*****

Tea's first thought was that this was the alter who may have been Blair's lover. Yet, the voice was familiar. She knew that he may have come out once or twice during her time with Todd. Tea wasn't sure though, so she introduced herself. "Hello Rodd. It's nice to meet you."

Rodd lifted Tea's hand. He stroked it. "Ahh yes, Tea. I am sorry I could not identify myself when we met before. Can you forgive me?"

Tea's heart rate speeded up. She was nervous around this alter. Still, she really wanted to get to know him. "Of course I forgive you, Rodd. I understand."

"Yes. You always were very understanding." Rodd sat up and looked around. "Doctor Hanen, it is always nice to see you." He noticed Viki and Sam and Kevin in the room with him. "May I stand up?"

"Yes, Rodd, just stand up slowly in case you get dizzy," Susannah cautioned.

He followed directions. He seemed fine. He walked over to where Viki and Sam sat. He put out his hand for Sam to shake and then took Viki's hand in both of his. "Sam, Viki, it is so nice to see you again. I have missed you." He walked over to Kevin. He held his hand out. Kevin shook it. "I'm am afraid you are at a disadvantage, Kevin. I know you, but I don't believe you know me."

"I've heard about you, Rodd," Kevin answered.

"Good things I hope," Rodd smiled warmly.

Kevin was uncomfortable. He was only used to dealing in an adversarial way with any from of adult Todd. He was afraid the anger he felt toward Todd and Pete would come out with this alter.

As if he sensed it, Rodd said, "I have always wanted to apologize to you for the behavior of some of the people I live with. You were treated unfairly. So, please accept my apology."

Kevin looked in his eyes to see if he was mocking him. All Kevin could see was sincerity.

"Miss Perkins says you are very good to the children. I know she would want me to thank you," Rodd graciously told Kevin. Rodd then turned back to Tea. She was still sitting on the bed. She was also still slightly in shock by Rodd surfacing. He sat down next to her. He smiled. Tea smiled back. "Tea, you have a lovely smile. It is a shame that beautiful face was made to look sad so often. I hope you understand that Todd never wanted to hurt you. Even Pete really didn't want to hurt you. He just . . . well . . . let's say he gets angry easily." Rodd looked around anxiously. He did not like to take a chance talking about Pete. Even though Pete was much younger than he, he was afraid of him. Rodd looked at Tea. Tears filled his eyes. "I should have come out to help you more. You think of me as a coward, yes?"

They were all surprised by what Rodd had to say. "No Rodd, not at all. I know you would have helped if you could." Tea was hoping she was saying the right thing.

He took Tea's hand again. "It was harder for me to come out when Todd was with you. With Blair, it was easier. Todd was more afraid . . . and poof! . . . I came out to help him. With you, it was not so easy. Todd held on more. He felt safer, so he did not come in to hide as much. I am ashamed to tell you, but I have no control over Pete. I don't pretend to be strong, Tea. I won't lie to you."

"Rodd, it's all right. I don't expect you to fight Pete for me."

"I would like to. I would like to fight for you. I would also like to be able to walk out of here and take you to all the wondrous things there are in this world and share them with you. It is unfortunately that Todd does not know how to enjoy life's finer things. Tea, do you like opera?"

"Opera? Yes, I enjoy it very much. I don't go very often."

"I would like to take you someday. I would like to take you to New York . . . to the Metropolitan . . . then for a candle lit dinner at this little place I know on sixty-seventh, off the park . . . then for a ride in carriage driven by a white horse. You would like that, yes?"

"Yes," Tea answered. She meant it with all her heart.

"Rodd, have you been to New York City?" Susannah inquired.

"Yes. I managed to sneak away every now and then."

Susannah smiled. She wondered if Todd had woken up to find himself in a strange city.

"So, when Todd is well and we are separate, he can stay home and listen to his rock music and we can go to the opera."

They all felt sadness. They realized that when Todd is well, Rodd will cease to exist as he is now.

"What about museums? Do you like to go to them?"

Tea realized that Rodd had probably wanted to ask her these questions many times before, but couldn't because he had to pretend to be Todd. "Yes. I like museums, Rodd."

He moved a little closer to her. "Then perhaps we can make a weekend of it . . . museums . . . walks in the park . . . the opera . . . dinners? We can go shopping. I will buy you anything you wish. Someday my parents are going to come back for me. Oh Tea, you would like them. They are very good people. My father is a musician. Our house was always filled with music and laughter. He never liked it quiet. No, he liked joyful."

Tea could see peace and longing in Rodd's eyes as he "remembered." She realized he believed every word he said.

Rodd continued. "My mother was very happy. She was always smiling and laughing. My father is very kind. He will like you. He loves for me to have friends. My mother will cook for you. She loves to be with me. My parents and I are very close. They love children and so they let me come here to help out, but I know they miss me terribly. I will surprise them and introduce you to them and to my sisters. They will all love you."

He smiled and took Tea's hand again before he continued. "I can cook for you. I am a very good cook. You will see." Tea looked at her lap. Her heart was breaking for him. Rodd gently lifted her face to him by her chin. "Why are you so sad?" A tear slid down Tea's cheek. He looked into her eyes. "Ah, Tea mia. You are afraid I am just dreaming and it will never happen, yes?" Tea didn't know what to say. He read her like a book. He seemed sensitive to her every move and emotion. "Don't be sad. It will happen. Doctor Hanen is a very good doctor. She will help Todd. When she does, we will all be helped." He turned to Susannah. "I would like to stretch my legs. I can go for a walk, yes?"

"Yes, but I would like it if Frank walks with you. Okay?"

"Yes. I like company. I can teach him about art. If he is interested?"

*****

"That was Rodd. I can't believe that was Rodd," Tea exclaimed, as soon as he had left the room.

"Susannah, why do you think Rodd surfaced after all this time?" Viki asked.

"I can't be completely sure. I believe it was several reasons. First of all, Rodd is very kind. Since no one else came to help Bad Boy, he volunteered. I also think it had to do with Todd seeing Tea. I think the mature part of Todd wanted to be able to talk to Tea and not feel he disgusted her. He also may have started to have some sexual feelings after being so close to her. Todd can't handle that . . ."

"So Rodd comes out." Tea finished Susannah's sentence.

"Yes. Tea, if Todd starts to feel sexually stimulated, it terrifies him. The good feelings are all tangled up in some very bad, painful and confusing feelings. He is afraid of what those feelings mean and the way he may act them out. For Todd, sexual pleasure is confused with control, violence and very inappropriate behavior. He was introduced to sexual acts at an age when he had no concept as to how to handle them. His sexuality was never allowed to develop normally. He was made to do and see things no child should ever have to know. We may have only scratched the surface of the things Todd was made to endure and witness. He was not only physically abused, sexually, but emotionally as well."

Susannah realized this was difficult for Tea to hear. Nevertheless, she needed her to understand. "Peter liked to have sex with his girlfriends while Todd was made to hear it. It was usually rough and violent. Todd tried to drown it out with music. He tried to put headphones on so he could turn the music up enough to block the sound coming from his father's bedroom. When Peter found out he was doing that he took the headphones away so Todd would be forced to listen. He also bragged to Todd about his sexual conquests. Peter would speak of women in a very derogatory way. Sometimes it was Todd who was out for all of this and sometimes, when he couldn't take it anymore, it was Pete or it may have been Rocky. Pete's attitude is that Peter Manning really knows how to handle women. I imagine that to please his father, Todd tried to have the same attitude. Only, deep in his mind and heart, Todd never believed what Peter was doing was right. Pete has no such problem. Even though Pete thinks he hates Peter, he has lived his life trying to emulate him and please him. Although, he would never believe that if I told it to him. Another point is that Todd has confused sexual abuse with parental love. Now you need to understand that Todd is not conscious of any of this. Most of those feelings have been delegated to some of the alters."

"Like Andy and Timmy," Tea sadly acknowledged.

"Todd's feelings are just too mixed up for him to tolerate them now," Susannah explained.

"But Rodd, who has never been hurt and who thinks he has these loving parents, doesn't feel any of that confusion or guilt or pain," Tea stated.

Susannah was glad to hear that Tea was understanding this and not letting her emotions cloud the issues.

"Yes. Rodd is able to handle his feelings and act on them without any problems," Susannah confirmed.

"So, is Rodd coming out a good or bad thing?" Sam asked.

"I think it is good. I think Todd has taken his feelings and made the healthiest choice he could, under the circumstances. Granted, it was not a conscious choice. I think that a mature and happy adult alter came out is encouraging. His feelings could have caused him to dissociate into Andy, Timmy or even Lisa and Sarah, as they all experienced sexual abuse. Or he could have reacted violently to his feelings and Pete could have come out, instead Rodd did. I definitely think that is a good thing. It also tells me that he chose a positive response to Tea's visit, if not, most likely Pete would have come out."

Tea smiled. "Rodd is really something."

"Yes he is. I am always amazed at his knowledge of art and music and, as he said, 'the finer things in life,'" Viki declared. Once again she was in awe of her brother.

Tea thought of something. "You know, I remember I was once looking for some old books I had stored away in a closet that Todd never used. I found this hidden compartment and found some opera tapes in there. I assumed they had belonged to Alex or Carlo Hesser. The had lived in the penthouse before Todd bought it. I never even thought to ask Todd about them," Tea confessed.

"They were probably Rodd's. He told us he used to keep his things hidden away so as not to upset Todd." Susannah speculated.

"So, Todd may have has this whole other life going on and neither he nor I were aware of it." Tea shook her head at the realization. "Did Rodd ever say why he didn't come out very much when I was with Todd? . . . I-I mean he came out when Blair was there?" Tea was slightly embarrassed by the implications of her question.

"Rodd once told me that during Todd's marriage to you, Todd wanted to be there very much. This made it more difficult for Rodd to come out. Apparently, you were able to give Todd a level of safety that kept him from dissociating as often," Susannah explained.

"Until Georgie Phillips died," Tea remembered.

"Yes, that trigger was too much for Todd. It all started to come apart for him after that," Susannah acknowledged.

Kevin had been sitting there, quietly. He had mixed feelings about Rodd. He did believe him to be genuine in actions and words, but he felt awkward interacting with an adult alter. He knew he had to get over that if he were ever to forge any kind of a relationship with Todd or Rodd for that matter. "I think I will join Rodd and Frank in that walk," Kevin announced as he stood up.

"Kevin, are you sure?" Viki asked. She knew her son even better than he realized.

"It's okay mom. I will watch what I say to Rodd. I would like to get to know him. Susannah, is it all right?"

"Sure. I think you will find Rodd very easy to get along with," Susannah gave her permission and commented. Kevin headed out the door. "I'll walk you out. I need to go back to my office," Susannah told Kevin.

*****

Blair nervously played with the straps of her purse. She smiled self-consciously at Matthew Allen's secretary. She nearly jumped out or her skin when he came out to escort her into his office. "How are things going Mrs. Manning?"

"Not great, have you decided to take my case?" Blair had no patience for small talk.

"I want to impress upon you again that this is a very difficult case. The chances of winning it are very slim. Viki Carpenter is well respected in this community and she is Todd's blood relative. A judge has already seen her fit as his guardian."

Blair was confused. "Are you saying that you're taking the case or you're not?"

"Yes, Mrs. Manning. I am taking the case."

Blair was flooded with relief. "Things have been even worse since we spoke. One of Todd's alters, Timmy, was in a deep depression. He was so pitiful you just can't imagine. No one was doing anything for him and that vulture he is married to was hovering around trying to cover her tracks."

Matthew wanted to make sure Blair was being as objective as possible, under the circumstances. "Mrs. Manning, Todd's current wife, would be expected to be near him."

"You don't understand," Blair protested. "She is only hanging out at the hospital, now, to throw suspicions off of her and Kevin Buchanan."

Matthew twirled his pencil in his hands for a few seconds as he thought. "Mrs. Manning, I know you believe that, but it is unsubstantiated. I can't take that into court unless you have proof."

Blair opened her purse and took out the picture. "Would this help to substantiate it?" She handed him the picture.

"Who took this?" Matthew asked.

"I'd rather not say. Let's just say it's someone I am paying very well for his work and his silence."

Matthew was impressed with Blair's initiative. "This doesn't really prove anything, but it certainly creates suspicion. Was this taken on the street?"

"Yes, down in Angel Square. Tea has an office down there. She is able to act quite charitably on Todd's money."

"Have Mrs. Manning and Mr. Buchanan ever acted inappropriately in front of Todd or any of the alters?"

"Not in front of me," Blair, begrudgingly admitted. "They might have, in front of Sam and Viki. They are both so blind to Tea and to Kevin that they might have just overlooked it or even condoned it."

"Do you really believe that they are encouraging this behavior?"

Blair hated to, but she had to say, "I don't believe either of them would let anyone deliberately hurt Todd. I also don't believe they're keeping too close an eye on Saint Delgado. She is sneaky and she's smart." Pointing to the picture, Blair bragged, "but I am smarter."

"Has Todd's physical condition deteriorated any more since we last spoke?"

"Well . . . no . . . actually he is a little better. He is able to walk without too much help and he looks a tiny bit better. He is still severely underweight and being fed through a tube for most of his nutritional needs. None of them eat enough to sustain them without a supplement. They are still drugging him all the time and using restraints on him and . . . Oh my God! How could I forget? They let him try to kill himself."

"What!" Matthew was shocked.

"Yes! An alter named Rocky came out. He broke a lamp and cut his chest and hand with the glass. He needed over twenty stitches each in his chest and hand. They kept him tied down and heavily sedated afterward."

"Was anyone watching him when this occurred," Matthew pressed.

"Everyone! He was having a session in Doctor Hanen's office. Sam and Viki were both in the room. The psych techs were right outside the room. With all of them there, not one of them stopped him from hurting himself."

Matthew shook his head. "At any point, was his life in danger from his wounds?"

"It could have been. Todd has a rare blood type and he needed transfusions. If it had not been available he could have died or he could have gotten infections from his wounds. Do you see why I have to get him away from those people?"

"I'm beginning to Mrs. Manning, I'm beginning to." Then Matthew asked, "Have you made any preparations if you should win this case?"

"What do you mean?" Blair asked.

"If we go before a judge and tell them we want Todd out of the hospital there has to an alternative plan. He is far to ill to simply be released to you. You mentioned you wanted to bring him home. Well, have you made arrangements with doctors and nurses? Will he need hospital equipment at home . . . a hospital bed . . . oxygen . . .? You say he has had heart problems. Will there be emergency equipment there and should it become necessary, will someone who knows how to use it be there?"

Blair's mind was spinning. She hadn't thought that far ahead. She was terrified of the idea that Todd's heart could require emergency intervention at home.

"What about his medication?" Matthew continued. "I know you don't feel he should be on so much, but you also told me he and some of the alters are severely depressed. I imagine he will need to be on some. Are you prepared to make sure he gets his medication, even if he doesn't want it? Have you given any thought to how it will be handled if he loses control and becomes violent or harmful to himself? You say you don't approve of Todd being restrained. How will you handle it if he can't be controlled any other way?"

Blair wanted him to stop. She was not ready for this right now. She needed to speak with Dorian.

Matthew still went on. "What about your daughter? Have you found a way to explain Todd's condition to her? Will his room be segregated from the rest of the house so that your daughter is never exposed to Todd if he is having an episode or if a violent alter comes out? Do you think Todd will be able to handle his child seeing him this way? And one more thing . . . you mentioned Todd is blind. Is your home equipped for that? Is it a safe environment for him?"

"My God!" Blair exclaimed.

"Mrs. Manning. These are all things a psychiatric social worker will look for. Todd's safety and well being come first, then the safety and well being of your daughter. Are you still sure you want to go through with this?"

Blair thought for a second. Visions of Todd and Timmy came to her mind. Then visions of Tea and Kevin did. "Yes! I am sure. I will just need a little more time than I thought before you set anything into action. My aunt is a doctor. She will be able to help me with Todd's medical problems and she can recommend the best doctors and nurses to help him. I also need a little time to explain things to Starr. She knows her daddy is sick, but not really in what way. I have to talk to her and see if she is ready to hear this." Blair started to stand up.

"The is one other thing," Matthew declared.

'Oh God! Blair thought.

"You do realize Todd or whoever is out will have to be examined by several doctors and might have to be interviewed by the judge who is handling the case. You need to decide if you think that will be too traumatic for him. From what you have told me the child alters, and even Todd, frighten easily."

"Especially around strangers," Blair added. She now made herself nervous.

"So, you see Mrs. Manning, there is a lot to consider. I want you to go home and really think this through. Perhaps if you spoke with Todd's family and his doctor again you could work out some kind of compromise. You said your aunt is a doctor. Maybe her presence will help calm things down?"

Blair couldn't help but laugh. Matthew stared at her. "Excuse me. I'm sorry. It just that . . . well . . . relations are strained between my aunt Dorian and Todd's family. They are cordial now, but that might be tentative. Mr. Allen, I will think very long and hard about everything you mentioned. However, in all likelihood, I will still want to go ahead with this case."

"May I keep the picture for the file?" Matthew requested.

"Yes. It's a copy. There may be more. I am still having them followed." Blair shook his hand and left.

Shaking his head again, Matthew thought to himself, 'You are in for the fight of your life, Mrs. Manning, not only in the courts, but also trying to keep your ex-husband alive and safe.'

Rodd came bursting back into the room. "Tea come! You must see this! There is a window down the hall that has a spectacular view of all of Llanview. I believe you can see all the way down to Angel Square."

Tea looked at Viki and Sam. She smiled and excused herself to join Rodd.

Kevin came back into the room. "Did you get know Rodd a little?" Viki asked.

"Not Rodd so much as a lecture on the impressionists," Kevin laughed. "I remember taking an art appreciation class with Todd and Zack. They were bored out of their minds. All they did was sit around and crack jokes and flirt with the girls in the class. They both just passed by the skin of their teeth. Museums . . . the opera . . . I can't believe any part of Todd has any interest in those."

"Rodd is a surprise, Kev. I'll give you that," Sam acknowledged. He patted Kevin on the back.

"I think that Todd would have been ridiculed by Peter if he had shown any interest in any of those things. Perhaps Barbara spoke of them to Todd before she left," Viki theorized.

"Does he really believe he has this whole wonderful family waiting to take him home once Todd is well?" Kevin had trouble understanding this.

"Rodd believes that with all his heart. He once went on at great length about how wonderful his parents are and how kind and attentive they were to him and his sisters. He needs to believe that very much, Kevin. Don't ever let him see that you know it isn't true. Susannah has allowed him that belief. It is why Rodd is able to be so loving and outgoing," Viki explained. She wanted to make sure Kevin didn't say the wrong thing.

"Well, he certainly seemed outgoing to Tea. Was he flirting with her?" Kevin smiled.

"She's his wife, Kevin!" Sam answered sharply.

"Actually she's Todd's wife, but I know what you're saying. It just surprised me. In college, Todd's idea of flirting was a little crude. Rodd seems to be a smooth operator."

"Rodd handles Todd's sexuality and keeps Todd's ability to feel happiness. He does not have the burden of abuse to contend with. He does not share Todd's confusion of sex, violence, love, attention and control all being mixed up together. He claims he was taught to be good and kind to woman because of his upbringing. How that part of Todd was able to survive I don't know, but Rodd is what he says he is. There is no violent side to him. Tea is safe with him. As was Blair," Viki assured Kevin.

"Are you saying that is how Todd was able to have a sexual relationship with Blair? That it was Rodd?"

This surprised Kevin. "Yes, most of the time. That's what Susannah believes. Rodd has pretty much confirmed it,” Viki answered.

"That does explain a lot. I always wondered how Todd went from being the way he was to this great love of Blair's life. It never made sense that he was suddenly able to turn off the violence and attitudes he had about sex and women. It was quiet the leap from Marty to Blair. I knew Todd had some therapy in prison. I heard he and Marty worked some things out. I remember that he tried to have a relationship with Rebecca Lewis. That was cut short when she left town and he found out he was the Lord heir. I didn't think those few sessions would have been enough to turn him around that much," Kevin surmised.

"No, they weren't. Todd's therapist in prison was probably not even aware of how very ill Todd was. None of us were" Viki admitted sadly.

*****

Tea and Rodd stood at the window. Frank stood within arm's length. He tried to be as unobtrusive as possible. Tea stood close to the windowpane. Rodd stood in back of her. He couldn't believe he was this close to Tea again. He moved in a little closer so he could smell her hair. He wanted to hold her in his arms. He was afraid he would frighten her. He was also aware of Frank standing nearby.

"There is the whole city stretched out before us, Tea. I would like to give it all to you. Todd is very rich."

Tea turned around. "Rodd, Todd has already given me enough. The only thing I want is for all of you to be happy and well enough to come home."

"Tea." Rodd began to say something and then stopped talking.

"Rodd, what is it?" Tea could tell that it had been important to him.

He heard the concern in Tea's voice. "Nothing. It's all right."

"You can tell me," Tea coaxed.

Rodd hesitated and then blurted out, "When Todd is well, whose home do you want to go to . . . Todd's or mine?"

Tea was not sure how to answer him. She knew he believed that he would one day be able to live a life separate from Todd. "Rodd, I think that someday I would like to be able to spend time with both of you. I care very much for each of you and for the others."

This was not what Rodd wanted to hear. He wanted to hear Tea say she cared the most for him. Rodd, being the gentleman he was, replied, "You have a good heart Tea. There is much room in there for everyone."

Tea looked at him. He looked tired. "Rodd, I've had kind of a long day. Why don't we go back to your room so I can sit down for a while?"

"Of course. Perhaps I can get them to bring you something to eat?"

"Rodd, you missed lunch. Would you also like something to eat?" Frank hoped to encourage him to eat something.

"Tea, would you like to join me in a late lunch?" Rodd asked hopefully.

Tea really needed to get back to the office. She was not scheduled to meet with any clients. She needed to go over some paperwork. She knew she would rather stay late into the night than refuse Rodd's invitation. "I would love to have lunch with you, Rodd. Why don't we go back to your room and see what's available?"

"Tea and I are going to have some lunch. Would any of you care to join us?" Rodd asked as soon as he came back into the room.

Viki and Sam sensed that Rodd really wanted to have lunch alone with Tea or as least as alone as they could be with the techs and nurses close by.

"Thank you very much, Rodd. Sam, Kevin and I need to discuss some newspaper business. We will catch something in the cafeteria," Viki answered for all of them. She tried to keep from smiling when she notice that Rodd looked relieved. Sam, Viki and Kevin headed out. Viki looked at Frank who was positioned in a chair right outside the door.

"Don't worry, I'll keep and eye on him. Dan and Jeff are right down the hall," Frank reassured Viki.

Sam looked at Viki. "Is our boy on a date?"

Viki smiled. "I guess you can call it that."

Kevin decided to head back to the paper to check on things. Sam and Viki headed to the cafeteria.

"So, what would you two like to eat?" Frank asked.

"Tea, I wish I could be cooking the finest delicacies for you. I am afraid we will have to settle for what they serve here." Rodd turned to Frank. Seriously, Rodd asked, "I don't suppose they have any wine in that café of yours?"

"No, Rodd. I'm sorry, they don't." Frank didn't feel it was necessary to add that Rodd could not drink liquor with all the medication he was on anyway. "I do know that some of the lunch choices today were meat loaf, loin of pork and stuffed flounder."

"Quite pedestrian," Rodd commented. "Tea, I'm afraid we will have to make do with it. Which of those would you like?"

"Uh . . . the stuffed flounder sounds good," Tea stated.

"Frank, we will have two stuffed flounders. Thank you, Frank. I appreciate your helping us out this way."

Frank smiled and patted Rodd on the back. "No problem, buddy. Any time."

Frank made the arrangements for Rodd and Tea's lunch.

"Rodd, would you like to rest awhile before we go to the dayroom to have our lunch?" Tea was worried about him.

"No. I think I would like a change of scenery. We can go there now . . . relax . . . talk . . . get to know each other. Tea, I understand it is my fault you don't know me as well as I know you. I never made my presence known to you. Perhaps we can rectify this?" Rodd suggested hopefully.

*****

Tea and Rodd settled down in the dayroom. Tea sat in one of the club chairs and Rodd sat near her, on the couch. He had hoped she would have chosen the couch so he could have sat next to her. While waiting for the food, Rodd kept Tea entertained with stories of the travels he and his parents took, throughout Europe. At first Tea was thinking how sad his pretense was. After a while she found herself becoming fascinated by his stories. She was no expert on Europe, however Rodd's tales seemed very real. Tea wondered where he got all that information. She could tell he believed every word he said.

When the food arrived, Tea was amazed at Rodd's table manners. They were perfect. She did notice he had some trouble using only his left hand. Tea wanted to help him. She didn't. She knew that would embarrass him, so she said nothing.

"I am sorry we only have orange juice instead of wine, or better still, the finest champagne." Rodd poured some juice into Tea's cup and his as he spoke. "You also deserve fine china and silverware instead of this plastic."

"Rodd, I don't care what the food is served on. This is fine. I am having a good time sharing it with you." Tea saw his face light up. She was so happy she explained that to him.

"I don't understand why Todd and the others need this feeding tube. Eating is one of life's pleasures," Rodd remarked.

"Rodd, most of the others are very sad and don't feel like eating anymore," Tea explained.

"Yes. It is true. They have much to be sad over. I am the lucky one. I was born to a wonderful family that wanted me from the second they saw me. My father was always telling me how proud of me he was and that I was a good son to him. I knew I was important to him. He was also very affectionate. He always hugged us." Rodd noticed Tea's expression. "I said something to make you sad again?"

Tea swallowed hard. She tried to hold back the tears she felt stinging her eyes. "I was just feeling bad for Todd. He was not lucky enough to have such good parents."

"Yes, I know," Rodd admitted solemnly. "That is why I am here. I help him. Don't worry, Tea. I will always help him."

Todd's body was very tired. It had been a strenuous day so far. Rodd felt himself getting sleepy. He hated to give in to it. He knew his time out was precious and he did not want to give any up to sleep. He could hardly keep his eyes open and he felt weary.

Tea saw this. "Rodd, I enjoyed having lunch with you very much. I'm afraid I have to get to my office."

"Your office?" Rodd was confused.

"Yes. Oh, I didn't tell you. I have a pro bono practice down in Angel Square."

"Ahh, you are helping the poor. That is a very good thing. Do you need any money for your worthy cause? I can ask Viki to giv . . ."

"No, Rodd. I'm fine." Tea cut him off. "Honestly, I don't need anything. Todd left me very well taken care of."

"Yes . . . Todd took care of you financially . . . a woman needs more. I would love to take care of you, in every way, Tea." Rodd took her hand.

Tea didn't know what to say. Somehow this conversation with Rodd made Tea feel like she was cheating on Todd. "Thank you, Rodd. That is very kind of you to say that." Tea cringed at her own words. She felt uncomfortable.

"So, you go to help the legally suffering and I will take a nap." Rodd said with a smile. He brought Tea's had to his lips and kissed the back of it. Tea felt her body shudder. Rodd noticed. His eyes danced as he looked at her. "I hope we meet again in the near future."

Tea nodded, gathered her things and left. Rodd smiled to himself and lay down for a nap.

Tea headed for her car. She felt like this day had been a dream. She could not believe that in this one day she had been close to Todd and 'on a date' with Rodd. Tea didn't know whether to smile or cry.

*****

Susannah came to check on Rodd. "He's been asleep for about an hour," Frank informed her.

"Was it Rodd who went to sleep?" Susannah inquired.

"Yes. He ate a good lunch with Tea and drank two cups of juice." Frank filled her in.

"Good. I'll let him sleep for a while and then see if I can get Todd out for a session. I need to discuss Tea with him."

"Good luck," Frank remarked. He knew what Todd's reaction was going to be.

"Thanks, I'll need it." Susannah responded and headed to the cafeteria to get something to eat herself. She ran into Sam and Viki by the elevators. "Rodd is taking a nap. Tea went back to work. I'm going to the cafeteria to grab some lunch. When Rodd wakes up, if it is Rodd, I would like to try to bring Todd out and have a session with him."

"He's been through a lot today, can't it wait?" Viki protested.

"No, I think it is important that he speak about this as soon as possible. If he is really not ready, he won't come out. Oh, Viki. We have a session scheduled for eleven tomorrow . . . just a little reminder."

"I remember," Viki replied with a nervous smile. Susannah patted Viki's arm and rang for the elevator.

"He's sleeping," Frank whispered.

"Susannah told us it was Rodd who fell asleep," Sam whispered back.

"Yeah. He seemed to have a good time with Tea," Frank commented.

Sam and Viki looked at the sleeping Rodd. He his face, though angular like Todd's, did not have the rough edges, nor was it troubled and tense. It was peaceful, tranquil. At Susannah's suggestion, Viki had started to work on some articles at the hospital. She was working on her laptop and Sam was reading the paper when they heard Rodd waking up.

Rodd stretched. He saw them sitting in the room with him. "Viki, Sam, did you have a nice lunch?"

"Yes, we did. How about you?" Sam asked.

"I give no prize to the food, but having lunch with my beautiful Tea was prize enough."

Viki walked over to the bed and hugged him. "I'm happy you had a nice time."

"Todd is lucky to have you for a sister and Sam for a friend," Rodd said as he hugged her back. Rodd stretched again and sat up. He stood up and looked out the window. "The view is better from the hallway, but the garden is nice too."

Viki noticed him looking at her laptop. "Rodd, do you like computers? You can use it if you like. I'm sorry there is no phone connection in here. If you'd like to go online, I'm sure some accommodations can be made."

"I am not really into cyberspace. But thank you. Perhaps young Tom would like it," Rodd suggested.

Viki and Sam realized that would be a good present for Tom and perhaps the others. They would have to ask Susannah if it was all right.

Rodd was still looking out the window when Susannah came back. "Doctor Hanen, you're back." Rodd took Susannah's hand in his warm ones.

"I heard you had a very nice lunch with Tea." Susannah was happy to be able to say that.

"Yes." Rodd looked around the room. "It is not the place, it's the company," he whispered and winked.

Susannah smiled at this charming young man who stood before of her. She wondered if Todd secretly wished he could be like Rodd. "Rodd, I know you don't get much time out and perhaps that's changing, but I need to speak with Todd. Do you mind?"

"No, there is really not much to do now that my Tea is at work. Will she be coming back soon?" Rodd asked hopefully.

"That is one of the things I want to talk to Todd about," Susannah informed him.

"Todd doesn't always make it easy for me to come out when he is with Tea. I think he likes being around her, but he does not know how to treat a woman the way I do."

"Rodd, maybe someday you can help Todd learn how to treat a woman," Susannah suggested.

"I would have my work cut out for me, yes?" Rodd joked.

Susannah laughed. "I think with you teaching him, Todd may surprise you."

"So, you want me to help find Todd, now?" Rodd inquired.

"Yes. Thank you, Rodd. I would like that." Susannah smiled warmly at him.

Rodd turned to Sam and Viki. "Viki, Sam, it was so wonderful to see you both again."

"It was wonderful to see you too, Rodd," they answered. In some ways they were both sad to see him go. He was a very special young man and he gave Todd's body peace. It was not something that happened often.

"Doctor Hanen, till we meet again." Rodd held out his hand. Susannah shook it. "I am not sure I really know how to do this. It is not often I try to get Todd out," Rodd apologized.

"I'll help you. Let's go over to the bed so you can relax." Susannah walked him to the bed.

Once Rodd was settled comfortably, Susannah began. "Rodd, close your eyes. We're going to try to relax all you muscles. Start with your toes . . ." Susannah didn't have to help him much. He was able to utilize the relaxation technique very well. "Good. Okay, Rodd, I want you to go inside and let me know if you can see Todd."

Rodd's body relaxed even more and then tensed up slightly. "I don't see him. I believe he is hiding." Rodd's voice was drowsy.

"That's okay, Rodd. You just go back in and relax. Thank you for helping me. I will try to find Todd."

"As you wish," he murmured and Todd's body seemed to be asleep.

"Todd, it's Doctor Hanen. I want you to come forward. Come to my voice, Todd. It's safe. Viki and Sam are here. Tea has gone back to work. Todd, I need for you to come to the front." There was no reaction. "Goodone, if Todd is with you, can you help him to follow my voice and come to the front? Todd needs to be out with us now." There was still no response.

Todd heard Susannah's voice in the distance. He didn't know whom, but he knew someone was trying to get him to leave the sanctity of Goodone's arms. He felt himself being drawn away from Goodone. "Papa, no! Please. Let me say with you."

Goodone remembered the last time he had helped Todd to get to Doctor Hanen. Todd had ended up hurt. No, he would not help this time. He would protect Todd. Goodone held Todd tightly. "Don't be afraid. Papa will protect you. Listen to my voice, Todd. Don't listen to any other voice you hear. Look into my eyes."

Susannah was unaware that there was a struggle going on for Todd's attention. "Todd, it's Doctor Hanen. Come forward Todd. You need to come out now." Susannah declared firmly.

"Hold on to me Todd. I will keep you safe. Papa is here." Goodone rocked Todd, tenderly. "Papa loves you. You are such a good son. Goodone gently placed his hand over Todd's eyes for a few seconds. "Go to sleep now. I will take care of this."

Todd murmured, "I love you Papa." He closed his eyes. Goodone caressed Todd's cheek and kissed him on the forehead. "Sleep, Todd. You're safe here with me. Papa loves you so much." Todd succumbed to a deep sleep.

Susannah tried again. "Come on, Todd. Follow my voice." His eyes opened. "Doctor Hanen. I'm sorry. I cannot be a party helping you to bring Todd out."

They recognized Goodone's voice. "Hello Goodone. Can you tell me why?" Susannah probed.

"You allowed him to get hurt the last time I helped you," Goodone stated.

Susannah made no excuses. She took full responsibility. "Yes, Goodone. I did and I'm sorry. I will try my best to keep that from ever happening again. Do you see Frank? He and the rest of the staff are staying much closer to Todd and everyone else now. If a problem occurs they will help to keep Todd safe."

"I'm sorry. I can't take that risk. I always told you your world would hurt Todd. He is not strong enough for it. He is better off staying with me. I always keep him safe."

"Goodone, I know you do, but is that really the life you want for Todd?"

"What do you mean? He has a very good life with me."

"Oh, Goodone. I think you know that isn't completely true. Yes, Todd is very safe with you, but he doesn't get to participate in life. How does he spend most of his time when he is with you?"

"I tell him stories. I sing to him. I tell him how good and special he is and make sure he feels love. I keep him warm. I see to it that he gets some peaceful sleep. He never feels pain when he is with me."

"Yes, Todd feels no pain when he's with you. He also doesn't get to feel the things he wants to feel. He doesn't get to feel the joy of holding his child. He doesn't get to feel the love of his wife and family. He doesn't get to feel the satisfaction of running his newspaper." Susannah could see that Goodone was thinking about what she had just said. "Goodone, I believe Todd is getting stronger. I think he is able to come out and handle some things a little better. I believe he is ready to talk about some of the things that cause him pain."

"No. He did not want to come to you. He wanted to stay safe. He doesn't want it to hurt." Goodone was adamant.

"I can understand that. No one likes it to hurt. Unfortunately, sometimes pain is part of life. If Todd can feel some of the pain now, it may help him to be able to feel all those other good things he wants to feel too. I think Todd is a lot stronger than you are giving him credit for."

"I know Todd better than anyone," Goodone insisted.

"Yes, I know you do," Susannah conceded, "but perhaps your judgment is clouded by the love you have for Todd and the fear you have of him getting hurt? Wouldn't you like to see Todd get to the point where he can be with his daughter again?" Susannah gave Goodone a chance to think over what she told him. She added, "Goodone, you know Todd so well. You must know how much he loves Starr and how much he misses her."

Goodone looked sad. "Yes, I do know how much his daughter means to him."

"There is only one way for Todd to get well enough to get back to his life. You know what that one way is, Goodone," Susannah pressed gently.

"I promised him I wouldn't let him get hurt."

"I want you to keep your promise, Goodone. I will see to it that Todd stays safe. If he becomes too upset I will try to help him back to you. That's a promise."

Goodone thought about it for a minute. "I will be close by and watching, this time."

"Fair enough," Susannah agreed.

Goodone closed his eyes. "Todd, it's time to wake up now. Papa is going to help you to get to Doctor Hanen and your sister and Sam."

"No, Papa! Please keep me here. I'm afraid!" Todd cried out. He clung to Goodone.

"I will walk with you. I will take your hand and go into the tunnel with you. I will be standing nearby and watching over you. You will feel my presence when you are with them."

Todd continued to hold onto Goodone.

"Todd, let Goodone help you come forward. Goodone will keep you safe while you are with us. Let Goodone bring you to my voice, Todd. It will be all right," Susannah called to him.

Todd once again heard the echo like sound of a voice beckoning him to leave his hiding place. "Come Todd. It's all right to hear the voice now. It's safe to follow it. Let's walk together."

Reluctantly, Todd stood up. Goodone held out his hand and Todd took it. Together they walked toward Susannah's voice.

TO BE CONTINUED