For a moment neither Micki nor Ben moved. Then Micki flew into action and was out the door and down the hallway toward the living room.

"Carey," she called worriedly, Ben at her heels.

She found the young woman standing alone in the living room starring at the door. "Carey?" Micki asked again, placing a hand on her arm.

Carey turned to look at her, eyes full of unshed tears, then she was going, running toward her room. Micki ran after her.

Ben stood for a moment, and then quietly slipped out of the door, making sure it was locked behind him.

Micki knocked softly at Carey's door "Carey, can I come in?"

"It's not locked," the young woman responded.

Micki was surpassed to find that indeed it wasn't. Carey was sitting on the bed, hugging a stuffed doll to her chest. Micki smiled remember how much Carey had loved that doll when they were growing up, how she'd hugged it to herself just the way she was just then.

"Would you like to talk?" Micki asked.

"It was just a silly argument." Carey started "Frank was upset that I moved down here in the first place. But now, when he could out that he couldn't stay here he got really angry. That's what we were arguing about."

"Hmmm," was all Micki said for a while. Then, "How close are you and Frank?"

Carey thought for a it. Then looked to her cousin, "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Micki said. "How long have you been going out? How'd you meet? What does he do? How old is he? That type of thing."

"Ah," Carey said almost gleefully. "The truth comes out. You've been talking to mom and dad."

"No, Carey, I haven't. I just want to know."

"He's 25, and we've been going out for ten months. He --"

Twenty five!! Micki's mind latched onto the numbers. But remembering her earlier argument with Ben, forced herself to be calm. Which for the moment called for ignoring the fact.

"So, how'd you meet?" she asked instead.

"Whoa!!" Carey exclaimed. "I'm stunned you're not freaked about the age thing. Mom and Dad sure are."

"Trust me, I am," Micki admitted. "But, Ben, found it necessary to enlighten me."

"Really?" Carey's face brightened with interest. Her mind swiftly changed gears. "Tell me about it."

"No, no, no," Micki insisted. "We are talking about you."

"We met at the mall, and he's a musician." Carey said quickly. "Now, let's get back to you."

"To me?" Micki exclaimed, turning to leave the room. "No way, Jose."

"I see the hair's down, now," Carey said slyly. "Should I assume that you are *well* enlightened? What kind of example could that be?"

Sighing, Micki turned back. "Okay, you spy. What do you want to know now?"

"Ooh," Carey giggled. "I love romance - tell me everything!"

"Well," Micki started. "I called your Frank a kid, old lady that I am. Ben saw fit to tell me that he thought Frank was about my age. I said if he was he was too old for you. He asked how old I was. Turns out, I'm younger than he thought and he's older than I thought."

"And was this a problem for him?" Carey frowned.

Micki shrugged. "No, not for him."

"He can't be more than what? 29? That's not too old is it?" Carey said.

"He's 34. Twelve years!!"

"Really?" Carey's brows went up. "Well, so what. Why is it a problem?"

"Oh, I don't know," Micki said, moving agitatedly away from the bed.

"Well, what are you going to do?" Carey asked, very seriously.

Micki just shook her head and shrugged again.

"Well, decide soon before someone gets hurt."

"Yeah," Micki said softly, wondering who she was kidding. It was already too late for her.

-- --

The next day found Micki doing battle with her aged washing machine. After bailing bucket upon bucket of water, she was a sopping mess and still the machine was too heavy for her to pull away from the wall.

Carey had left earlier, before she'd realized the dilemma. The young woman had gone to the mail with new friends. Micki was fairly certain that Carey's help would be out of the question - the girl truly did live to shop.

Determined not to be defeated, she tried once more. Putting all her strength in to a final pull, she thought she felt something give. The next thing she knew, the floor was no longer under her feet and she landed hip first in a growing puddle from an overturned bucket.

"Arrgh!" she cried in frustration. "Dammit! Dammit! Dammit! OUCH!!" She finished furiously as her angry pounding against the machine only left her with a sore hand. Moments later she heard frantic banging against the front door, scaring her nearly out of hr wits.

Scrambling out of the wet mess, wiping wet hands on denim-clad legs, she made for the door. The banging continued, along with Ben's voice yelling her name. Snatching the door open to stop his racket.

"You know a person could conceivably figure you for a nut case, banging like that. My neighbors are already worried about *me*."

"I heard you screaming," Ben tried to explain. "Are you all right?"

"Fine," she led him in. "I just lost a battle with the washing machine."

Ben took a good look at her then a grin broke out over his face. "Poor machine. What did you do to it to make it do that to you?"

Micki shot him a withering look, and continued on toward the kitchen. Hoisting a fire-engine red toolbox in his direction, she challenged him to fix it. He did.

Micki and Ben had spent the three hours fixing the washing machine; and the next three months learning one another's habits.

One Sunday afternoon Micki was at Ben's home to watch movies. Gennifer had predictable chosen 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Beauty and the Beast'. Angelina had joined them for one of the movies, and then had retired to her rooms. Gennifer had fallen asleep soon after.

Micki pressed the button to eject the movie, and placed it into the rewinder. she turned at the sound of Ben descending the steps after carrying his daughter up to bed. "I'd like to talk to you," he called, his eyes were suddenly very serious.

Micki looked up him, surprised by the change. They'd joked most of the evening, had even had a popcorn fight.

"Sure," she said, and walked up the two steps to meet him. He grasped her two hands in his, he pulled her down so that they were both settled on the steps.

"This is our third anniversary, Micki," he began. "I want -- no, need to know if our age difference is a problem still. I've tried not to push you because I want whatever happens between us to be your decision." He allowed a moment for his words to sink in before continuing. "How do you feel about whatever your parents may think? Are you ready to face that? My family is already curious about you."

"No," Micki began slowly, watching his expression carefully. "I'm not ready for what my parents will say." When his eyes dropped, she pressed on hurried. "But, the time we've spent together has shown me that I'm in far too deep to let go."

For a moment Ben just stared at her, then a beautiful smile spread over his lips. Grabbing her, he pulled her into his arms crushing her to him.

"Hey, I break," she laughed softly.

Ben relaxed his grip, but leaned in for an equally crushing kiss. "I've really got it bad for you, woman," he whispered. "I don't know what I would have done if you'd have said no."

"I couldn't say no," Micki said. "Even if I'd wanted to."

*~*~*

A month later, Carey and Micki were having a quick lunch when the phone rang. Micki laughed when Carey dashed off to answer it. Most of the calls seemed to be for her lately. She'd made quite a few new friends and had quite a busy social life. Micki was happy for that, as the subject of Frank hadn't come up in a while. Although, there were moments when she wondered.

Carey settled back to the table, speaking in between bites of her sandwich. "Mom and Dad want me to come up next weekend. They have a car for me."

"Really? What kind?" Micki was pretty used to loaning her own to the girl.

"I don't know," Carey said. "Didn't think to ask. Probably Uncle Bob's old Honda. But the condition is that you drive back with me."

"Okay..." Micki didn't want to commit. But if she knew Carey, she had a plan. "And how would you suggest we do that?"

"We-e-ll, I was thinking you could take me to the bus station, say, tomorrow and I could spend a week with the folks - it is spring break after all. I figure you and Ben could drive up next weekend. And you could... oh, maybe...introduce him to your parents. Then on Sunday afternoon you and he drive out to my parents and pick me up and we could caravan back. Or maybe you guys could rent a car or something. That part's up to you."

Micki eyed her for a few seconds, then conceded. "I guess I'm gonna have to face the music sooner or later. I'll talk to Ben. How's that?"

Carey squealed with delight and threw her arms around Micki's neck. Then, "The bus leaves tomorrow at 7:00." She ducked the cup Micki tossed at her.

Ben was more than happy to travel with Micki to Virginia. His mother would watch Gennifer while he was away.

The next afternoon came far too fast for Micki. By the time she and Carey had reached the bus station, it was time to load. They'd said their good-byes hurriedly through the window. The silence descended almost immediately.

The house seemed unnatural without the young woman's presence. After four months, Micki was accustomed to having someone else around. Turning on the television, she increased the volume hoping to dispel some of the unusual stillness. She nearly came out of her seat when the phone rang. She caught it on the second ring.

Thinking it was Ben, she was surprised at the jumble of words that tumbled out of the receiver.

"Care, don't hang up, listen to me --"

"Wha-? Who is this?" She demanded.

There were several seconds of silence, then, "Put Carey on the phone."

"Excuse me," Micki said with forced politeness. "I asked who is this."

"Look, why don't you just put Carey on the phone?" the voice of a young man demanded.

Having determined that this was Frank, Micki simply hung up the phone. When it rang again a minute later, she picked up immediately and hung up. A minute after that, she repeated the same routine, only this time she left the receiver sitting on the side table.

Settling down in front of the television, she tried to put the incident out of her mind. A suspense thriller series was on, and was beginning to make her a little nervous. Ben had promised to stop by after work, she hoped he'd arrive soon.

A knock at the door, brought her to her feet in relief. Throwing the door open in excitement, Ben's name died on her lips. Frank and his two buddies from her previous encounter stood in the doorway. She tried to slam the door shut, but Frank simply shouldered his way in. His two buddies followed.

"Get out of my house!" Micki yelled at his stunned at his audacity.

Frank ignored her as he tore through her small house yelling Carey's name. His two friends had settled into their previous seats on her sofa.

Micki stormed behind the Frank as he began to enter her bedroom. "Who do you think you are, coming in here like this?" Micki fumed. "I want you out and I want you out now!!" She grabbed one of Frank's arms in an attempt to force him out.

She let out a small scream when he grabbed both her arms and pushed her away from himself. Off balanced, she tumbled to the floor. She lay stunned for half a second before fear overcame her. Scrambling to her feet, she ran for the off-hook phone.

She'd gotten as far as 9-1 when Frank realized what she was up to. He dashed to the kitchen, knocking her away from the phone with his body. Micki was knocked into a counter which caught her in the side. The unexpected pain took her breath and her knees went out from under her.

She leaned dazedly against the cabinets as Frank slammed the receiver back into its cradle. Then he turned his attention to her. "Where is she?" he asked.

Micki's heart pounded in her ears, but she was determined that he wouldn't intimidate her. Struggling to her feet, she stared him down. "None of your business," she managed to sound only slightly breathless.

"Tell me what I want to know, or else..." Frank stepped closer, invading her personal space.

Micki decided that she definitely didn't like him in close proximity. She made an attempt to move around him.

Frank grabbed her upper arms and pushed her back against the wall, none too gently. This time she couldn't hide the pain. She cried out, and hot tears flowed from beneath her lashes.

His grip was so tight she thought she'd lose her circulation. She didn't really care any more about not giving in to intimidation. She just wanted him to leave her alone. She pleaded with him. "Frank, please.... please, let me go. You're hurting..."

"Not --" he was cut off by the intrusion of another voice.

"Your best bet is to listen to the lady."

Frank tensed, then released her arms. Micki's legs forgot to support her and she wilted to the floor. She didn't hear Frank's running footsteps or the closing of the front door or even Ben running back to her. She lay balled on the floor, silently crying.

"Micki," Ben called, reaching for her. She cried harder, fighting his hands away from her.

"Micki," Ben called louder. "It's me...Ben. Let me --" Her arms immediately went limp, no longer fighting him. He pulled her into his arms holding her tightly, gently rocking.

She gradually stopped crying. When she was calmer, he drew back slightly. "Are you all right?"

Looking up into his pale features, she nodded silently.

"Come on," he said, helping her to her feet. She stood weakly, but her first step reminded her forcefully of the contact her ribs had made with the counter. She stumbled against him, grunting in pain.

"Micki," Ben cried alarmed. "What is it?"

"My side," she explained breathlessly as he lowered her to the floor.

Ben lifted her shirt slowly, unsure of what he might find. Waves of anger and guilt washed over him at the angry dark bruises that stretched along her already swelling side. He ran for the phone and dialed the police and an ambulance.

When the police arrived, he gave them as much information as he could, which wasn't much. Micki had been unable to give a statement as she'd gone into shock and was far from coherent.

Ben was left to watch helplessly as she was loaded unto a stretcher and put into the back of an ambulance. After following the vehicle to the hospital, he'd been told that she had a cracked rib and would be better in a week or two. But she would have to remain in the hospital for two days for testing. She was released on Wednesday.

On Friday they rented a van and headed toward Virginia to meet her parents.

"Ben," Micki had called to him from her reclined position on the passenger side of the van. "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure, anything," he said, smiling. The smile faded, however, when he heard her request.

"Don't tell my parents about what happened with Frank."

"Okay," he answered reluctantly. "But how do you plan to explain the bandages?"

"I'll just tell them I fell against the counter," she replied after a few seconds of deliberation. "I'll keep it simple."

Ben simply nodded. "Who do your parents think you're bringing?" he asked. They'd crossed into the city limits minutes earlier and they would be reaching her parent's home soon.

"I told them that you are a male friend."

"You flatter me," he replied dryly.

Micki laughed, carefully holding her side. "What are we, then?" she challenged him. "Hmm?"

"Hmmm..." Ben returned. "Tough question. We're friends, but not 'just friends'. More than acquaintances." Then, clearing his throat he murmured. "Less than lovers." Louder, "I know, we're... ah yes, that's it exactly. We're seeing one another."

"Ah," Micki feigned enlightenment. "And what are we doing this for?" she asked.

"Well, so we can get to know one another better." Ben replied.

"And why is this necessary?"

"Oh, because we're attracted to one another. Because we're a match."

"And what makes you say that?"

"Can you tell?" Ben's voice had lost its light-hearted tone.

"Can't help it," Micki said, smiling slightly.

"Yeah," Ben laughed. "I'm falling fast."

"Falling?" Micki couldn't prevent the word from spilling from her lips.

"In love, Micki," Ben answered her softly. "I've fallen in love with you."

That shocked her. All thoughts fled her mind. Forcing her mind into action, she closed her mouth and opened it just in time to tell him where to turn to get to her parents street. She hoped the action covered her confusion.

When they'd pulled into the drive, Ben came around to help her. Her body was stiff from having lain in the same position for so long. She'd chosen not to tell Ben that the doctor had told her not to take any long drives for the next three weeks. Although, she was fairly certain he knew that already.

Groaning softly as Ben pulled her to a sitting position, she whispered quickly to him. "Remind me to take the medication again - soon."

"Yeah," he said, taking her hand. "Ready?" She nodded once, and he led her slowly up the drive. They were half-way when the door slammed open and a slim body launched itself outside.

"Micki!" The long-haired young woman exclaimed as she dashed along the side walk.

Ben saw Micki's look of dismay just before the girl flung herself into her arms. There was nothing he could do as they both went down in a heap.

Micki's parents rushed out of the house as Ben leaned over to help Micki to her feet.

"Just...let...me catch...my breath. Oh!!--" she groaned as Ben hoisted her to her feet by one arm. Tears leaked from her eyes and she threw him a sidelong look of disgust.

Micki's mother immediately began to fuss over her. "Are you all right Mick? Mel, whatever possessed you to run into your sister like that?"

"I just wanted to hug her," Mel returned in her own defense. "How was I supposed to know she'd hit the pavement?"

"I'm fine Mom, really." Micki spoke up in what she hoped was a sincere voice. "It's really good to see all of you," she continued, hugging each family member in turn. She had to bite her lip at her father's bear hug.

She then reached for Ben's hand, not only to introduce him, but for support. She felt as if she were fading fast. "Everyone this is Ben Kingsley. Ben, this is my mom and dad and my sister, Melanie."

"It's really a pleasure to meet all of you," Ben said politely shaking hands all around. Then, tossing a quick glance in Micki's direction, he saw that she wouldn't be able to take much more.

"Mrs. Dupree," he began, turning toward Micki's mother. "I hear you make the most wonderful lemonade."

Lorraine Dupree laughed delightedly. "Oh, I see Micki has been running off at the mouth again. Come on in and have some." She gestured toward the house.

Ben and Micki fell to the back of the line hoping no one noticed how much she was leaning on him. She slipped the bottle of medicine from her purse into his hands. Ben slipped it into his pocket.

"I think you should tell them," he whispered into her ear.

"No!" Micki whispered back.

Ben was about to say more, when Lorraine turned around to speak with them. "Dinner'll be ready soon so Ben you can just go to the family room and talk to Joe. Nick can help me in the kitchen so we can have a little girl to girl."

Micki paused for only the briefest second before saying okay. Lorraine eyed her strangely, but continued on into the house.

"Come on, Benjamin," Joe said. "We can go in here."

Ben nodded that he would. Briefly tightening his grip on Micki's hand before releasing her, Ben followed Joe Dupree into the family room.

Micki, now separated from her medicine stood stiffly leaning against the counter.

"So, my dear," Lorraine began bluntly. "What's this fella to you?"

"We've been trying to figure that out ourselves," Micki said wryly. "We only minutes ago came to the conclusion that we're seeing one another."

"Could this be serious?" Lorraine asked.

"Could be," Micki answered guardedly.

Lorraine gave her a look. "Is thee something bothering you, Honey?"

"What makes you think that Mom?" Micki stalled.

"Well, for starters. You're standing there against that counter like you're hiding something. You've avoided by last questions. And you talking like you're...I don't know...in pain or something."

After a few seconds Micki admitted that she was in pain. "I hit my side a few days ago and when Mel hugged me like that and I fell it sort of starting aching again."

"Oh Goodness!" Lorraine was in action. "Let me see is it bad?" she reached for Micki's shirt. "Do you want to lie down? You know you can lie on the sofa."

"No, Mom. This isn't necessary. I'm okay. I'll just go lie down." My was trying to keep her shirt, down, but her mother seemed intent on getting a look.

"Micki, why won't you let me see?" Lorraine asked, finally.

"Mom!" Micki exclaimed.

"Fine." Lorraine gave up. "Still shy, I guess." Dismissing the matter, she pointed her daughter in the direction of the family room.

"Okay, men, move over," she ordered. "Joe, your daughter is still clumsy. Would you believe it? - fell into her very own counter."

Micki settled into the sofa cushions with profound relief at being off her feet, but also mild embarrassment at misleading her mother. She felt Ben's eyes on her, but refused to look in his direction.

"Are you okay?" her father asked. "It wasn't too bad was it?"

"Uh...no," Micki said, hoping he chalked her grimace up to pain. "Its just that hugging Mel, and falling on the pavement brought back some of the aches. Some aspirin or something will probably take care of it."

"Where is Mel, anyway?" she asked, hoping to get the attention off of herself.

"She's gone to work," Lorraine answered.

"Really?" Micki really was surprised. But she supposed Melanie wasn't the same little girl she'd been 2 years earlier. She was sixteen, now. "Where is she working?"

"Up at Wards, in the automotive department. Wants to go to school to be an auto-mechanic..." Micki was wise enough to allow that statement to lie.

"Speaking of autos," Ben piped up, breaking the brief tension. "I should probably go out to the van and get our things."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Joe said. "Just give me the keys and I'll get 'em. You're a guest here."

"You're sure?" Ben asked. "I really don't mind."

"Sure I'm sure." Joe insisted, reaching a hand for the keys.

Ben stood and reached into his pocket. When he pulled out the keys, a small brown bottled spilled out and fell to the floor. Micki held her breath when Ben and her father both reached for it. She closed her eyes when she saw her father handing it to Ben, an odd expression on his face.

Ben flushed. If the situation weren't so serious, Micki might have laughed. She'd never seen Ben blush. Unfortunately, in the present situation, it only served to make him look guilty.

"Here you are, Sir," Ben handed Joe the keys. Joe took them without a work and headed toward the door.

Lorraine, having witnessed the entire incident, murmured something about aspirin and left the room.

Ben quickly slipped two pills from the bottle and passed them to Micki. She popped them into her mouth with a heavy sigh and slipped the bottle into her purse.

"I can't lie to your parents, Micki," Ben whispered. "I think you are underestimating them. They deserve to know."

"Ben --" she started.

"Micki, I'm a parent, and I'd want to know --" At that moment Lorraine came back into the room, aspirin and juice in her hand.

"Here you are, dear." She handed the items to her daughter. "Ben, would you move that recliner over into the dining room?"

"Sure, Mrs. Dupree," Ben answered, jumping to his feet.

"Oh, call me Lorraine," Micki's mother said with a wave of her hand. Then, "What do people call you? Ben, is it?"

"Actually, I'm called Michael, or Mike."

"That's different," Lorraine said in a confused voice. "I thought Nick introduced you as Benjamin."

Ben laughed. "Yeah. But, Micki's the only person who calls me Ben."

"Ah," Lorraine laughed in understanding. "Did Micki ever tell you how she ended up with the name Micki instead of Nicky?"

"No," Ben looked mischievously at Micki. "She didn't."

"Mom, please..." Micki begged. "Please don't."

"Come on, Love," Ben urged, eyes gleaming. "We shouldn't have any secrets." He reached across the sofa, covering her hand with his. Something in the tone of his voice, utterly derailed her thoughts. Giving her mother just enough time to launch into her story.

"When Micki was six," Lorraine was saying. "She was invited to a costume party. She was dressed up as Minnie Mouse, but no," Lorraine stopped to laugh. "She wanted to be Mickey Mouse. She had that beautiful long hair, and we told her Mickey was a boy Mouse. But she was determined she was gonna be Micki. She got into my sewing, and the next thing we knew, she'd cut off her pigtails so she could be Mickey. So, then she comes into the kitchen, a pony tail in each hand yelling and jumping around, happy because now she can be Mickey Mouse!"

By the time Lorraine finished her story, she and Ben were collapsing with laughter, and Micki's face was buried in her hands.

"Definitely, Gennifer can NOT hear this story," Ben said, laughing.

"Who's Gennifer?" Joe asked, returning on the tail end of the laughter.

"Gennifer's my daughter," Ben explained, easily.

"Really, now? How many children do you have?"

"Just one," Ben answered. "Gennifer's just turned four, a few months ago.

"You married young?" Joe asked.

"Joe!" Lorraine admonished her husband.

"I'm just asking a question, Lo." Joe shot back

"Actually, no." Ben answered the question. "I was married at 26. Gennifer was born a couple years after that. My wife died while she was still a baby."

"I'm sorry to hear about your wife," Joe said, and Lorraine made sympathetic noises. "I wouldn't have figured you to be in your thirties, though." Joe continued, laughing. "I wish I'd looked that young when I was your age."

Ben laughed with him. "Believe me, it's not always a good thing."

Micki's mouth gaped. Where these really her parents. "Dad you don't think Ben's too old for me?" she couldn't resist asking.

Joe looked at her surprised. "There's 7 years between your mother and I - what difference is three more years going to make?"

Ben grinned triumphantly down at her.

"Dinner's ready!" Lorraine announced. "All I need is some nice strong fella to transfer our invalid to the recliner in the dining room."