When Hate Turns to Love

Ch. 36

"I love you too." she said, "Now behave. You can set the table."

"Yes ma'am." he said, reluctantly letting go.

Breakfast was wonderfully engaging. Charlotte and Connor were so happy that Ricky was there. Her heart warmed at the sight of Ricky cutting up Connor's waffles for him. Nini decided that she was going to let herself pretend. She deserved it.

"Who wants more syrup?" she asked.

Three full mouths asked for more.

LINE BREAK

Nini was looking at house listings online when her cell rang.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Hey Nins." Kourt said, "We've got a plan."

"We?" she asked.

"Yes, we. Red and I."

Nini grinned.

"Really?! That's great. What did you find out?" Nini asked her best friend.

"Brookelynn goes to the hair salon every third Monday. She'll be downtown this afternoon. EJ has a meeting. He won't be around."

"Have you called Mr. Mazzara?" Nini asked, not wanting to incur the lawyer's wrath again.

"Yes. He's notifying the Heethuis'. Mrs. Heethuis now has an appointment and Mr. Heethuis is just going to be waiting there."

"Ok. We can't be there. Brookelynn will recognize us." Nini said.

"I know. That's why I'm sending Red in with his video camera and he'll set up so we can watch on the computer."

"He'll do that for us?" Nini asked.

"That man treats you like his sister. I'm pretty sure he'd do anything to help you out." Kourt said.

Nini bit her lip, but gave a small smile.

"I'll set up in the practice room." Nini said, "I'll see you in a bit. Bye."

"Bye."

Nini hit 'end' and then dialed another number. She informed Ricky of what was going on. He informed her that he had to go to Australia for a few concerts.

"Good luck." he said.

"You too." she said, "We'll miss you."

"I'll miss you guys too. Keep me updated."

"Alright. Love you."

"Love you too darling."

LINE BREAK

Red positioned himself inside the salon, telling the hairdressers he was filming a documentary. They were, of course, flattered and allowed him to sit in the corner. He began filming when Brookelynn Caswell entered the shop.

"Hello Mrs. Caswell." said one of the hairdressers, named Cleo.

"Hello Cleo." Brookelynn said quietly.

Red filmed Brookelynn getting her hair washed and sitting in one of the booths. The bell attached to the door rang and Mrs. Heethuis entered with her husband. Red gave them a discreet nod. Brookelynn was facing away from them, but Red could tell by the way the color drained from her face, she had spotted her parents in the mirror in front of her. Mrs. and Mr. Heethuis had seen her as well, but followed Mr. Mazzara's instructions not to engage immediately, so they pretended not to notice her.

"I'm here for my 5 o'clock appointment." Mrs. Heethuis said, her voice uneven.

"Yes, of course, right this way." the other hairdresser, Lucy said.

Mrs. Heethuis struggled to walk past her daughter to the wash basin.

"Doing well." Mr. Heethuis muttered from beside Red.

It was only when Mrs. Heethuis was sat next to Brookelynn that she reacted.

"Brookelynn?" she gasped.

"M-mom?" Brooke stammered.

She looked ready to run. Red really hoped she wouldn't, Kourtney would be so disappointed.

"You know each other?" Cleo said pleasantly.

The hairdressers were confused when the older couple descended on Brookelynn, hugging her tightly.

"We have missed you so much sweetheart." Mrs. Heethuis said, tears running down her face.

Mr. Heethuis struggled to remain stoic.

"I-I missed you too." Brookelynn said.

"Where have you been?" Mr. Heethuis asked, even though he knew the answer.

"I-I got married." she said, her voice becoming robotic, "To a wonderful man. I love him very much. He takes care of me."

Mr. Heethuis clenched his fist at his side. This wasn't his daughter. His daughter was bright, happy and vibrant. This girl was cold and her eyes were filled to the brim with fright.

"Can we meet him?" he gritted out.

"No!" Brookelynn exclaimed, jumping up, "I mean, he's a very private person."

Mrs. Heethuis hugged her daughter. Brookelynn let out a hiss of pain.

"What's wrong?" she asked her daughter.

"I-uh-just a bad trip down the stairs." Brookelynn quickly said, "I'm fine."

Mr. Heethuis put a hand on Brookelynn's back and she winced.

"Come home Brookelynn." he begged, "Come be safe."

Brookelynn's eyes opened wide when she realized that her parents knew what EJ was doing to her. But she remembered all of his horrible promises should she ever say anything.

"I don't know what you are talking about." she said, "I have to go. I'll reschedule Cleo."

Brookelynn practically ran out of the salon. Mrs. Heethuis moved to go after her, but Allan stopped her.

"If he sees us, she's in more danger."

Back at the Melody Mart, Nini let out a sigh.

"The balls in Brookelynn's court now." she said to Kourtney.