INSTALLMENT 41 
 
 
Mitchell's Home:



    Melinda  steps out of her bedroom, haunted by the silence.  On 
most mornings, the house is filled with the noises of her siblings
scrambling to face their day. Looking toward her sister's bedroom, 
she debates knocking on her door. Opting not to disturb  Katie , she 
makes her way down the stairs. It isn't like her sister to hide in her
bedroom, especially over a guy. The breakup with Henry  must be 
more serious than with any of Katie's previous relationships.

   As she enters the kitchen, the phone starts ringing.  She makes a
beeline for the phone hoping it's Stephen.  Ever since their kiss, she can't 
get him out of her mind despite telling herself he's dating someone else.  
How ironic is it that she realizes her feelings when he finds someone 
else?  

   "Hello, Mitchell residence?"  

   "Melinda, it's Nina.  I was wondering if Katie was home?"  

   "Yes, she's up in her room.   I'm surprised you called on the landline, 
couldn't you reach her on her cell?"  Melinda asks, peering up the stairs.

   "That's just it.  She isn't answering her cell phone nor returning any of my
messages."   Nina pauses not sure how to tell Melinda about the website.

"I think she's still getting over her breakup with Henry." Melinda offers.

 "Maybe but I think you need to check out a website called Angel's Goodies.
I think it'll answer any question you have about her hiding in her room."

   "Thank you for letting me know.  I'll let Katie know you called."  

    Melinda hangs up the phone and walks over to the computer.  After waiting for
the computer to load, she googles Angel's Goodie's and enters the link.  

   The logo appears and then several thumbnails of semi-naked young women in 
various poses appear.  She sits down in shock when she notices Katie's image.
She clicks on the thumbnail image and painfully watches as several photos of her 
sister load. 

    Melinda doesn't know how to react and sits motionless for several minutes. 
Sighing, she slowly stands up dreading the confrontation with Katie.    

   Melinda walks to the stairway and yells, "Katie, get your ass downstairs right now!"

   Katie walks down the stairs wondering what she's done now.  Anytime 
her sister calls for her, it usually means she's done something that her 
perfect older sister doesn't approve of.

   "What did I do now?"  Katie asks, trying to gauge if she's in trouble or 
not.

   Katie follows Melinda in to the living room.  Melinda stops in front of the computer
and points her finger at the screen.  She looks furious but doesn't say a word.
When Katie takes a look at the computer screen and sees herself splashed across 
the screen, she looks back at Melinda in confusion. 

"Is this some kind of joke you're playing on me?" Katie asks.

   "Are you kidding me!" Melinda shakes her head and throws up her hands. 
"Wake up, there are semi-nude pictures of you all over the internet!  Was this 
what you had in mind when you said you wanted to be a model?" Melinda demands,
restraining herself from breaking something. "This is unacceptable, you need to
tell me now when you posed for those pictures!"  

   "I have no idea how these photos got on the internet.  I have..."  Katie 
stops suddenly recalling her photo session with  Nico Rawlins , "Nico, you bastard!" She
sinks down on the sofa and starts to cry.

   Melinda groans and picks up a pillow from the sofa, punching it with her fists.
"Is that the creep I saw you talking to awhile back at O'learys?"  

 Katie nods, "Yes."

   Melinda starts pacing around the living room, "Did you pose for him?" She
then turns around and points her finger at Katie, "Don't answer because obviously
you did pose. I can't believe you fell for his line!  Didn't I tell you he tried that on me?"

   "He just wanted to take some test photo's at his apartment." Katie responds.

   Melinda stops her pacing, "You went to his apartment?  You're just asking
for trouble when you do that.  What were you thinking?"

   Katie takes a deep breath,  "I didn't see the harm in going over there.  He 
had me sign some release forms for the test shots so I figured he was legit."

   "Oh, that's just perfect.  We can't do anything about this because you 
signed a release.  Where were his references!  Did you background check
him?"  Melinda shouts at Katie from across the room.

   Katie shrugs her shoulders,  " He works at Falmont and I thought he was
being sincere." She pauses, "He noticed when I was nervous and let me
drink a Corona to relax."

   Melinda starts pacing again, "You want to run that by me one more time?"

   "I had a beer to calm down because I was nervous.  Nico said it would help.
The next thing I remember is waking up in my bed at home unsure of how I got
 there." 

   Melinda shakes her head, "I can't begin to tell you how incredibly stupid 
you were to believe that man.  Not to mention the fact that you're 
underage and shouldn't be drinking." Melinda tosses the pillow at Katie and
then sits down beside her.

   Katie groans and leans back against the sofa. "I'm almost 21 and 
everyone my age drinks.   I can't believe this is happening to me."

  "It sounds like he slipped something into your drink and that's probably when 
he took those pictures of you.  I blame myself for not keeping better watch over 
you."  Melinda throws her arm around Katie shoulders, "If I had spent less time 
working at O'leary's, this wouldn't have happened!"

   Katie sighs, "I'm sorry about what happened but it isn't my fault at
all!  How was I suppose to know he was going to do that to me?" She
notes Melinda's expression, "Why do you always assume the worst of me?
I mean you never do this to  Wally !"

   "Wally would never involve himself in a situation like this.  He has displayed
ample amounts of maturity and good judgement.  For Pete's sake, you even 
lost your scholarship because of your relationship with Henry!"  Melinda 
pauses for a second, "You lack maturity and good judgement!  This 
situation with Nico more then confirms that!"

   Before they could continue, the front door opens.  Looking 
toward the front door, they notice a rumpled Wally making his way toward
the stairs.

   "Just a moment Wally!"  Melinda calls out to him, "Where were you last
night?"

   Wally turns around, debating whether he should let his sister know about
his night with  Alicia .  Noting her expression, he decides not to mention
Alicia and tells her a convincing story instead.

   "I was at my friend Leon's apartment studying for trigonometry.  We 
studied until late in the evening and I decided to crash at his place.  I know
I should have called but it was so late and I didn't want to wake either of
you.  I'm sorry."  Wally explains, hoping he sounds convincing.

   Melinda smiles, "It's OK.  You're almost twenty one, just remember to
call next time."   

   Wally nods then walks up the stairs.  Katie moves away
from Melinda on the sofa.  She can't believe Melinda is doing it again.

   "You just proved my point.  You know if Dad were around, he wouldn't 
favor one of his kid's over the other."  

   "Dad isn't here and he hasn't favored any of us with care or concern since he
abandoned us when Mom died." Melinda shoots back. "I doubt he'll ever come 
back.  At least I'm here for you and Wally."  

   Melinda stands up and walks towards the kitchen. She wishes her father hadn't
abandoned all of his responsibilities for the twins. She is tired of being a parent.
"I can't believe you still have such a Pollyanna view of Dad.  But then, we're never 
going to agree about him, are we Katie?  Get out of my sight because I can't stand 
to look at you right now!"

   Katie walks out of the room, pissed at her sister for treating her this way. Melinda
sits down at the kitchen table unsure how to handle this latest problem in her life.



Dr. Jackson Alfaro's Office:



   "Mr Norris, what brings you to my office today?"   Dr. Jackson Alfaro  asks.

   Thomas  takes a deep breath, unsure of the exact reason why he's seeing 
this perfect stranger.  What a way to waste a perfectly good day off, he
thinks to himself.  He tries to think of a quick, convincing answer.

   "I guess you could say a close friend motivated me to seek you out."  
Thomas replies, noting the lack of expression on the doctor's face,

   Dr. Alfaro nods, "Is that the only reason?."    

   Thomas isn't sure what he's getting at, "I already told you the real reason
that I came.  If you don't believe me, why did you ask?"

   "It's been my experience that there's more then one reason for people
to seek out my help.  I assume it has to be someone very close to you
for you come here.  Am I right?"

   "Yes.  Are you satisfied?"  Thomas responds, noticing no reaction to his 
question, he continues, "Actually, it's someone I wish I was close to but I'm
not."

   "A significant other?"  Dr. Alfaro presses, "Or is it a friend that you are
interested in?"

   "Someone I'm interested in.  He doesn't want anything to do with me so
I figured I'd give theapy a try.  I see it works on television so I figure why 
not."  Thomas confesses.

   Dr. Alfaro chuckles, "Whatever the reason, I'm glad you took the first 
step in coming to see me.  I hope over time you can trust me enough to
open up about what's bothering you.  I gather you're very guarded, and I
respect that.  I want to reassure you that anything you say remains 
confidential."

   "Thank you for letting me know that.  So what's the next question Dr.?"
Thomas asks, trying to resist the urge to look at his watch.

   "Why doesn't this friend want anything to do with you?"

   Thomas wants to scream out how how afraid he is to have a simple 
dinner with someone attractive, instead he says, "I don't know to be 
honest."

   Dr. Alfaro nods, writing something down in his notebook, "That's one
of the reason's we're here.  To figure out what is making you feel so 
conflicted."

   Thomas looks up,  "I never said I was conflicted, am I giving off that
impression?  Perhaps this is a bad idea."  He starts to get up but stops
himself to see if the doctor will try to discourage him.

   "It's your decision.  I can't make you stay if you don't want to.  You have
to be here because you want to, not because you're trying to impress 
someone else."  Dr. Alfaro states, looking at his watch, "I'm going to make
another appointment for next Thursday at seven in the evening.  My only
advice to you is to think about what's troubling you and to confront it head 
on."  He writes the time on his business card before handing it to Thomas.

     Thomas shakes Dr. Alfaro's hand before walking out of his office.  
Staring at his watch, he decides to head into Chicago to do a little shopping
and salvage his day.  Looking at the business card, he debates whether he
should come back for another appointment or not.



Foxy's:


    Alicia charges through the front door of Foxy's looking for something to
eat before her next class.  Chastising herself for skipping breakfast, she 
now regrets it.  Plopping herself down in the booth, she takes a look over
the menu debating over trying something new or not.  

    "It's been a long time since I've seen you."  A familiar voice remarks.

    Alicia looks up from the menu and stares up at Gillian Richardson .  
A smile forms over seeing her one time drinking buddy staring down at her.
Moving her stuff off the booth, she beckons for Gillian to join her.

   "I can't believe it's been weeks since we had that interesting drama with 
your ex.  Have a seat."  Alicia invites.

   "Thanks, I can only stay for a few minutes.  I'm supposed to pick up
lunch for the team.  God forbid they actually have food delivered to the 
office.  So what's been new with you?"  Gillian asks, pausing to
take a seat.

   "Just the start of fall semester.  You have to love college students who
ditch class on the first week.  I can't be too mad because I was guilty of
that a couple of times in my college career.  Other then that, nothing else is 
going on career-wise."  Alicia replies.

   "I was guilty of not going to class either."  Gillian recalls, "So how are 
things going with Stephen?  Before you say anything, he doesn't tell Nina or
I anything about your relationship.  After I told you about his old crush on
Melinda, I can understand why."  

   Alicia's mind flashes to the image of them kissing and she tries to maintain
her cool in the presence of Gillian.

   "Stephen and I are just fine."  Alicia snaps, "I'm just tired of hearing 
about his old feelings for Melinda.  Why does everyone have to always
mention that to me.  I doubt it occurs to anyone that I don't want to hear
that woman's name."

   Gillian takes a drink of water from the glass in front of her, "You're right,
I'm sorry for bringing her up.  Alicia, you don't have to worry about her being 
a threat to your relationship.  I asked her about that and she stated that she
didn't have any feelings for him.  She just wants to be friends with him."  She 
shakes her head and continues,  "Besides, my brother would never date you 
if he was still in love with her.  Trust me."  She takes another sip of water.

   Alicia grits her teeth, "If that's the case then why did I catch them kissing 
last week?"    

   Gillian chokes on the water and puts her glass back on the table, 
wiping the water from her chin, "No way!  Are you sure you weren't 
seeing things?"

   "I doubt it.  Usually, when people have their lips pressed against each 
other in an upright position, I doubt CPR is being adminstered."  Alicia's 
voice is filled with sarcasm.

   "Ok, so there wasn't any misunderstanding.  You know Melinda is at fault, 
right?"  Gillian reasons, still remembering the last conversation she had with
her in regards to  Dale.  

   Alicia nods then smiles, "I agree with you completely.  If you don't mind I
would perfer you not mention this to them.  I want to take care of it in my 
own way."  Alicia vows,  "Although, it's pretty low that she would lie to you.
I thought she was a truthful person.

   Gillian laughs then notices her order is ready, "Apparently, she lies just like 
the rest of us mere mortals.  I'll try not to say anything.  If you want any help 
with handling  the situation, you know my number."  

   Gillian slides out of her seat, giving Alicia a big hug before heading up front
to pick up her order.

   Alicia sits back down in her seat, realizing she hasn't been served yet.  She 
waves at a server, hoping to have them take her order.  No wonder she's
been so crabby today, she thinks to herself.  Her boyfriend is a liar, she just
slept with one of her former students, and she's starving for some food.  At
least she told Gillian.  She knows Gillian can't keep her mouth shut to 
save her life.  Hopefully, she'll rise to the occasion and take the burden off Alicia
having to cause trouble all by herself.
 

Nico Rawlin's Apartment:


   Nico surfs the internet, proud of himself for providing such a wonderful
model for his former boss.  Part of him wishes he were back in New
York but he reminds himself that he's being paid to do nothing except surf
the internet all day.  

   Just then his cell phone starts vibrating, looking at the phone he notices
Mitch's number on the cell phone.  Thinking he's calling to praise his latest 
find, he answers his phone.

"Hey Mitch, how are you?  Are you calling to congratulate me over a job well 
done?"  Nico asks visualizing the funds deposited into his account from the
pictures.

   "Cut the crap, Rawlins!  What the hell gives you the right to take pictures
of my daughter?"   Gerald Mitchell growls out in short, clipped sentences.

   Nico isn't sure where this is going, "What are you talking about?"

   "I didn't get a chance to see the signed releases until today.  I was royally 
pissed to discover that my daughter, Katie Mitchell, posed for you.

   Nico groans, "Katie is your daughter?  Mitch, how was I to know?  Sorry, man."

  I'm removing the photos from the site immediately. God knows how many perverts
have already downloaded copies. You have twenty four hours to return the 
money and then I'm going to beat the hell out of you."

   Nico doesn't know what to say to fix this disaster. He's stunned 
that Katie is Mitch's daughter.  He didn't even know he had a daughter.