Being where Abberline’s denial of Kat’s rumored death becomes a retreat to a bit of his past … Alphonse does his best to protect Candy from another run-in with Abberline … Willy and Madame aren’t quite sure what to think of James’ new girl Tiffany … Kat narrowly escapes destruction at the hands of witch-hunters, only to find she’s been transferred to another form … Willy and Madame decide that a getaway for just the two of them is the perfect remedy for their communication issues and stress … Faith displays a unique talent, though no one around her is aware … Candy decides to return to her post at Bournemouth House, and Alphonse promises to stand by her … and Abberline, continuing his transference from present to former self, finds himself sprawled on an old familiar pallet in an old familiar haunt.

At the docks:

Alphonse *walking with Candy on his arm, waves a hand out at the ships in the port*  You know, this was a fine idea.  The fresh air, the beautiful ships … *smiles at her, wishing he could help her shake off her melancholy*  If you like, we can board my ship.  Have you seen it?  It’s quite beautiful, though it does have a rather unfortunate name.  I’ve always meant to do something about it, it’s … *his voice trails off as he sees the crowd gathered on the dock.  He starts toward them, concerned, then he stops quickly as he sees that the people are crowding around Abberline*  Oh!  Oh dear … *he gently but firmly steers Candy into the other direction*  Here, let’s go this way.  I’m rather thirsty, let’s get something from the patio at Chez Roux.  We won’t go into the dining room, and we won’t stay, I promise.  It’ll just take a few minutes …

Candy: *absentmindedly* Whatever you want. *she keeps looking at her feet, resisting an urge to look towards Bournemouth House. It belongs to another life, she must get over it, but she can't stop thinking of the Abberlines, how they are faring without her. Maybe they don't really miss her at all... But the Abberline family is not her only concern. What will they think when they hear that she is not guarding Chiana? She will never get another chance, and what's worse is that Chiana is now on her own.* I can wait outside. I really don't wish to go in there.

Alphonse *glances worriedly at the crowd again, then turns to her*  Oh!  Well, never mind.  I don't need something that much, I won't leave you waiting out here by yourself.  Come, let's walk down by the beach.  There are no people down there right now, you won't be bothered by anyone.  *starts to guide her away from the crowd and Chez Roux, toward the beach*

At the Wonkas’ factory:

Madame: *stands in the kitchen preparing spaghetti for the children. They all sit at a kiddie table not far from the counter, except for Chaseline who, as usual, sits on the counter observing her mother. A woman stands in front of Chase, watching her as well. The woman's name is Tiffany. She was now considered James' girlfriend and Willy invited them over for dinner. The main kitchen was preparing the adults’ meal. Willy and James were in the living room discussing politics. Madame smiled at Tiffany. Had the woman ever heard of personal boundaries? She was practically breathing down her neck. Madame cleared her throat and continued to stir the sauce* So, Tiffany, how did that date go?

Tiffany: Oh it was great! James was so romantic! Can you believe he kissed my hand as a hello? I was totally like stunned.

Madame: *nods slowly, grinning to herself. She knew it* I'm sure.

Tiffany: And like I really felt like he was listening during dinner. I mean I'm a waitress and I've seen a lot of dates, but never any guy who listens like he does. *pauses* Is Willy like that?

Madame: *laughs, not daring to discuss James' desperate visit right before their dinner* Actually yes he does.

Tiffany: That's so cool. *stays quiet. Her voice is shrill and almost makes Madame jump* So like, can I ask you something?

Madame: Of course *she takes the pot off the stove and places it on the counter. Chase reaches her finger over to get a taste. Madame quickly taps it and she retreats*

Tiffany: It's just so weird. You own a chocolate factory, had four kids, and yet you look totally hot. What's your secret?

Madame: *giggles* Oh hunnie not a thing. I really don't suggest you go off and open a candy store and have kids. Some people just have different metabolisms.

Tiffany: Soooo .... what you work out?  *Chaseline quietly and slowly looks at Madame, completely dumbfounded*

Madame: *looks up at Chase, holding back a laugh* Yes, I work out a lot. *she pours spaghetti into four bowls. Tiffany takes two and brings them over to the table. Madame lifts Chase off the counter and hands her a bowl. Chase shuffles over to the table and sits down. Madame brings the last bowl over and puts it in front of Jacob. She and Tiffany head into the dining room, Willy and James following behind. James follows Willy's every move as Willy pulls out Madame's chair and helps her sit. James does the same and sits down after. A few oompas bring out trays and put them on the table. The couples immediately dig in, except for Tiffany, who selects food carefully and in small portions. Willy watches her from his plate.*  James, how has work been?

James: *nods* I've been easing up a bit, trying to get out more. I've actually had to turn down a few cases.

Madame: Well after Willy's trial, I'm sure you've got plenty of calls.  *James nods*

Tiffany: *speaks proudly* He's a lawyer.  *Willy looks up from his plate, stops chewing. He and Madame stare blankly at her, their heads cocked slightly to the right*

James: *laughs, patting Tiffany's hand* They know, Tiff.

Tiffany: Oh! Cool! *takes another bite of her food happily*

Willy: *Meets eyes with Madame. He swallows his food and mumbles* Moving along ... *goes back to eating*

Madame: *clears throat* Tiffany, how long have you been working at Chez Roux?

Tiffany: Oh a really long time.

Madame: Years?

Tiffany: No, like six months.  *Willy laughs, almost choking on the food in his mouth. He stops laughing after a struggle and continues to eat*

Madame: That's interesting. Do you enjoy it?

Tiffany: Oh yea, I do. It's a lot of fun. You really meet some interesting characters. This one time, one guy was like "Well I usually shoot the chef". He was totally loopy.

James: Sounds like a good job.

Tiffany: *nods* For sure.

At the Security office:

Abberline: *truns away abruptly from the sea, muttering* Bloody liars... Do they really think I would believe that Kat burned her ship and drowned with it .... *They just want to throw him off balance. Kat will be soon home. *the crowd parts when he walks away from the port. Ridiculous. He would feel if Kat had ... and he would feel Raven, and Chiana, and Manouche, they would sense .... But he himself doesn't sense anything, it's like his ability, his curse, is gone. He doesn't feel anything, he just walks on, then he stops, confused. Where was he going? He looks around. He's near the Office. Oh, he must be on his way to the Office, of course. To do his work. He goes in to his own office, shuts the door and sits at the desk, picks up some paper that has been lying long enough to be dusty, and he reads it, not understanding a word of if, like it were written in some strange language.* It's Martin, she's not done her work.  *Impatiently, he pushes all the papers away and they flutter to the floor.*

At the Wonkas’ factory:

*After dinner, Madame and Willy move the children into the baby room to play. The adults sit in the living room and Willy pours champagne for everyone. He pours his own glass and sits*

Tiffany: *sips her drink* This factory is totally amazing, guys.

Madame: Oh why thank you, dear.

Tiffany: How many rooms does it have?  *Madame looks rather sadly at Willy*

Willy: *nods* We sort of lost count.

James: I'm sure it's i the hundreds.  *Willy shrugs, sipping from his glass*

Tiffany: *puts hers down on the end table* I'm going to go use the restroom. Excuse me. *she stands up, winks at James, and leaves the room.  Madame quietly looks at Willy, fumbling carefully with the glass*

James: *looks back and forth between the Wonkas* Okay ... I know what you’re thinking.

Willy: *takes another drink, putting his arm around Madame* Thoughts are overrated.

James: I know she's not that brilliant.

Willy: I didn't say it.

James: You know you were thinking it.

Willy: Maybe.

Madame: I was.  *James smiles at her*  James, dear, Chaseline was dumbfounded. Our two year old was stunned.

James: I know. *sits back with a sigh* She's just young.

Willy: No, I've been young before. That's not young.

Madame: No need to be smart, love.

James: No, I do understand.

Madame: James, I'm sure you noticed it, if not right away not too far into the date. Are you okay with it?

James: *shrugs* Honestly, I don't mind. I feel like we kinda complete each other.

Willy: I can see that.

James: In other ways too. I mean, she's more of a party person, so she helps me get out more.

Madame: Sometimes that's not a good thing.

James: For now it's okay. Maybe I can help her grow a little.

Willy: But it's complicated. It's like teaching Cole to be honest with you.

James: She's not that off.

Willy: *arches a brow* There are only three times in my life I ever stopped eating in the middle of my dinner.

James: Oh come on.

Madame: Willy's right, James. You've already got a full plate, are you sure you can help her?

James: *nods* I'll just make room on it.  *Madame and Willy look to each other as Tiffany rejoins them*

Cole: *runs full speed out of the baby room and into Willy. He quietly sobs* Dad! Chaseline pushed me and I fell and I hit my head and now my mouth hurts and I think my tooth is wobbly and I tried to be a big boy-

Willy: *holds up a hand* Take a breath, Cole. *puts his glass down on the table* Lets see your mouth.

Madame: It's about time you start losing your baby teeth anyway, hunnie. *she stands up and leaves to scold Chaseline*

Willy: *observes Cole's tooth, which is visibly ready to fall out* Ah, yes indeed, Cole. You've got a tooth ready to come out.

Cole: *wiggles it around with his tongue* I can't close my mouth cause it feels weird.

Willy: Well I can get it out, but only if you want me to.  *Cole thinks for a second, then nods, a bit scared*  Okay, but you have to hold still. *Cole opens his mouth again. As Willy reaches in, he closes it. He opens it again, but gets scared again* Cole.

James: Hey Cole guess what?  *Cole looks over at James and opens his mouth to talk*

Willy: *quickly gives a small yank and the tooth comes out* Got it.

Cole: *looks down at it. He glares playfully at James* You tricked me.

James: Well it worked. Did you feel it?

Cole: *looks at the tooth again* No.

Madame: *comes out of the baby room. Chaseline cries inside, sitting in her crib as a time out* Oh looks like the tooth fairy is coming by tonight!  *Cole smiles broadly, a big gap sits in the center of his mouth*

Willy: *observes the tooth, then hands it to Madame* You know what the best part is?

Cole: I get money?

Willy: *shakes head* Even better. Now you can take a straw and put it in the hole in your mouth.

Cole: *laughs* I can drink that way?

Willy: *nods* I used to do that all the time. *remembers Wilbur* Just never let your grandfather see you do that.

Cole: ‘Kay.

Madame: *wraps the tooth up in a tissue* Which reminds me, since this is your first tooth, we'll have to take your to Grandpop's so he can do an examination.  *Willy looks fearfully at Madame*  Just an examination, love. *she hands the tissue to Cole* Now go put this right under your pillow and go join your brothers. If your sister apologizes, you can let her out.  *Cole runs off to his room and only a few moments later runs back out and across the hall back to the baby room*

Tiffany: You guys are such awesome parents! That was so cute! *smiles at Willy* How'd you get around to owning a chocolate factory if your dad is a dentist?

Willy: *stares quietly* I don't really like to talk about it.

James: Nah, that's a part of Willy's past that I'll tell you about later. So how has business been going? I never asked.

Madame: Oh no changes, really. Production is fast as usual. We're expecting it to speed up soon, with Easter coming around.

Willy: Chocolate production increases double. *grins*

Tiffany: You know, I've always wondered. What is milk chocolate made of?  *Willy’s smile fades slightly and he and Madame again stare at her*

James: *clears his throat* Milk and chocolate, Tiff.

Tiffany: Oh right right. Cool! You sure do make a lot of it.

Willy: *they continue to stare at her* Yea ...

In an undisclosed location:

Kat *comes to and becomes aware of her aching body and the screaming agony in her head. Her breathing is shallow due to the pain. She lies unmoving and wonders where she is and what happened on the ship. She becomes aware of harsh voices.*

Man 1: You idiot!! Why'd you have to hit her so hard?? She died much too easy. Witches should all die in agony.  Now we have to go find another. Good thing I already got a bead on a little blonde one. This time control yourself. I want it to be slow. I want to hear her scream for mercy! Do you understand??

Man 2: The bitch bit me and I lost it! It won't happen again. I swear.  Are you talking about that rich man's daughter?

Man 1: Yeah her name’s Candy. This one should give you some incentive. We can milk her old man and make it profitable for once, before we put her out of her misery. When we're done with her, then we can burn all the bodies at once and move on. *chuckles* After all, a witch hunter’s job is never done.

Kat *hears their footsteps going away. Attempts to draw a breath and groans at the pain. Opens her eyes; she's in a cave looking around she sees to her horror several woman strewn about, all of whom obviously died horrific deaths. She wants to scream but nothing comes out. Whispers Abby's name. Why was she here. She was no witch. She has to get out of here. Those monsters were after Candy. Tries to move but faints dead away.*

*Meanwhile, in another undisclosed location:*

Sasha *rises from a table and draws a breath.*

Ruby: Did it work? Was it in time?

Sasha: The transference was complete. Kat now inhabits Danee's body. We can only hope it was in time. Danee was so weak. It was only luck that we had someone with a dual spirit to draw from. Damned witch hunters are brutal as well as crafty. They knew just how to ward against our finding her as a witch.  Now at least we can use our magic to locate Kat and get her to safety and try to bring Danee back. We must go to that husband of Kat's, or perhaps Manouche would be best. We'll need help fast before it becomes permanent or worse.

At the Wonkas’ factory:

*After a few more glasses of champagne, James and Tiffany decide to get going. Madame and Willy escort them to the main hall*

Tiffany: *as James opens the door* Thank you for such a lovely evening. It was wonderful.

Madame: Anytime, dear. Be sure to come back again

Tiffany: I really intend to.

Willy: *remains quiet, 'Fantabulous' * You're welcome here any time.

James: *shakes Willy's hand and gives Madame a quick kiss as Tiffany walks out* Thank for everything. I'll talk to you later.

Madame: Careful driving home! *she stands at the door and closes it as they pull away. She spins around to Willy. He stands quietly, leaning on his cane. She doesn't smile*

Willy: What?

Madame: Did you ever stop and think, "Wow, I'm a jerk"?

Willy: *thinks, then shrugs* No.

Madame: You couldn't have been a little easier on the matter?

Willy: I was just being honest.

Madame: Sometimes you should ease up when you’re talking honestly, Willy.

Willy: Kim, she's stupid. Our oldest son is smarter than her. How easy can I be?

Madame: You didn't have to be so hard on James.

Willy: When was I?

Madame: You made it seem awful when you said you never stop eating in the middle of dinner!

Willy: The man knows he's dating a slow one.

Madame: And he didn't need you to remind him. *walks off, heading to the children's rooms to say goodnight*

Willy *follows closely behind* I wasn't reminding him. I merely pointed out how she really surprised me.

Madame: *opens the door to the Chocolate room, Willy still at her heel as she walks to the elevator* No, that's a lie. You wanted to point out how stupid she really is. What surprises me is that you didn't tell her yourself.

Willy: I'm not gonna deny it, I was thinking about it.

Madame: *sighs and waits for the elevator. When it arrives, they step on. She presses the button for the main suite, and they fly off*

Willy: *as the doors open, he steps in front of her* Kim, she didn't know what milk chocolate was made of.

Madame: I never said she was the brightest crayon in the box. I said you were a smartass. *pushes past and greets the children in the baby room* Time for bed, everyone.

Cole: *excitedly jumps* Can I stay up and meet the tooth fairy?

Willy: *helps Chaseline put on her nightie* No, she doesn't come when you’re awake, Cole.  *Jacob runs around with his shirt over his face. His arm is stuck in the wrong hole. He runs smack into a wall and falls on his butt*

Madame: *laughs and picks Jacob up off the ground. She fixes his shirt and his face finally shows with a big smile on it. A red mark sits just above his eye* Are you okay, sweetie?

Jacob: *nods quickly* I'm not a crybaby, mom.

Madame: Well of course, you're not. *she puts him in his crib and gives him a kiss.  Willy picks Chase up, places her under her covers and tucks her in*

Chaseline: Daddy? *she grabs her doll and begins wrapping her fingers around its hair*

Willy: Hm?

Chaseline: Is there somethin' wrong with Uncle James' friend?

Willy: What do you mean?

Madame: *after she finishes helping Cole tuck Will in, she joins Willy and Chase* There's nothing wrong with her.  *Chaseline arches a brow at Madame*  Oh you are as bad as your father. *she leans in and gives her a kiss goodnight* Go to sleep. *she gives her last goodnight and goes to Cole's room*

Willy: *gives Will and Jacob a kiss goodnight, checks on Angel, and heads out, turning out the light on the way. He walks into Cole's room and waits*

Madame: *wraps the comforter around Cole as Caesar jumps on the bed and rests at Cole's feet* Be sure to go to sleep very soon, so the tooth fairy can visit. She has a lot more children to see, as well.

Cole: *nods and yawns* It's okay, I'm tired anyway. How much money do you think she'll give me?

Willy: *as Madame stands up, he walks over and kneels down* Hard to say. Only she can make that decision.

Cole: If you see her, can you tell her I've been really good?

Willy: I'll make a side note. *kisses his forehead* Get some sleep. *he and Madame leave quietly to their room*

At the Security office:

Abberline: *after staring a while at his empty desk, starts to wonder what he was doing here. Apparently there's no paperwork to do. And it is starting to get late. He'd better go home, he doesn't want Victoria to get upset again*

At the Wonkas’ factory:

*Madame and Willy prepare for bed. Willy sits on the bed, reading a book. Madame is in her bathroom, cleaning her face. Not a word is said and Willy knows the air is a little thick tonight.*

Willy: You know, Chaseline pointed out she had a problem too.

Madame: *leans out the doorway* Chaseline is two. And even she didn't say a word when they were here. *returns to her activity*

Willy: But she noticed.

Madame: Why do you keep acting like I said the girl wasn't dumb? I know she's slow Willy. That's not my point.

Willy: But you said she was just like me.

Madame: In some ways yes, but at least we taught her well enough to keep her mouth shut in front of guests. Especially if her thoughts are about one of them. *leans out again* Do we need to go see your father again so he can teach you that lesson?

Willy: That's not funny.

Madame: Was I laughing?

Willy: *puts his book down on his lap* Okay maybe I was a little too blunt, but it's just in my nature.

Madame: And it's also in your nature to believe that people can't change, even though they can.

Willy: No, I just think I shouldn't have to change. If people don't like the way I am, fine. That's their problem.

Madame: *comes out of the bathroom, holding a hairbrush* And is that the same when the person with the problem is also the same person you married?

Willy: *stays silent. Madame goes back into the bathroom. In all honesty, Willy thought she really should just deal with it. But then again, if it was going to make her mad all the time, he didn't want to put up with that. He puts his book on the end table and walks into the bathroom. Madame brushes her hair vigorously. He kisses the back of her head and rests his hands on her hips* I'm sorry. I'll work on some things. Okay?

Madame: Now are you just saying that for yourself or for our marriage.

Willy: *damn. She really wasn't making this attempt for a change easy. He wasn't sure if he should be blunt or light about it. He decided on the latter* A little of both.

Madame: *smiles* I guess I'll have to be satisfied with that answer.

Willy: If you're not, I'm gonna lose my mind.  *Madame’s smile broadens into a grin and she continues to brush her hair.  Willy returns the expression. These arguments had been occurring more and more often. It was beginning to get annoying. He loves Madame dearly. Never ever thought about giving up. But honestly sometimes he thought he'd go crazy. This needed to stop.* Do you think our marriage has been getting a little more difficult?

Madame: Well I might say that. Five kids, a factory, publicity. It's a bit of a challenge.

Willy: *sighs. She was right.* Maybe we should get away for a while.

Madame: Darling, we can't keep traveling around with the kids. Especially with school for Cole.

Willy: No I mean just me and you.

Madame: *puts down her brush* Well that's damn near impossible.

Willy: Nah. It is.

Madame: Willy, what about the kids?

Willy: Well we can ask James and Tiffany to stay over for a few days.

Madame: There is no way I am leaving my babies with her.

Willy: What about the babysitter here?

Madame: *sighs, a bit irritated. She really didn't want to leave her children at all* I don't know, Willy.

Willy: *takes her hands as she turns around to face him* Pleaseeee? I really think we need some time.

Madame: What about work?

Willy: We can leave the oompas with a list.

Madame: For how long though?

Willy: Five days?

Madame: That's a long time, Willy.

Willy: We can manage. I think we just really need some time alone. Kim, please?

Madame: *sighs. She looks into Willy's eyes. He was really pleading her. She smiles* Okay.

Willy: *grins* Fantabulous. *he kisses her deeply*

At Rártigíllichal:

Look! 

Look at the pretty sunshine, comin' through the window!  Everything’s so bright an’ pretty!  Look at those flowers on the table, next to the bed.  Those are from Daddy William, for Mama Manouche.  *giggles*  Mama Manouche, that’s a funny name, it should be one word, Mamamamamanooouche … *giggles again*  I mustn't laugh, I don’t wanna wake Mama … she’s so pretty, all that long black hair spread on the pillow … I like it best when she’s awake, an’ she talks to me with those funny words, they remind me of somethin’

How can they remind you of somethin’, you’re a new baby …

I dunno, they just do.

They remind you of your Auntie … Auntie Kat … Mama Manouche an’ Auntie Kat, they’re both pirates …

Auntie Kat!  She’s an Inn-dian.

An’ a pirate.

Does she like sports?

Come again?

Sports … don’t Auntie Kat have a strong swingin’ arm?  *giggles*  I don’t even know what that means …

She’s handy with garden implements.

Who’s Kidd?

I Kidd you not.

C’mon, really, who’s Kidd?

Wouldn’t you rather ask about your mother?

No … no, I don’t wanna think about her … *sniffles*

And what about your father?

He – he’s different.  He’s changed … *whimpers*  D-don’t he want me?

He’s got troubles, he don’t know what he wants.  He can’t get past certain things.

What, like a door?  How come?  Why don't he just walk through it?

That’s not what I mean.  Never mind, you’ll understand later.  Listen, about Auntie Kat …

Wh-what about her?  What’s wrong?  *whimpers again*  Hot … everything’s so hot … I wanna drink, I’m thirsty.  Why’s there a fire?  Put out the fire!  Someone please put out the fire!!

It’s too late.  When you’re older … if you’d been older, you could’ve … but it’s too late now …

NO IT’S NOT!!  I CAN DO IT!

“Pretty women … weather-watching … how they make a man sing … ”

I CAN DO IT!!

Faith *squeezes her eyes shut tight; the little face goes red as a beet*

Manouche *mumbles, slowly wakes up, opens her eyes, looks over at Faith; her smile fades and she quickly sits up as she sees the child’s red face.  She takes Faith into her arms, holds her close*  What is it, lil’ love?  Shhh … *she tries to sense something from the baby, but feels nothing, other than the tiny face that feels hot against her shoulder as she holds her close.  She hears a distant crack of thunder, glances to the window, sees clouds rolling in*  Blimey, looks like we’re in fer some weather.  *she senses a change, some tenseness leaving Faith’s tiny body.  She holds her out to look at her, sees that the little face is no longer red, the expression calmer.  She smiles anxiously*  Ye gave me a fright, lil’ beauty, an’ that’s a fact.  C’mon, let’s ‘ave a change o’ scene.  *she stands up, goes to the window, lowers it; kisses Faith’s head, grins as Faith coos and reaches a tiny hand out.  She holds her close again, carries her out of the room, down the stairs*

*Meanwhile, at the port:*

Alphonse *relieved at having guided Candy away from Abberline and the crowd around him, had suggested they take a look at his ship.  Now he looks up and cries out at the sudden torrential downpour that seems to come from out of nowhere, blocking the sun and drenching everything in sight within seconds.  He removes his coat, wraps it around Candy, rushes her to the protective awning outside the dock house.  He watches, stunned, as all the ships in the harbor rock violently from the sudden storm, while crew members, ship owners and marina workers rush to secure the lines, cursing at the cold, stinging rain.  He looks at Candy, amazed to see that she’s as listless as ever, seemingly not at all surprised by the downpour.  He looks out at the ships again, shakes his head*  Perhaps when the weather lets up, I should take you home …

Candy: *lazily* That's not as it should be ... *then she looks at him, her eyes suddenly alive again* I am going to Bournemouth House. I should have known. I can't leave my duties, Alphonse. I have to be there and protect Chiana.

Alphonse *looks at her carefully*  Whatever you want to do, I’ll help you.  I’ll at least escort you to Bournemouth House.  *he looks out at the port, sees that the storm already has subsided considerably*  I think it’s manageable now, if you wish to go.  *he gently takes her arm, they step out from under the awning; the storm has become a gentle mist, the clouds are starting to break.  They head toward Bournemouth, he adds*  I think you’re very brave and dedicated.  I hope the Abberlines realize what a treasure they have in you.  *they continue on in silence, then reach the house*  Ah, here we are.  *he turns, faces her, smiles*  It’s been a pleasure, Miss Candy.  I know you’ll say you don’t believe me, but it’s true, I mean it.  *he kisses her cheek lightly, squeezes her hand*  If there’s anything at all I can do for you, I’m at your service.  Would you like me to come to the door with you?

Candy: *Grabs his hand tightly, nervously* No, you must come in with me. If he still is angry at me, *she swallows* you can protect me against him. You would do that, would you? I have to convince him that Chiana needs me. I can't stand the thought that there isn't anyone protecting her.

Alphonse *looks at her in surprise; he was fully expecting her to halfheartedly thank him and dismiss him, as usual.  He responds eagerly*  Of course, my dear girl!  Of course I’ll go in with you.  I don’t know if he’ll listen to me, but I’ll back you up as best I can.  *shrugs*  Who knows, perhaps he’s not even here.  Perhaps we’ll speak with Kat, or someone else in the household.  *he takes her arm again, they approach the door*

Candy: He won't listen to you, so don't bother to try, but stand beside me. He... he hit me.... I let Chiana be kidnapped and he hit me.  *she brushes aside the tears that are again welling up in her eyes and resolutely raps at the door* I am afraid of him, Alphonse, I hope Kat would be there. She has always been so nice to me, in spite of everything.  *her voice trails off and she waits for someone to open the door, trembling slightly*

Alphonse *boldly brings an arm around her shoulders*  I know.  And you're right, Kat is a good woman.  *he resists the urge to try to talk her out of this, to make her see that this could be bad for her, that her father would … his eyes widen and his face goes pale.  Her father!  Cavalcanti trusted him.  What would he think of all this?  He swallows, speaks to Candy*  Candy, I was just thinking … *then he sees the nervous yet defiant expression on her face, and he knows his words would be useless.  She’s determined to take care of Chiana, no matter what.  He nods slightly*  That is … don’t be afraid.  I won’t let anything happen to you.  I promised your—  *he smiles weakly*  I promise.

At the Wonkas’ factory:

*After Madame's agreement, Willy arranged a trip to Cancun for five days. Reservations were swift and easy, considering he was offering to pay more than the actual price to get them. Willy anticipated getting his marriage back together, and he knew time away from the stress of children, working, and pretty much Deppville in general would be perfect. He sat in his office one night, arranging lists for the oompa loompas, preparing to leave for their jet the next morning.*

Madame: *strolls in, a bit annoyed. She had been packing nearly all morning. Since Willy had seemed so intent about this, she actually found herself getting excited. But Willy had yet to pack a shirt. She knew she was probably over reacting, considering his work had to be organized first, but she didn't really care.* Have you started packing yet?

Willy: *leans over paperwork, not looking up* Not yet, dear.

Madame: Do you plan to?

Willy: *he knew where this was going. Kim was getting out of control with this, but since they were leaving tomorrow, he was going to avoid it as much as possible* I will, I just need to finish this agenda.

Madame: Well you've had all day.

Willy: No, I've been working all day.

Madame: I did too, but I took time to pack my bags.

Willy: *stops writing* Are you going to do this on the trip?

Madame: Do what?

Willy: Nag me like this? *the instant that came out, he knew she was probably gonna get mad. He continued to write*

Madame: *glares, crosses her arms* Well excuse me if I got all excited about going, since you seemed just so eager yourself.

Willy: I am eager, Kim, I just want to make sure nothing screws up while we're gone. The last thing I want while I'm spending time with you is to get a phone call from work.

Madame: But you've been working three hours overtime already. I've had to put the children to bed by myself tonight!

Willy: It's the only night you've ever had to do that.

Madame: So?

Willy: *puts down his pen and stands up behind his desk* Look, if you're going to be like this for the next five days, you're gonna have to give me another reason to go. Because right now, I don't feel like dealing with this.

Madame: *uncrosses her arms and puts them on her hips* Well if I'm giving you a reason not to go why don't you take someone else then?

Willy: Because that's not why I'm going.

Madame: Well I don't have any other reason, so you may as well find someone else. Try Melissa. She's still alive.

Willy: *infuriated* Hey, what the hell? Why would you say that to me? *she doesn't make a move* Kim, I don't know what your malfunction is, but I'm about two seconds away from just throwing in the towel. This vacation seems more and more pointless by the second. I'm trying to make things better but for some reason you keep shooting me down. What is wrong with you? Do you just not care where this goes at this point? *her expression begins to soften* Kim, I love you dearly. I want to get our marriage to where it used to be, but you are making it impossible and I am running out of options. What is going through your head? I mean are you trying to tell me you give up? Because if you are, I'm not going to put our kids through years of fighting and avoiding the subject. I've seen it with my mom and dad, and you've seen it with yours. If you don't want this anymore, you tell me right now. *Visibly, Kim changes from anger to upset, but she still doesn't say anything* Answer me.  *Madame lets out a great sigh. What does she want? She plops down in the chair in front of his desk and stares ahead.  Willy considers reading into her mind, but invading this type of privacy is wrong. He kneels in front of her, clasps her hands over her knees* I want to know what you're thinking, Kim. What's got you acting like this?

Madame: *she feels her lip begin to tremble and she catches his eyes.* I .... I don't know.

Willy: That doesn't help me.

Madame: It's not helping me either. I really don't know. *She felt so confused. Nothing had been the same for a long time. Ever since that bitch, Annie, came back into his life for that short time. Ever since she lost her trust in him, it had all been confusing her. She was so beyond stressed anymore.*

Willy: Kim, what do you want me to do?  *Madame gives a mere shrug*  Let me rephrase that. Do you want me to keep trying?

Madame: *rests her head on her fingertips. She just needed to confront him head on.* Why'd you do it, Willy?

Willy: Do what?

Madame: *puts her arm down a bit frustrated* Why'd you go back to Annie? What were you thinking?

Willy: I thought we moved on from this.

Madame: How could anyone fully move on Willy?

Willy: Okay, good point.

Madame: Willy, when I went into that bar, I felt humiliated. The bartender knew me the minute I walked in. And to have him hand me your ring? I felt like I wanted to just crawl into a ball and cry for the rest of my life. You ruined so much.

Willy: I know. And no matter how many times I apologize, it's never going to be okay. You might forgive me, but it's always going to be in your thoughts.

Madame: Do you still love her?  *Willy goes quiet. That was a really hard question.*  Tell me the truth.

Willy: *remembers everything Annie had done. And he felt such resentment after she hurt Kim. He just remembered wanting to get her back for it. He lookde down at his hands* I loved her for a very long time. But after that day, when I saw her hurt you. When I saw the look on your face, her laugh, everything. *he looked up at her again* It all ended. And I'm not just saying that. Kim, I felt like I wanted her to leave this world. I hated her for everything. I still do in most ways. What I did caused everything, but I just ... I don't know.

Madame: So ... what?

Willy: No, I don't love her. *Kim still looked unsure. He sighed* I swear on mom's grave, Kim.

Madame: That's a little over, don't you think?

Willy: No. I wouldn't bring her into this if I was lying to you. I don't love Annie. So I'm not afraid to say it. I don't love her. I don't love Melissa. I love you. And you only. *he suddenly realized he had actually been around the block a good few times. He kind of smiled and almost applauded himself. Hm. Interesting. * Do you believe me?

Madame: *pauses, but nods.* Yes, I really do. I do believe you.

Willy: So what do you want to do?

Madame: *sniffs* I think I just need time to clear my head. I think we should go on this trip. I think we should just forget everything ever happened for once.

Willy: Sounds good to me. *puts his hand over her cheek* Hey, we'll figure this out. No matter which direction things go. *gulps. The idea of it going any other way than positive scared the living daylights out of him* It'll all work out.

Madame: Okay. *she feels a few tears fall down her face* I'm so sorry, Willy. I shouldn't have said those things. I'm so sorry...

Willy: Hey, hey, come on. Don't beat yourself up over this. We all get that angry sometimes. But sometimes it’s harder for people to hold things back than it is for others. *lifts her chin so she's looking at him* If I forgive you and move on, you should too. You have no reason to think about it anymore.

Madame: *smiles* Okay. *she leans down and kisses him tenderly*

At From Hell Court:

Abberline: *feels both relief and his conscience nagging when he blows out the first smoke from the pipe. She is expecting, and she is waiting for him to come home. And then she will be crying, and accusing him of leaving her alone, not caring about her, not loving her anymore. And there will be more crying, and each time he will feel more awkward and more guilty... Slowly he shuts his eyes and lets his mind drift off.*