Together Again (reunion fic)

[ks]

This is my first ever F.O.L. fanfic so please review and let me know what you think. If you have any suggestions let me know! I will post the next part soon!

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Together Again1

She walked into the kitchen, put a pot of coffee on, and took a seat at the kitchen table. It had been so long. So long since she had last seen ‘her girls’. She smiled to herself at the thought. They were coming today, all of them. They would spend the weekend together and then leave again, but at least they were coming… She giggled to herself at what a big deal she was making over it, but she couldn’t help it. It felt like her family was coming, the family she had longed for and thought about daily ever since she left for Africa. She laughed at her silliness once again and rubbed her hand over her face.

“If you were anymore dramatic you would be Tootie,” she teased herself. “Oh, Tootie…” she sighed.

‘I wonder how she’s changed and how her marriage to Jeff is going,” she thought to herself. ‘I wonder if in the letters she wrote me she was being sincere about loving the director’s life…’

“Oh stop it,” Edna told herself as she waved a hand in front of her face. “You’ll just have to be patient and wait and see,” she told herself out loud.

She laughed as she stood up and went over to poor herself some coffee. It was five in the morning and it would be hours before the girls arrived, but there was much work to be done. She would need all that work to keep her self busy while she waited for their arrival…


The clock chimed the ninth hour as she put down her dust rag and walked into the kitchen to check on the dinner she had been making. She smiled to herself in approval at the sight in front of her. The turkey was cooked perfectly and the house was in perfect order.

She smiled, “Splendid indeed.”

She began humming a tune as she walked into the din. “Now all I can do is wait,” she sighed as she sat on the sofa and arranged her skirt. She swayed back and forth as she thought back on the past year of her life…

First she and Bruce had moved back to the states and took up residence in her own home in Peakskille, the one she had raised ‘her girls’ in. Beverly Ann had moved back to Wisconsin and Andy had stayed in Peakskille and graduated from Langley College. Then Bruce had died two months ago and she was all alone, except for Andy's dropping by ever so often and getting a letter or phone call from one of ‘the girls’ every now and then.

She sighed to herself, ‘memories mixed with such a variety of emotions…’

*Ding Dong*

She snapped out of her flashbacks at the sound of the doorbell. “They’re finally here,” she sang as she hopped up off the couch and made her way to the door. She stopped in front of the door, quickly made sure her hair was in place, took in a deep breath, and then opened the door.

“NATALIE!”

Natalie dropped her bags and gave Mrs. Garrett a huge hug.

“Miss. Garrett, it is so good to see you,” Natalie said with a smile as she pulled away from the hug and placed her hand on her young girl’s head. “This is Daphne Dorothy Green,” Natalie bragged as she picked up the bags and made her way inside, Daphne right by her side.

Miss. Garrett waited until Natalie had put down the bags, taken off her and Daphne’s coats, and caught her breath before she began talking again.

Miss Garrett smiled, “Well Daphne it’s nice to finally meet you. Your mother has told me so much about you.”

Little five-year old Daphne quickly hid behind her mother, peaking out from behind Natalie’s skirt just enough so that you could see her dark, brown eyes.

Natalie laughed, ”You can tell she is adopted because by no means am I that shy.”

Miss. Garrett laughed at Natalie’s comment as they made their way towards the sofa. “You haven’t changed a bit, Natalie.”

“Except for my overwhelming maturity,” Natalie joked.

Miss Garret laughed, “Of course.”

Natalie sighed as she placed her hands in her lap and looked around the room. Not much had changed since she had last been in the house. It looked just how she last remembered it.

Miss Garrett smiled, “Not much as changed has it?”

Natalie laughed, “You always were a mind reader.”

Miss. Garrett giggled a little as she slowly held out her hand to Daphne. “I won’t hurt you sweetheart.”

Little Daphne poked out her lip and shook her head, quickly hiding behind her mother again.

Natalie smiled, “You’ll grow on her, I did!”

They sat there in silence for a few minutes, doing nothing but thinking about old times…

Natalie broke the silence first. “SO, I’m the first to arrive, huh?” Natalie laughed a little, “ Makes me feel kind of special.”


*Ding Dong*


Miss. Garrett laughed, “Ah, but not for long.”

Natalie smiled as she watched Miss. Garrett walk over to the door slowly open it.

“BLAIR!” Miss. Garrett exclaimed/

Blair rushed inside, pulling a medium-height, brown haired man behind her. She brushed the snow out of her hair, as she turned to Miss. Garrett and embraced her in a hug.

“It’s been so long,” Blair stated with a smile.

“Too long,” Miss Garrett stated back.

Blair laughed at herself as she tossed her hair back. “Silly me. Everyone, this is Allen Jamison, my husband.” Blair pulled Allen close to her side and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She then walked over to Natalie and embraced her in a hug as well. “I haven’t seen you in years, Natalie.”

Natalie smiled, ”That’s what happens when you don’t live on the same continent, Blair.”

Blair giggled again. She turned to the door and watched as her chauffer brought all her bags in. She tipped him and waved him good bye.

Natalie smirked, “And I thought we were only staying a few days. You have enough to get me through a good month or two.”

Blair laughed, “Please Natalie, these aren’t ALL mine. The two little ones over there are Allen’s.”

“Oh, how silly of me to think you actually need THAT many,” Natalie teased. Natalie bit her bottom lip as she pulled Daphne out from behind her. “Blair, this is my daughter Daphne.”

Blair knelt down so she was on Daphne’s eye level and then she held her hand out to the little girl. “Nice to meet you Daphne.”

Daphne quickly hid behind Natalie’s skirt once again. Blair laughed curiously at the little girl as she stood back up. “Charming,” she mumbled with a smile.

Miss. Garrett clapped her hands together, “Say, here’s an idea. What do ya say we go into the kitchen and get us some milk and cookies.”

Daphne nodded her head yes as she came out from behind Natalie.

“Good,” Miss. Garrett explained.

“Mind if I join you?” Allen asked.

“No, not at all,” Miss Garrett smiled. “You can fill me in on what Blair has been up to.”

Miss Garrett, Daphne, and Allen all went into the kitchen. Blair watched them leave and once they were completely out of sight she inched close to Natalie and whispered, “Do you know that Daphne is Korean?”

Natalie laughed, “Of course. I adopted her about two years ago, I’m not married Blair.”

Blair sighed, “Well there’s a relief.”

Natalie laughed and shook her head, ‘same old Blair,’ she thought to herself.

“Well,” Blair said as she sat down on the sofa. ”I see we’re the firsts to arrive.”

Natalie sat down across from Blair and nodded her head. “Missing Jo that much huh Blair?”

Blair tossed her hair back and giggled nervously. “Please, don’t be ridiculous.”

Natalie laughed to herself and decided not to push Blair anymore. “SO, tell me how you’re life is going.”

Blair sighed and leaned back to get comfortable. “Oh, where to begin…”

“I don’t want your life story Blair, just an update on how it’s been going for the past decade or so.”

“There’s just so much to tell… Well, I’ve traveled the world, opened seven Eastland sister schools, of course they are called Warner Schools now…”

Natalie laughed, “Of course they are…”

“I married Allen and we just have a great life together.”

“Well, I’m happy for you.”

“I know…” Blair smiled. “So tell me, how is everything with you?”

“Pretty good. I have sold several screen plays to producers in Japan, Daphne and I are doing just great…”

“That’s nice…”

Natalie twisted her lips, searching for a topic conversation. “SO, Warner Schools, huh?”

“Yes,” Blair smiled. “Except for the one in Peakskille, it’s still Eastland.”

Natalie nodded her head, sighed, and placed her hands in her lap. “Is that so…”


*Ding-Dong*


Natalie and Blair looked at each other with a smile.

Blair furrowed her brow, “I wonder who it is.”

Natalie shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“Hmm…”

“Well here’s an idea,” Natalie smiled. “Why don’t we go open it and find out.”

“We could do that…”

“Yes, we could,” Natalie spoke slowly, wondering what was up with Blair.

“Well why don’t we just do that,” Blair said as she rose to her feet.

“Ok…” Natalie spoke as she walked over to the door and opened it.

“TOOTIE!”

“NAT!”

Natalie pulled Tootie into a hug before another word could be spoken. “How have you been?”

Tootie wiggled out of Natalie’s tight hold and laughed at her friend. “Just fine as soon as I can regain feelin in my body.”

Natalie laughed, “Sorry…”

“No, no, it’s ok.” Tootie walked over to Blair and gave her a hug. “Good to see you too, Blair.”

“You too, Tootie,” Blair said with a nod.

Tootie turned around and watched as Jeff walked in, pulling suitcases behind him.

Natalie grinned, “Hey Jeff.”

“Hey Natalie,” Jeff said as he sat down the suitcases and breathed a sigh of exhaustion.

“Hey Jeff,” Blair said with a grin.

“Hey Blair,” Jeff mumbled.

“SO,” Tootie spoke up, “Where is Miss. Garrett?”

Natalie motioned towards the kitchen. “Oh, she’s in the kitchen treating Daphne to some cookies.”

“OH, little Daphne, I have to go see her!” Tootie exclaimed as she jogged into the kitchen.

Natalie laughed as she followed Tootie, Jeff not too far behind…


Blair pressed her lips together and swayed her arms back and forth. “Guess I’ll go take a look at the old room,” she sighed. She slowly began walking up the stairs…


Tootie laughed at the sight in front of her. Miss. Garrett was trying to get all the chocolate of Daphne’s face but Daphne was resisting and making even a bigger mess.

Miss Garrett smiled, “Laugh now Tootie, but you will be doing this some day, too.”

Tootie shrugged, “Until then I can laugh though.”

Miss Garrett laughed as she finally got the last bit of chocolate off Daphne’s face. “There you go honey, you can go off and play now. Your mommy is upstairs.”

Daphne brought her hands up to her mouth and nodded her head. “Yes ma’am.”

Miss Garrett smiled as Daphne ran off. “Kids! You gotta love them.” Miss. Garrett sighed as she pulled a chair out from the kitchen table and sat in it. “So, Tootie, tell me how things are with Jeff, and how do you like directing?”

Tootie smiled as she sat up straight and cleared her throat. “Well,” she smiled. “Jeff and I are doing just fine. We live in Maryland and he is doing odd jobs here and there for the navy, of course you know that from all the letters I’ve sent you. Then there’s my directing. Oh, I LOVE it Miss. Garrett. It’s like I get to control what the other actors do, so it really is MY production.”

Miss Garrett smiled and leaned over to pat Tootie on the hand. “I’m proud of you, Tootie.”

“Yeah, I’m actually proud of myself, too”

“And you have all the right to be. It’s a tough world and you seem to be very successful in it.”

“Thank you Miss. Garrett, that means so much to me.”

Miss Garrett nodded her head and then broke into a little giggle. “It sounds so funny with all you girls calling me Miss. Garrett. You all are adults now.”

Toottie smiled, “But you’ll always be Miss. Garrett.”

“Yeah…I guess I will,” Miss. Garrett smiled.


Blair finished giving Allen instructions on how to get to the nearest salon. She sighed as he shrugged his shoulders and scratched his head in confusion.

“Tell you what,” Jeff spoke up. “I’ll drive you, I know the way.”

Blair smiled, “Why Jeff, that is so kind of you.”

Jeff shrugged, “Let’s go then.”

Allen nodded, “I’m right behind you.”

Blair watched as Allen and Jeff left, and then walked over to the couch and sat down. She took a deep breath and watched Daphne as she played with a Barbie doll…


After a few minutes of relaxation and watching Daphne she bolted up right to the sound of the door opening. “JO!” she smiled. She turned around and slightly frowned at the sight. “Oh Andy, it’s just you.”

Andy smiled, “Well thanks for the warm welcome Blair.”

Blair laughed, “It’s good to see you, Andy.”

Andy nodded his head as he gave Blair a hug.

“ANDY!”

Toottie and Natalie ran into the room and each embraced Andy in a hug.

“Guess I was missed,” Andy muttered.

Tootie smiled, “Of course you were.”

“Without a doubt,” Natalie added.

Andy shrugged, “Where’s Miss. Garrett?”

“Right here Andy,” Miss. Garrett said as she walked around the corner and entered the room.

Andy smiled and walked over to her. “I got the gig. Thanks for your great recommendations.”

Miss Garrett smiled, “Nonsense, it was your talent, I just referred you.”

Andy laughed as he gave Miss Garrett a kiss on the cheek and then helped her over to the sofa. They all sat down. Miss. Garrett, Andy, and Tootie on the sofa, Blair in the chair, and Natalie on the floor with Daphne.

Andy shrugged, “Sorry I’m late, guys.”

Blair laughed, “Jo still isn’t here yet so you aren’t the last to arrive.”

Natalie smile, “Tell us about this ‘gig’, Andy”

Andy smiled as he ran a hand through his hair. “I’m a DJ on the local radio station and I just landed a gig in Manhattan.”

“That’s great, Andy,” Tootie exclaimed.

Andy shrugged, “I really love doing it, but I have a college degree in photography in case I need something to fall back on.”

Blair smiled, “Did you go to Langley?”

“Sure did,” Andy nodded.

“That’s great,” Natalie exclaimed.

Tootie smiled, “You know Andy, if you ever do need a job as a photographer give me a call and I will give you one on one of my sets.”

“Cool,” he smiled. He pointed his finger towards Daphne. “And who do we have here?”

Natalie smiled and pulled Daphne to her. “This is Daphne, she is my daughter. She’s five.”

Andy nodded his head and smiled, “Hey Daphne.”

Blair sighed, “All the men have gone out to fetch me some shampoo and the necessary accessories to help maintain my normal beauty.”

“If it’s so normal then why in the world do you need so many supplies?”

They all turned around to see Jo standing in the doorway, a smirk on her face.

“JO!” Tootie exclaimed.

“That’s me,” Jo said as she dropped her bags and ushered her daughter in the door. She then walked over to Miss Garrett and leaned down to give her a hug. “Good to see you Miss. G, it’s been awhile.”

Miss Garrett smiled, “Jo, you look so good.”

“Thanks,” Jo smiled.

“Well, come here,” Tootie said as she walked towards Jo and gave her a hug.

Jo extended her hand to Andy and as he excepted she pulled him into a quick hug. She then walked over to Natalie and gave her a hug. “And who is this?” Jo asked as she tapped Daphne on the shoulder.

“Daphne,” the little girl exclaimed shyly.

“Well Daphne, “Jo smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you.”

Natalie watched as Daphne laughed at Jo and gave her a quick hug. “How did you do that?”

Jo shrugged, “Do what?”

“She talked to you,” Natalie smiled.

“Most kids do talk, Nat,” Jo stated as she rose to her feet.

Natalie laughed, “Daphne is different, she only talks to me, and now you I guess.”

Jo shrugged her shoulders as she motioned for her daughter. “Everyone, this is Erica.”

Erica nodded her head acknowledging everyone.

“Um Erica, why don’t you and Daphne go play with some of your things. If that’s ok with you, Nat.” Jo stated.

Natalie smiled, “Of course it is.”

Jo nodded towards Erica who took Daphne by the hand and they both made their way up the stairs.

“Well, well, so obedient,” Blair smiled. “Are you sure that’s your kid?”

Jo turned to Blair as a smile cracked at the corner of her lips. “I try to raise them to be the exact opposite of you. So far it seems to be working.”


“The FUN has ARRIVED!”


They all turned to see Rick walk in the door. Two duffel bags draped across his shoulders and a pillow in each hand.

“This must be Rick,” Miss Garrett said as she stared at the man curiously.

“In the flesh,” Rick stated as he let the bags slide down his arm. “Would’ve been here sooner if Jo would’ve let me glide the car down that steep heel, but she had to take the safe way and use the road. Women these days, no sense of adventure.”

Jo laughed, “Here’s an adventurous task for you. Why don’t you take those bags upstairs and try to make it through the jungle I’m sure Blair has already created.”

Rick raised an eyebrow, “An adventurous task, sounds like fun.” Rick picked the bags back up. “Hey Andy, want to join me on an adventure?”

Andy shrugged as he stood up. “Sure, sounds good to me.”

“Man all towers, we’re going in,” Rick yelled up the stairs as he and Andy began walking up them.


Miss. Garrett laughed, “Everything Beverly Ann said he was and more.”

Natalie and Tootie laughed as they each stood up. “I’m going to go take a look at our old room,” Tootie said with a smile. “And I’m going to join you,” Natalie stated. “Let’s go then,” Tootie smiled. They both walked up the stairs, laughing and talking about old times.

“Well,” Miss Garrett said as she began to stand up. “I have to go check on my dinner.” She turned to Jo before walking out of the room. “And Jo, I still want to talk with you about how everything has been going. You, too, Blair.” She then walked into the kitchen…


Jo plopped down on the sofa and sighed. “I really know how to clear a room.”

Blair smiled, “Wear a mask next time.”

Jo rolled her eyes at Blair’s remark. She then clasped her hands together and propped her feet up on the coffee table. “So, tell me how traveling the country is going.”

Blair furrowed her brow, “How did you know I was traveling the country.”

“Well, between work and the grocery store I’m bound to see a newspaper that has updates on your life.”

Blair tossed her hair back, “Well, Allen and I are rather popular.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Jo smirked. “I don’t read the papers, your picture is a real turn off for me.”

Blair giggled, “Same old Jo. Full of those little snide remarks.”

Jo looked around the room and then over at Blair. “So, Allen’s his name, huh?”

“Yes, he’s so clever.”

“And what does he see in you again?”

Blair laughed and they both sat in silence for a few minutes.

“Well, if I could be sorta serious for a minute,” Jo started. “I’d just let you know that it’s good to see you again, and I have kept up with you.”

Blair smiled, “Well, believe it or not I’ve missed you too.”

“And it’s also good to hear that you and Allen are happy together.”

Blair pressed her lips together and sunk into thought. “Yeah, real happy,” she mumbled under her breath…


“Well Miss. G,” Jo started as she placed her napkin on the table. “You still can cook.”

“Well thank you, Jo” Miss Garrett smiled.

“I’ll help with the dishes,” Allen offered as he stood up and picked up his plate, along with Blair’s.

“Geez, talk about setting a bad example. You are going to put ideas into people’s heads that us men have to do the dishes every night,” Rick mumbled as he stood up, gathering his plate, Jo’s plate, and Erica’s plate.

Jeff gathered his, Tootie’s, and Natalie’s plate and followed the other two into the kitchen.

Andy picked up his, Miss Garrett’s, and Daphne’s dishes and then followed the rest of the men into the kitchen.

Blair smiled, “Well, well, if only that would happen every night.”

Natalie laughed, “I would began wondering what happened to the real men of America.”

Jo sighed, “Tell ya what, why don’t Erica and Daphne go play and we can catch up on what’s been going on.”

“Yipee,” Erica exclaimed as she hopped up out of her seat and ran up the stairs. Everyone laughed at her and watched as Daphne followed.

Miss. Garrett smiled, “Girls, I’m going to make sure the guys know what they’re doing and then I’ll join you.”

Jo nodded, “Ok Miss G.”

The four watched as Miss Garrett walked out of the room…

Tootie sighed, “We have to do something!”

Jo raised an eyebrow, “About what?”

Natalie, “About Bruce dying.”

Jo, “Guys it’s really none of our business and besides, Miss G seems to be doing just fine.”

Blair smiled, “Jo, Jo. Poor nieve Jo…”

“WHAT?” Jo snapped. “I can hear ya know.”

Natalie grinned, “I think somebody strong minded should talk with her.”

“Who knows how to get through to people,” Tootie added.

“Well,” Blair smiled and tossed her hair. “I guess I could…”

Natalie laughed, “Not you Blair.”

“We meant Jo,” Tootie added.

“Me? Why me?” Jo asked.

“Yeah, why her?” Blair questioned.

“Because we want someone strong minded and knows how to get through to people-and that’s Jo,” Natalie stated.

“It really is none of our business guys,” Jo started.

“Who cares,” Tootie started. “We’ll make it our business, she’s tearing up inside.”

“Please,” Natalie and Tootie begged.

“Oh all right,” Jo sighed.

“GREAT!” Natalie and Tootie chimed together. They both then jogged up the stairs…

“Jo, normally I wouldn’t wish you good luck, but this is Miss Garrett and I really hope you can get through to her,” Blair said as she gave Jo an encouraging look.

Jo nodded, “Well usually I would laugh at you and throw you some quick remark but since it is Miss. G then I’ll say thanks.”

Blair pressed her lips together and nodded her head. “Ok.” She then began to walk up the stairs. “Oh, and Jo, maybe afterwards we could catch up on what’s been going on…?”

Jo nodded, “Sounds like a plan to me.”

Blair smiled, “Thanks”


Jo watched as Blair walked up the stairs. She then looked around the room a little uncomfortable. ‘Get it together,’ she told herself. She took in a deep breath and cleared her head.

She was now ready to talk to Miss G….


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To Be Continued….

Please Review!

[iluvfacts14]

Awesome!! It really show the hard work that you put into it!!

Love,
ILuvFacts14

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"Who wants to be a skinny pencil? I'd rather be a happy magic marker!" - Natalie, Season 1, 'Dieting'

[80skid]

Great!!! I love it!!! !! continue, continue, continue!!!!!! ! ! ! ! hehe, i could feel like i was there... it is SOOOO good! okay, in a nutshell, just continue! it rocks!

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Pippa: Won't you tell me now?
Blair: Tomorrow.
Jo: Rick...
Pippa: Rick?
Jo/Nat/Blair: Tomorrow, Pippa!

Natalie: A flashback within a flashback... I'm so brilliant it scares me!
Natalie: You thought she was the delivery boy? I was gonna ask her to the fall dance before I knew! [from my favorite ep, New girl part 1]
Jo: you're born, you grow, you die, hey that's life.

[U2baby]

Good job, seems pretty realistic and well written so far. Can't wait to read the rest!

[Natluver4ever]

that's awesome! u really have a way with words! keep going, i can't wait to read more!

[BlairW_1]

Please write more!!! This is getting good, and maybe I can get some inspiration for mine from you! I'm blocked.

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J: You mean 50/50? Uh... 50/50...50?
B: Good, Jo, why don't you do the books?

[FOL85NatandMrsGRock]

Miss G?? Now i only scanned the thing i didnt read anythign specifically but i saw that you said Miss G alot... are you referring to MRS. Garrett?? I might be wrong but if you are it is Mrs. not Miss.....

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jo: mrs. g gone on ahead I KNOW i can fix the problem
MRs. G: jo only twice in my life have i spoke in an arbitrary manner, once when my ex husband morgaged our home to pay the bookee, and now, GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE OR I'LL BEAT YOU WITH MY FRYING PAN!!!

Jo: Woaw Nat!! (grabs blairs palm tree from nat) Nice Girls Don't Throw Trees!!!

blair: now jo i know we usually dont agree but that was a scuzy thing for your mother to do!
tootie: wahts so scuzy about it!?!? dont you read the national enquirer, some of the best people are Shacking up!!
mrs. g: TOOTIE!!! im surrounded by x-rated kids!!!
~FOL85NatandMrsGRock~
*Sarah Lynn*

[lesliem14]

I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read more.

[Jo_Marie]

It's great, please write more

[Rebel Queen 1980]

This is great !,can't wait till this more!