After the Second Fall

As the group of six travelled to the Complex, Lilith introduced Rachel Frazier to John and Pip. The woman was sitting between Rosie and Maggie, who were each holding one of her hands. She didn't say anything, but did make eye contact with both of the men briefly before returning her eyes to the floor. Looking around the interior of the transport vehicle, Pip received a 'well done' nod from Lilith and a bright smile from Maggie; Rosie was focusing on her charge, whispering encouragement in the woman's ear.

When they arrived, the three young women disembarked without conversation. When they were out of hearing, John looked to Lilith. "I can guess some of it, but what's the story?"

Lilith nodded. "Matthew was apparently the golden boy of the family: bigger, stronger, meaner than the rest, and you saw what they were like. My guess is that Rachel got involved with him when they were too young, and ended up trapped. When her husband was killed the brothers took it out on her, although I can't think of a single reason why that makes sense.

"Regardless, if we would have walked away, that poor girl would still be with them. I don't think it would have turned out well for her." John shook his head sadly.

"We have a place for her?" Pip asked.

"We will. Right, John?"

"Sure. Let's give her a day or two to get cleaned up and acclimated a bit, then we'll see what she wants to do. My guess is that she is tougher than she looks, given that she survived that family of thugs. I can think of a couple places that could work well here."

"Not another PET girl?" asked Lilith, raising her eyebrows.

"No," John replied seriously. "Probably too much past trauma to be around guys getting beat up all the time, but maybe with Logistics or Purchasing: tenacity plays really well there. If not, she may be good with kids, or have talent in research. We'll make it work. With more than a thousand people here, finding a fit shouldn't take too long."

"What about the men today?" Pip asked. "Do we need to take care of other wives or children?"

Lilith shook her head. "No, I don't think so. Rachel gave me the impression that she was always the outsider. It sounds like the other women in that family were almost as bad as the men."

"What about the crowd?" John questioned. "Any concerns?"

"Not really. When the constables come by, I expect they'll get a more or less accurate account of Pip defending himself from a group of four armed men. With that many witnesses, the truth almost always comes out. I'll give the Meister's Office another head's up, but that's it."

"Okay," replied Pip. "I'm glad we're done with this: it was more difficult than I expected."

"Sure it is, Pip. This is about peoples' lives, and that always makes it harder. Unfortunately, there's really no way to learn how trauma and tragedy affect people except by seeing the aftermath." Lilith paused, thinking. "I will tell you one thing that I learned..." Pip raised his eyebrows, encouraging her to continue. "You have exceptional taste in women. Rosie and Maggie are something special."

Pip smiled broadly, turning to head into the Complex himself. "You're absolutely right, Director Collins, but I already knew that."

Lilith and John watched him go, standing in companionable silence. Looking down, he found that she was already looking up at him, so he held out his hand, which she quickly took. "I'm really proud of him. It shouldn't be possible for him to surprise me anymore, but the way he handles himself, he's just..."

"I know, John," Lilith replied, squeezing his hand. "You love him like a son."

John took a breath and nodded. "That shouldn't be a revelation. I've spent more time with him during his life than most fathers with their kids."

"Yeah, but..." Lilith prompted.

John smiled indulgently. "Yes, but other handlers don't have the same relationship with the Adams. I know, Lilith. Do you think he'd be better off if I stepped back and gave him some space? He's got the girls now, and like you said, they're really good for him."

Lilith shook her head, replying, "No, Honey. I'm not going to argue that the Effect is a result of your relationship, but I think Pip's empathy came from you. Maybe his perseverance as well. He'll be better off with Rosie and Maggie in his life, but that doesn't mean he doesn't still need your guidance."

John squeezed her hand and let out the breath he had been holding.

"Thinking about Pip and the girls," John paused dramatically and raised an eyebrow, "how are you doing after last night?"

Lilith snorted and shook her head, recalling their fifth consecutive night together. "Lord help me, I don't know how I'm still standing. Everything from my shoulders down is sore. I think I strained a muscle in my back, and if you so much as suggest touching me again tonight I'm going to go get Max to pull your arms off."

John smirked, feeling very proud of himself. "So... good?"

Lilith smiled back fondly. "Um huh. But I really do need to recover before we do any more experimenting." She turned and walked toward the Complex, "So tonight it's my turn to play." John grinned broadly. "I just need to go by my suite to pick up a few things to help me take care of you properly."

"Wait, what?"

Chapter 14

Within a week, routine had returned for Pip: training, sparring, spending time with the girls. The only significant change from the time before his adventure on the pitch was that he began to see Bonnie Madison and Rachel Frazier around the Complex with increasing frequency, almost always together.

This was a bit odd, given that neither had specific reasons to be near the Adams' dormitories or training facilities. Upon being asked, Rosie and Maggie immediately assumed their 'caught red handed' looks: Rosie looking down and blushing while Maggie folded her arms and looked smug.

"Okay, spill it," Pip said, looking at Maggie.

Maggie's smirk widened as she shook her head. "Uh uh, it wasn't me this time. Ask Ms. Innocent over there."

Rosie gave Maggie a dirty look, then sat up and looked at Pip. "It's not really anything worth talking about." Pip raised his eyebrows skeptically. "Really. You're the one that brought them here, so they're both grateful, and seeing you gives them something they can hold onto when everything else is new."

"And this was their idea? Both of them?"

Rosie sighed and slouched back down in her chair. "Sorta, I guess. They already knew each other, at least a little bit, so they've spent a lot of time together since Bonnie and her kids arrived. I guess it was a couple days after Rachel? Anyway, I had a meal with them the other day, and they started asking me questions about life here. That led to talking about you, and I may have given them a few more details than I maybe should have..." said Rosie, trailing off.

"Like what?" asked Pip

Rosie shrugged. "Nothing too bad, I promise. I told them about how kind you are, and how good you are to Maggie and I. I explained some about the program; the little bit I know anyway. I described your days, how you're always training, and then how Maggie and I cheer you up." Pip's eyebrows shot up. "That's not what I meant," corrected Rosie quickly. I just meant that I told them we spend time with you, fix up your scrapes and scratches, that kind of thing."

"And you didn't talk about, uh, the more intimate parts of our relationship?"

"Not on purpose. I mean, Bonnie asked, but all I told her was that you treated us very well."

Pip looked over to Maggie, who was smiling, enjoying seeing her friend on the hot seat. Even so, she decided to intervene. "Come on, Pip, ease up on her. Those girls think a lot of you, and I'm pretty sure Bonnie would be your Third in a heartbeat."

"Is that a thing?" asked Pip, shocked.

"Not that I know of," replied Maggie, "but there's a first time for everything."

Pip narrowed his eyes, then stuck out his tongue, which looked especially ridiculous given his size. Maggie just smiled back.

Pip shook his head, then looked back at Rosie. "Okay, so maybe a little bit of hero worship. Is that all?"

Rosie nodded. "I think so. Bonnie will be fine. She's pretty resilient, and she's already asked Madame Bower if she can join us in PET." Rosie forestalled Pip's objection with her hand. "She won't be working with us, so you're safe from her. Actually, she has a wonderful heart, and also wants some adventure in her life, so I think it's a good fit. What do you think, Mags?"

The other woman nodded her agreement. "She'll do well. We have to work on her expectations a bit, but we already talked with Ruth and gave her a heads up about her fixation on you. She didn't think it would be a big problem, given that you haven't really spent any time with you, so it's more the idea of you than anything else."

"Gee, thanks," Pip replied, but without malice.

"No problem," replied Maggie brightly with a wink.

"And Rachel Frazier?"

"Well, she's not so simple..." started Maggie.

"Actually, Pip, I am kind of glad you brought this whole thing up," said Rosie. "I'm pretty worried about Rachel. When we've gotten together, she is very quiet and only really speaks when spoken to. She doesn't volunteer information, and it's like pulling teeth to actually learn anything about her.

"She hasn't found a job here yet, so as far as I know she just wanders around."

"Same for me," volunteered Maggie. "She needs something constructive to do to fill her time, but I don't know what to suggest."

Pip nodded. "Alright, I'll talk with John and see if he can help."

Unfortunately, John didn't have any more luck getting Mrs. Frazier to open up than the girls, despite his best efforts. Another week had passed and Pip continued to see her around the complex, now always alone. Thinking about it, Pip had only seen Bonnie once more, which made sense because she was busy learning her new responsibilities, together with taking care of her children.

The next time Pip saw Rachel, he was eating alone at the edge of the main courtyard, as usual. When their eyes met, he motioned her over and gestured for her to sit while raising his eyebrows in questioningly.

She moved over quickly and sat down gracefully, setting her own food on the grass next to her. "Thank you. I was trying to work up the courage to ask if I could join you."

"Oh yeah?" responded Pip, surprised. "Am I that scary?" he asked with a smile.

"No, not really," she said quietly, holding eye contact. "I just wanted to make a good impression, and hadn't come up with a way to say hello without seeming awkward. It's been two weeks and I haven't said anything to you since you brought me here. I didn't know where to start."

"Well, no need to worry anymore. So, now that you're here, is there anything specific you wanted to talk about?"

Rachel nodded. "Actually, yes, two things. The first is that I wanted to thank you for bringing me back with you. I won't ever be able to express how much it means to me that you stood up for me."

Pip nodded. "I can sympathize, at least a bit, with what you went through, so I will tell you two things of my own." Rachel tilted her head, curious, and Pip smiled broadly. "The first is: you are welcome." Rachel returned his smile. "Second, you're worth it."

Rachel's smile faltered. "How can you tell?" she asked timidly.

"Well, I wouldn't leave anybody in such a bad situation, if I could help it." Rachel looked down while nodding, "but there's something about you specifically that was worth fighting for."

"Really?"

Pip nodded. "I don't know how to say it without sounding cliche, but I saw something in your eyes when I looked through the door. Some strength, or... I don't know what, but it spoke to me."

Rachel's eyes were wet when she looked up again. "Thank you," she said, almost whispering. She took a deep breath, calming herself. They ate together, not talking, but without any awkwardness.

After some time, having finished the small portion of food she had brought with her, she turned to look at him again. "Would you like to hear the second thing I wanted to tell you?"

"Of course," he replied.

Rachel took another centering breath, exhaling slowly. "I know what I want to do here in the Complex." Pip encouraged her to proceed with a supportive look. "I want to be yours."

Pip's eyebrows shot up and he coughed, almost choking on his food. "Okay, that isn't what I was expecting," he said when he had recovered. "Can you explain?"

"Not really," she replied, once again looking squarely into his eyes. "I just know that I want to be with you."

"But you know that I'm with Rosie and Maggie, right?"

She nodded and smiled. "They've both been very nice to me. I think I could fill in where they can't."

"Um, okay. And where do you think that would be?" asked Pip, unsure of the direction the conversation had turned.

"I know they take care of your physical and emotional needs, so I could take care of the rest. Like making sure you have everything you need, setting up your daily schedule, getting your food and equipment ready: that kind of thing."

Pip let out the deep breath he wasn't aware he had been holding. "Oh... sort of like a personal assistant?"

"Exactly. What did you think I meant?"

Pip just shook his head slowly, "Never mind."

They sat quietly again for a time while he considered her suggestion.

"Pip?" she asked uncertainly. He looked at her and nodded. "Is it okay that I teased you?"

Pip's mouth opened just a little, but it took him a few moments to organize his thoughts. "So, you meant to make me think that you..."

She nodded meekly, eyebrows raised and eyes wide open, waiting for his verdict.

It was too much and Pip leaned his head back and laughed from deep in his belly. The sudden explosion of sound clearly surprised her, judging by the shock on her face. This just increased Pip's laughter, with him eventually tilting over to lie on his back as he tried to get control on himself.

When he looked back to her again her arms were crossed and she was giving him a reproachful look, clearly not pleased with his reaction. This extended his laughing fit, but he couldn't help it. When he finally calmed down, he held up a hand to forestall the outburst that he could see was building in her.

"I'm sorry, Rachel. I wasn't laughing at you. Well, not intentionally. You just caught me so off guard. I can see I was absolutely right about you: there's a lot under the surface."

Rachel was somewhat mollified, but kept her arms crossed.

Pip smiled up at her from his back, "Well, if it were just up to me, sure." Rachel's eyes lit up excitedly, so Pip quickly continued, "but you need to talk with the girls. If you are going to be spending most of your time with us, it's important that they are on board."

Pip expected his caveat to dampen the young woman's enthusiasm, but her broad smile remained in-place.

"Thank you so much, Pip," she said, looking down at him. "I know you won't regret this." Then she leaned down and kissed him firmly right on his lips, pulling away just as he realized what was happening. Pip's eyes showed his surprise.

"I'm going to go find the girls, like you said. I'll meet up with you again once I have things straightened out." Then she was walking quickly away, turning to wave once, happier than he had ever seen her.

Pip continued to lay on his back, staring at the sky, trying to figure out how he was going to cope with three women running his life. Would Rosie and Maggie hate him for sending her their way without warning? What if there was jealousy? Did he even need a personal assistant?

In the end, failing to find answers, he decided the best course of action was to let the women work it out, so he closed his eyes and went to sleep.

By the following day, some questions had resolved themselves. For one, the girls welcomed Rachel into the fold with open arms, so jealousy didn't seem to be an issue. At least for the moment.

"But what do you need a personal assistant for?" John asked as they walked through the courtyard. "Even the directors don't have them."

Pip shrugged. "I don't know: it wasn't my idea."

"What does that mean?"

Pip stopped walking. "I don't know what it means. I could see an assistant being helpful for you, but for me? Max arranges my training schedule, you keep me pointed in the right direction, and Director Collins... well, she does whatever it is she does. I don't know what's left, but Rachel was so excited, I just kind of went along with it."

"She does look happier. Actually, scratch that. She doesn't just look happier, she actually looked happy when she ran off to get your lunch.

"Speaking of, it looks like she's back," John said, motioning with his chin.

Pip nodded and they adjusted their course to take them to where she was taking food off a cart and setting it onto an outdoor table. "Was this always here?" John asked, slightly confused as he approached.

Pip shook his head. "We sat on the grass yesterday."

Rachel looked up and smiled. "I thought you might like to eat more comfortably, so I asked Mr. Wilkins to set up a table and chairs. We can sit in the grass again, if you like."

John and Pip shared a look. "Wilkins, the Grounds manager?" asked John. Rachel nodded. "Older guy, skinny, white hair?" Rachel nodded again, giving him a curious look. "And he said 'yes'?"

"Yes. Is something wrong?" Rachel asked, slightly confused.

John looked away for a moment. "Wilkins isn't known for being the most, er, approachable of our colleagues. He cares more for his grass and bushes than for most of the people here." He turned, motioning to the courtyard behind him. "Notice how there isn't anything else here? No benches, no other tables. He doesn't want them cluttering his lawn, or at least that's what I always heard. So I'm just surprised that he allowed them, let alone put them here for you.

"How did you do it?"

Rachel tilted her head and shrugged. "I asked."

Well," said John, pausing, "I guess that would do it."

The three gathered around the high table, Pip and John sitting on oversized stools while Rachel stood. Their meal consisted of meat, rice, and beans in a flour shells with a spicy green sauce, a first for both John and Pip, and their food was soon gone.

John folded his arms and looked suspiciously at the young woman. "I've been here my entire life, and I've never had this before." His eyes narrowed. "What did you do?"

Rachel smiled brightly. "I talked with Madame Snow in the kitchen and asked her to make it."

John looked to Pip and then back to her again. "Okay, I have questions. First, how did you get her to change the menu? Number two, why? And C: where did you get the recipe?"

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No," John replied quickly. "I'm sorry for sounding cross. It's just that she chased me out of her kitchen more than once with a wooden spoon when I was a boy. She's never been anything but short tempered with me."

"And what were you doing in the kitchen?" asked Pip with a smirk before Rachel could respond.

John narrowed his eyes at him, then waved dismissively. "Doesn't matter. But really, Rachel, how did you get her to change the menu?"

"Oh, I didn't. She made this just for us."

"She what?" asked a shocked John.

Rachel smiled and nodded. "I went to speak with her yesterday afternoon, after Pip and I talked, and she invited me to stay for some tea. We talked about food, and the kinds of things I like to prepare. This is one of them because the ingredients are simple and readily available in the city.

"I told her I thought the high protein content would be important for Pip, and since I know he likes spicy food, it seemed like a good fit. She agreed to try, and here it is. Pretty good first attempt, don't you think?"