From Drags to Riches

Alvin steps into the club that he bought only months ago. It is already time to sell, due to a terrible tragedy that has happened recently. His daughter-in-law was shot by a madman looking to kill his only son. Kathryn stood up as he fired the gun and took the bullet instead of the drag performer for which the bullet was intended. Alvin sighs heavily as he walks towards a black woman sitting at the bar.
"Ms. Bouchet I presume."
"Mr. Stone, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"I see Braxton there on the stage. His last name is Bouchet, you two must be related?"
"Why, yes, Braxton is my nephew. I happen to be the sister of his sorry excuse for a father."
Alvin's blood boils with anger. How could he be doing business with a sibling of that maniac?
"I sense the uneasiness in you right now. Please, I am nothing like my brother. He was outcast from the family long ago."
Alvin starts to calm, he just wants to get rid of this place.
"I'm sorry, it's just my daughter-in-law was the woman who took the bullet for your nephew."
Octavia drops her jaw with horror and apologizes profusely for her brother's actions.
"Ms. Bouchet, please, your brother's actions cannot be considered your fault. Now can we just finish this paperwork? I want to be rid of this club."
"Of course."

Joyce is startled by a knock on her door.
"Hello Weston."
The middle-aged long lost friend flashes a half dozen red roses in front of her face.
"I apologize for my tardiness. I had some last minute things to take care of at the hospital."
"Weston, you shouldn't have."
She takes the bouquet and puts them in a vase she bought the other day.
"So where are we going to dinner?"
"Now that is a surprise, Joyce."

Braxton stops dancing to the sound of his ringing phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey Braxton, this is Skyler. Think you can meet me at my place in about an hour?"
"Sure, what for though?"
"I'll let you know when you get here."
Skyler hangs up and Braxton is left confused.
I might as well go and establish some friends since I'm going to be here permanently.

Hawke dials his phone.
"Hey Skyler."
"Ahh, just the person I was wanting to talk to. Can you meet me at my place in about an hour?"
"Sure, we have to plan."
"I know, that's why I am calling you."
"Cool."

Skyler puts his shirt on and gathers his belongings in his bag. He must be getting home to meet the Braxton and Hawke. Skyler walks out of the room into the managers office.
"Here you go, the three grand he said he would pay."
The managers face is shocked at that much money from an hour long session. He smirks as he talks.
"You must do something well. Here, keep half of it as your payment."
Skyler grabs the $1500 and starts to walk out of the office.
"Oh, I'm taking the rest of the night off."
The manager sits in his chair baffled and lets the young man leave the building.

As the sun sets behind the hills to the west of the city, Weston pulls his car into the parking lot of the ancient Garladine Cemetery. Stepping out of the car, he feels a chill run through him. This place is hundreds of years old and few ever visited. The only new additions to the graveyard are those of families that have been buried there for decades. Weston counts as he walks deeper into the graveyard, coming upon bigger mausoleums and crypts. Ten rows down, five to the left, fourteen to the right, twenty to the right, eight to the right.
Finally, here it is. Why do we have to meet here? This place is creepy.
The cemetary was designed long ago with thick walls of bushes more than ten feet high to produce a maze. The purpose was to keep out grave robbers. Now that rarely anyone enters the graveyard, the maze is obsolete, yet the families leave the bushes for the tradition that they stand for.
A door from the largest crypt opens as if expecting him. Weston cautiously steps inside. A dark voice speaks to him as the door closes behind.
"You're early. It's too light outside. Did anyone see you come here?"
Weston speaks with shakiness in his voice.
"No, no one saw. I thought I would please you by being early."
"Good."
The voice raises its level of anger.
"Never will you arrive when I haven't told you ever again. Never be early, never be late."
"Of course, my apologies."
The voices anger wanes to that of power and authority.
"Now, have you been able to go through with my orders."
"No... something happened."
"What... went... wrong?"

"Octavia, this is amazing!"
"I'm glad you like it."
The club of Braxton's last performance was completely different. The overall architecture and layout is relatively unchanged, but there is a drastic difference in the decor. The walls are now lined with brighter colors and a happier mood. Themes of Busty's previous performances exist on the different floors of the club and the stage is now more attention getting than ever. Braxton hugs his aunt.
"Sugar, I have this place opening next week. I am hoping you can do the grand opening."
"Does Busty know how to dance?"
Braxton climbs onto the stage and dances around as though a Kylie Minogue song is playing. Octavia grabs her phone as sits by the bar to dial a number.

Skyler wakes in Alvin's arms.
"When did I fall asleep?"
"A little while ago."
"I'm sorry, here I am sleeping on your time. I can't let you..."
"Stop. It's okay, I don't remember the last time I had someone fall asleep in my arms like that. It was just what I needed."
Skyler smiles, as Alvin rises from the bed to answer his ringing phone.
"Mr. Stone, I'm ready to finish the paper work."
Skyler slowly pulls his pants over his feet ignoring the phone conversation.
How could I just fall asleep here? Am I really that comfortable in his presence to do that?
He stands up to pull his pants up completely. Alvin closes his phone and gives Skyler a short kiss.
"I have to be getting somewhere. Thank you for your time as always."
"My pleasure."
Alvin quickly gets dressed and leaves the premises. Skyler is left dumbfounded on the bed.

"Well you haven't been around to hear the news. My old friend, Antoine, that you let out of jail to hunt down the Bouchet child, managed to shoot down a Stone family member instead, Kathryn Stone"
A long silence makes Weston uneasy in the now pitch black crypt.
"Did you catch..."
"Yes, I heard you. This can be used to our advantage. The Stone family fortune is worth much more than the Bouchet child could ever possibly make. From what I understand, the most recent addition to the Stone family, Kathryn Stone, is the most prized member to the family patriarch, Alvin Stone. Now I got you the job at the hospital so you could use your past history with the Bouchet family to rekindle trust. Now that things have changed you must build trust with both families. Treat the Stone woman at her home, become friends with them, earn their trust. You must become a precious family friend to both."
"But how can I..."
"Silence! Just do as I say. You owe me for what was lost long ago."
"Yes, I understand."
"Now go. I will contact you again in a few months."
The door to the crypt creeps open behind Weston. He steps outside and follows the directions back to his car. He is late, Joyce must be waiting.

A shadow sneaks up on Skyler's sleeping body. With a slight touch on his shoulder, Skyler wakes and looks at the man with a startled look.
"What are you doing here? Why didn't you just call me?"

"Octavia, where are we going now?"
"Sugar, be patient."
Braxton cannot be patient through all of this. His aunt loves to torture people with surprises while Braxton contrasts with a need to know when, how, and where things are going to happen. Sensing his uneasiness, Octavia tries to lighten the mood with idle chat about bar fights with Oprah. A smile is brought about Braxton's face with the mention of the celebrities that she has made friends with over the years. The limo comes to a halt.
"Come, sugar, we are here."
As Braxton leaves the limo, he almost faints at the sight. How could she bring him here?
"Are you okay, sugar?"
"Octavia, I can't be here. This place freaks me out!"
"What, why?"
"Octavia!! This is the place where my father tried to shoot me down!"
With a look of horror on her face, Octavia apologizes for her ignorance. She attempts to calm her nephew with the reason for bringing him here.
"Braxton, I bought the club so you can have a permanent place to perform, a club dedicated solely to 'Miss Busty Bouchet'."
"But I don't understand. This man, Alvin Stone, had just bought the club."
"Yes, I bought the club from him. He never told me why he was selling it, but I guess I understand now."
"So this is going to be my performance club?"
"Mmm hmm. And the more I think it about it, it is only fitting that your club should be where your father was defeated for the last time."
Braxton's expression changes quickly from scared, to angered, to joyed. His aunt was right. His father's last defeat will be the start of a new life. With sudden courage, Braxton drags his aunt inside the club.

"G'nite Dr. Chase."
Nicole waves to Weston as he leaves the ER floor. She moves around to the pile of charts with a stressed look on her face. The new ER directing job she is doing is not easy but not difficult. This look of stress comes from the worry about her son.
Nicole flashes back to the night she found out her son is gay. He had run away from the table at questions about women in his life. Wandering upstairs with her husband, they rounded the corner to their son's unfurnished room just as he proclaimed his homosexuality to his sister. Instantly her husband threw him out of the house and told their son to never come back again.
Nicole returns to her desk and picks up the phone.

"Hello Skyler."
"Alvin why are you here? Why didn't you just call me to set up an appointment."
"Skyler, I couldn't wait to see you. I knew you would be here tonight, so I had to come."
Sitting up, Skyler reveals his body from the waist up from underneath the blankets. Alvin's face relaxes, as the young man in front of him rises from the bed. Revealing the rest of his body, Skyler hugs the older man and whispers in his ear.
"Well, I guess we better get you out of these clothes."

Joyce waits uneasily for Weston. Her hotel room seems to be empty as she looks around. Her nerves are getting to her. This man had used her once long ago when she fell under his spell in a state of weakness after Antoine's first conviction.
Am I as strong now as I was back then, before Antoine?

Braxton looks around the elegant penthouse. He has never seen such a property in an apartment building.
"Octavia, what are you talking about 'the new home for the Bouchets in Garladine'?"
"Well, sugar, I just bought the place for you, your mother, and me to live in."
Braxton looks at his aunt with disbelief.
"But, why would you do that?"
"Well, don't sound too ungrateful."
"Sorry, Octavia."
"I'm lonely at my present home. No family in town, no family in the house. It's a sad experience to not be able to share things with the most special people in my life."
Braxton sheds a tear as he hugs his aunt.
"Thank you so much. I'm sure we'll be happy here."
"Hold on a minute, there's still more surprise. C'mon let's go."
Octavia grabs her nephew's hand and drags him to the elevator.

Jason pulls the car into the Stone mansion driveway. Kathryn is puzzled as to why she is at his father's house.
"Kathryn, my father wants to talk to you for a bit."
Looking terribly worried, Kathryn speaks with shaky words.
"Why, has he replaced me or something?"
"No, no, he just needs to talk to you for a bit."
The two enter the house and walk to Alvin's study.
"Dad, look who's walking again."
Alvin looks up from his work with a huge smile on his face. He is thrilled to have his daughter-in-law walking around again.
"Now Kathryn, I'm glad to see you are up and moving again, but there is some business we need to take care of."
Kathryn takes a seat in the chair facing the Alvin. She looks uneasy, almost frightened.
"Relax, please. It's about the magazine."
The statement doesn't help her relax at all.
"Do you remember Alexandra Chase, the writer you suggested we have lunch with? Well, I've had her doing your job while you've been out, and she's doing a fantastic job. Now, I know you'll be ready to work soon, but here's what I want you to do. I'm going to leave Alex in the editor's position but I'm giving you the magazine."
"What?! What are you talking about?"
"Kathryn, I'm giving you the ownership of the magazine. So, just think things over right now. I have to go to another meeting."
"But..."
Alvin walks out of the office and mansion as Kathryn stares at Jason.
"Is he crazy?"

Joyce walks through the mall, peering at the window displays. Just as she enters on of the stores to inquire about a dress, her phone rings.
"Joyce, it's Weston."
"Oh, hello..."
"I was wondering if you would like to go to dinner tonight."
"Weston, I..."
"Aww, c'mon, it's just a dinner."
"Fine then, I'll go."
"I'll pick you up in a couple hours then, okay?"
"Sure, see you then."
"Bye."
Joyce has a confused look on her face. It is odd to go to dinner with someone she just remet after twenty-some years.

"What... me? Why does this person want me?"
"Skyler, I have no idea. He didn't give me a name or anything. He just requested you."
"But... I haven't worked here like that in over a year."
"Skyler, this man is willing to pay thousands. He won't pay that much for anyone else. In fact he doesn't want anyone else."
"Fine, fine, I'll do it."
"Perfect, he'll be here in a couple hours. You don't have to work now. You can just get ready and hang around in his room until then."
Skyler walks slowly to the room that the manager has pointed out. It is the finest sex room they have furnished with tacky neon lights and an assortment of lubes and condoms in the corner.
Why would anyone come here to request to sleep with me for thousands of dollars?
Skyler takes off clothes as he ponders about the client. Dropping his pants, he climbs into the bed and unintentionally falls asleep.

"I'm sorry, I had to come see you."
"Denver, you shouldn't be here. Alex and I aren't on speaking terms because of you."
"Look.. I'm sorry but.. I.. now you're going to blame me too?"
Brayen sighs as the young man starts to show tears.
"Come on in. What is it you need?"
"I need some comforting. My whole family despises me at the moment."
"That's not true. Here, listen to this."
Brayen plays the message left by Alex.
"You see, she still loves you. They aren't going to abandon you."
"I guess you're right."
Denver looks into Brayen's eyes. Brayen moves his hand up to Denver's face and wipes away a tear. He realizes Denver's face is coming closer slowly. The two kiss as Denver's hand slides into Brayen's pants.
"What are you doing?"
"I want you to show me what it's like to have sex with a man."
"Are you sure? I don't want to take advantage of you."
"Of course I'm sure. C'mon."
Denver grabs Brayen's hand and drags him into the bedroom.

"Octavia, where are you taking me?"
"Calm yourself sugar, you'll see soon enough."
Braxton is still uneasy about his aunt's kidnapping of him.
Where the hell is she taking me now?
The limo turns a corner and slowly stops.
"Okay, we're here."
The black countess escorts Braxton out of the limo. He is shocked at the building standing before him.
"What are we doing at this apartment building?"
"Come sugar, let's go inside."
The two walk into the building and enter the elevator. Octavia pushes the button for the top floor. All is silent as the elevator escalates, but the excitement on Octavia's face seems to be emitting a sound. Finally the elevator stops and the two step into a luxurious hallway.
"Octavia, what are we doing up here?"
The two walk to the end of the hallway to the cherry wood door. Octavia turns a key and the two step inside the penthouse.
"Welcome to the new home of the Bouchets in Garladine."

Claire walks into her brother's room. Colby had just stepped out to go to the bathroom. She searches his room for an assignment they have to for their math class. Without luck in the rest of the room, she sits down at his desk to look in the drawers. Accidentally hitting the mouse a box requesting a password comes up on the screen. Just at that moment, Colby comes back to his room.
"What are you doing in here?"
"Oh relax Colby, I'm just looking for the math homework. Why do you have a password on your computer?"
"Because of people like you who want to look through my stuff."
Claire laughs, she could care less about the stuff on his computer until now. Colby picks up a piece of paper and hands it to her.
"There's the homework, now leave!"
"Geeze no need to be pushy."
As Claire leaves the room her curiosity has been stirred. Normally she would not even acknowledge the existence of her brother's computer. But with a password on it, she has to figure out what's on there.

Skyler walks into the strip club.
Here goes another night.
He walks over to the bar, the club is still rather empty. It was early for anyone to be there. Skyler starts a conversation with one of the other bartenders.
"Hey man, what's going on?"
"Eh nothing really. Oh wait! How could I forget? The manager wants to see you right away. Supposedly it's about some client."
"Uhhh, okay."
Skyler walks off to find the manager of the club. Entering the back room, he hears soft moans come from the closet. He opens the door to find some under-aged twink giving the old nasty man of a manager a blow job.
"Well hey little boy, you might as well come out of the closet now, because soon everyone will catch on."
The 17-year-old baseball star from the nearby high school ran out of there as fast as he could.
"Skyler, c'mon, I was enjoying that."
"You should save your illegal tricks for personal time where no one will catch you."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Don't you remember your young days?"
"Haha, I try not to sometimes. So what's this you need to talk to me about?"
"A high profile client is coming in tonight, and he has specifically requested you."

Brayen lounges around his apartment after a long day of work. He hears the phone ring but decides not to answer it after checking the caller ID. He mutters to himself with irritation.
"Who does she is calling here? I want nothing to do with her."
He continues to mumble inaudibly as the answering machine goes off.
"Brayen, I know you're there. Will you please just pick up the phone?"
A few moments of silence makes Brayen stop mumbling and listen.
"Fine, I guess you aren't going to. All I want to do is apologize for last week. I don't know why I reacted to my brother's confessi.. no that's the wrong word. I don't know what I'm trying to say but I shouldn't have been so upset. I still love my little brother and still love you. I don't know what I'll do without you. I hope that some day we can be friends again."
More silence from the answering machine, then Brayen hears a click. Alex hung up. He is still bitter about her momentary lack of acceptance after Denver told her he was gay.
It was good to hear her voice again though. I never see her at work in that editor's office she has.
Brayen is slightly startled at a knock on his door.
"I wonder who that could be?"
Brayen opens the door.
"What are you doing here?"

Jason enters the hospital once more.
Hopefully this will be the last time.
He walks towards his wife's room. Just rounding the corner with his hands behind his back, Kathryn is excited to see him.
"What do you have behind your back?"
Jason pulls out a bouquet of flowers and of course some chocolate to go with it.
"Honey, what's this for?"
"Well, since you're getting out of the hospital today, and we missed Valentine's Day, how could I not bring you something?"
Jason embraces his wife who is now standing next to the bed. A nurse walks in and tells Jason not to make her excited.
"She still has minor injuries that need time to heal."
As the nurse leaves, Dr. Weston Scott enters the room with a wheel chair.
"Okay, Kathryn. It's time for you to leave. I've just signed the discharge papers."
Both husband and wife thank the doctor many times and head to the car to go home.

Octavia knocks on Braxton's door. As the door opens she grabs his hand.
"C'mon sugar, I've got some things to show you."
Braxton is dragged out of his room by his aunt. He is glad he got ready this morning instead of just lounging around.
"Where are you taking me?"
"Well it wouldn't be fun if that isn't a surprise."
Octavia smiles as Braxton eyes her with doubt.