Chapter 12

 

A continual slight pounding on her door wakened Allison from her sound, Jack-filled dream sleep. For the briefest moment she was disgusted with the intrusion, but with the reality that she would be seeing Jack in person in mere hours the irritation quickly subsided.

With a huge smile on her face she welcomed in her visitor. "Come in," she almost sang she was so happy.

"Good morning sweetheart, Happy Birthday," Ellen greeted as she made her way into the room and to her daughter giving her a hug.

"Thanks Mom, and a good morning it is." Seeing Matt enter the room behind Ellen, "Well, it was anyway," she said sourly.

"Allison don't be that way, your father wants to say something to you," taking a seat on the bed.

"What, his demand that I stay far away from Jack? I got it loud and clear yesterday. I don't need to be reminded."

"Well actually, as much as I would like to say that, I'm not," Matt informed her. "I was talking with your mother last night and she pointed out to me that as much as I may not like the thought of you seeing this Ramsey kid and I really don't like it, you are old enough to make your own decisions. If you are so bound and determined to see him I won't," taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling it, "I won't try and stop you." Saying the words was a total affront to everything he truly felt at that moment but Matt felt as if he didn't have much choice.

"Are you serious, I can really see Jack?"

"Yes if you want to see him, you can see him."

"What about my being grounded?"

"It's lifted."

Ally squealed in delight as she jumped from her bed and gave her father a big hug, "Oh Daddy thank you, this is the best birthday gift you could have ever given me."

"Well my hands were sorta tied," he said ending the hug and glancing in Ellen's direction. "I want you to be happy. Our ideas of what that takes is different but, I won't go into that anymore."

"Thanks I appreciate it. Now this gift of being able to see Jack is wonderful, but uhm what about the car?"

"What car?" Matt and Ellen said, playing the clueless parents' role.

"Okay, that's fine, I can wait for that until later," she assured them.

"If you say so," Matt replied giving nothing away. "Happy Birthday honey."

"It's getting better and better, thank you again Daddy."

"Sure."

"I hope you're hungry Allison we've planned this monster breakfast for you," Ellen shared rising from the bed.

"That sounds great, but I'd like to have a word alone with you first Mom if you don't mind Daddy?"

"Oh girl talk huh…pardon me, you're eighteen now, I guess that would make it woman talk?"

"Yeah something like that."

"That's fine, I can crack eggs and squeeze oranges with the best of them, so I'll go get started and leave you two alone," Matt said leaving for the kitchen curious as to what this was about but deciding not to pry, he'd just get Ellen to tell him later.

"What's on your mind Allison?"

"We have a very good relationship don't we Mom? I mean I can tell you things or ask you questions without you being judgmental or preachy in response right?"

"Yes, you know that goes without saying."

"Great," taking a seat next to Ellen whom had once again sat on the bed, " because I want to ask you a question."

"Alright, that sounds kind of ominous, you have my full attention."

"How? Hmmm, how did you know you were ready to take the next step?"

"The next step?" Ellen repeated the slightest hint of foreboding coming over her.

"Yes, you know sharing yourself completely with someone. Knowing that you were ready to make love for the first time."

"I thought that's what you meant." This conversation was extremely uncomfortable to Ellen but she was doing a superb job of masking it. "I guess it could be different for different people Allison."

"I'm sure it is, but I want to know how you knew."

"Well it was this feeling. This unexplainable, overwhelming feeling that made me want to share every aspect of myself with that person more so than what I already had. It was complete and total openness. It was love. Love that was an all-consuming emotional feeling that I was ready to express physically, but one that I waited until I was married to express," she was certain to add. "May I ask why you're asking me this?"

"Yes. Putting aside the way Daddy ranted and raved yesterday I couldn't possibly stay away from Jack."

Taken aback a bit, "Wait a minute are you saying…"

"No Mom I haven't slept with Jack, that's not to say that I don't want to."

"I see."

"Jack came by last night and he was really upset. Appears he and his uncle had a bit of an exchange."

"I know," Ellen said nodding her head.

A curious look crosses Ally's face.

"Yeah Chris called last night convinced Jack was with you. We told him he wasn't because that's what we thought. Jack was here then?"

"Yes he was here, well outside," she explained, "and we talked. He shared with me some of the details as to why Daddy hates Dr. Ramsey so much. Daddy has his reasons, after what he told me before I already felt that but it's even clearer now why he can't stand the man."

"So you know about what happened with the…" Ellen's voice trails.

"Yes I do and I'd just rather leave it at that. Anyway back to what I was saying before, Jack and I were talking and Mom it got so intense. He was willing to stop seeing me to preserve my relationship with Daddy, that's how much he loves me. Because he knows how important Daddy is to me he didn't want to be responsible for destroying the relationship we had."

"What was your reaction to that?"

"Shock. Jack knows how much I love Daddy, he's heard me go on and on about him, without any firsthand knowledge I might add. Daddy has really given him no reason to believe all I've said about him but it didn't change Jack's awareness of what Daddy means to me. He didn't want me to lose that, even when he was willing to walk completely away from Dr. Ramsey a man who's the only family he has, without giving it a second thought. However what Jack needed to know was that as much as I do love Daddy and Mom you know I do he's my hero and I can't imagine my life without him in it, but more than that I can't begin to imagine my life without Jack in it, and I told him as much. I don't ever want to have to choose between my love for Jack and my love for Daddy, but if I had to, if I absolutely had to I could, and then I made it clear to Jack that his walking away from me was not an option."

"You two really do love each other."

"Yes we do Mom. When he kissed me last night it was like no other kiss we've ever shared, we didn't want it to end. It was at that moment that I realized I wanted to take the next step. The way you described how you felt when you were ready to proceed to the next level, well that's exactly how I felt last night and feel right now. There is no doubt in my mind."

"Allison I can imagine you're feeling all sorts of things, but…"

"You said you wouldn't be preachy or judgmental Mom."

Taking her hand, "I'm not, I'm not being either. I just want you to understand this is a monumental step. You've only known each other a short time, Jack's not pressuring you is he?"

"Oh no, not at all, he's been the perfect gentleman. He's never once brought it up, ever. He's so wonderful Mom and I just love him so much and I want to show him exactly how much."

"I see," Ellen uttered as she attempted to soak in everything her daughter was saying.

"I'm not stupid Mom, I've listened when we had our talks about teen pregnancy, using protection, and STD's and all that. I'm not going into this blind. I know how to protect myself."

"I'm sure you do, but Ally you're so young."

"I'm eighteen. There are not a lot of eighteen-year-old virgins. I don't want to be with Jack just so I won't be a virgin anymore. I know what a gift this is, I'm just sure I want to give this gift to Jack."

"I understand honey, I just hope you're ready for all of the ramifications of what taking this step entails. I guess some part of me hoped that you would wait until you were married like I did, but I guess that's just me being old fashioned. You must think that hypocritical knowing that I didn't wait with your father, but all I can say is it was different."

"Mom I would never judge you. I know you were married before and your husband died. I think waiting is a sweet sentiment I really do and I had hoped that for myself too when I had my first time."

"You can have that Allison. It would make your first time even more special. What's the rush?"

"The rush is I'm ready now. Like you said you didn't wait until you were married to Daddy to be with him, did that take away from how special it was when you were with him?

"No, no it didn't."

"See." Gently squeezing Ellen's hand, "Thanks Mom for talking to me and I hope you understand where I'm coming from."

"I'm glad that you felt you could come to me with this, and I understand completely what you're feeling right now, I just hope you fully understand what you're getting yourself in to. This is a huge commitment Allison."

"I know that Mom and I do understand. I've felt committed to Jack from practically the moment we met and this feels like a natural progression to me. I'm not saying it's going to happen today, I just feel like it will happen soon. And Mom if you don't mind let's just keep this talk between us."

"You mean don't tell your father."

"Well," pausing for the briefest moment, "yeah, that's exactly what I mean. I really don't see the point in his knowing about this. You know keep it to ourselves for peace sake. If Daddy even got an inkling of this he'd blow like Mt. St. Helens."

"What if he asks, and you know he'll ask. I won't lie to him Allison."

"Then tell him the truth. It was a personal conversation between the two of us. That's not a lie and you'll still be keeping my confidence."

"Okay, I guess I can do that," Ellen agreed reluctantly.

"Great, there are a couple of things I need to do before I get ready for that big breakfast."

"Is that a subtle hint for me to take my leave now?"

"Sorta, I'm going to call Jack and tell him the good news." Reading her mother's peculiar expression. "About Daddy Mom, about Daddy and his changing his mind."

"Fine, I'll see you in a bit."

"As soon as I talk to Jack and shower I'll be right out."

Once Ellen entered the kitchen Matt didn't waste any time asking her about what went on between her and Allison. "So?" he asked.

"So what?" Ellen replied pouring a cup of coffee.

"What were you and Allison in conference about?"

"Girl talk, nothing you'd be interested in," adding a half pack of Sweet n Low to the coffee and a dollop of milk before taking a sip of the steaming beverage.

"Seeing as you two are my favorite girls I'm very interested."

"Trust me Matt, you're not interested."

"You're being evasive Ellen, and what's with the look?"

"What look?"

"Exactly, I've never seen it before. After all these years I thought I could read your every emotion but this one is different. What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, really," giving him a quick kiss. "It was just girl talk."

Around 8:30 that morning MJ runs into Jack at Kelly's Diner.

"You're still alive, I guess that means my dad didn't catch you last night," MJ said giving Jack a friendly pat on the shoulder as he took a seat next to him on a counter stool.

"No he didn't and thanks for helping me last night, Allison is just what I needed."

"Just call me a sucker for young love."

"Actually things are looking up for us, at least where your father's concerned."

"How's that?"

"Ally called a bit ago and told me that your dad will let us see each other now. If that's what she really wanted he wouldn't interfere."

"Dad said that?" Finding those words hard to believe.

"Yeah he did, at least that's what Allison said. If not when I come over to pick her up tonight things might be a little sticky."

"Sounds like fun, I'll make it my business to be there."

The waitress appears and tells Jack his special order will be ready at 5:30, then giving MJ a thorough once over and a huge smile she takes his breakfast order.

"What special order?" MJ asked Jack after the waitress pulled herself back into the kitchen.

"A surprise for Allison. I have to get to work now, I'll see you later MJ."

When MJ arrived at the TV station he was quickly ushered into the station manager's office.

"Mr. James is there a problem?" he asked in the direction of the leather bound chair that was turned away from him. "No, no problem Mr. Harmon, at least not one that can't be solved with some cooperation from you," a higher pitched voice than what belonged to Mr. James answered. "And I'm not Mr. James," the voice finished before turning the chair around to face MJ.

"Yes I can see that," MJ replied upon seeing the beautiful blonde woman.

"Please have a seat."

MJ obliged.

"There's been some changes here at the station, first and foremost with Mr. James, he's no longer with us."

"What?" MJ asked not quite understanding what that meant.

"No, no he's still alive, he's just no longer with the station. We saw that his vision was not the vision that we wanted for WLPC so I'm here to implement the vision I have in mind."

"May I ask who you are?"

"Certainly, Anna Donnelly, my mother Tiffany Hill-Donnelly is the majority owner in this station."

"I've heard a lot of wonderful things about Ms. Hill, but I thought she was no longer actively involved in the workings of the station."

"Well she hasn't been for a very long time. When my father was shot she focused all her attention on him and helping him with his recovery and as he got better she then put all her energies into raising me. Now the media bug is my forte and I've been watching the way things have been going here and I'm not happy with it. Since my mother was still majority holder I implored her to let me get this station back to its former glory and she granted me my request, that's why I'm here."

"Alright, where do I fit into all of this?"

"In the most fundamental of ways Mr. Harmon."

"Please call me MJ."

"Alright MJ, I'm sure you're aware that you've a very handsome man, and before you go shooting up the sexual harassment flag I'm only making a point, besides that I'm happily married and not looking for extra-curricular activities. You have this look and you exude this amazing charm and it's beyond me why they haven't put you in front of a camera yet."

MJ loved this praise. Finally someone saw what he had to offer to the world. "Well far be it for me to disagree with your assessment," displaying that thousand watt smile. "Actually I'm going to be doing weekend sports starting tomorrow on the six and eleven news. It's just a temporary thing right now but it's a great start."

"Sports? Is that all? No MJ I have much bigger plans for you than that. You're going to be the spark that brings WLPC back to its prominence, and it's not starting with sports on tomorrow, but with anchoring the noon news today."

"Noon news? Today?!" MJ exclaimed completely not believing this great fortune.

"Yes, you're young and not very experienced, but that's good because I can groom you. You have this flair that I'm looking for and I plan to take it and run with it. Are you interested?"

He was tempted to say "What kind of question is that?!" but thought better of it, "Am I interested? Very much so Ms. Donnelly. I'm your clay, mold me."

"Just what I wanted to hear. With this new role comes an increase in pay of fifteen percent and once your demographics from the first couple of months come back and they're as good as I know they will be that increase will go up ten percent more."

"Your faith in me is extremely flattering, and personally I'm my own biggest fan, but I have to wonder what you're going by?"

"I have eyes everywhere and from what I've seen of you I know you're exactly what I'm looking for from that gorgeous face to the GQ fashion sense. Sure you have a bit of an ego, but I think that can be an asset in this line of work."

MJ chuckled, "Tell my parents that. They won't believe this."

"I'm sure they'll be very proud. What I need for you to do now is go into makeup I want to give you a dry run and get you familiar with being before the camera. The news is live so I want you to be as comfortable as possible."

"There's no doubt I'll be comfortable. If I haven't said it before Ms. Donnelly I'm so thankful for this opportunity and I promise I won't disappoint you."

"I'm sure you won't. I'll have a producer drop off copy from yesterday's news for you to look over and then we'll have a run through."

MJ extends his hand to Anna as they both stood, "Thank you, thank you very much for this opportunity."

"No thank you, I think this is one of the best moves I can make for the station."

"I won't let you down." With that MJ left the office literally about to burst from excitement, he finally got the big break he was waiting for and he had no intention of not taking full advantage of it.

It was a little after noon and Matt had caught up with Ellen right outside the hospital cafeteria.

"Babe are you going to tell me what you and Allison were talking about this morning?"

"No, I'm not," Ellen answered. "It was just something she wanted to share with me."

"Something personal?"

"Yes Matt is was of the personal nature?"

"If it involves Allison I think I should know about it."

"Matt, sweetie, there are some things you just don't need to know about. Heck there are some things I don't need to know about," the crux of the earlier conversation flashing in her mind.

"It was about that Ramsey kid wasn't it? What is it Ellen?"

Desperate to talk about this with him but unwilling to break Ally's confidence, "I'm sorry, I can't tell you." Ellen walked through the swinging doors with Matt following closely behind. He was about to offer a more compelling argument when after entering the cafeteria they encountered an unfamiliar buzz in the air.

"What's going on now?" Matt wondered out loud.

At that moment a nurse came up to them overwrought with excitement, "Your son's on TV!" she explained.

"What?!" Matt and Ellen said.

"Your son, he's the doing the news. He is sooooo gorgeous. Oh my I have to go back," the nurse flitted back to the television.

Turning to Ellen, "Did you know about this?"

"He called earlier and rambled something about watching the news but I got so backed up in the ER it completely slipped my mind."

"How do you think he managed that?" Matt asked as they made their way closer to the wall-mounted screen.

"Beats me, but look at him," Ellen said beaming with pride, "he's a natural. He looks so handsome."

"You're biased Ellen, but he does look damn good doesn't he."

"Just like his father," placing her arm around his shoulder as they continued to watch the broadcast.

"He said he was going to do it, looks like he did."

A minute after the final credits rolled Ellen's cell phone rang.

"Yes MJ," Ellen answered not having to wonder who it was.

"Mom did you see me? I was working it wasn't I?" He replied tooting his own horn.

"You were very good son, how did that happen?"

"Oh Mom you wouldn't believe it, I have so much to tell you and Dad, is he there?"

"Right here."

"Let me talk to him."

Ellen hands the phone to Matt.

"Yes son."

"Give me my props Dad."

"Is that what you wanted to say to me?" Matt asked not at all surprised.

"Dad I was smokin' out there, let me here it," his smile so bright one had to wear shades to look at him.

"You were fantastic son, you are definitely in your element on the small screen."

"There was never a doubt. Look I'll explain everything to you guys tonight, I'll be doing the news at six too so keep your eyes open. I should be at the house a little after seven."

"We'll see you then."

"Okay, tell Mom I said bye."

"Will do." After ending the call Matt handed the phone back to Ellen. "He told me to tell you goodbye and that he'd be doing the news at six."

"Who has that boy charmed?"

"Apparently the right person. Now back to Allison."

Not wanting to get into that again Ellen looks down at her watch, "Would you look at the time, I have to get back to the ER. Catch you later honey." Giving Matt a kiss on the cheek she was out of the cafeteria in a flash.

"Somebody's gonna give me some answers, and I have a good idea of where to start." Matt left the cafeteria and headed straight for the physical therapy room.

Jack was just on his way out to lunch when Matt stopped him. "Hey kid, I need a word with you."

"Dr. Harmon, hi," Jack said a bit nervously. "Is there something wrong?"

"That's what I want to know. Allison and her mother were huddled together in her room for a while this morning, what were they talking about?"

"Uh, I don't have a clue sir."

"You don't want to lie to me son," Matt asserted.

"I'm not lying. I don't have a clue as to what Ally and Mrs. Harmon were talking about. I can ask her if you want me too," Jack sincerely offered.

"No that won't be necessary," Matt said as he turned to leave.

"Dr. Harmon," Jack said retaining Matt's attention, "Allison did tell me that you agreed to let us see each other. This means a great deal to her and to me too."

"Well I really don't care what it means to you, but I do want my daughter to be happy. Don't think for a second I'm happy about this, because I am not. I'm doing this for two reasons, well actually three. The first two and most important are Ally and her mother and the final reason is to keep some semblance of peace in my house. I don't trust you, that's a given but I'm gonna smile and make nice for my wife and daughter's sake. I'll tell you this," inching this much closer to Jack, "you have one time," sticking up his index finger, "just one to hurt my daughter and when you do, because I just know you're going to, it's going to be you and me," pointing first at Jack then to himself, "and I assure you, it won't be pretty. You're on notice. With that said, I'll see you this evening. Oh one other thing, if you get the urge to touch Allison I recommend that you reconsider it as soon as the thought enters your head, you got me?"

Jack silently nodded his head and when Matt was gone he swallowed the knot that had made its way into his throat as he pondered what was worse; having to sneak around with Ally behind her father's back or seeing her openly with her father watching his every move like hawk.

This day had gone better than MJ could have ever imagined. The noon news was a smash with the switchboard lit up like a Christmas tree, and the six o'clock news was just more of the same. People dying to know who this Matthew Harmon, Jr. was and if they were going to be seeing more of him and more importantly was he single that was the number one question from the big 18-34 demographic. MJ was eating up his newfound celebrity like it was his last meal. He always believed he was God's gift to the women of the world but now that fact was being proven and he was enjoying the hell out of it. Following a very brief meeting with Anna after the news at six and literally being swamped in the parking lot by a slew of female admirers MJ made his way to his parents home. He had yet to give Allison her birthday present or even wish her a Happy Birthday and with Jack coming over this evening and his having to still share his big promotion news MJ knew this night would be one filled with excitement for lack of a better word. Doing forty in a thirty five mile per hour zone in one of the less busy parts of town MJ decided to beat the traffic light that had just seconds before turned yellow. Just before he passed under the light it turned red and soon after that a flashing blue light appeared behind him. "Oh damn," he silently swore. "Just when the day was going so well." He pulled over into a parking space on the side of the street as a uniformed officer approached him. "Good evening mate, I need to see your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance," the female officer said with a thick Australian accent.

"Oh you're not from here," was MJ's reply.

"Give that man a prize."

"No what I mean is, you obviously don't know who I am," deciding to use his newly achieved fame to his advantage after catching a glimpse of his gorgeousness in the rearview mirror.

"Sure I do."

"You do?" he said impressed with her apparent knowledge of his now icon like status.

"Yes, sir, you're a law offender, you just ran a red light, speeding I might add. I need to see your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance."

Scowling a bit, MJ handed her the necessary papers. "Look I'm MJ Harmon, a local celebrity," now checking himself out in the driver's side mirror, "and this is petty stuff." Giving the officer a hard stare, not at all happy with being detained, "I have someplace to be, besides the light was yellow and I always thought five miles was a given. If the PCPD is going to make Australian citizens police officers I would think they would know the law," he snidely commented.

"For your information I am a US citizen, and I know the law a lot better than you could ever know it. If you would stop looking in the mirror admiring yourself for more than a minute at a time you could probably grasp that. Don't go anywhere." She instructed before heading to her patrol car where she verified MJ's information and wrote up his ticket leaving MJ sulking in her wake.

"You know you can't talk to me like that!" he declared when the officer returned.

"I can talk to you however I want, you're a jerk. And worse than that you're a jerk who can't obey traffic laws."

Handing the citation and his personal documents to him. "I'll see you in court. You have a good evening sir." With a tip of her hat she was back to her car and drove away in the other direction.

"Who the hell does she think she is?!" MJ grumbled crumbling the ticket and tossing it in his glove compartment before spinning his wheels outta there.

Jack arrived at the house in the middle of MJ's broadcast. Ally welcomed him in as he commented on the new shiny black convertible mustang in the driveway.

"Yeah, yeah, it's a present from Mom and Daddy," her mind obviously on other things, "MJ's on television," she said giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before dragging him into the living room.

A commercial was on by the time they got in so Matt and Ellen had a couple of minutes to focus on Jack and Ally. "Hello Jack it's nice to see you again," Ellen greeted with a warm smile.

"It's good to see you again too Dr. Mrs. Harmon," Jack responded feeling extremely nervous under Matt's ardent gaze.

"You can call me Ellen all that Dr. Mrs., is a mouthful."

"No why don't you just call her Mrs. Harmon, that works," Matt offered.

"Yes sir, and how are you this evening Dr., uh, Mr. Harmon."

"Dr. Harmon, and I'm great, have a seat."

Ellen and Ally exchanged looks at Matt's unnerving behavior, but he didn't throw Jack out so that was a plus. When the news broadcast was over an attempt at light conversation was made.

"So what are your plans for this evening?" Ellen inquired.

"Well actually I have a surprise for Allison," Jack answered giving Ally a warm smile.

After the talk she had with Ally that morning Ellen didn't know quite what to make of that statement but if she thought about it too much it would drive her crazy so she chose not to think about it.

"She doesn't like surprises," Matt eagerly shared with Jack, "besides you're both dressed in jeans it can't be that great a surprise."

"I like jeans Daddy and I'm willing to make an exception this once and Jack already knows I don't like surprises, he knows everything about me," entwining her arm around his.

"Better not be everything," Matt thought as he gave Jack a warning look causing Jack to place Ally's arm back to her side.

Matt smiled his approval as Ally looked on quite puzzled.

When making preparations to leave about thirty minutes later Matt did what he promised Ellen he would do, he shook Jack's hand, making certain to whisper the instructions he gave Jack at the hospital earlier that day.r "Yes sir," Jack affirmed extremely ill at ease.

"You two have a good time," Ellen said.

"Not too good a time," Matt whispered just loud enough for everyone to hear.

"We're leaving now," Ally said heading for the door more than ready to escape Matt's 'Ole' Yeller' impersonation. "Tell MJ I'm sorry I missed him and that he looked great on TV."

"It's your birthday today Allison, I would like it to still be your birthday when you get back, understand?" Matt submitted.

"Daddy," Allison breathed exasperated.

"He's kidding," Ellen explained giving Matt a look that said she was not amused. "Use your own discretion Ally." Getting the veiled double meaning, "Yes ma'am," she replied.

As they were going out the door MJ came rushing in. "I'm sorry I'm late. Some overeager green cop pulled me over." Turning to Allison, "Happy Birthday kid you're finally legal," giving her a hug. "Make sure you do everything I wouldn't do," he laughed.

"Words everyone should live by," Ally retorted.

Reaching into his suit pocket he hands her a small gift, "This is for you, I know you'll love it. I have a way with finding the perfect gift for women. You can give me my kiss now," he said pointing to his cheek.

"You are so full of yourself," giving him a peck on the cheek. "Thank you."

"Any time."

Tearing away the wrapping paper Ally opens the box to find gold link bracelet, "MJ it's beautiful."

"Yes it is," fastening the bracelet around her wrist. "Just don't submerse it in water."

Ally gave him a playful hit, "Whatever. Before I leave let me add more width to that ever expanding head of yours by telling you how great you were on the news tonight."

"Thanks sis."

"You really looked to be in a comfort zone MJ," Jack shared.

"I was in my element, I knew I would be. In front of the camera is where I belong."

"Well this is all so very fascinating but now we have to go," Ally said taking Jack's hand.

Before leaving Ally was sure to inform Matt that she wouldn't be out too awful late after which they departed. Once they were gone Matt approached Ellen. "So, how did I do?"

"You could have been better," Ellen answered, "but you most certainly could have been worse so I'd say you were marginal."

"Marginal huh?"

"Yes marginal," she repeated her voice softening.

I think I can work with marginal," that familiar gleam shining in his eyes as he gave her hand a kiss.

"Look don't talk like that in front of me," MJ pleaded, "geez. Have some decorum people."

"I'm sorry, for a minute there I thought I was in my house," Matt said in a tone layered with sarcasm. "Where was my head?"

"Look you can get back to that 'marginal' stuff later. Let me take you guys out to dinner, and it's my treat I have a lot to tell you."

"We're sure you do, in fact I can't wait to hear it. So where are we going?" Ellen asked.

"The Port Charles Grille," MJ answered.

"The Grille? You sure you're picking up the check?" Matt questioned him.

"Yes Dad, I'm sure. You guys get ready and I'll go check my email from the station. I know I'll have tons. And please just get dressed okay, I'm hungry."

When they got to the Grille MJ was assaulted by a small group of 'admirers'.

"There's no escaping it," he whispered to his parents relishing in his role of 'star'. "Have the waiter show you to a table and I'll be over as soon as I can," MJ instructed his parents as he tended to his flock.

"We thought he was impossible before, we don't know the half," Ellen said as she watched the scene unfolding before her eyes.

"Let's just go to our table," Matt suggested, "who knows how long that's going to take."

As they were being escorted to their table Ellen caught a glimpse of an old familiar face. "Matt isn't that Dara Jensen and yes, Mac's with her? Let's go over and say hi."

The two proceeded to Mac and Dara's table. "Dara Jensen, I thought that was you, my goodness how long has it been?" Ellen asked as the two shared a hug while Matt and Mac shook hands.

"Over twenty years. I haven't seen you since right after you helped me with that Carter case," Dara answered. "You look great."

"So do you. When did you guys get back into town?"

"Just this morning actually, we've decided to move back to Port Charles. It was good living in Australia but my wife here was ready to come back home. Especially since her baby bear has joined the police force."

"Having had my turn in the scandal sun of Port Charles I have to say that when you guys got married and hightailed it to Australia tongues were wagging for a long time," Matt explained.

"We wanted to leave the denizens of Port Charles something to remember us by," Mac shared.

"Well you certainly did that. You said you have a child on the police force, how many children do you have?" Ellen inquired.

"Three. Two sons, twins Tristan who's in law school in Sydney and Travis who's an architect there, and we have a daughter, Jenny who decided to follow my footsteps in law enforcement."

"Jen wanted to come to the states and get what she called a real feel for crime. I was not gonna have my baby over here being a cop by herself," Dara informed them. "So we're here. Speak of the devil here she comes now."

"I'm sorry I'm late Mum and Dad. I had to cite some egomaniac just before I finished my day and then to add insult to injury; because he's such a prize jerk, I had the misfortune of running into him and his entourage as I was coming into the restaurant. He's some 'local celebrity'. It's amazing he could fit his body in here his head is so big. I can honestly say I have never met anyone so in love with himself before in my life. I'm sorry," she said turning to Matt and Ellen, "you must think I have kangaroos in the top paddock."

"I don't think so," Matt uttered. "What does that mean?"

"That I'm crazy going on like this. This man I'm talking about thinks he's Christmas on a stick."

Ellen looks at Dara.

"He thinks he's all that." Dara translated. "When she gets in a tizzy Australian slang just shoots out of her."

Matt and Ellen didn't have to be rocket scientists to get she was talking about MJ.

"This bundle of energy is our daughter Jensyn, Jensyn this is Drs. Matthew and Ellen Harmon old acquaintances of ours."

"Did you say Harmon Mum?"

"Yes I did."

"Stone the crows," Jensyn murmured.

"What's the problem Jenny?" Mac wondered.

"I think I can explain," Ellen began but got halted in her explanation because at that same moment MJ arrived at the table.

"I'm sorry if that took too long but my public awaited." Extending his hand to Mac and then Dara, MJ Harmon, but I probably don't need to tell you that," figuring his celebrity status had reached stratospheric proportions. Now turning to Jensyn not recognizing her out of uniform, with her shoulder length medium brown curly tresses flowing just past her shoulder and a form fitting, blue knee length dress hugging her every curve. "Wow finally a woman that looked as good as he did," MJ thought. "And who is this vision of loveliness in blue," spellbound by her beauty as he took her hand and placed a feathery soft kiss upon it.

Pulling her hand from his grasp not at all impressed, "Officer Jensyn Scorpio," she answered flatly.

That voice now suddenly becoming very familiar to him, "Oh brother," MJ groaned, "It can't be."

"So, we meet again."