~ SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019 ~ MORNING ~

The family ate breakfast together and shortly thereafter Stefan and Jason headed to the meeting with Tony Harrison and Jace, at Sebastian's urging, took Tiny with him as a precaution and headed to Aphrodite's house to talk to her father. Let's see ... Who should we follow?

Hmmm ... I suggest to choose Jace. Aren't you curious what Kirk Morrison has to say? Of course, we'll return to our Stefan. How could we leave him alone after Aphrodite's new achievements he's going to learn. Anyway. Let's see ...

~ OUTSIDE MORRISON's RESIDENCE ~

Jace, adorable in his expensive blue Armani suit and black leather coat, walks with Tiny three steps behind him to the front door.

He rings the bell and a few seconds later Louise Morrison, Aphrodite's mother, appears on the doorstep. She's an ordinary woman in her fifties, with black eyes and hair whose suffering and poor quality of life are clearly visible in her broken face. She's almost the same age as Mary, but Mary looks at least fifteen years younger. As soon as she sees Jace, she panics a little, but very quickly regains her composure ... somehow!

Louise: Mr. Harronate? What ... What are you doing here? Aphrodite isn't at home.

Jace: I don't give a shit about your daughter. I came to talk to your husband. Is he here?

Louise: Uh ... Yes. Why don't you come in?

Jace crosses the threshold and Tiny follows him. Louise looks at the tall man.

Louise: The gentleman?

Jace: My bodyguard. Is there a problem?

Louise: Wouldn't it be better if he waited outside? I mean, you're in no danger in here.

Jace: He's not here to protect me.

Louise: What ... What do you mean by that?

Jace: Listen, lady. I don't have time to waste. Take me to your husband and pray to God that you don't make me use him.

Louise: Uh ... Sure. Please, follow me.

The three of them go into the living room where Aphrodite's father, Kirk Morrison, is sitting on the couch reading the news on a tablet. He's a rather charming man of fifty. His black hair is slightly graying at the temples and his green eyes, which are the same as his daughter's, shine in the light coming in through the windows. But there's something wrong with him. Just as with Aphrodite, his presence radiates something bad ... Something satanic that repels you and makes you dislike him at first sight. As soon as he sees the guests, he puts down the tablet and stands up.

Jace: Good morning, Kirk.

Kirk: What's going on here, Louise?

Louise: Mr. Harronate has come to see you.

Kirk: Well ... It's about time.

Jace snorts angrily as his eyes turn a deep golden color.

Jace: This isn't a good start!

Tiny grits his teeth, whereupon Kirk immediately changes his tone and posture and smiles awkwardly.

Kirk: I was just kidding, of course. Please, gentlemen, sit down. Louise, bring us something to drink.

Louise: Certainly. What would you like me to bring you? Coffee, juice, tea or something stronger?

Jace: Nothing. I don't have much time.

Kirk: Sure you do. A business leader like you is always busy. Even on the weekends.

Jace: It's more like "No rest for the wicked", but whatever!

Kirk: Let's get on with it, then.

Jace sits down in the chair and Tiny gets behind him and crosses his arms on his chest. Kirk and Louise sit down on the couch across from them.

Kirk: Well, Mr. Harronate. I'm all ears. To what do we owe the honor of your visit?

But before Jace could open his mouth, a little boy enters the room, screaming. The child is about three years old, with blond hair and green eyes. He's very beautiful, but he doesn't shine ... Not the way all Harronate men shine.

Little boy: Grandpa! Grandpa!

The boy runs to Kirk, but when he sees the two unfamiliar men, he stops abruptly.

Little boy: Who are they?

Kirk: They are guests. Now go to your room.

Little boy: No. I want to stay here.

Jace looks at the boy. Even though he knows he isn't his grandson, he's looking for something. Something from Stefan, but he can't find anything. No! Even if he didn't know the truth, he could never believe that this boy is Stefan's son. Nothing about this boy reminds him of Stefan. Except maybe his hair color, but that's something so common. Without knowing why, Jace feels the need to talk to the boy. Something drives him to do it. Something like a silent cry for help from the child himself ...

Jace: Let the kid stay. It's okay. Come here, little man.

The boy approaches Jace somewhat tentatively and casts a furtive glance at Tiny.

Jace: Are you afraid of Tiny?

Little boy: Why do you call him Tiny? He's huge.

Jace and Tiny laugh at the incredible sweetness and childlike innocence of this boy.

Jace: Tiny is just his nickname. And yes, he may be huge and scary, but he's very good and loves little kids very much.

Little boy: Is he the good giant?

Jace: That's right, and you want to know something else? He can lift you up with just one hand.

Little boy: Really?

Jace: Yes. Do you want to do it?

Little boy: Yes! Yes! Yes!

Jace: Go to him.

The boy approaches Tiny, who smilingly extends his huge hand and lifts him up. The boy laughs loudly and opens his arms and legs as if he were flying.

Little boy: Look, grandma! I'm flying!

Louise smiles at the boy, but Kirk rolls his eyes, leading Jace to believe that something bad is going on. As Tiny sets the boy down, he runs to Jace.

Little boy: Thank you very much for that, sir.

Jace: Did you like it?

Little boy: It was amazing! I've never flown before.

Jace: I'm glad you like it. But now I want you to tell me your name.

Little boy: Now my name is Jonathan.

Jace: You said now. What do you mean by that? Did you have a different name before?

Little boy: Yes.

Kirk: Shut up, you stupid boy! Don't say another word!

The boy closes his mouth in fright and Jace, outraged at the way Kirk has spoken to the boy, looks at him wildly.

Jace: How dare you talk to the boy like that? Have you no sense of shame at all?

Kirk: He's my grandson. I can talk to him any way I want. You never yell at your kids?

Jace: No. I have four of them and I've raised ten more so far and I've never bullied any of them.

Kirk: Of course, you haven't. You are above it all. The great Jace Harronate.

Jace: You're very lucky to have the kid here. That's it.

Kirk was about to say something, but the roar coming from Tiny stopped him. Jace turns back to the boy.

Jace: Don't be afraid, my little friend. No one is going to hurt you.

Little boy: Your name is Jace? He looks like mine.

Jace: Jace is my nickname, kiddo. My real name is Jonathan, like yours.

Little boy: Really?

Jace: Yeah, but tell me, did you have another name before?

Little boy: Yes. They called me Kirk, like my grandpa, but some time ago my mom said I had to change my name. She gave me the name Jonathan.

Kirk: Louise, take the boy to his room. Right now.

Louise: Come on, Jonathan.

Little boy: Yes, grandma.

The boy walks toward Louise but turns and runs back to Jace. He throws himself into his arms and Jace hugs him back.

Little boy: Bye, Jace.

Jace: Take care, kiddo.

The little boy whispers in Jace's ear.

Little boy: I like the name Jonathan better than Kirk. Please, come back here.

Louise snatches the child from Jace's arms and takes him inside.

Jace: You know you are torturing the kid, right?

Kirk shrugs his shoulders.

Kirk: If you want to save him, tell your son to recognize him and ... here you go. Take him with you. You'd be doing me and my daughter a big favor!

Jace: I came here to speak calmly and civilly, but you leave me no choice.

He stands up and starts yelling.

Jace: Listen to me, you son of a bitch. I know the truth and I can prove it. I don't know who your slutty daughter got knocked up with, but it's not my son! So, tell her to back off and leave my son alone, or I will destroy y'all. And as for the boy, I'll do everything I can to save him from you. Are we clear, asshole?

Kirk: Get out of my house or I'll call the cops!

Jace walks up to Kirk, grabs him by the shirt, and brings his face just a breath away from his own. His eyes are already turning gold ...

Jace: Do it! Do it and then we'll see who the loser will be! You and your slutty daughter messed with the wrong guy! I'M JONATHAN CHRISTOFER HARRONATE, you piece of shit. I have the power to crush you with a snap of my fingers, and I will if you keep bothering my family!

Jace shoves Kirk and throws him back on the couch.

Kirk: You're all going to pay for this.

Jace: We'll see about that. Come on, Tiny. Let's get out of this snake's nest. I need some fresh air!

Tiny: Yes, sir.

Jace and Tiny leave the house, slamming the door behind them. Louise enters the room.

Louise: What are we going to do now, Kirk? This man means what he says.

Kirk: I don't know.

Louise: You and your daughter with her great ideas. I've told you so many times. You'll never get them to recognize the child.

Kirk: They will. Aphrodite said ...

Louise: Didn't you hear what he said? They know the truth! They know the child isn't Stefan's. Put an end to it, Kirk. Tell Aphrodite to back off. This man will destroy us.

Kirk: Call her and tell her to get over here right now.

Louise: Will you do that? Oh, Kirk, thank you.

Kirk: Don't thank me too quickly. I've no intention of telling her to stop.

Louise: But what? What do you plan to do? What are you going to say to her, Kirk?

Kirk: Go to the extreme. She has burdened us with a worthless child on the condition that it brings us money.

Louise: This child is your grandson, Kirk. Your daughter's child.

Kirk: This child is a fucking burden, Louise.

Louise: Stop saying that! You said the same thing to our other daughter and she took her child and left. I've already lost one grandchild, Kirk. I'm not going to lose another one.

Kirk: Really? So, what are you going to do now?

Louise: I don't know yet, but I'll find something. You can be sure of that. You and your daughter.

~ * ~

~ AT THE SAME MOMENT ~ TONY HARRISON's OFFICE ~

Tony's secretary has just informed him that his guests have arrived, and he has told her to bring them in.

Tony Harrison is a young businessman. Like Stefan, he has taken over his father's business, Harrison's Pharmaceuticals Industry. He is the same age as Stefan and in fact the two, along with Jason of course, were classmates in middle and high school. The three boys often hung out together until suddenly, about two months before Stefan and Aphrodite broke up, Tony disappeared for no reason and, of course, no explanation. Stefan and Jason tried to contact him, but to no avail. After the party where Tony disappeared through the back door when he saw them, they didn't try again. But apparently, now is the time for explanations. As much as Tony wanted to avoid this meeting, his father left him no choice after Alexander's call. Tony is scared. He's afraid of something. Let's see of what. He sits behind his desk and looks at a photo on it.

Tony: Let's see, baby. Let's see what we're up against here.

The door opens and Stefan and Jason enter the office. Tony stands up and shakes hands with Stefan and then Jason.

Tony: Stefan ... Jason ... I'm so happy to see you!

Stefan: Me too, Tony.

Jason: Me too.

Tony: We haven't seen each other in over four years.

Stefan: Not really.

Tony: What do you mean?

Jason: He means this party, Tony. Do you remember? That was almost two years ago. You disappeared out the back door like a thief when you saw us.

Tony: Yeah. Well ... Please sit down and we'll clear everything up. You guys want something to drink?

Stefan: No. We're good.

Jason: We just had breakfast.

Tony: Suit yourselves.

The three men take their places.

Tony: Stefan, my friend ...

Stefan: Cut the crap, Tony. You're not my friend. A friend doesn't fuck his friend's chick. And if he does, he has the balls to admit it.

Tony: You're right. Whatever you say, you're right, but if you let me explain ...

Stefan: No. I don't want to hear lame excuses. I don't care anymore.

Tony: Then why did you come?

Stefan: I found out what she did to you with the kid.

Tony: How did you find out?

Stefan: It doesn't matter. I also know that you gave her a million to keep her mouth shut.

Tony: I didn't. My dad did.

Stefan: Tell me exactly what happened.

Tony leans back in his chair.

Tony: Before I tell you, I want you to know that I wanted to talk to you ... To warn you about her, but ... I didn't.

Stefan: Why?

Tony: Because I was afraid you wouldn't believe me. You were so in love with her. If I told you what happened, you'd blame me, and I swear it wasn't my fault. At least not completely.

Stefan: You're right about that. I wouldn't have believed you then. But I'm going to believe you now. Tell me about it.

Tony: Well ... When you and she first started dating, she was also playing with someone named Harry. I don't know if you know him.

Stefan: I met him once when I caught him fucking her in my bed.

Tony: I see. That's why you broke up. Anyway ... She stopped seeing him for a long time, but started seeing him again two years before you broke up.

Jason: Two years? How did she manage to keep it a secret for two whole years?

Tony: Why do you ask that, Jason? The woman is cunning. Besides Harry, she was screwing two other guys at the same time, friends of Harry's.

Stefan: Three different smells ...

Tony: What?

Stefan: Nothing. Keep going.

Jason: Wait a minute. How do you know all this?

Tony: When she approached me about the kid, I hired a private investigator to look into her life.

Stefan: When did she start dating you?

Tony: Wow! I've never been with her. What happened was just once.

Jason: And she called you the father of the child after just one fuck?

Tony: That's a good question.

Stefan: When did that happen?

Tony: About two months before you broke up. You were on a business trip. She called me on your behalf and asked me to come to your house because you wanted to ask me about new medication for your father.

Stefan: For my father?

Tony: Yes. She told me that your father is very sick and the doctors don't give him any hope. She was crying on the phone and begging me to help him.

Jason: Unbelievable!

Stefan: And you just believed her? Why didn't you call me?

Tony: She begged me not to. She didn't want you to know anything until a solution was found so you wouldn't have vain hopes. We'd only tell you if there was hope for your father. Now that I think about it, I see how stupid I was then, but you were my friend and I wanted to help you. That's why I went to your house that night.

Stefan: And what happened there? How did you two end up in bed?

Tony: I don't remember. I just remember sitting on the couch and she offered me a drink. The next thing I remember is waking up naked next to her in bed in the morning.

Jason: Did she drug you? And how did you ...? How did you ... You know.

Tony: Who told you that I fucked her?

Stefan: What the hell are you saying, Tony?

Tony: What you heard, Stefan. Nothing happened between me and Aphrodite. I never touched her. She knew I'd never do anything like that to you, and she set the whole damn thing up, obviously to have a backup in case her plan for you failed.

Stefan: How can you be so sure?

Tony: Drugs are my job, Stefan. I tested my blood the next day and I found out what she drugged me with, a heavy sleeping pill. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't react.

Jason: Then why? Why didn't you expose her? Why didn't you sue her or something?

Tony: Because of them ...

Tony grabs the frame on his desk and turns it to the others.

Tony: My wife and my son.

Stefan: Did you get married? Congratulations.

Jason: A very cute baby.

Tony: My little hooligan.

Stefan: But I don't understand. What do they have to do with any of this?

Tony: Listen, man ... When this happened, my wife was pregnant. If she found out that I spent a night with another woman, she'd never believe that nothing happened. And even if she believed me, she'd always have doubts. Maybe it was my fault. Maybe I should have said everything then, but I was afraid, Stefan. I was afraid of losing my wife and my child.

Jason: Is that why you gave her the money when she told you about the kid?

Tony: Yes. She threatened to expose me and my father decided to shut her up.

Stefan: Do you know that she's targeting me now?

Tony: Yeah. I've seen the show. Your dad did it very cleverly.

Stefan: Yeah.

Tony: Is there any chance that the kid is yours?

Stefan: No, there isn't.

Tony: So, what are you going to do now?

Stefan: I don't know yet.

Tony: Listen, Stefan ... You said earlier that I'm not your friend, but I want to prove you wrong.

Tony opens the drawer and takes out a large folder, which he gives to Stefan.

Tony: In here is all the evidence of what exactly happened that night. There are also recorded conversations about her blackmail and the money. That's enough to put her in jail for a long time. Take it and use it as you see fit. If necessary, I'm even willing to testify for you in court. All I ask is that you give me a few days notice so I have time to explain everything to my wife if you decide to do this.

Stefan: Thank you so much, Tony. That means a lot to me. I promise I'll do everything I can to make sure I don't have to use this.

Tony: I'm so sorry that we ruined our friendship over a ...

Jason: Over a bitch. Say it. Don't be shy.

Stefan: Nothing is stopping us from trying to restore it.

Tony: If you're really serious about this, I'm totally in!

Jason: Me too! Come on, let's join hands like we used to.

The three men clench their fists like they used to do in school.

Tony: I'd love for you to come to my house for dinner and meet my wife and my little hooligan.

Stefan: We will, Tony. Once we get rid of the problem, that will be the first thing we'll do. But now it's time for us to go.

The three men stand up and Tony walks to the door with Stefan and Jason.

Tony: Goodbye, Stefan, and I'm really sorry about what happened.

Stefan: We said that, Tony. Let bygones be bygones.

Tony: I sincerely wish that you find the right woman.

Stefan: You know, I think I found her.

Tony: Then I wish you the best.

Stefan: Thank you, Tony.

Tony: As for you, Jason ...

Jason: Leave me out of it. I am where I belong. I don't need anything else.

Tony: Of course. Cecilia. I read about you two somewhere.

Jason: Shocking!

Tony: Goodbye, guys, and like we said ... I'll be waiting for you at my place.

Stefan: Take care, Tony, and thanks again.

Jason: Take care.

Stefan and Jason leave the office and Tony returns to his desk and picks up the phone. He dials a number and ...

Tony: Hey, honey! ... Yes. I finished early. ... Yeah, of course. Get the baby ready. I'll come and get you. Today we will spend the day just the three of us, as I promised you.

~ * ~

~ JACE AND MARY's HOUSE ~

After first sending Tiny back to his work, Jace enters the house and, to his surprise, finds it almost empty. That doesn't happen very often. Usually his living room is full of people, something Jace really loves. He hates the loneliness. I said almost empty because the only person there is Eva, who, when she sees him, smiles and her eyes light up.

Eva: What's the matter, Daddy? You look sad.

Jace, affected by what happened before ... The way that bastard, Kirk Morrison, treated the little boy, walks up to his daughter, takes her in his arms and hugs her tightly.

Eva: What happened to you, Daddy?

Jace: My Princess ... I'm sorry. I'm really sorry if I was ever mean and yelled at you. I love you so much and that's why I do what I do.

Eva: What are you saying, Daddy? You are never mean.

Jace: But ... I threaten you all the time with the nuns. I bully you.

Eva: Oh, Daddy! Who told you that? You are the best father in the world.

Jace: Are you serious?

Eva: Of course. There is no one better than you.

Jace: I love you, my Princess.

Eva: I love you too, Daddy.

They hug each other for a while.

Eva: Ehh ... Daddy?

Jace: Yes?

Eva: Can I go to the movies tonight with a boy from my class?

Jace: What? Forget it! Over my dead body, Princess! I'm calling the convent now!

Eva bursts out laughing.

Eva: I knew it!

Jace: Eeeeh ... I mean ... We can talk about it. Damn! I did it again, huh?

Eva: It's okay, Daddy. I'm just kidding!

Jace: Very funny, Princess.

Eva: Do me a favor, Daddy.

Jace: What?

Eva: Don't ever change!

Jace: I'll try, Princess.

Eva: Thank you!

Mary enters the living room.

Mary: Hey! You are busted! What are you two doing here?

Eva: Nothing, Mom. Dad and I are just fooling around a bit.

Mary: Hmmm ...

Jace: Mary... We need to talk!

Mary: Let's go upstairs.

Eva: No. You can sit here. I'm going next door. The Drops are waiting for me to teach them how to play "Mortal Kombat".

Jace: Go get 'em, Princess!

Mary: Bye, baby!

Eva: Bye!

Eva leaves and Mary sits down next to Jace.

Mary: That bad, huh?

Jace: You can't even imagine! Where are Ceci and Nic?

Mary: Ceci is shopping with Lucy and Nic is out archery shooting with Sebastian and Damon. What happened, Jace?

Jace: That guy is a fucking son of a bitch! God only knows how I kept myself from strangling him with my bare hands!

Mary: Tell me about it.

Jace: I met the kid.

Mary: Oh! And?

Jace: He's a very sweet and smart boy, but he has nothing of our Stefan. He doesn't look like him at all.

Mary: That makes sense because he's not his.

Jace: Yeah.

Mary: Then why are you like that?

Jace rubs his face and looks at Mary with sad eyes.

Jace: You didn't see it, Mary. You were not there. This child is being abused.

Mary: My God! Did they hit the child? Did you see any bruises or anything like that?

Jace: No. When I say abuse, I don't mean physically.

Mary: Oh, no!

Jace: Mary, the boy is terrified. He threw himself into my arms and begged me to come back. I'm sure that was a cry for help. If you could have heard that bastard talking to him. And besides, they are messing with his mind.

Mary: What do you mean?

Jace: They called him Kirk.

Mary: Kirk? But Jenny said that the boy introduces himself as Jonathan and also that bitch said ...

Jace: That's what I'm telling you. He told me that his mother told him to change his name a while back.

Mary: That fucking whore! She tortures her own child to make money! That's a crime! Jace, we have to do something! It doesn't matter that the child is not our grandson. It's just a little kid. We have to save him!

Jace: I think so too, but what can we do? We can't just take him. At least not without Stefan officially recognizing him.

Mary: No! That's not an option! We are not going to drag Stefan into this.

Jace: And then what are we going to do?

Mary: A complaint to social services. And we are going to do it now! Call Clary.

Jace: Clary? What does Clary have to do with this?

Mary: Clary nothing, but her sister does.

Jace: Yes! Her sister is a social worker! That's it! Way to go, Angel!

Mary: What are you waiting for? Call her!

Jace pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and calls his secretary Clary, who immediately picks up.

Clary: Mr. Harronate? What's the matter?

Jace: Clary, I'm sorry to bother you on Saturday, but I need something from you.

Clary: You never bother me, sir. I'm always here for you. Just tell me what you need.

Jace: Your sister.

Clary: My sister? What do you need from my sister?

Jace: Listen to me very carefully, Clary ...

Jace explains to Clary what exactly is happening to Aphrodite's child.

Clary: Good Lord! What kind of mothers are there?

Jace: Unfortunately, there are mothers like that. Anyway. Do you understand what I want from you?

Clary: Yes, Mr. Harronate. Don't worry about it. I'm going to talk to my sister now. I'll explain everything to her and she'll know what to do.

Jace: Thank you, Clary.

Clary: No, sir. I thank you for trusting me with something so serious.

Jace: You've earned my trust, Clary, with all you've done over the years.

Clary: I'm doing the best I can.

Jace: Give your son a kiss for me.

Clary: I will.

Jace: Call me and tell me what happened.

Clary: Sure.

Jace: Goodbye, Clary.

Clary: Goodbye, sir.

Jace ends the call.

Jace: Okay. That's settled. Now we wait.

He leans back on the couch and pinches the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. Mary snuggles into his arms.

Mary: You, Jonathan Christopher Harronate, have given me one more reason to worship you as a god today!

Jace: And you, Mary Violetta Morningstar, have proven to me once again how damn lucky I am to have you by my side!

He leans over and kisses her gently but passionately on the lips, while his hand tenderly strokes the back of her neck.

After the kiss, he opens his eyes and looks at her with his beautiful but tired eyes.

Mary: Are you tired?

Jace: I'm exhausted.

Mary: Then how about a special bath?

Jace: I'd say ... Hell yeah!

She gets up from the couch and offers him her hand.

Mary: Come with me, Prince.

Jace: Show me the way, Angel!

* ~ *

~ BACK TO STEFAN AND JASON ~ AT THE GYM ~

After leaving Tony's office, the two men end up in the gym to blow off steam. They work out hard for quite a while without talking.

Until at some point Jason's cell phone starts ringing with that special ringtone that gets on Stefan's nerves. You see, our boy can't stand Celine Dion at all.

Stefan: Mercy, man! Why didn't you leave your fucking cell phone in the locker room?

Jason: Fuck you! Because I'm a man in love.

Stefan rolls his eyes as Jason jumps down from the jungle gym, approaches the bench and, after finding the cell phone between the towels, answers the call.

Jason: My baby ...

He moves aside to talk to Cecilia, and Stefan, looking at him grimly, continues training. A few minutes later, Jason returns with another bad mood.

Stefan: Why the grim face? Has my sister changed her mind and finally decided to break up with you?

Jason: Very funny, asshole! That's never gonna happen!

Stefan: Then what the hell happened?

Jason: Your dad complained to Child Protective Services for taking the kid away from the bitch.

Stefan: In God's name! Why did he do that?

Jason: Because she and her father are abusing the child.

Stefan: Is she abusing ... her own child?

Stefan goes and sits down on the bench. He leans forward, runs his hands through his hair and sighs.

Jason: Come on, man. Don't be like that.

Stefan: How is that possible, Jay? What's going to come out next? What else do I have to expect to learn about her? How did I not realize what kind of person she is? I lived with her; damn it, and I didn't understand how rotten she is. Am I really that stupid?

Jason: Don't blame yourself, Stef. She fooled us all. Apparently, she is a much better actress than we thought.

Stefan: Not everyone, man. Lucy knew that. She had realized what a shit she was and was screaming the truth, but none of us took her seriously. Not even me. I thought she reacted that way because she was jealous and I was fighting with her. I hate myself for that. Why didn't I hear her, damn it! Why?

Jason: There's no answer to that, man. At least not one that justifies our stupidity ... Shit!

Stefan: I want to go home. Take me home, Jason. Please!

Jason: Yes, but first ... Where is your cell phone?

Stefan: In my locker. And why is that?

Jason: You'll see. Give me a minute.

Jason runs to the lockers and comes back. He starts searching Stefan's cell phone.

Stefan: What are you doing? What are you looking for?

Jason: A few drops of your medicine.

Stefan: Huh?

Jason: Shut up and wait!

When Jason finds what he was looking for, he presses the call button and hands Stefan the device.

Jason: Talk to her!

Stefan: Talk to who? What did you do, Jay?

Jason: Do what I say, damn it!

Stefan puts the phone to his ear and a few seconds later a sweet voice is heard on the other end of the line.

Artemis: Stefan?

Stefan: Hey, Artemis.

The sound of her voice, even through the phone, calms the turmoil currently in Stefan's mind and soul and he looks at Jason gratefully.

Artemis: Should I be happy to hear from you, or did you call to cancel our date tomorrow?

Stefan: I'd never do that. Whatever happens ... No matter what ... I'll be there tomorrow.

Artemis: If that's the case, I'm glad to hear you. But tell me, why did you call me? Not that I'm complaining or anything, of course.

Stefan: I ... I just wanted to ...

Artemis: What's going on with you, Stefan?

Stefan: I found out some things and I ... I mean... I just wanted to hear your voice. Did I do something wrong?

Artemis: Of course not. You did very well.

Stefan: Talk to me.

Artemis: What do you want me to say?

Stefan: I don't care. Tell me what you want. It's enough for me to hear your voice.

When Artemis starts talking to Stefan, Jason takes their things and leads Stefan to the car. He gets behind the wheel and drives back home. Stefan didn't stop talking to Artemis until the two men entered the house. Then, as he said goodbye to Artemis and hung up the phone, he turned to Jason.

Stefan: Thanks for that, man.

Jason: Are you feeling a little better now?

Stefan: Much better.

Jason: Good. Let's complete the set then. Sit down and I'll bring the bottle.

* ~ *

~ AT THE SAME MOMENT ~ APHRODITE's HOUSE ~

Aphrodite has returned home and now speaks with her father, who informs her of Jace's morning visit.

Aphrodite: What? Did he dare to come here? Such impudence, my God!

Kirk: He told me they knew the truth.

Aphrodite: How? How did they find out?

Kirk: I've no idea.

Aphrodite: Bullshit! They don't know anything. He said that to scare you.

Kirk: Are you even fucking listening to what I'm saying? He threatened me.

Aphrodite: So what? Are you scared?

Louise: Of course, he is. So am I. And you should be, too.

Aphrodite: I'm not afraid of anyone. Especially not of the Great Jace Harronate.

Louise: Oh, God! My daughter is an absolute idiot!

Kirk: Louisa, stop it! I'm sure Aphrodite knows what she's doing.

Aphrodite: Thank you, Dad. Of course, I know what I'm doing, and for your information, my plan is going to be our cash cow. I didn't waste so many years of my life on him just for fun. He's going to pay a terrible price for what he did to me.

Kirk: That's my girl!

Aphrodite: Yes, but now your girl has to get ready, because she has to go.

Louise: Where to, if you don't mind me asking?

Aphrodite: I have a date.

Louise: I see. And what about your son?

Aphrodite: What about him?

Louise: He has to eat.

Aphrodite: Well ... Feed him.

Louise: Me?

Aphrodite: Yes, you.

Louise: He is your son, Aphrodite.

Aphrodite: And you are the one who insisted on keeping him, because abortion is a sin. I never wanted him!

Little Jonathan: Mom? You don't want me?

The boy who showed up at the door at the most inopportune moment starts crying and the three turn to him.

Kirk: How annoying this child is!

Aphrodite: I told you to lock him in his room, damn it!

Louise: Mercy! What kind of people are you?

At that moment, the bell rings.

Kirk: Who the hell is that now?

Little Jonathan: Maybe it's my friend Jace with the good giant.

The little boy runs to the door, wiping tears from his eyes. Louisa tried to catch him, but she didn't have a chance and the boy opened the door, behind which is a beautiful woman with red hair.

Annabelle: Hello, my darling.

Little Jonathan: Hi.

Annabelle: You must be Jonathan.

Little Jonathan: Yes. And who are you?

Annabelle: I'm Annabelle.

Little Jonathan: Are you Jace's friend?

Annabelle, who's Clary's sister, as you probably understood, was informed about the situation and therefore ...

Annabelle: Yes. He sent me to meet you.

Louise shows up at the door.

Louise: Who are you?

Annabelle gets her professional look.

Annabelle: Good evening, Mrs. Morrison. My name is Annabelle Green and I am a social worker.

Louise: And what do you want from us?

Annabelle: There was a complaint about you for neglect and abuse of a minor and my supervisor sent me for an autopsy. Do you mind?

Louise: Do I have any choice?

Annabelle: I'm afraid not. I have a DA's order. If you don't comply, you'll make me come back with the police.

Louise: No, there's no need for that. Please, come in.

Annabelle: A wise decision, ma'am.

Louisa leads Annabelle into the living room along with little Jonathan.

Annabelle: Good evening, Mr. Morrison ... Miss Morrison.

Aphrodite: Who are you and what do you want in my house?

Louise: Aphrodite, stop it! The lady is a social worker and she has come to check up on us.

Aphrodite: To check up on us? What for?

Kirk: And more importantly, by what right?

Annabelle: By the right that this document gives me, sir.

Annabelle gives Kirk the order from DA. He reads it quickly.

Kirk: Shit! I was expecting that, but not so fast. Apparently, Mr. Harronate is pretty well connected.

Aphrodite: What's going on here, Dad?

Kirk: Sit down and answer this woman's questions. That's what's going on here.

Aphrodite: And what if I don't?

Kirk: You don't want to know.

Annabelle: Actually, missy, I don't need you. At least for now. I'm here for Jonathan. I want to talk to him.

Little Jonathan: To me?

Annabelle: Yes. Do you want to talk to me?

Little Jonathan: You're Jace's friend and I really like your hair. Yes. I really want to talk to you.

Annabelle: Then let's go to your room.

Louise: Do you really have to do that? I mean ... You could talk to him here, couldn't you?

Annabelle: No. I need to see where the child is sleeping.

Louise: That's exactly what I want to avoid.

Annabelle: I can imagine that. Come on, Jonathan, show me your room.

Jonathan leads Annabelle into his room. Her eyes widen when she sees that the children's room, which should be a little paradise, consists only of a mattress on the floor, a small round, old and ragged carpet, and a single toy ... A brown teddy bear.

Annabelle: Are you sleeping here?

Little Jonathan: Yes.

Annabelle: You don't have a bed?

Little Jonathan: No. Mom says I don't need one because I'm a man.

Annabelle: And your toys?

Little Jonathan: I only have this teddy bear. Grandma gave it to me for my birthday.

Annabelle: Where are your clothes?

Little Jonathan: I don't have much. They are under the mattress.

Annabelle: I see. Then let's sit down now.

Annabelle sits down on the mattress and lets the boy sit next to her.

Little Jonathan: Is Jace coming?

Annabelle: Do you want him to come?

Little Jonathan: Yes. He's my friend. He's very good and he hugs me. And he has the good giant with him to play with me. He lifts me up.

Annabelle: Oh! You want to play with good giant again, huh?

Little Jonathan: Yes. Yes.

Annabelle: Don't you play with your mom or grandpa and grandma?

Little Jonathan: Only with grandma. She loves me and plays with me. My grandpa yells at me all the time and my mom is never around.

Annabelle: And what do you do all day? How do you spend your time?

Little Jonathan: I wait for mom.

Annabelle: Well, Jonathan ... I'm going to ask you something and I want you to tell me the truth. Yes?

Little Jonathan: I never tell lies. Grandma says it's wrong.

Annabelle: Well done! Now tell me ... Has anyone ever hit you?

The boy lowers his head.

Little Jonathan: Once. My mom slapped me, but it was my fault.

Annabelle: What did you do?

Little Jonathan: She came home and I ran and fell on her.

Annabelle: That's not a bad thing. All kids do the same thing to their mother.

Little Jonathan: Yeah, but she was sick. Something with her head. Headache and also ... she smelled funny.

Annabelle: Okay.

Little Jonathan: Annabelle? Can you take me to Jace?

Annabelle: I can't, but I can take you to a big house with lots of little kids like you.

Little Jonathan: Are there any beds in that house?

Annabelle: Yes.

Little Jonathan: And toys?

Annabelle: Lots of them. Do you want to go there?

Little Jonathan: Yes. Yes. Let's go now.

Annabelle: Wait a minute. If I take you there, you won't see your mom again.

Little Jonathan: Grandma?

Annabelle: We'll see about that.

The little boy shrugs his shoulders.

Little Jonathan: Then I don't care. Mom doesn't love me.

Annabelle: Why do you say that?

Little Jonathan: She said it. I heard her.

Annabelle: Maybe she meant something else.

Little Jonathan: Then why doesn't she ever hug me? Only Grandma and Jace do that. Can you give me a little hug?

Annabelle: Of course, sweetheart. Come here.

The boy sneaks into Annabelle's arms and she hugs him tightly, wiping her tears.

Little Jonathan: Get me out of here, Annabelle. Please.

Annabelle: I will, Jonathan. I promise you, but now I need to talk to the others and I want you to sit here. Will you do that for me?

Little Jonathan: Yes.

Annabelle: Thank you, Jonathan.

Annabelle gets up from the mattress and goes back to the living room.

Aphrodite: So, Ms. Social Worker? What's your conclusion?

Annabelle: My position doesn't allow me to tell you what I really believe, so, I'll tell you this. That child in there is one of the most neglected children I've ever seen.

Aphrodite: And why is that? Is he hungry? Is he dirty? If he told you that, he's lying.

Annabelle: A child, missy, doesn't just need food and a bath. A child needs love, affection, a hug, someone to play with. And above all, a child needs its mother.

Aphrodite: Have you come to lecture me?

Annabelle: No, miss. I've come to save this child.

Kirk: And how do you plan to do that?

Annabelle: With my report, sir.

Louise: I don't understand. What does that mean? Are you going to take our boy? Please, no.

Annabelle: Excuse me, ma'am, but that's all I can tell you. I can only tell you that you'll see me here again very soon. Goodbye.

Annabelle leaves, leaving Aphrodite and her parents looking at each other.

Louise: What did she mean, Kirk?

Kirk: She meant that ... We're screwed.

Louise: Are they going to take the kid away from us?

Kirk: Possibly.

Louise: Oh, my God!

Kirk: Damn it! Not now! We could ... Money! We have to get money from them before we lose the boy.

Aphrodite: And that's exactly what we're going to do, Dad. What day is it today?

Kirk: Saturday.

Aphrodite: So, tomorrow is Sunday. Wonderful!

Louise: What are you saying, Aphrodite? What do you intend to do?

Kirk: I just hope it's nothing stupid.

Aphrodite: Don't worry about it, Dad. Trust me.

Louise: Really ... Don't you care about the boy at all? You're going to lose him, Aphrodite. Do you realize that?

Aphrodite: I've already told you. He's a burden and I'll be very happy to get rid of him, but before that happens, I'm going to use him as much as I can! It's time for our golden goose to give us something really good.

Kirk hugs his daughter.

Kirk: I admit I doubted you for a while, but I take it back. I'm proud of you!

Aphrodite: Thank you, Dad.

Louise looks at them in disgust.

Louise: You're sick! You disgust me! You both disgust me!

Kirk: SHUT UP, LOUISE

Louise: GO TO HELL, KIRK. YOU HEAR ME? GO TO HELL!!! YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER!

She makes a run for it and runs inside.

Kirk: Where are you going now?

Louise: Inside. To the one person who is not responsible for anything here. I'm going to hug my grandson. I just hope it's not too late for me!

The night that followed was a night somewhat different from the others for some of the heroes of our story.

Jace took Cecilia, Eva and Nicolae with him and they all slept together. Mary didn't object.

Stefan and Jason slept on the couch after emptying two bottles of tequila.

Artemis spent the night thinking about Stefan and his strange phone call.

Tony, somewhat relieved of his guilt over his friend, slept with his wife and his little hooligan in his arms.

Aphrodite, who'd spent most of the night at a club, ended up at the house and in the bed of a random man she met there.

Annabelle stayed up late to prepare her report so she could rescue the child as soon as possible.

Kirk slept alone for the first time, without his wife beside him.

Louise, wracked with guilt, slept on the mattress, holding little Jonathan in her arms all night.

And little Jonathan ... He spent his first pleasant night in his grandmother's arms, his dreams were colorful and full of rainbows and unicorns for the first time.

This is how the dreams of all children in the world should be!