Cliff's new friend

[melindajo2000]

“I’m dying Cliff.”

With those words coming from his ex-wife, Cliff could honestly say that he was stunned. First of all, he hadn’t been prepared for a visit from Afton Cooper, and second of all, those weren’t words that anyone was prepared to hear from someone they loved. Afton, after all, was the great love of his life, and even though Cliff had been hurt big time when they parted, he never stopped caring about her. Something about the blonde beauty caused him to have a soft spot in his heart, which was no breaking. So he did what he did best when hearing bad news- turned to denial.

“What are you talking about Afton? I know you’ve always been on the dramatic side, but this takes the cake. Why don’t you come in and tell me how you really are?”
.
“Cliff, I mean it. I’m dying. You have no idea what I’ve been through, what I’m going through, and I really thought that I could count on you right now. But if you can’t, well, maybe it’s better that I find out now…”

“No, come on in, you know I’m always happy to see you. But this..what’s this news about, you…dying?”

“It’s true, Cliff. I’m dying and I don’t have much time left, I really wanted to see you before I did and make things right. I..”

“What do you have to make right? You know you could have always come back.”

“Could I, Cliff? Could I really? Can you look me in the eyes and tell me you would have forgiven me for everything?” Afton challenged.

“You know I would have. What is it, money? I have lots of money. I can…I can help you you know.”

“I don’t need your money, Cliff. That’s not why I’m here.”

“You can stay with me, you know. I have plenty of room…I’ll make room for you.” It was starting to sink in, what she had told him, and he didn’t like it. Not one bit.

“I am staying with my mama. But thank you, Cliff. It means a lot knowing that you care.”

“Oh, I didn’t say I cared. I just wanted to do my part, so you didn’t think I was a total louse.” It was too soon for Cliff to let his guard down now, especially since he really didn’t know why she was here.

“Why are you here, Afton?”

“I know you’re going to be angry with me, and you have the right, but I wanted to tell you something. Something I should have told you a long time ago.”

“Yes?”

“Cliff..you have a daughter.” Afton paused to gauge his reaction. “We have a daughter.”

“What in the world are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?”

“No, but I lost my head when I walked out the door. We have a daughter. Pamela Rebecca.”

“Surely you’re joking.”

“I knew you wouldn’t believe me. Here,” she began digging through her purse. “Here’s a picture.”

“This is my kid?”

“Yes Cliff. I wouldn’t lie to you. Not now. Not anymore. Her name is Pamela Rebecca and she is five years old. Her birthday is January 1. You’d be proud to know that she loves Chinese food,” Afton smiled.

“She loves Chinese? So she is my kid,” Cliff laughed, easing the tension between them. “Well, where is she? You know I’d do anything for her.”

“I know you would. That’s why I’m here. I want you to take her. I don’t want her to remember me like this.”

“Why don’t you let me take you both in? I have time, I have money…”

“I don’t want your money Cliff. I just need to know that my daughter will be taken care of right now. Can you help me or not?”

“Of…of course.” He still didn’t see why Afton didn’t take him up on his offer. It was a perfectly legit offer.

“Do you mean that? Can you really put something first other than your business?”

“This is my kid for crying out loud. Of course I’ll put her first.”

Afton smiled. “I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going? You just got here. We have so much to talk about!” Cliff started to protest, until he saw what Afton was doing. She walked to the car, opened the door, and retrieved her daughter-their daughter.

“Pamela Rebecca, this is mommy’s special friend. I’d like you to meet Cliff Barnes!”

Just like that , Cliff knew that his life was about to change.

[Sanda]

Great start to your new story Melinda. I LOVE to read stories about Cliff Barnes and Afton Cooper.

[jessie]

Great start to your new story. It is really sad, but I also love your Cliff, and Afton stories. So sad that Afton is dying, but I'm glad she came to Cliff to tell him that he has a daughter . i can't wait to see what will happen next.

[melindajo2000]

Chapter 2

Cliff looked up at Afton as she walked through the door with their daughter, Pamela Rebecca. At first he was taken aback. She favored his late sister in so many ways, with her reddish brown hair and big brown eyes and dainty nose. He knew that he’d let Pam down so many times in her life, so for her, he would do this and do it right.

“Hello there… I’m Cliff Barnes. I’m a friend of your mommy’s. You must be Pamela Rebecca,” he grinned nervously as he held out his hand, an offer which was quickly rebuffed.

“Pamela, are you going to say hi to Mr. Barnes? He’s right, he is an old friend of mommy’s,” Afton encouraged her daughter.

“I want my mommy,” Pamela Rebecca started to cry. This was not going to be good.

“Hey, hey, do you want some candy? I think I have some around here, just for emergencies such as this.”

She shook her head no.

He pleaded with Afton with his eyes. He knew that he was in over his head, and was beginning to regret his decision. Still, for his sister, he would try to do one thing right in his life.

“Pamela, would you like to go watch TV so I can talk to your mommy for a minute? I bet we can find some cartoons.”

Afton took her daughter’s hand, and they made their way over to the television. Once Pamela Rebecca was settled in, Afton returned to Cliff.

“Are you sure about this? You can stay with me. I’m no Dr. Spock but I know this kid needs her mommy.”

“Ssh,” Afton admonished. “I don’t want her to know about me right now.”

“Well she’s going to know something’s up when you leave and don’t return for God knows how long. We can do this, Afton. But I need your help.”

“You don’t need me, Cliff. You never did. That was our biggest problem.”

“Geesh, Afton, if you’re going to bring up the past….”

“No. That’s not what I want. What I want is for my daughter to be taken care of and loved, and I just hope that you’re up to the challenge.”

“What if I’m not?” Cliff asked. “Then what happens?”

Afton paused and they both looked over at Pamela Rebecca who was blissfully unaware of her mother’s plans.

“You’ll be fine. I believe in you. Take care of my baby, Cliff. Don’t let her forget me.” Afton kissed Cliff on the cheek before sneaking out the door. Goodbyes were too hard. She knew that she should have said something to her daughter, but knew that should her daughter start to cry again, she would never leave. This was for the best, she’d told herself. And now that she knew that Cliff agreed, she pulled out of the driveway, looking back only once.

[jessie]

Awesome update I love this story I was hoping you would update it sometime soon. Great writing, I love your Afton, and Cliff stories, I feel bad for Cliff. I can't wait to see what you have planned for them in your stories.

[Sanda]

Great update. Poor cliff having to raise his and Afton's daughter Pamela Rebecca without her mom Afton. I can't wait to see where you take this story.