Danny forced himself not to look back at the picturesque creature that had just run into him, yet the scent of her hung in his nostrils. Even though he had only but a glimpse of her it was as if her image was burned in his mind's eye. The way her soft brown eyes widened as her body made contact with his and the softness of her voice as she excused herself left Danny with feelings coursing through him he had forgotten that he even possessed.

"Hey who were they?" he asked Stacey as she closed the door to the file room.

"Some girls wanting research for a school project. Why?" Stacey answered.

"Research?" he repeated.

"Yeah they are talking to Malcolm. What's with the big interest?" she asked with a sly smile.

Stacey knew Danny Santos' reputation around town. His striking looks gave him easy access to most any female that he set his sights on. She couldn't help wondering if he had picked his next target?

"The blonde…..what's her name?" he asked before even realizing the words had dropped from his mouth.

"A new one caught your fancy?" she laughed.

It was then that Danny realized he was as transparent as a piece of glass. Immediately the gates to his fortress were thrown up to shield his defenses.

"Mind your own fucking business, would ya?" he grunted before making a hasty exit..

"Hey you asked me remember?" Stacey called to his retreating back.

Danny threw the wrench he had been carrying on the counter between the sinks. The sound of its hard landing echoed off the tiled walls of the bathroom.

He had been in this place less then a few hours and was already losing the edge that had kept him going for all these years. What was it about that beautiful face that held him completely helpless. Hell he didn't even know the girl's name but already he had visions of what they could be to one another.

"Get a grip, Santos!" he said to the reflection that looked back at him from the mirror.

What he saw starring at him was a worn down, hardened man not a youth who should have been enjoying his life. The alcohol and drugs had taken their toll on his body more so then the beatings from his stepfather had. Those scars went away but the emotional ones he carried well they would live on in him forever.

Five years ago Danny would have never expected to see himself at the place in his life he was now. But his father's death had changed everything. So now here he was living life on a razor's edge and not much caring what happened to him anymore.

He splashed some cold water on his face to bring him back to reality. That girl whoever she was wouldn't give him the time of day and he knew it. So what was the point he thought to himself as he went about the business of repairing the faucet as per Malcolm's orders.

The time spent going over file after file had flown for Michelle. She had been so engrossed in what she was discovering she was completely oblivious to Hunter and her incessant complaining.

"Michelle," she whined, "I am starving here! And more importantly I promised Thad I would meet him for lunch for god sakes. Can we get the hell out of here already?!?!?!" she barked.

"Huh?"

Michelle looked up from the file that sat before her on the table. The background information that Malcolm had collected on Danny Santos was fascinating. It was exactly what she was looking for. He came from a broken home of sorts. His father died when he was twelve and the man that his mother was now married to beat him repeatedly. Michelle had to laugh his case even had something for Hunter. He was a habitual drug user and alcoholic. Michelle knew this would be one of the first cases they would report on.

"I said can we finally get the hell out of here?" Hunter said again.

"Yeah," Michelle tucked the file under her arm.

They returned again the following day. Michelle couldn't stop herself from looking around. She had hoped to run into the young repairman from the previous day. She was disappointed yet not surprised not to see him. Surely he had made whatever repairs necessary and was gone. But Michelle couldn't stop herself from thinking about him.

"Hi, Stacey," Michelle said strolling past her at the front desk.

"Hi Michelle, where's your friend from the other day?"

"Out with her boyfriend," Michelle still used that term loosely. She had her reservations about Thad Weston, but in the past few days she had given up on trying to get Hunter to see the light about him. Besides she had been spending so much time at CONNECTION VILLAGE doing her research, she wasn't all that sure how serious Hunter truly was about him anymore.

"Didn't you have a date?" Stacey couldn't imagine that the pretty girl standing before didn't have a line a mile long of guys begging for her attention.

"Yeah if I wanted one."

"Then what on earth are you doing here on a Friday night no less?" Stacey countered in a surprised tone.

"Let's just say that he's not my type and leave it at that."

"I would think that you would have guys beating down your door trying to get a date with you," Stacey laughed not knowing how close her statement was to the truth. It was then she noticed the instant change in Michelle's posture, "Hey, I'm sorry. I should just mind my own business."

"No, that's okay really. I would love to stay here and talk some more but I really should get to work." Michelle continued down the hallway to the file room.

"Hey that door isn't open," Stacey said, "Hold on a second." She got up and went into the inner office, "Here you go." She placed the keys in Michelle's hand. "Just bring them back when you are finished."

"Thanks," Michelle remarked as she turned away, "Hey," she turned back to face Stacey, "after I am done here would you like to go grab something to eat?"

"Yeah….yeah that would be great." Stacey had thought that her earlier remark had offended Michelle. She really wanted to get to know her better. There was something about Michelle Bauer that instantly drew people to her, Stacey could sense it.

"Okay, well then I will see you in about an hour or so."

The file room was dark and cold as Michelle entered it. She laid her coat and notebook on the table before turning on the overhead light. She instinctively went to the top drawer of the first filing cabinet where she knew Danny's file would be. She began reading and jotting down some notes from where she had left off.

Entry 1 - DANNY SANTOS/CASE HISTORY

Danny is a Senior at Clayton High School. His stepfather

Thomas Jameson, is a known alcoholic, convicted drunk

driver with a two felony record. Carmen Jameson, mother,

has been in and out of mental institutions since the time of

Danny's father's death. The apparent stress of it pushed

her to have a mental breakdown and is currently in the

mental ward of the state hospital. This leaves Danny's care

in the hands of Thomas Jameson.

Danny has come under our care by way of Det. Johns. He

was caught in an attempt of stealing a car at which time

marijuana was found in his possession. Danny has also

been known to frequently use amphetamines and cocaine.

His first weeks here have been less then productive. He is

rather hostile and uncooperative. It has been brought to our

attention that his stepfather has been beating him on a regular

basis for approximately three years now.

 

"Hey," Michelle heard a husky voice say. She turned to look who was standing in the doorway. To her surprise her eyes saw the handsome repairman from a week ago. Her body went cold for a moment causing her to be unable to speak.

At this distance he was even more attractive then she recalled. His chocolate curls fell just to the nape of his neck. Michelle resisted the urge to reach out and touch their softness. His eyes were the deepest brown she had ever seen. In this light they almost appeared to be as black as two pieces of coal. Just looking into those dark pools sent electrifying chills down Michelle's spine. She felt as though he was looking right through her.

"Hello?!?!" his voice held a mixture of annoyance and nervousness.

"I'm sorry," her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Keys," he pointed to the ring that lay on the table next to a pile of files.

"Huh?"

"Keys….I need those keys. Stacey said she gave them to you."

"Yeah….yes, here they are," handing over the keys Michelle was having difficulty concentrating on his words. She wasn't able to pull her gaze from his strikingly handsome face.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I'm collecting research for my Psychology class at………."

"Springfield U right?" he asked hoping to obtain some information on the pretty girl sitting in front of him.

"Springfield U?" she almost laughed. Most people said she barely looked old enough to be out of grade school and this guy thought she looked like she was in college. "The Springfield part was right but try High School not University."

Before either one were able to continue with their conversation Stacey poked her head through the doorway," Did you get those keys yet or what?"

"YEAH I GOT THEM!" he growled annoyed by the fact that they had been interrupted, "See ya."

The minute she was in the clear Michelle laid her head on the cool surface of the table and let out a long heavy sigh. He was the most gorgeous guy she had laid her eyes on in hell she couldn't even remember when. The mere thought of him sent her heart racing so fast she thought it might actually burst forth from her chest. The concentration she possessed before his entry into the file room escaped her now. Doing her best to gain her composure Michelle drew her eyes back to the folder that lay open in front of her.

Entry 2 - Danny missed his session today. His

reason was that his stepfather found out and

took to beating him for it. Saying that whatever

help his 'son' needed he would be providing. It was

the understanding Danny did not come forth with

the information the sessions are by court order.

Through the attendance office at Clayton I was

also informed he skipped school as well. The

following is what I was able to asses happened

after the beating. Bought a fifth of grain alcohol

and an ounce or so of marijuana. According to

Danny it was NO BIGGIE. It was stressed that

the next time he got beaten or wanted to get high

he should come to the center rather then seek out

his buddies. He agreed but I know it was said for

only my benefit.

 

Michelle continued her reading of Danny Santos' life. She found it all the while fascinating yet somber as well. It was difficult for her to believe that anyone would treat an animal the way that Danny had been treated. She felt her heart bleeding for this person she didn't even know. Michelle had this intense desire to help him. She wanted to make him see and understand that he was worth a chance to change. She sighed thinking he wasn't any older then she was but his experiences made him old far beyond his years. His life as Michelle read it was something she couldn't wrap her thoughts around.

She felt her skin tighten as she read more of his addictions. She wanted to believe that they weren't really addictions but coping mechanism for him. She could only hope that the continuing entries would show progress for him. She made a mental to note to speak to Malcolm about talking with him.

Michelle looked down at her watch, it read nine o'clock. That was certainly much later then she had intended on staying. She wondered if Stacey had stuck around to wait for her. Michelle really wanted to get the scoop on the repair guy from earlier that evening.

Much to her delight Stacey was still sitting at the front desk when Michelle emerged from the file room. "I can't believe you are still here. I didn't mean to be so long. Do you still want to go grab a bite to eat?"

"Yeah," Stacey said gathering her purse and jacket.

"I can't believe I was back there so long. I really got wrapped up in this one case file."

"Which one?" Stacey asked innocently curious who's life Michelle found so interesting.

"Danny Santos."

"Oh really, Danny Santos huh? I can't blame you. He is pretty interesting."

"You know him?" Michelle was all ears now.

"Yeah, why?"

"Just curious is all. I want to interview him for my paper if Malcolm thinks that he wouldn't mind."

Stacey knew exactly what Danny would say. He wouldn't have anything to do with this. He had his lips sealed tighter then a drum since coming here. She had overheard Malcolm and Liza talking about him just the other day. Liza wanted to drop him from the program big time but Malcolm still had faith.

"What do you think? Would Danny mind talking to me?"

"I don't know. Maybe with a bit of persuasion," Stacey said rethinking her position. Danny might just talk to Michelle. Now if it was about the subject matter she wanted to discuss well that might be another story all together. But Stacey was more certain after his reaction to her earlier intrusion that Danny Santos found Michelle Bauer more then just another pretty face.

"Great!" Michelle returned excited by the idea of it all.

"You should still run it past Malcolm first."

"Oh I will. So where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere."

"Well I know this great restaurant across town."

"Sounds good to me," Stacey answered.

After they placed their order, Michelle brought up the guy who's face she had been unable to shake all evening. "Stacey," she said taking a sip of her coke, "You know that guy who came looking for the keys tonight?"

"Yeah?" Stacey held her breath knowing what was coming next.

"Who was that" I haven't seen a guy that good looking in a long time."

"Oh that was Danny…he helps out Malcolm sometimes."

Stacey purposely withheld Danny's last name. Apparently Michelle had found the man of dreams in his face alone and Stacey didn't have the heart to shatter her hopes. The guy Michelle was gushing on about was Danny Santos. The very same Danny that Michelle just spent hours pouring over on paper. Stacey hated the thoughts she was entertaining but she knew them to be true. Danny and Michelle were by no means in the same league. She surely didn't want to set either of them up for a fall.

"Is he a volunteer too?" Michelle asked.

"Yeah something like that."

"Do you think I might run into him again?" Stacey could hear the anticipation in Michelle's voice.

"That depends on how much more time you need to spend at the center."

"Well I think that I have most of my research. I just need to put it all together."

"Then I would say your chances are slim that you will see him again," Stacey hoped to sound convincing.

"I was thinking about talking to Malcolm about my volunteering at the center," Michelle said, "I really think I would be good at it. I'd like to test the waters."

"How do you mean 'test the waters'?" Stacey was a bit confused.

"I have been seriously thinking about making Social Work my career choice. I think that this would be a good way to get some experience. At least it would be hands on rather then just book learning. Do you think Malcolm would be interested in helping me out?"

"I don't know. He's pretty picky when it comes to his volunteers."

Stacey didn't want to say that most of the volunteers were part of Malcolm's program in one way shape or form. Even she had been for sometime now.

Stacey had finally graduated out of the program but stayed on to help. She felt she owed Malcolm that much for that he had done for her. Stacey absently wondered that if Michelle had known that would she have been so willing to be seen with her.

"Well I guess I'll just have to give it a shot," Michelle returned confidently.

As she put down her glass, Michelle noticed Parker Simms coming towards the table, "Oh great! I don't need this tonight."

"What?" Stacey questioned.

"Remember the guy who I said wasn't my type?"

"Yeah."

"Well he's heading this way. Are you ready to leave?"

"Michelle, are you okay? You're shaking." It was hard to miss Michelle's complete change in demeanor as she saw him nearing the table.

"I don't really have time to go into it right now, let's just get the hell out of here," Michelle was already standing grabbing her coat as she spoke.

"Where are you going?" Parker spat his breath reeking of alcohol.

"We were just on our way out," Stacey commented.

Michelle shot her a warning look that she didn't quite understand.

"Was I talking to you bitch?" Parker's voice rose.

"What the hell do you want Parker?" Michelle tried desperately to remain calm. She knew that right now was not the time to have a run in with him, especially in the middle of Company with no back up in sight for her and Stacey.

"I thought you were too busy with that damn paper that you didn't have time for anything else?"

Michelle was careful not to give away too much information regarding Stacey, "I finished early. We were grabbing a bite to eat. I didn't know that I needed your permission to eat now too!"

" I told you that I needed to see you tonight," he forced.

"Parker, we are not a couple anymore. I don't know how else to make you understand. I don't want to date you!" Michelle found herself screaming. By now most of those around them had begun starring towards their table.

Parker looked around at all those looking back at him. "You can't keep doing this to me!" he stressed grabbing Michelle's forearm hard, "This isn't finished. Not by a long shot!" he said tossing their half full glasses across the table.

Once he was safely out the door, Michelle broke down into a flood of tears. Stacey wasn't able to anything more the hold her while she cried.

Michelle and Stacey were parked in the front of CONNECTION VILLAGE when Stacey finally asked Michelle is she was all right. The drive back was a quiet one. Michelle didn't offer an explanation and Stacey knew better then to try to pull someone into a conversation when they weren't ready.

"Stop me if you don't want to talk, but what happened back there?"

"I'm not even sure where to begin," Michelle's hands were still shaking, "Let's just say that Parker's not taking the break up well."

"How long have you been broken up?"

"Almost six months."

"He's a hard one to teach huh?" Stacey tried to add some levity to the conversation.

Despite the tension Michelle found herself cracking a smile, "Yeah people have said he's a bit hard headed."

"It's pretty cool out here. Why don't we go inside and talk? You look like you could use a cup of tea and a good heart to heart." Michelle was totally amazed. This was the first time since her mother had died that anyone had ever bothered to find out if she was okay.

"I'd really like that, thanks."

"Get comfortable. I'll go get the water started."

Michelle sat down on one of the couches in the main room usually used for group sessions. It was kind of errie in the center at night. A little spooky too.

"Here we go," Stacey said putting two cups of tea on the table in front of them.

"Thanks. I'm usually the one getting the tea. This is a very nice change."

"I've been on your side of the conversation many times so it's nice to return the favor."

"I want to apologize for losing it back at Company. It's just that no one understands. I have tried to explain but everyone thinks I'm nuts for giving Parker the boot."

"Why? From what I saw he's a creep."

"Let's just say that he's got a lot going for him on the surface. However, if you look a little deeper he has quite a dark side."

"Michelle what are you trying to say here?"

"Nothing."

"Michelle are you saying that he's hit you?" Stacey questioned.

"No…..not really hit me. He has left his fair share of bruises. And let's just say my first time was a little less then romantic."

"Michelle, you have to tell someone," Stacey gasped.

"I am, you."

"I mean someone like Malcolm. Someone who can help you."

"That's not necessary really."

"Yes it is!" she stressed, "You should know that if you want to be a social worker you have to help yourself before you can help anyone else."

"Stacey, no one would even believe me. Parker has everyone so brainwashed that they think he's god. I mean I told you it's me everyone thinks is the crazy one."

"I don't! I watched you tonight. You were scared to death. I think there's more to this than a couple of bruises."

Michelle knew deep down Stacey was trying to help but she was heading down a road that Michelle had blocked off to travel a long time ago.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe I should talk to Malcolm," Michelle agreed doing her best to appease her.

"I really think that it would help you. It always does. Even if you think that you've already handled it in your own mind. You'd be surprised what Malcolm can do for you."

"Hey I thought I was the only one here tonight!"

Michelle looked up to the guy with chocolate curls standing in the door way. He eyed Stacey and Michelle carefully. It was hard to miss the tears that had strained Michelle's porcelain skin. He had an instant sensation of longing to hold her fill him. "Am I interrupting something?" Stacey was shocked at the concern she heard in his voice. Truly out of character of the person before them.

"We just needed a quiet place to talk. It's been a rough night," Stacey said.

"I'll just crash in the back then."

Michelle was confused, "What's he mean crash in the back?"

"Sometimes he stays here," Stacey was trying to avoid the enviable next question.

"Do all the volunteers stay here?"

"If we need to."

"Stacey," Michelle eyed her quizzically, "What are you talking about?"

"Michelle," Stacey swallowed hard around the lump in her throat, "I need to tell you something, but please keep an open mind okay?"

"Sure."

Michelle was about to have her world rocked and didn't even know it.

"Well the guy who just went to crash in the back and the guy who's file you were so interested in," Stacey paused searching for the words to make this less of a shock, "Well they are one in the same. That was Danny Santos."

Michelle was utterly blown away by those words. She would have never guessed that they were the same person. The idea seemed completely unthinkable. The image that she held in her mind of Danny Santos didn't mirror the one that she had seen before her. Michelle didn't even know where to begin with Stacey.

"Michelle, are you okay?" She hadn't wanted to have to tell Michelle any of this but she felt that she had no other choice.

"I'm just a little stunned. It's hard to believe that that was Danny Santos…I mean 'the Danny Santos'. I just expected something totally different then what I saw. I suppose I expected to see some hood. I know that's terrible and so stereo typed but that's what I thought I would see when I got to meet him," Michelle was embarrassed by her own words.

"Michelle, don't look like you are the worst person known to man. Everyone has their ideas of what they expect. It doesn't make you a bad person to think that. Look if it had been your friend, Hunter, who had thought that Danny was so hot and she had been the one to just find out this news what do you think she would have done?"

Michelle had to laugh, "Truthfully she probably would have run screaming from the room."

"See, you didn't do that. You were actually upset to think that you had stereo typed him."

"Yeah I guess you're right."

"Danny is a good guy. A little rough around the edges but underneath it all he really is a good guy. He's had his share of bad breaks. But we all have or we wouldn't be part of Malcolm's program."

"You too?" Michelle was shocked all over again.

"Yeah, I bet if you look a little deeper into those cabinets you'll find a file on me. Malcolm uses kids that have graduated from the program as volunteers."

"How is Danny working then? I know he isn't anywhere near being ready to graduate from the program."

"Well a condition of him being here is that he helps out around here doing repairs and what not. He has nothing to do with any of the kids."

"I had no idea that any of you had been in the program."

Michelle was still astonished. Again she was looking into the eyes of someone that had a story to tell and she had completely missed it. She was seriously rethinking her career choice. She apparently wasn't as good at it as she thought she was.

"That's okay really. I don't make it known to too many people that my father used to pimp me to support his drug habit along with my own. It's not much of an ice breaker. It actually stops the conversation dead."

"Nah you think?" Michelle laughed. "No really, that sounds awful. I am sorry."

"Yeah it isn't a time I choose to relive, but Malcolm helped me a lot. I also needed to learn to help myself too. It wasn't an easy road. I had a lot of set backs. Actually more then I even care to admit to myself. Lucky for me Malcolm's no quitter and he never let me quit on myself either. He found me a great foster home and I've been living there for a year now. When I graduated the program he asked me to stay on and help him with cases similar to mine. Surprisingly enough I like it. Hey," Stacey stopped short, "Do you realize how easy you are to talk to? We've been talking for more then an hour and I've told you more about myself than Malcolm got out of me in the first six sessions."

"Maybe, but you have come a long way since then. I think now you're ready to deal with your life head on."

"Maybe so, but I think that you had the right idea about your volunteering here. Malcolm could really use someone that has a clear view of things. I really do think you should talk to Malcolm about it."

"I will."

What Stacey had said about her volunteering made all the sense in the world to her, yet she was scared to even think about broaching the subject with her father. She knew all too well what his reaction was to be. "Shit Stacey, it's after midnight. I've got to get home. My dad's going to kill me."

"I didn't even realize that we had been talking that long. See I know now for sure that you'd be great at this."

"Okay, okay. I'll talk to him, but right now I've got to get going."

"Hey wait a second, let me go get Danny to walk you to your car."

"Not necessary." Michelle wasn't quite ready to see him again after all that she had discovered.

"Yes it is," Stacey stressed, "Did you forget what part of town were in?"

"Yeah I guess you are right. I'm just nervous. I just don't think that I can be that close to him just yet. I hate to admit this but he can do things to my pulse even I didn't know could be done," Michelle smiled softly.

"Just close your eyes and get in the car," Stacey laughed, "Right now getting you home in once piece is the most important thing."

"Okay," Michelle relented as she watched Stacey head off to find Danny.