, still smiling sweetly as he followed her. For a moment he stopped and tugged her hand, "Miss Trynia... aren't you gonna push the alarm?"

"Uh..."

"Daddy always does... the car has to whistle or else its not turned on..."

"Oh yeah... I was waiting for you to see if you'd remember, it's a new game," she whispered.

"Oh cool..." Aaron nodded. She breathed a sigh of relief and pushed the button on the keyring's pad. Thankfully the car alarm engaged, and she was able to continue into the elevator. Aaron started to talk about his new games that were given to him by Frank on the way into the huge lobby.

"So... your mommy's fiancée is frank?" Trynia asked.

"Yeah, he's my new daddy. That's what Mommy tells me to call him. And he's got three girls... but they don't' like me hanging around much. They say I'm a tagalong..."

"Oh that su... stinks..." Trynia nodded, crossing the vast ocean of glossy marble floor. People smiled as they saw the young woman holding hands with the attractive boy, presuming that they were mother and child. Cold comfort, she sighed.

"And also they kinda pick on me sometimes..."

"What are their names?"

"Shelly, Jenny, and Julie. Julie's a little older then me. Shelly thinks I'm cute, but jenny's mean..." said Aaron. "Sometimes Shelly baby-sits me..."

"Ah... do they like having you... as a brother?"

"Shelly likes having a little brother, but the other two I dunno..." Aaron said. Finally they reached the swirling marble creeping up the massive reception desk, where Trynia stopped before.

"Hang on Aaron I'll just asks where they have your daddy staying..."

"This place is like a big hotel... for sick people?" Aaron asked.

"Uh yes..." Trynia said. "Excuse me, but could you tell me where Mr. Eisen is? He was scheduled for hip surgery..."

"May I have your name?" the receptionist asked, glancing down at her terminal. She saw the sweep of the plastic headpiece curving around the woman's cheek to her mouth. A thirty-something woman with red hair smiled up at her, and glanced down at Aaron peeking over the edge of the counter.

"Trynia," Trynia said. "Trynia Merin..."

"Ah... okay... he's in ICU... he got out of surgery an hour ago..." the receptionist chirped a little too cheerfully. "But is your son under age 10?"

"Uh... well.."

"I'm seven!" Aaron piped in. "Where is my daddy?"

Just then an attractive blond strode up with a floral spaghetti strap minidress and white cardigan draped over it. Seeing Aaron she rushed over to where they stood, and Aaron brightened up. He reached out to give her a hug saying, "Miss Christine!"

"Aaron sweetie, you got so big!" she laughed. "Hello, Miss Merin? Ms. Fuentez sent me over to see if you two needed company..."

"Miss Johnson?" Trynia asked. "Nice to meet you..."

"I wanted to thank you for hiring me back..." Christine chirped, shaking Trynia's hand, blue eyes sparkling with gratitude. "It's been really hard to make ends meet... and when they said Paul needed a maid..."

"Thanks... look, did she tell you what's up?'

"Everything. C'mon Aaron you have to tell me about what you've been up to... and let's help Miss Trynia find where they have your daddy..." Christine said eagerly, leaning over and pitching her voice to a slightly higher level. Taking Christine's hand and Trynia's, he walked between both women toward the elevators.

***

"I'm sorry, but we can't allow children under 15 into the ICU," the nurse said from behind the high white desk. A bank of television screens flickered with the various rooms in the unit, each one a private area. Trynia realized it was an exclusive place, far more so then the hospital where her own father worked.

"It's Paul's son," Trynia said.

"Aww rats..."

"Hey, can we at least see Aaron's daddy on the television?" Christine suggested. "That way we can still see that your daddy's okay..."

"All right... but I wanna see him and take him something..." Aaron said.

"Can we at least let Aaron see his daddy on the monitor?" Trynia asked. "While I go in.."

"I'll be REALLLLY good, promise!" Aaron chimed in.

"I'll be with him while you go in," said Christine. "Don't worry... it'll be okay, Miss Merin..."

"Call me Trynia, please, Christine," Trynia said, pressing her hand gratefully. Taking Aaron's hand Christine led him around the desk to stand before the bank of terminals. The point of view emanated from a camera perched high in one corner of each room, for they could see three quarters of the small chamber in each screen, the patient's bed on a diagonal. In room 14a they could see someone asleep in a bed, dark hair askew of his unmistakable features. They watched the door open slowly, and Trynia step into the room as quietly as possible.

Bringing the door too, Trynia turned to face the full sized bed bordered with metal railings. Over the sound of a beeping monitor she heard the whir of an intravenous pump. It snaked down from its plastic bag inverted toward the wrist of the patient laying upon his back, head turned to one side. Natural light beamed in through the vertical slits of the high narrow window, gently filtering into the small space.

"Paul... honey I'm here," she whispered, reaching out to stroke his hair aside of his face. It had slipped out of place, in the process of the whole operation. She saw his chest rise and fall under the sheet pulled up to just under his chin, and for a moment he resembled a slumbering crusader. Strange thoughts, she laughed to herself, pulling up a chair and sitting down next to his bed.

Just then the nurse entered, silently opening the door and bringing in the charts. Trynia glanced up at her, questions in her eyes, "I hope it's okay to visit... I trust the surgery went all right?"

"You're Miss Merin, right? The doctor told me to let you know as soon as you arrived that the surgery went fine... he's going to be fine... he just needs plenty of rest and peace and quiet... It's a good thing you got here because we're about to try and wake him up from his anesthesia..."

"I'm glad I didn't miss it... things have been so chaotic at home," Trynia sighed. "I wish I could bring his son in here..."

"I know... but he can visit his daddy as soon as he's transferred to the general ward sometime tomorrow afternoon... that is if he does well in here..."

"good," Trynia nodded, stroking Paul's cheek. Slowly he moaned, blinking.

"Mr. Stanley... Mr. Stanley..." the nurse called. A doctor entered just then, and Trynia recognized him from the talk they had before Paul went in the previous morning.

"Miss Merin... I see you got here... good," Dr. Lionel said. "I'm pleased to let you know it went perfectly. He's in terrific shape, which should help him get better sooner then most..."

"I'm glad..." Trynia said, standing up. By now Paul's dark lashed eyes opened and glanced groggily up at the assembled trio.

"Mr. Stanley, wake up... the surgery's over..." the nurse said. "We need to check you out to make sure that everything's all right..."

"Oh man..." he groaned. "Who dropped the amplifier on my head..."

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Trynia asked, slipping her hand into his. He squeezed it gently, and turned his head to glance at her with a ghost of a smile.

"Hi honey..." he said softly. "You see... I'm still here..."

"We have to ask you a few questions... just to make sure you're all right... do you know your name and do you know who this is?"

"I'm sure as hell not center stage at Madison Square Gardens," Paul answered. "But this is my lovely lady... and she's beautiful...."

****

Outside, Christine sat with Aaron, who was temporarily mollified in his eagerness to see Daddy by watching him on video. She noticed Trynia at Paul's side, softly talking to him and stroking his hair as she tried to convince him to cooperate with the nurse and doctor. Judging from Paul's facial expressions she could tell he was irritable at being asked silly questions.

"Can't I go in... I REALLY wanna see him..." Aaron pouted.

"I'm sorry sweetie, but only big people can do in there. Your daddy's fine. But he really needs to sleep right now so he can get better. But Trynia said that once he's moved to another room, we can come over and see him..."

Trynia emerged, a bit sad as she regarded Aaron and Christine. Aaron got up and ran over to her, his face anxious, but Trynia gave him a big hug as she said, "I wish you could see him sweetie, but he's very, very tired..." she said.

"Aww rats," Aaron snapped his fingers.

"But I promise that you and I will try to come here tomorrow, and we'll see what we can do," Trynia said.

"But I want to see him," Aaron stamped his foot.

"Hey Aaron, how would you like to go get some Pizza?" asked Christine. "Just you and me and Richie?"

"Richie?" Aaron asked. Trynia raised an eyebrow in query.

"He's my son... he's about Aaron's age, and it's been SO long since they've seen each other... would it be all right?" Christine.

"What do you say Aaron... how would you like to have a playdate with Richie at your house?' Trynia asked. "Christine can bring him over and you guys can play together..."

"Uh... okay... but would Daddy..." Aaron asked.

"I'm sure Daddy won't mind,' Trynia said. "What do you think Christine?"

"I'm sure he'd be glad you got to see your friends," Christine said. "I'll just call and get the pizza, and then we can drive Trynia and Miss Gina home..."

"Shouldn't I come along?" Trynia asked. "Or should I stay with your daddy Aaron? To let him know that everything's okay?"

"Miss Trynia... can you stay here with daddy so he's not alone?" Aaron suddenly asked. "What if he gets lonely?"

"Are you sure?" Trynia asked.

"I want you to stay with Daddy so he doesn't get alone... and could you give him Pikachu so he's got someone special?" Aaron asked, handing Pikachu to Trynia.

"Okay..." Trynia nodded. Aaron leaned up and gave her a kiss on the cheek as she leaned over to hug him goodbye. He waved, hand in hand with Christine. Gina had heard the whole conversation to the side of the nurses station, and nodded.

"Is it okay..." Trynia asked.

"Christine and I will look after him for tonight. Do you want me to call anyone..."

"No... let's just see how it goes... I don't want to tell Paul yet," Trynia whispered. "Maybe we can sit this out..."

"You stay here with Paul. He needs you. Leave Aaron to us for tonight. If things get difficult we'll call you..."

"You mean me spend the night?" Trynia asked.

"Miss Merin... Paul's asking for you," the nurse said, interrupting.

"Oh man..."

"Go on, your man needs you," Gina said. "Aaron will be okay."

"Okay but I'm stopping by tomorrow," Trynia said. "First thing..."

"See you!" Gina nodded, walking on Christine's other side. Aaron waved to Trynia, carrying his brightly colored knapsack on his shoulder. Sighing, Trynia turned and followed the nurse back to Paul's room.

"I want my Atlantis tape!" Aaron stamped his foot.

"Honey we looked everywhere for it!" Trynia groaned.

"But I want it now! Mommy SAID I could watch it when I came, but it's not here!!!"

"I've looked everywhere, can't we put something else in."

"No, I want THAT movie, cause I haven't SEEN it yet!" Aaron shouted back. "I want it NOW!"

"Okay, I'll look for it..."

"Did you hide it from me... cause I KNOW it got brought, and I want it!!!"

Trynia gritted her teeth and sighed. This was the cherry on top of the sundae, the culmination of a whole day of fussing and fretting. She had tried her best to be firm with Aaron, but she was so afraid of saying the wrong things, or doing the wrong things.

"Well, tell you what. I'll look for it again, and we'll get Miss Gina and Christine to help..." Trynia said firmly. "But I'm not hiding it. Sometimes things just can't be found, and they pop up later..."

"but I want THAT one..." Aaron stamped his foot.

"Aaron Aaron Stanley, I'm not going to talk any more about it. Either we find it or not, but I can't talk to you when you're angry," Trynia said firmly, voice clicking into the authoritative tones she remembered her mother using on her as a child. "Now that's it...."

"It's not fair!" he snapped.

"NO it isn't. But life isn't always fair," Trynia threw up her hands and stormed off. "I'll let you know when I've thought about what we've said! And maybe then you'll be calm enough to talk to me!"

Gina almost bumped into her when she rushed into the kitchen, about to say something when Trynia said, "I've had it... I don't know what to do!"

"Just take a deep breath..."

"I TRIED THAT!" Trynia snapped, slapping her hand down on the table. "That kid is driving me nuts and I don't know WHAT to do..."

"You're doing a great job... he just has to realize..."

Just then they heard someone starting to cry and fuss, and Trynia rushed out again as he started hollering. Rolling her eyes she rushed out of the kitchen and stormed into the living room. Taking a deep breath, she moved over and took his shoulders and said, "There will be NO screaming in this house, Aaron Aaron..."

"I just want my movie!" he yelled. "I want it, and you're hiding it from me and you won't let me watch it and you're unfair!"

"If you can't stop SCREAMING, I won't even look for it," Trynia said quietly.

"You're not my mommy!" he shouted back. "You can't tell me WHAT to do!"

"That's right kid, I'm NOT your mommy," Trynia said. "But your Mommy left you here with me, and I'm supposed to take care of you. She told me herself that she trusted ME with YOU. So you've got three choices, help me find your tape, or pick something else, or scream and cry."

"You're not very nice!" he shouted back. "I don't like you!"

"I'm sorry. But that's it," Trynia said. "I'm not doing this... so you can sit here and think about it!"

So saying she turned away and left Aaron sitting on the floor, beating the carpet with his fist. His face flushed, as he continued to cry. At least he had stopped screaming, she sighed to herself. For what it was worth. Her own eyes burned with frustrated tears as she rushed out to the kitchen again and grabbed the phone. Gina rested a hand on her shoulder and said, "I'll check on him..."

"I don't know what to do..."

"You're doing FINE... you have to be firm... look I don't have kids but I've taken care of them... and they need a firm hand. You're doing perfect..."

"God I sound like my MOTHER! I'm calling Terri... I can't take this... someone needs to know... and he won't listen to me anymore," Trynia sighed.

"Good idea... I'll just check on Aaron and make sure he's okay..."

"If you don't see any blood I'm sure he's fine," Trynia snorted, dialing Terri's number. Silently she prayed Terri would be home. Anxiously she waited as the message clicked, on and she slammed down the phone. Sighing, she tried Gene's number in the hope that Terri was in the study.

"Hello, Simmons, what can I do for you?" came Gene's polite but distant reply.

"Umm...Gene. Hello, how are you? Is...uh...Terri in?"

"Tryn, what a surprise," Gene said with a note of delight in his voice. "How's Paul doing... did you hear if the surgery went well?"

"Yes, Paul went through it fine... but there's something else that's gone wrong..." Trynia attempted to explain, not sure of how to proceed.

"Hey Hon, what's wrong? You sound upset..."

"Well, it's just that....uh....as you know, Paul's not here, and...." Trynia continued, voice breaking.

"Is everything okay?" Gene asked. "What's going on... is that Aaron I hear? Sounds like he's throwing a fit... I didn't know he was visiting..."

She hesitated a moment, and he heard Aaron wail in the background. Sighing she continued, "Damn it. Yes, it is. That's sort of why I called. I have absolutely no clue what to do, Gene... And no, it's not his visitation week. Not at all."

"Say WHAT?" Gene asked, voice raising in volume. "Slow down, tell me why he's here..."

"Ok...well.....It's Linda. Yesterday, she shows up at my door...Paul's door, I mean, and she's got Aaron."

"Uh huh... go on..."

"Just out of the blue. No call or anything. Surprise! I just sort of looked at her, stunned. I mean, Paul's not even here, as you know..."

"Yes, he's having his operation... why is she here?" he asked.

"She just sort of said hello, then starts in with this big story about how she's getting married. Married, can you believe THAT?"

"Married... holy shit..." Gene snapped. "So... she has Aaron..."

"Aaron had told us that she had a friend so I guess we kind of knew she was dating, but this will be quite a shock to Paul."

"Hell yeah," Gene sighed. "But what did she Say about Aaron? This is IMPORTANT..."

"But so she tells me that she just recently got married and that she and her husband are taking a 2 week honeymoon to the Caribbean. Something about a cruise and a week's stay in the Bahamas."

"Oh ARE they..." Gene almost growled.

"And that there's NO ONE to watch Aaron and she's stuck."

"what about his nanny?" Gene asked.

"Gene, she doesn't even ASK if it's OK to leave Aaron here. She just starts in ASSUMING it is. She starts rambling on about how Paul needs to take him because she just can't right now."

"Oh shit," Gene snorted. "That is really... hang on this is important... did she speak like she was Abandoning him?"

"Some kind of nonsense about how she can't take him with her and her sisters aren't able to watch him. She said she called Paul's mom and she told him that Paul was home in California," Trynia explained, stomach sinking with each word. "I'm sorry, Gene. It's just....oh God...."

"Damn," Gene snorted. "Calm down... now what is he doing now..."

"She just said that she's going on her honeymoon for two weeks and she can't take Aaron and Paul HAS to take him."

"Well of all the stupid shit... Paul's in the hospital..." Gene almost yelled into the phone.

"I really don't know the details of their custodial decree. I have no idea how much notice she has to give. All I know is that her basically dumping him here is well....a bit of a problem, and I'm sorry I didn't call sooner... I thought I could get some answers and just keep Aaron quiet till Paul was moved to another room, and then just have him visit..."

"No shit, honey. That damn broad has crossed the line!" Gene snapped.

"I just sort of sat there for a minute, not knowing what to say. Gina, Chris's wife, she was here. She comes over and says, "Is there some way we can reach you? And Linda says, "Oh, I'm not sure how to do the ship-to-shore communication, but I'll let you know as soon as I do."

"Son of a fucking bitch," Gene sighs. "Absolutely perfect."

"Gene, she never even asked if Paul was home." Trynia continued. "For all she knew, or cared, he could be halfway across the world."

"That does it... that REALLY does it..." Gene gritted. In the background she could hear something slam against a solid surface.

"I'm sorry... I didn't..." Trynia groaned.

"Gene, what's going on, why is there all that yelling?" asked Terri's voice that came on the other line.

"Oh God Terri... did you hear..."

"Are you all right... do you need any help?" Gene asked. They all heared Aaron still crying in the background.

"And she NEVER asked if we COULD watch him. She just said that Paul NEEDS to take care of him." Trynia quickly explained. "She acted like the whole thing was already planned out. I'm assuming Paul didn't know about this. SURELY he would have said something. Right?"

"Yes... that's right... Hang on Terri's here..." Gene said, temeporarily calmed down. There came the muttered dialogue between both of them, that Trynia guessed must be Terri actually going over to Gene with the cordless phone and asking what was going on.

"Oh, great, Gene, I would love to talk to her," came Terri's voice.

"You hold on sweetie. Here she is..." Gene said. There came the sound of one phone clicking off, and the other picking up. Trynia felt about ready to cry, for she had been holding back the tears for far too long.

Trynia choked out, "Oh, God, Terri...."

"Ssh easy there girlfriend... It's me. Gene's calling Paul's lawyer now," Terri said soothingly.

"I don't even....I don't even know Linda's mom's phone number, or her sisters or anything."

"Hang on it's okay. Gene's taking care of things," Terri continued, voice calm and steady. "It's his job, remember?"

"I just don't want to upset him. Terri, he's got so much going on right now. He's going to absolutely flip."

"He's going to get Paul's lawyer and check the custody order..." Terri assured her.

"I just hope that he doesn't think there's something I should have done," Trynia sighed. "I mean I did wait a whole day, but I thought I could handle it..."

"Relax... we can handle this..."

"Once Gene talks to the lawyer we can decide what to do. But right now I'm worried about you. Do you want me to come over?"

"Tell her to sit tight," Gene interrupted again.

"Oh, Terri, you're a sweetheart. I don't want to cause problems with you. It's just that Aaron...he's been VERY high strung since he got here."

"All right..." Terri sighed.

"First, he wants to know where Paul is. I didn't quite know what to say. So I told him that his daddy was in the hospital, having something important done, and that he was sleeping and would be okay... but that we couldn't visit him till he woke up."

"Uh... Gene... I'm not exactly in the parent department here..." Terri said. "Is it okay Gene, that Tryn told the kid the truth?"

"I assumed that Paul told him he was going to have an operation, but I didn't really want to be the one to have to tell him that's it's happening NOW," Trynia sighed. "He has no clue, and I don't know if his mom did or not. If she did, Aaron had no idea that his daddy wasn't home."

"Hang on, let me talk to her," Gene interrupted. "No, don't tell Paul. You did okay telling Aaron where his dady was. Hiding stuff wouldn't get you in good with him, so you did right by what you said. Just find a way to keep Aaron quiet till I get there," Gene instructed.

"And....and....he's angry that Paul's not here, and probably a bit confused by the whole Linda thing." Trynia further explained.

"He needs some familiar faces," Gene said. "I'll call Shannon to bring my kids over to the hospital while we figure out if we can take Aaron to see his daddy... And till she gets there, I'll come and see what I can do."

"Apparently the straw that broke the camel's back is that the maid must have put his Atlantis video somewhere because he's having a gigantic temper tantrum over it."

"All right," Gene agreed. "Well Paul told me once that he keeps all those movies upstairs in Aaron's room... Hang on I'm on my way out the door okay?"

"Gene, this isn't like Aaron. He's not a temperamental kid. This is just as messed up for him as it is for me..."

"Sweetie I have to go. I'll have Terri talk to you till I get there..." Gene said hastily, then left the line dead.

"God, I just hope that Paul's not mad at me," Trynia groaned again.

"No he isn't," Terri assured her. "Gene's getting into his car now to come over to make sure you're okay..."

"Thank you guys so much!" Trynia half sobbed with relief.

"I'm going to call the lawyer once Gene gets there..." Terri offered. "You can talk to me as long as you need to calm down..."

"I....just can't believe she did this!" Trynia continued. "Terri, not once, NOT ONCE, did she ask where Paul was."

"I know..." Terri snapped. "Shit. She's gone Too far this time."

"And this whole 'I'm getting married and having my honeymoon in the Carribean' thing. It's like she wants to rub it in his face." Trynia sighed. "In a way, I'm glad he wasn't here."

"You bet your sweet butt you should be glad, damn it..." Terri answered. "What a BITCH! The only good news is maybe the alimony will stop."

"I tried even to ask Aaron, gently, to see what he knows. The answer is, he knows about as much as we do. His mom got married and is going on a vacation. His grandma isn't home, because Bill is in the hospital for a cardiac cath. Paul's sister is out of town, and the Bowens have Frank-- that's the hubby's name--his three girls. That's about the extent of the story," Trynia said.

"Well once Gene gets there, Tryn, he's going to explain to Aaron what's going on and why Daddy can't come home. I needed his help with this one... I may be a mother to be.. but Gene's got the daddy experience..."

Trynia grabbed the cordless phone and rushed out with it when she heard the doorbell. Gina had already gone to answer it, leaving Aaron alone in the living room. Trynia rushed to his side, where Aaron had been sitting in front of the VCR, eyes red from crying.

"Aaron, its Uncle Gene come to see you..." Trynia said to Aaron, while Gina led Gene into the living room. Perking up, Aaron saw Gene stride over and get down on one knee with a big smile on his face.

"Hey there kid, how's it going?" Gene asked. "You behaving yourself?"

"My daddy's in the hospital, and I can't find my movie," Aaron said, rushing over to give him a big hug.

"He might know where your video is, honey," Trynia added.

Swooping Aaron up Gene stood and wrestled with him. She heard Aaron's shriek of laughter, Gene rubbing the boy's hair and getting him into a pretend neck lock as he held Aaron off his feet. Thankfully it had solved the immediate problem of the boy's tantrum. She breathed more easily, watching them continue their affectionate wrestling.

"Man you get bigger each time I see you," Gene laughed. "You're gonna give Nick a run for his money, kid!"

"Maybe I'll be taller then you, Uncle Gene!" Aaron laughed, as Gene set him down. He rustled the kid's blond hair and laughed.

"How would you like it if Aunt Shannon came over with Sophie? She's got lots of videos you can watch..." Gene offered. "Miss Trynia and I were going to go over and see if he's awake yet and able to see you..."

"Tell him I really miss him badly!" Aaron implored, tugging Gene's blazer. "I'm OK, but I think I need my dad. Mom says I need to stay with dad, and they won't let me visit him at the hospital..."

"I know sport. Miss Trynia and I are going over this minute to talk to them about that!" Gene nodded. "I know this is VERY scary for you, kid. You and I have to have a man to man talk."

"Mom said that daddy was home and that he'd take me to the Olympics, and buy me stuff there," said Aaron. "but we didn't get to go yet..."

"Sit down kid," Gene said, leading him to the sofa and patting the seat next to him. "I wanna tell you something about your daddy right now."

"But he's not here. Trynia's here. She stays in my dad's house, and I don't understand why Daddy is suddenly in the hospital..." Aaron said. "Did she make him go away by making him sick?"

"You know how his hip hurts him?"

"Yeah, so....."

"You remember how your daddy says his hip hurts him sometimes after a show?" Gene asked. "Well... he decided a long time ago to go get it fixed."

"Yeah, he says that when he jumps, it hurts him."

"Well that's where you daddy is. Getting that hip fixed."

"Is he better now?" Aaron asked. "Is he coming home?"

"He WILL come home SOON... I promise," Gene explained. "But he didn't KNOW you were coming to visit."

"But mom said...."

"I know. But I think your mommy made a mistake," said Gene. "Sometimes... mommies and daddies make mistakes."

"She said that she and my new daddy were going away for awhile but that my old daddy would have to take care of me."

"Like I did when I forget Sophie's birthday last year," Gene said. "I was so into planning the trip... and then I forgot... and I felt AWFUL..."

He laughs, "I remember that. She was really, really mad."

"Yes. I had to really get her something NICE for that."

Aaron appeared frightened for a little bit till Gene explained further where he was going,"So you see, if your uncle Gene messes up... so can your mommy. Sometimes your mommy forgets what your daddy is doing... your old daddy."

"Well, if I can't stay here, I'll have to go away some place. My grandma Purcell can't take care of me. She doesn't feel well and has three girls to take care of with my mommy's sisters helping her. And Aunt Becky, she has to work..."

"Well then, I think you need to stay here, don't you?" Gene said.

Aaron started to tear up, sniffling, "I want my daddy. I don't want to go away some place."

"You're the man of the house now," Gene nodded, patting his shoulder. "And we can take you to see him when he's waking up."

"Will he be happy to see me?" Aaron asked. "I don't think Trynia was very happy to see me. She looked kind of scared."

"She was scared, because she wasn't expecting you to visit," said Gene. "Trynia needs you to be strong. And yes he will love to see you. And she's scared because she misses your daddy."

"My mom says that Trynia lives here because she likes Daddy's money," Aaron said suddenly. He looked hard at Gene for a moment.

Trynia's heart jumped in fear hearing this, and she was glad when Gene smoothly answered with the question, "Well, did you ask Trynia that? Maybe you should ask her yourself if that's true."

"Daddy's got a lot of money, Mommy says. Maybe she likes it. I like money too."

"I definately like money kiddo," Gene laughed. "You KNOW I do."

"I have a bank at home, and Daddy sends me $20 every week, and I save it all," Aaron announced proudly.

"Terrific. I'll make you the next manager of our new product line," he teased.

"Uncle Gene...Mis Trynia told me that you got a new daddy once too. Just like me."

"Yes I did," Gene nodded. "It was scary."

"Do you like him?"

"Well at first I was angry," said Gene. "Because I didn't remember my old daddy much... and I wasn't sure WHY mom remarried... but I realized she needed someone besides me to take care of her."

"Yeah, me too, but he says I don't have to call him daddy, but mommy doesn't like it when I don't," Aaron interrupted.

"My old daddy took off when I was very young..."

"Wow!" Aaron gasped.

"I was the man of the house, and I helped take care of her," Gene explained. "Then when the new daddy came I was jealous."

"I don't know what I'd do if my daddy left," Aaron said.

"Well kid, he won't," Gene answered firmly. "He loves you more then almost anything in the world.

"He's just hurt now, but he'll be back, right?" Aaron nodded.

"Sure. Most definitely."

"Uncle Gene, I think daddy's maid Christine took my video last night to play a trick on me," Aaron pouted.

"Well then, maybe we can see if Nicholas has that same video... or Sophie... I know she likes Disney movies," Gene offered. "Or maybe... you can look upstairs... Your daddy told me that sometimes things disappear when they don't get put where they last were..."

"Trynia said that she'd take me to the store as a special treat and get me another one, but I'd have to behave," Aaron said.

"Well then, I suggest you take her up on that, kid," Gene said. "We're going to the hospital to make sure you're Daddy's awake, and if he can see us now. And if he can, we can have you visit him..."

"Can I talk to him?"

"Well if he's awake we'll see if he needs more rest or not," Gene said. "I will bet he will be glad to see you, no matter what."

"Awwww, rats."

"Now, can you do me a favor?" Gene asked.

"Make sure you listen VERY carefully to Trynia. She cares a lot about you, and I know she'll help take good care of you while Daddy's in the hospital."

"Do you think she knows where my bathing suit is, because I want to swim?" Aaron asked.

"I think she will. Why don't you ask her? C'mon, why don't we find her," Gene says holding his hand out to Aaron.

"Uncle Gene.... My mommy doesn't like her that much, even though she says Trynia's a nice person. But dad does," said Aaron. "Do you think that I can like her?"

"Well, which dad do you mean kiddo?" Gene asked him playfully. "your old daddy or your new daddy?"

"My old daddy."

"Mmm I think that since Trynia really thinks your daddy is special, she likes you a lot," Gene laughed.

"What if I like her and mommy gets mad?"

"Well then, your mommy has to get over it. Sometimes we can't stop someone from getting mad at us because we like someone else..." Gene said, getting up. "And your mommy won't stop loving you."

Aaron was silent for a moment, then muttered, "Honeymoons aren't for boys."

"Nope. They sure aren't."

"So I have to stay with Daddy," Aaron said, folding arms across his chest much in the manner that his father did.

"And this is your special time to get to know Trynia and be with your old daddy," Gene nodded. They walked into the dining room where Trynia had been overhearing their man to man talk. She wiped her eyes, talking softly to Gina.

Seeing Trynia, Aaron walked up to her and tugged her hand gently, "Grandma Eisen told me I need to stay here and be good when Mommy brought me here."

"That's probably close to it kid," Gene says. "Now, lets see if there's anything in this house for two hungry guys."

"Aaron honey, I'm sorry I got so upset," Trynia says, wringing her hands.

"That's OK. Uncle Gene also says that I have to be good while I'm here, and he's in charge when daddy's not here," Aaron smiled sweetly.

"Oh," she laughed, and said with a wink to Aaron, "Well then, I guess we'll have to listen to him then."

"And he said that I can like you if I want, even if my mommy gets mad," Aaron nodded. Suddenly he looked hard at her and asked, "Do you like money?"

"Well... yes... but only if it helps me get what I need to live..." Trynia said carefully, not caring to think where that question surfaced from. "But I don't spend it unless I need to, and usually I like to spend my OWN money."

"Mom says that you like to live here because daddy has lots of money, but that it's my money instead of yours," Aaron said casually. "But I think you can have some of it."

"Oh man," Trynia sighed. "Look Aaron, I'm living here with your daddy because he invited me to. But he's helping me find a way to paint pictures so I can sell them and make my own money. And he asked me very nicely to come with him... so how could I not move out here?"

"I like you living here. You and daddy don't ever fight," Aaron said with a smile. "And I like painting pictures, like Daddy says you do. Daddy likes pictures, and maybe he can give you some of my money to make pretty ones for the house?"

"Aww I like living here too..." Trynia grinned, breathing a sigh of relief.

"And I think you like boys," he continued.

"I do. I have 3 brothers..." Trynia nodded. "And I really like them."

"My new daddy.....he has three girls."

"Wow," she gasped. "I remember you told me about them yesterday. Well, does your new daddy and your old mommy get along and not fight?"

"They fight sometimes, but mommy says not to be scared. He gets angry when he sees my daddy on TV. He doesn't like my daddy."

"Well, that's a shame." she sighed.

"He tells me he's a BAD daddy."

"Hmm... what do you think?" Trynia said, turning the question back to Aaron to answer, just as Gene had done.

"I tell him he's not a bad daddy. He loves me and he takes me to all kinds of cool places," said Aaron with a proud smile.

"Well then, you think it matters what your new daddy thinks about your old daddy?" Trynia asked then. "As long as your old daddy loves you?"

"No, my daddy tells me he loves me all the time. He wrote a song about me."

"Ah... what was that song called?" Trynia asked.

"I Will Be There. He wrote it for me because nothing will ever make him go away. Not even bad Power Rangers or something."

"Aww..." Trynia smiled. "Well then you KNOW he's a good daddy."

"And when mommy goes away, that doesn't mean that he will. He told me that when mommy went away."

"Well that was sweet of him," Trynia nodded. "I don't think I'd want to go away if I had a kid like you."

"Trynia.....I wish....I could see him," Aaron said, going over to her and putting his arms around her waist.

"I know sweetie, so do I," Trynia said.

"He might know where my video is," Aaron nodded. "Do you think he'll be mad that mommy brought me here?"

"I don't know Aaron."

"Mommy said that if he can't watch me, he might have to send me away," Aaron said. "Because there's no boys on honeymoons."

"No. That's NOT going to happen." Gene interrupted. "I think your daddy and I will have to have a long talk about all this. And I don't think he'll send you away."

"I won't send you away," Trynia added.

"Good! So, if he sends me away, he can send me away to you?" Aaron laughed to Trynia, perking up.

"Well you can move in with me and my paintings.." She laughed, "And make messes like I do."

"I can paint! I paint in school in art. Grandma Eisen says that daddy painted really good when he was a big boy like me."

"Why don't we paint a picture sometime?" she asked. "After we see your daddy..."

"Yeah! I paint very good and I use a LOT of colors," Aaron bragged. he brags.

Trynia looks to Gene, "You think I should take Aaron to visit his daddy... Or should we wait for the doctor to call and say if he's awake?"

Aaron looked up to Gene with soft brown eyes, expectantly as he said, "I'll be REALLY quiet. When Aunt Sarah had to go in the hospital, mom said you had to talk really softly."

"That's right kiddo," Gene says. "Why don't we do this... Tryn here can have Gina call the doctor and then we'll see if your daddy is awake or not..."

"Alright!!! Can I take daddy a toy or something?" Aaron smiled.

"What do you think he'd like?" Trynia asked.

"I don't know. Maybe a Pokemon or a Digimon."

"How about a teddy bear or a nanopet?" Trynia joked. "So he can have something to hug?"

***

Relieved she let Gene drive them over to the hospital this time, and felt safer when they all walked into the hospital's expansive lobby together. Close behind them, but discreetly she noticed Steve and Andre in plainclothes already standing at a distance in the lobby. She knew they had been there even when she had showed up with Aaron, ready to step to the defense if any bystanders decided they wanted autographs. In his best and most diplomatic voice Gene inquired of the receptionist where Paul was, and if there had been any change. It took only a few minutes to determine that Paul had been moved to a private room in the general hospital, where many other celebrity patients were interred.

"Room 148, let's go," Gene announced. He made a slight nod to the two plainclothes bodyguards, who followed at a considerable distance behind them. Often when Trynia accompanied Paul in public places where he would risk being recognized, she could see Chris or Andre keeping a watchful eye. It was reassuring even if it meant loosing some privacy.

"That means he's out of ICU?" Trynia asked.

"Yep, and that means you can see him, kid," Gene said to Aaron.

"ALL right!" Aaron cheered. "Let's go see my daddy!"

Trynia insisted on carrying the bouquet of flowers wrapped in colorful cellophane instead of handing them to Andre or Steve to carry. Aaron held tightly to several foil balloons, and a large teddy bear carefully picked from his room. With one hand Gene carried a sizable set of flowers from some of the other guys and gals that worked for their organization, keeping a close hold of Aaron's hand. He handed the flowers to Andre when they got on the elevator, and grasped Trynia's free hand to pull her to stand next to him.

Standing near him at first had been daunting, for Gene was a very tall man without platforms. Inwardly she thought about the height discrepancy betwixt him and Terri, secretly joking about what the implications were. She was one inch taller then Terri, and a size or two smaller, but Terri's fashion choice of stack heeled and platform shoes often put her taller then Trynia in pumps and more elegant shoes.

When the elevator bell dinged, they exited first, followed by their security. It was a short matter of time before they reached the ward, and Gene went over to talk to the nurse on duty to find out Paul's status. "Well?" Trynia asked.

"Doctors say he's awake. We'll go in first, and see if he's up to seeing us... I asked Terri and Shannon to meet us here, so if someone needs to watch Aaron... for a distraction," Gene whispered closely in her ear.

"What's the plan?" Trynia asked. "I know you have one."

"I'll tell Paul what the attorney said," Gene whispered.

"Shall I go in with you?" Trynia asked.

Two more people walked into the ward, and Trynia realized it was Terri and Shannon, with Nicholas and Sophie. Aaron eagerly rushed up to them, talking quickly to the two friends he hadn't seen in the longest time. Terri gave Trynia a huge reassuring hug, and Shannon looked questioningly at Gene.

"I heard the news from Terri," Shannon said. "Talk about a major screw over..."

"Yeah, that about says it," Gene nodded. "Thanks so much for coming on such short notice..."

"Hey don't worry," Shannon held up a hand. "They haven't seen Aaron in so long... it was overdue."

"Are you okay?" Terri asked Trynia.

"I'm managing. Damn how do I tell him..."

"We'll tell him together," Gene nodded. "Aaron, it's your auntie Shannon and Terri. Want to spend a few minutes with them while we see how Daddy is?"

"Please let me see him soon ok?" Aaron asked, letting Shannon and the others lead him off to the play area. Terri squeezed Trynia's hand and wished her luck.

Trynia's heart skipped a beat when they reached Paul's door, and noticed it was ajar. They heard the sounds of the television babbling from within, and the voice of a nurse interacting with Paul's distinctive patter. She hesitated, dreading the next step into the room that would reveal the bomb they would drop. Gene glanced down at her with concern in his light brown eyes, mirroring the anxiety that twisted her stomach into knots.

"Ready?" Gene asked.

"NO, but let's get this over with and do it," Trynia breathed. Nodding, Gene entered first and she followed.

The tray table had been slipped around over Paul's bed. It was tilted up so he could recline and nibble sandwiches from the plastic tray before him. A pitcher of water sat next to a plastic thermal cup where he was taking sips of some beverage. Most likely iced tea, Trynia reflected. At sound of them, he flicked his head around to focus on Gene and Trynia.

"How the hell are you Stanley?" Gene asked. "They treating you good here?"

"No thanks to you," Paul cracked back, a slow smile coming over his face. "What the hell TOOK you so damn long to pay me a visit? Hey Trynia....."

"They giving you that crap they call gourmet hospital food?"

"You'll forgive me if I don't get up" he joked weakly.

"Yeah and if you do I'll knock your ass down into that bed again," Gene joked.

"Yeah, Nurse Cratchett said I need to work on keeping something down. So here I am." He grinned.

"well speaking of keeping something down, something's up..."

He extends his arm out to Trynia. He still has an IV in it.

"And I don't mean anyone's love gun, pal..." Gene joked, and pushed Tryn toward Paul. He laughed a bit, taking her hand and squeezing it warmly.

"Hi sweetie," she smiled as best as she could.

"How you doing, honey?" Paul asked, tugging her toward him.

"Oh man... I MISS you," Trynia stammered out, barely keeping the tears out of her eyes.

"Damn....I miss you too. I can't wait to get the hell out of here. If someone's going to bark orders at me like a general, I'd rather it be you than some night shift nurse." he winked.

"Is it against regulations to give you a kiss hello?" she asked.

"Oh, probably, but do it anyway." he puckered up for her. She leans over and braced her hand on the railing and kisses him eagerly. He pulled away after the kiss, and smiles at her. He takes her hand and looks at Gene expectantly.

"OK, spill it. What's going on?" Paul asked.

"Well, Try has something to tell you..." Gene said.

"Thanks a LOT Gene," she groaned. Paul switched his gaze from Gene to Trynia.

"You do? Something wrong, babe?"

"Oh man how do I put this... everything's gone really wacky since you left..." Trynia started carefully.

"Something....with the house?" he guessed.

"Uh... well..." she fumbled, stroking his hand absently.

"Is it my parents? Oh, God...."

"No..." she began again, only to loose her nerve.

"Try, spit it out before I do," Gene grumbles. "how freaking hard is it..."

"The band. Did Ace do something?" Paul asked.

"Don't pressure me, Gene!" she snapped back at him.

"Peter?" Paul asked. He looked at her with pleading eyes.

"No... it's your kid," Gene blurts out.

"EVAN? What the hell happened to Aaron?" Paul cried. He glanced wildly back and forth to both of them.

"Something's up with... well you tell him Tryn you were there..."

"Gene, shut up," she sighed. "you're making it worse!"

Paul attempted to sit up quickly and winced in pain, "Damn it, you two!"

"Sorry," Gene sighs. "Look... Aaron is okay. he's fine... I hate to tell you this, but he's here...now,"

"WHAT?" Paul exploded. Reaching over to the phone he fumbled to grab it. "I'm calling Linda."

"I called them already," Gene said. "There was NO answer!"

"Linda left him here..." Trynia interrupted.

"What? Here? I don't understand. I don't have Aaron for another two weeks," Paul glanced at her in confusion.

"Yesterday afternoon... she just blows in and says she has to leave and can't get anyone else but you to watch him," Trynia hesitated

"Leave? LEAVE? Where?" Paul demanded, dark eyes wild.

"I just knew it wasn't his visiting week... and I didn't know WHAT to do..." Trynia stammered, loosing her nerve. She pulled her hand from Paul's and backed away. Gene rested a hand on her shoulder.

"She can't do that!" Paul cried, running a hand through his hair wildly so it stood up on end.

"She did buddy. She did," Gene said.

"Two weeks notice. She's supposed to give TWO WEEKS NOTICE!" he sputtered.

"Paul calm down, damn it," Gene snapped.

"Crap, I can't even take care of him. I'm in the damn hospital. Does she KNOW I just had surgery? If she thinks I'm giving up my rights to have him in two weeks...."

"I didn't know WHAT to do, so I called Gene..." Trynia said.

"Paul, cool off for a minute," Gene said. "She left him with Trynia."

"She's trying to screw me. She knows my mom and dad are coming down in two weeks to see Aaron, so she's dumping him now and she's trying to mess up our plans. Damn her!" he muttered.

"Aw shit, I knew I would screw this up," Trynia moaned to Gene, about ready to cry.

"That's not true, doll. You're not the one who screwed up. Linda is," said Gene firmly, rubbing her shoulders to ease the tension.

"Honey, did she say why she brought him here now, out of turn? I mean, this doesn't make any sense," Paul turned to Trynia anxiously.

"Uh... well... she said she was going on a trip... And couldn't get anyone to watch him..."

"Again, where's my two weeks notice? I've got that in damn f**cking WRITING. She HAS to give me two weeks!" Paul shouted.

"What Tryn means is that she's left on her honeymoon. Her freaking HONEYMOON," Gene sighed, rolling his eyes.

"I didn't want to tell you because I knew it was bad enough," Trynia flushed, feeling horrible to be the bearer of this news. At the crumpled hurt in Paul's face, she turned away from Paul However Gene took her shoulders and again turned her toward him.

In disgust Paul threw the remainder of his sandwich back, and sighed, "She just has to keep screwing me, doesn't she?"

"I guess so man," Gene shook his head. "Damn."

"I'm so sorry," Trynia apologized, voice breaking. Gene continued to rub her shoulders in sympathy. It was clear it was hurting him just as much to tell Paul this. "I didn't know what to do so I just took Aaron and she left in a hurry... I didn't want to worry you, so I tried to take care of him... and then he got a little bit scared... so I called Terri and Gene..."

"Well, she's messing with the wrong guy, because I have all rights to Aaron in two weeks and she's NOT going to mess that up. I've been going round and round with my mom over getting to see him!" Paul gritted.

"well Paul, I got the lawyers on the horn about this little snafu," Gene says. "I think Linda royally screwed up this time."

"Where did she go? Did she leave a number? I'm going to call that.....that woman....and let her catch hell from ME for once!" Paul yelled.

"you are NOT." Gene said firmly. "You are going to let ME and the attorneys handle this. Even if I have to have Trynia strap you in that goddamn bed."

"The hell I'm not! She can't just go against the agreement. Vacation time requires two weeks notice!"

"Exactly. But you can't do ANYTHING in your present condition," Gene scolded him. "except get better."

"Trynia" he said slowly and angrily, "I want to know where she went and how I can reach her. I've just about had enough of this crap."

"She went to the Bahamas for her honeymoon," Trynia said firmly, trying not to cry. Paul fell silent at her words. "And she left no number... she said she'd call when she had one."

He stared silently at Trynia in disbelief, "What the..... HONEYMOON?"

"Yes, its true," she nodded, tears in her eyes. "She got married. Aaron said to me that it happened only a week or so ago... They got the license..."

He looks at Gene, with a confused expression and a hint of hurt in his voice, muttering, "Linda got remarried?"

"She sure did," Gene said slowly. "Tryn said that they had the wedding in Texas...As in walking up the aisles, rice throwing and the whole nine yards, Stanley. Linda got married. Marriage, you know ...something you know I'll never do?"

"It's not even been two years since we got divorced," Paul whispered, still in shock.

"I know and I'm sorry," Trynia whispered back. "Aaron told me all about his new daddy..."

"NEW daddy? Some other guy is........ Wait a minute. I just need a minute," Paul stopped them, holding up his hand. Squeezing his eyes shut for a second, he pressed that hand to his face, rubbing his hair violently.

"Gene please let me..." Trynia begged Gene, grabbing his arm and shushing him as he opened his mouth to say something. Silence predominated as Paul took it all in.

"So, Aaron is here?" Paul asked, rubbing his eyes and blinking at them both.

"Yes, he's out in the play room with Shannon and Terri and Gene' skids..." Trynia answered calmly.

Paul looked at Gene again, "She...uhhhh...got over me pretty fast, didn't she?"

"I guess so," Gene answered.

"She didn't waste any time..." Paul sighed. He looked out the window for a minute, not saying anything. Trynia moved over to him, waiting to see if she should do anything.

"I'm.....uh....pretty forgettable, I suppose." He laughed sadly.

"No you aren't," Trynia said firmly. She noticed Gene's frantic intimations in Paul's direction, indicating it was her game now.

"It's her fucking loss," Trynia answered, wincing at her own crude language. She grabbed Paul's hand tightly.

"It's pretty handy when you're screwing your lawyer, you know. Kill two birds with one stone."

"Aww shit Stanley knock it off,' Gene snorted, hand on his hip.

"Gene, please just don't..." Trynia cried, stepping between Gene and Paul.

"F**ck you, Simmons!" Paul yelled at Gene, eyes dark with anger. It was the legendary black stare that few would mess with.

"Paul, stop blaming yourself damn it! This is exactly what Linda wants... to fuck with you!" Gene started.

"I'm tired of hearing how your damn life is such a masterpiece for us all to admire. You've made some goddamn mistakes in your day, you know."

Quickly Trynia stood before Gene, gripping his arms before he could move into Paul's face. Angrily his lips flared, eyes darkening. Resolutely she stood her ground, her own eyes fixing firmly into Gene's and her voice calmly imploring, "Gene, just please... can you leave me and Paul alone..."

"But he's got to stop this shit now!"

"You're not helping," Trynia interrupted, continuing her own stare. Gene opened his mouth to say something but Trynia interrupts him one last time, "Please Gene... just go... now... Don't say ANYTHING..."

For a moment their gazes locked, and Trynia saw the frustration burning there in Gene's light brown gaze. It was a look akin to Paul's that perhaps she was encroaching on something private. However Gene had indicated her involvement and she was not about to back down now the line had been crossed. Finally he broke the staring match and threw up his hands.

"I'll be outside if you need me..." he said, gently but firmly removing Trynia's hands from his arms. With a last look at them he exited the room and closed the door behind him.

Paul squeezed shut his eyes in frustration. Warily Trynia circled around to the other side of the bed, opposite where she knew his injured hip was, and asked, "Sweetie, can I sit down here..."

"Umm, sure," he said distractedly. "It's about time for another pain pill any way. This damn thing hurts like a son of a bitch."

"Where is it? Is it right here... in this paper cup?" she asked, moving the tray table out from over him to the side.

"Yeah...yeah, that's it. I just need some water."

"Hang on..." she said, and grabbed the pitcher to pour him a cup. Taking the paper cup she tipped the pill out of it onto her hand, and handed both it and the glass to Paul.

"Thanks," he said quietly, then swallowed it. Trynia moved the railing down, and sat down next to him. She rested her arm across his body and took his hand.

"Ok....so let me get this straight. From the beginning. Linda shows up with Aaron today, right?"

"Yes," Trynia nodded. "And I didn't know what to do... it happened so fast... next thing I know..."

"What did she say? I mean, did she just say 'I'm getting married'?"

"No... she said she was going on a honeymoon and was sorry it was last minute..." said Trynia. "But she couldn't get anyone else to watch Aaron and since I was so good with him... First she asked if you were home... And I said no... and I presumed she Knew about your surgery..."

Just then there was a knock at the door, and Terri stood there with Aaron, glancing in. Paul glanced up to see his Son standing there anxiously.

"Hey kid... is that you?" Paul asked, holding out a hand to Aaron.

"Daddy you're awake!" Aaron cried.

"C'mere monkey boy!" Paul smiled, arms open. Aaron rushed over and climbed onto the bed, for a big hug. Trynia got down and moved back to let them have their time together.

"I'll just be outside," she waved to Paul. Glancing at Terri she mouthed a thank you.

"I think that Gene would like to hear that his best buddy is all right," Terri urged when they reached the waiting room. Gene Simmons sat leafing through a magazine, ignoring most everyone else around him.

"What should I say?"

"You'll think of it. Invite him to have coffee," Terri said. "Don't worry about Paul and Aaron, Shannon and I will check to make sure he's okay... and how much longer Paul will be able to visit..."

Walking over to Gene, Trynia sat down in the place right next to him, and glanced over his shoulder. Gene felt the warmth of her presence beside him and glanced over at her. Carefully his eyes took in the expression on her face, and he cleared his throat.

"Thanks," Gene said quietly.

"For what?" Trynia asked.

"For understanding," he continued simply.

"Would you like to get some coffee with me? I think we could both use it."

"Sure," Gene nodded. "I think that would be a good idea. My treat."

***

Down in the cafeteria, Trynia located an isolated booth, while Gene purchased 2 cups of coffee. She gladly accepted one steaming cup frothy with milk, just the way she liked it. Ripping open two packages of sugar, she dumped them in, as Gene gulped his black.

"Much better..."

"Thanks," Trynia said. "For the coffee..."

"Not a problem," Gene raised a hand. "Look, about what went on in the hospital room. Despite what Stanley says, my life hasn't always perfect."

"I know..." said Trynia, gulping a hot mouthful of her coffee. "I read KISStory, hell I read your book."

At this he chuckled, and set his coffee aside, "I know it's not a bowl of cherries, but we both worked hard to get what we wanted out of it."

"I hope so, and for that I respect you both," Trynia nodded. "You made a dream work."

"You're a good kid, Trynia, you know that, don't you?"

"Thanks Gene... I mean... I think..." she laughed, as if it were nothing special, and she was undeserving. "But at this rate I feel like I'm 100 years old..."

"No really..." Gene said, taking her hand. "I'm the first one who can testify to the fact that the man you're with isn't the easiest in the world to put up with. Hell, he drives ME nuts some times, but I know it means a lot to him what you've done for him."

"Thank you Gene... I try my best..." she shrugged, giving his hand a squeeze. "I just love him the best I can..."

"And, well, his taste in females.......let's just say you are by far the best of the bunch."

Flushing Trynia laughed, "Naw... really?"

He exhaled loudly and smiled, "Oh, yes. Let's just say Paulie always says he likes them cute and smart. Only problem is the ones he latches on to are usually idiots."

"And blonde?" Trynia added, swirling her coffee thoughtfully. "Considering Shannon and Alison huh?"

"Yes, that too. Can't say I blame him there," Gene laughed. "I think I've finally managed to convince him that not EVERY hot woman is a Barbie doll. And he's definitely coming round."

Trynia grinned., "From you I consider that a compliment.."

"Linda, she......she threw him for a loop, in more ways than one, as you've discovered, I'm sure."

"You think?" she joked.

He smiled wryly and said, "He's just in so much trauma no wonder... he tried to put it together again.. He really loved that woman, and wanted to make it work. He was convinced he could make the rock star thing mesh with the white picket thing. I'm not saying it can't be done.....but with Linda? Nah."

"Well a white picket fence doesn't' fit on a KISS tour bus..." Trynia joked. "But neither do steel ladders, disco lights and pyro doesn't work in a backyard.

"True doll. Paul and I....we're different on that topic, as you know. I like my family time and well, I like my play time too."

"I have to admit you are STILL a puzzle to me, Gene... but you are a good guy under it all," Trynia nodded.

"I think....this might not be a bad thing. Maybe this is finally the thing that drives a spike through the heart of the Linda thing. Maybe he can finally get out his shovel and bury the damn thing once and for all," Gene hoped.

"I hope so Gene... I just wish that he would not feel so much pain..."

"Rest In Peace, Linda Purcell, and all that shit," Gene added, swigging another chug of steamy java. "You have no idea how happy that would make me. Paul's problem is he won't let himself make mistakes. I guess we're a lot alike in that regard, but Paul takes his love life much more personally than I do."

"I can't take away that pain... I can't... I can only help make his life now better," Trynia sighed with a wry smile. "I'm SO afraid I'll screw up and then loose it all."

"If Terri told me, 'Screw you, Gene, I'm gone', I'd be hurt. Hell, yes, and I'd just about beg her to stay. But if she left, I'd tell myself, 'Her loss'," Gene said, staring into his coffee contemplatively. "Paul, on the other hand, spends too much damn time beating himself up about what HE should have done or what HE should have said."

"Gene... how is it some people can move on, and other's can't?" she asked.

"Hell, he did the right thing. He went out and met someone else....you. He just needs to give himself permission to let it go. Linda, that is."

"Yes he does..."

"He's always taken things too hard. I think its part of his experiences growing up. He won't let himself fail. Failure motivates me to want to go out and do it harder the next time. Paul, it sort of throws him a serious curveball."

"I know I've told him I'm looking for a permanent relationship, but I would understand if he never wanted to walk down the aisle with me, considering what he went through..." said Trynia sadly.

"Well, between us.......Paul.....he's been asking about diamonds and....ahh, it's none of my business. Never mind," Gene broke off suddenly. Although Trynia's heart leapt at his last words, she did not want to get her hopes up too high, so she let the remark pass and let him continue with, "What I mean is, he needs to go on his own pace... maddeningly slow as it is."

"I know..." she laughed back, a bit sadly.

"So, I guess my point is this. This latest fiasco here. It might be a GOOD thing for you two," Gene said. "He just doesn't know it yet."

"I hope he doesn't blame himself for this," Trynia shook her head. "I can just see him doing that."

"I saw his face when you told him. He looked like he had been punched in the gut. He had that same look when he came over and told me, "Well, she did it. She's leaving me."

"He needs to get over it. there's no going back for him... now she's remarrying..." Trynia pointed out.

"Only then, she wasn't remarrying, and it wasn't "final". Now she's married with a whole damn load of kids and yeah, it's final now. Close the book, Stanley. NEXT!" Gene chuckled a bit, and leaned over to put his arm around her affectionately. "I ever tell you about the time I had to convince Stanley to dump the members of Wicked Lester with me?"

"No you didn't!" Trynia smiled.

"I'm sure you can picture the scene. I wanted to. He didn't. He felt bad. I felt energized, in a weird way, because I knew we were going to make a fresh start and THIS time we weren't going to settle for crap musicians," Gene said, leaning back and taking his coffee in hand again. "He just about didn't speak to me for days. Just sat in the loft and moped with his guitar."

"Bad musicians, eh?" she asked. "I heard that old Wicked Lester demo CD... I have to admit that it wasn't half bad..."

"Yeah, it had its moments of clarity, but over all, it only scratched the surface of what we could do...Paul and I."

"So... you basically got rid of the 'crap' and started from square one," she nodded.

"He came to me again, days later, wanting to know why we had to let Steve down. He'd tried to call him and Steven wouldn't return the calls. He was sadder than hell. Heck, even his MOM was pissed at me. She LIKED Steve."

"What was it about Steve that didn't cut the mustard?" Trynia queried. "Didn't you play with him in one of your early bands?"

"But you know what, I told him no. I won't let the dream die just because of some loser who wouldn't cut it with us anyone. I mean, would you pay good money to see Steve Coronel in concert?"

"I never HEARD of him till reading KISSTORY," Trynia admitted.

"You see my point eh?" Gene grinned. "And finally, FINALLY after listening to me go on and on, he looks at me and says, "OK, let's do it". We found Peter not long after and the rest is KISStory."

"Great story Gene, but where is this all going?" Trynia asked.

"My point being, he likes to wallow in emotions some times. That's part of what makes him tick, I suppose. But once he finally accepted what was to be, he was ready to move on. I think he's just about there with Linda."

"I hope so Gene... you don't know how much..."

"But I can't make him change his mind.."

"You just have to stick with him. He's just about ready to turn the corner."

"Like I said before, Gene, I could accept just being his girlfriend if it were easier... but I don't know..."

"Well, the GOOD news, sweetheart, is I know Paul isn't jaded on the idea of marriage. He still bugs me from time to time, telling me I need to do the honorable thing with Terri."

"I can't imagine you getting married," she laughed.

"Nah, neither can I. And neither can Terri. She's not nuts on the idea either."

"Really?"

"You have to understand. I'd be an interesting man to be married to, to say the least," Gene said. "Because I'm not going to sit down in front of a preacher or a minister or anyone and swear to forsake all others. Won't do it."

"From what Terri tells me, just LIVING with you is an adventure..." Trynia teased.

"She knows me, and she puts up with it. I'm not convinced that she might not have done better meeting herself a nice little MBA grad and having a few kiddies and a dog, but what can I say. She fell in love with me...and I with her."

"Well she told me about Leo..." Trynia said. "Her ex boyfriend who showed up out of nowhere..."

"Yeah. Would they have been wildly happy together? Who knows. It's a tough one. I know she's happy with me. Will she leave me some day because she meets someone who WILL marry her and give her the white-dress tango down the aisle? I don't know," Gene shrugged. "And frankly, I'll drive myself nuts thinking about it, so I try not to."

"Well he sounds like a class-a jerk to me," Trynia snorted. "Especially when he slipped into your house without knocking... and PRESUMED he knew her better then she knew herself."

"Yeah, I could have nailed his ass for trespassing. But I digress. My big concern with Terri is that she has something to do that makes her feel stimulated, intellectually. She's not one to sit around a hotel room and wait all day for King Gene. She needs a project, or something to keep her busy."

"She has her novels, doesn't she, Gene. And her science fiction conventions right?"

"She's got.....uh.....a proposal that was given to her for some outside chemistry work. She's mulling that over," Gene said slowly, glancing very pointedly at Trynia.

"What?" Trynia asked.

"Hmm, well maybe I should have her tell you about that, sweets. She just got it and she's reading it through. She's kind of in a spot. They want an answer soon, and here she is, just about ready to deliver," Gene said, touching her hand. "And I don't think she thought she'd ever return to chemistry."

"Hmmm well you never know," Trynia shrugged. "You can take a chemist out of the lab... but not the lab out of the chemist..."

"So it's a bit of a surprise. They tracked HER down."

"She was a high powered scientist in a major firm..." Trynia recounted. "About ready to be promoted right?"

"And she has some high powered connections in the college world too. Helps when you wave around a few dollars," Gene nodded.

"Uh... yeah," Trynia laughed. "Like being able to help me get a transfer... to a school in LA?"

"Terri's a damn hard worker and she'll be straightforward with you. They know she doesn't HAVE to work, but that she will if it's something that's very appealing to her," Gene said. "I guess that's what she has to decide. IS it appealing to her?"

"I remember she told me about going away... to try and get her old job back," Trynia remembered.

"From what she said, it's going to be a long term project. She's got the baby now, and who knows when and if we might tour again. She's got that to consider.'

"Why would she leave all this behind?" Trynia asked.

"Well, again....she's probably going to kill me for opening my trap, but they are willing to let her work something out so that she can stay in L.A." Gene said hesitantly. "BUTTTT, she's going to need help."

Stopping, he looked at Trynia again, who said, "And you are saying perhaps that I might be that help?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying. I told Terri that I didn't care if she took the job...the assignment. More power to her. I DON'T want her accepting something that's going to keep her working long hours and make her upset. She doesn't have to do that. If she's going to do this, she's going to have to get back-up."

"I'm an organic chemist Gene, not an analytical one..." Trynia said matter of fact, finishing her coffee. "But I guess I could learn."

"Think this way...your background could be a help to her, because she doesn't have the knowledge you have in those areas."

"Very true..." she nodded.

"Maybe you guys ought to talk. I guess I'll have to tell her I told you, so she can slam her boot into the side of my head." he laughed. "She's.....uh.....a bit testy these days. Cramps and all."

"Oh god forbid..." Trynia laughed also, slugging Gene on the back. "That YOU should have her boot up your butt either!"

"I think it would make her feel better knowing that you were interested. I KNOW it would," Gene hinted. "Especially when we go back and see how they are doing up there..."

"Speaking of testy I bet Paul's going to be..." Trynia laughed. "Knowing he won't be able to uh all night for a while."

"Yes, he's mentioned that a time or two," Gene winked.

"I've done some.. research..." she flushed.

At this Gene laughed loudly, saying, "God love you."

"If we are careful and creative... perhaps it can be overcome," Trynia nodded, pushing her embarrassment back, because she knew Gene pulled no punches.

"Oh, I think it can DEFINITELY be overcome. And my boy's just the one to do it," Gene needled. "With some help, of course..."

"From me," she joked. "Right?"

"Well, you see, he....takes after me."

"Oh BROTHER!" she groaned, slugging Gene's arm. "You just HAD to say that didn't you?"