A Lesson Learned

[JoPolniaczekFan]

Part 1

Blair is in the lounge talking on the phone Oh Jo it's so good to hear from you after all this time I thought you forgot us she says and laughs. No Blair of course not. I just been real busy says Jo. I still can't believe you ran away and married Eddie says Blair. Yeah well I called to tell you I have a three month old baby girl now. I named her Charlotte Rose after my dad and mom. Awww that's sweet Jo says Blair. So how do you like being a wife and mom? It's great says Jo. I don't mean to cut you short Blair but I wanted to know if its okay to come visit this weekend and bring the baby says Jo. Of course you can says Blair I'll just cancel my dates so I can be here when you come. I'm sure everyone will be happy to see you and the baby. Great says Jo I'll be there around noon tomorrow. Okay see you tomorrow says Blair. Okay bye says Jo. Bye says Blair and hangs up the phone. She starts to walk into the cafeteria and bumps into Tootie pretending to dust the wall. Tootie ca't anyone around here ever have any privacy says Blair annoyed. I'm sorry Blair. I can't seem to stop myself.

Tootie runs over to Nat and says That was Jo on the phone! She has a baby and she's bringing it here! Is that true Blair? asks Nat. Yes she's coming tomorrow around noon and staying til Sunday says Blair. Mrs. Garrett walks in from the kitchen and says Girls it's time to start setting up for dinner. Okay Mrs. Garrett but first I have wonderful news says Blair. Jo is coming tomorrow with her baby girl! Wow! That is wonderful! says Mrs. Garrett. I can't wait to see her again says Tootie. Me too says Nat. I've really missed her says Blair. Even though she threatened to park her bike on your face? asks Tootie and the all laugh remembering that first day when Jo arrived.
I'll make up her bed for her tonight says Mrs. Garrett. I'm gonna go out for a little while after dinner says Blair just as girls start coming in for dinner. They serve dinner and clean up then Blair leaves. Natalie and Tootie do their homework cause they don't want to worry about it while Jo is there this weekend and Mrs. Garrett makes up the bed in the girls' room.

They're all sitting at tables in the cafeteria the next day waiting for Jo. I wonder why she's late says Nat. It's only 12:30 says Blair. She is also traveling with a baby. You can never have definate plans with a baby. says Mrs. G. They require constant attention. That makes sense says Tootie. Besides traffic in New York City is bad on weekends says Blair. That's true says Nat. Just then Jo walks in carrying the baby in the carrier. They all rush over and hug her. It's so good to see you Jo says Mrs. Garrett. I missed you Mrs. G. says Jo. Hey Farrah I swear your hair is blonder than ever says Jo to Blair. Yeah well I did just spend a lot of time in the sun a few weeks ago says Blair. Whatever you say Blair says Jo. Hey Tootie How ya doin says Jo. Hey Jo we all missed you says Tootie. Yeah says Nat you brought some excitement to our dull lives she says with a smile. Thanks Tootie, Nat I missed you guys too. Blair says Jo your baby's beautiful she looks just like you. Thanks Blair says Jo. How did you get up here with her? Natalie asks. You didn't ride her on the back of your bike did you? asks Blair. They all laugh. No I traded my bike in for a used chevy says Jo. Everyone starts complimenting the baby and asking to hold her. As all this is going on Blair and Tootie sneak upstairs as planned to get the gifts Blair bought for the baby. They get back and put them in front of Jo. Jo says whats this? Blair says Oh nothing just a few things I picked up for your baby. Blair you know You shouldn't of bought nothing. Oh c'mon Jo how could I resist getting stuff for a sweet little baby. Alright Jo says Thanks Blair and starts pulling the cutest little designer baby outfits out of bags. Natalie and Tootie oooohed and aaahed for each one while Mrs. Garrett just watched and smiled. They spent the day hanging out, catching up and playing with the baby.

Ok I changed and added a few minor details and figured I'd make it in a few parts... added more above and added part 2

[RoryGilmore]

Excellent I cant wait to see what you're going to do with this

[ZeldaGilroy]

I really like this. I can't wait to see what will happen next!

I wrote a fanfic once where Jo had a daughter named Charlotte Rose...just thought I'd let you know we must think alike!

[JoPolniaczekFan]

If that fanfic is on here then maybe I read it but I don't really remember a story with the name Charlotte Rose. I got the idea for the name from my friend cause its her daughters name and I think its pretty besides it was perfect to name her after her parents lol

[ZeldaGilroy]

Originally Posted by JoPolniaczekFan

If that fanfic is on here then maybe I read it but I don't really remember a story with the name Charlotte Rose. I got the idea for the name from my friend cause its her daughters name and I think its pretty besides it was perfect to name her after her parents lol

The fic is on here...like page 6 or 7. It's Living the Facts of Life (part 1 &2.) Her daughter is named Charlotte Rose and they call her Charli. I think I only mentioned that her full name was Charlotte Rose is part 2, like one time. I hope you didn't think I was accusing you of stealing it or or anything...I just thought it was a funny coincedence. I do think it is a very pretty name.

I still can't wait to see where you take this story. Post more soon!

[JoPolniaczekFan]

Part 2

Everyone is asleep in the girls' room when Jo wakes up hearing her baby crying. She gets up quietly while Blair wakes up whining Jo it's 2 a.m. I need my beauty sleep. I can't help it Blair. She's a baby, this is what babies do now go back to sleep.
Jo walks out and down the hall to Mrs. Garrett's room to check on Charlie.

When she gets to Mrs. Garrett's room she's holding her and rocking her to try to quiet her. Jo I changed her diaper says Mrs. Garrett. Thanks Mrs. G says Jo. I think she's hungry. Can you hold her while I go make her bottle says Jo. Sure Jo says Mrs. Garrett. Jo leaves to go to the kitchen. A couple minutes later Blair comes into Mrs. Garrett's room. The baby woke me and now I can't go back to sleep she says to Mrs. Garrett. Well it's only one night Blair you'll survive. Blair sits next to Mrs. Garrett on the bed. I'm kinda worried about Jo says Blair. Why? asks Mrs. Garrett. I don't know I just get this feeling something is bothering her says Blair. I know says Mrs. Garrett she really hasn't said much about her life with Eddie. That's why I think she's hiding something says Blair. Well we have to wait and let her tell us in her own time cause you know how she runs when she feels she's being attacked says Mrs. Garrett. I know says Blair as Jo walks in with the bottle and hands it to Mrs. Garrett so she can feed Charlie.

You seem to be doing a great job being a mother so young says Mrs. Garrett. Yeah Well things really aren't that great says Jo. What do you mean Jo? asks Mrs. Garrett. I dunno Mrs. G. At first things were great but now Eddie's hardly home and when he is we constantly fight. We Can't afford a place to live so we're living with his folks. They're horrible people. says Jo. It can't be that bad says Blair. I'm sorry Jo says Mrs. Garrett. His parents make Charles Manson look like a nice guy says Jo. I'm so confused. I dunno what to do. Why didn't I listen to all of you when you told me I was too young to get married? says Jo crying. Blair hugs Jo and says Don't worry we'll figure something out. Like what? says Jo It's hopeless I'm stuck with Eddie and I can't stand him anymore. I'm so tired of all the fighting. Jo says Blair why don't you go back and live with your mother? I can't says Jo She hasn't spoken to me since I told her I married Eddie. She told me she doesn't have a daughter anymore and doesn't want anything to do with me. Oh Jo I'm so sorry says Mrs. G who has just put Charlie down and goes over to hug Jo. I'm gonna try to get some sleep says Jo. I don't get much sleep since Chalie was born. That's a good idea girls says Mrs. Garrett. We'll try to work this out in the morning. Night girls. Night Mrs. G says Jo. Night says Blair. Blair and Jo walk out and Mrs. G begins to cry cause she wishes she could of stopped Jo from leaving that night over a year ago.

Jo and Blair go back to bed but neither of them can sleep. Blair tries to think of someway to help Jo cause even though she didn't live with them long and they had their differences she considers Jo a friend. I wish we could let Jo live here but she can't since she doesn't go to school here anymore. There would be no way she could afford Eastland now and besides she has a baby to take care of. Jo is trying to figure out how to get out of the mess she made of her life. She really thought she loved Eddie but now she realizes she loved the idea of Eddie. He promised he'd always be there for her and take care of her no matter what. Now he only speaks to her to fight about something. Usually the fights are over stupid stuff. Finally Blair drifts off to sleep hearing Jo snoring in the next bed.

[JoPolniaczekFan]

Actually I did read that story it was great. I do remember the name Charli. I didn't mean to imply that you were accusing me of stealing the name. I never thought you were. I just wanted you to know how I came up with it...

[ZeldaGilroy]

Oh...your story is so sad. I feel so bad for Jo. I can really see her life turning out this way if she had run off with Eddie. I hope the gang can help her out.

I hope you will add more soon.

[ZeldaGilroy]

Originally Posted by JoPolniaczekFan

Actually I did read that story it was great. I do remember the name Charli. I didn't mean to imply that you were accusing me of stealing the name. I never thought you were. I just wanted you to know how I came up with it...

I'm glad you liked the story. I wrote it a gazillion years ago...LOL

Anyway...I didn't really think you thought I was accusing you of stealing the name. I just didn't want you to think that because it is an obvious name for Jo's daughter and I just thought it was funny that we both came up with it. Great minds think alike!

[JoPolniaczekFan]

Yeah I went to look at that story again. you did write it yrs ago. I'm surprised that your still on this site lol..... I'm having trouble figuring out how they can help her and i'm starting to think this is going to be very very long lol

[RoryGilmore]

AW!!! The waterworks are starting already. Great job can't wait for more

[JoPolniaczekFan]

I changed and added a few things to part 1 and just finished changing and adding to part 2 now i just gotta think of part 3 lol

[ZeldaGilroy]

Well I hope you think of some good things for part 3...I am excited to see what you come up with!

[JoPolniaczekFan]

Part 3

Jo woke up at 6 a.m. and went into Mrs. Garrett's room to get the baby. Mrs. Garrett was still sleeping so she was quiet. She took the baby downstairs into the dining room and changed her diaper. Then Jo went into the kitchen to make the bottle. She then took the baby into the lounge and sat on the couch to feed her. Jo still can't help being amazed at how beautiful, tiny and helpless Charlie is. She can't believe she is a mom and that this little girl depends on her for everything. She's just sitting there looking at Charlie smiling and thinking how much she loves her baby girl. She whispers to Charlie. Mommy loves you very much and I promise I will do everything I can to give you a good life and always be there for you. Just then Mrs. Garrett walks in and says Good morning Jo. Morning Mrs. G. Jo says. I'm going to start breakfast now says Mrs. Garrett. I'll put Charlie in her carrier and I'll help you says Jo. Oh no Jo you just relax. Me and the girls got it covered says Mrs. Garrett. How do you handle it all without me? asks Jo. It's alot of work. Well we got two other girls that help out but they went home this weekend says Mrs. Garrett. Anyone I know? asks Jo. You might have met them but I'm not sure says Mrs. Garrett. Molly Parker and Sue Ann Weaver. Yeah I think I remember them says Jo. What did they do to get punished? Molly convinced Sue Ann that in order to save the frogs from being disected in science lab they should set them free Mrs. Garrett says trying not to laugh. Mr. Parker flipped when he opened school to find frogs all over the place and Molly and Sue Ann trying to catch them. Jo laughs and says I wish I could have seen that. Then starts to get sad cause she realizes she really liked it there and misses it alot.

Mrs. Garrett yell up the stairs Girls! It's time to make breakfast! All the girls run down the stairs. Sorry Mrs. Garrett but Blair wouldn't get out of the bathroom says Tootie. It takes time to get my hair just right and I can't possibly go without my make up says Blair. Jo says Why Blair ya afraid you'll scare everyone with your face? Blair says Oh Jo you have such a simple mind. At least I got a mind you airhead says Jo. There's gonna be troooooubllle says Tootie. Alright girls thats enough says Mrs. Garrett. Let's get to work. Blair you make the oatmeal, Natalie and Tootie you go set up the dining room and I'll make bacon and eggs. What can I do Mrs. G.? says Jo as Nat and Tootie leave. If you really want to help make toast says Mrs. Garrett. They all start making breakfast and remembering how they got themselves into this punishment by wreaking the school van and sneaking into the chug-a-lug bar. They all start laughing even Mrs. Garrett. They finish making breakfast and take it to the counter so they can serve it. Jo helps Blair Nat and Tootie seve breakfast to the line of girls forming on the other side of the counter. Nancy Olsen comes up and they serve her food but before she walks away she turns to Jo and says I know you don't really know me but I was wondering if I could talk to you later. Jo says sure no problem. Meet me in the lounge after breakfast. Thanks Jo says Nancy as she walks away. They finished breakfast and cleaning up when Jo says I'll be back soon and heads to the lounge.

[JoPolniaczekFan]

Part 4

Jo walks into the lounge and finds Nancy sitting on the couch waiting. What's up Nancy? asks Jo. I could really use you advice says Nancy. Why me? asks Jo. Because your married and have a kid so I think you would understand says Nancy. Why are you planning on running away and getting married? asks Jo. Maybe says Nancy. Are you crazy? asks Jo. Do you know how hard it is to be married so young? Or to have a kid? No says Nancy. That's why I'm asking you. Well it not fun and games says Jo. What am I suposed to do? asks Nancy starting to cry. Wait til your older to get married says Jo. So your saying it's not a good idea to get married so young even if you're pregnant? asks Nancy. Wait a minute says Jo. You're already pregnant? Yeah says Nancy about two months. How could you be so stupid to get pregnant or have sex when you're so young and not married? asks Jo. Why are you so mad Jo? Everyone knows you ran away to get married cause you were pregnant says Nancy. I wasn't pregnant when I got married. I got pregnant after. says Jo. So why did you get married so young then? asks Nancy. Cause I was stupid and Eddie told me he loved me and would be there for me forever says Jo. Roger told me that when I told him I was pregnant. He said he'd marry me and take care of me and the baby says Nancy. How is he gonna do that when he doesn't have a job and didn't finish school? asks Jo. I don't know says Nancy. At least Eddie is in the navy, It's not much money but it's something says Jo. You really better think this out and talk to your parents. I can't tell my parents says Nancy They'll kill me. Even if you get married they'll know you were already pregnant when the baby's born only seven months later says Jo. My mom got mad just for me getting married. I'm now trapped living with a man I can't stand anymore. Can't leave cause I can't work with the baby. I'm sorry Jo says Nancy. It's okay just think about this carefully before you make a mistake like me says Jo. Maybe you can talk to Mrs. Garrett. she's really good at helping with problems. Ok thanks Jo I'll think about it but I gotta go meet Roger. No problem Nancy says Jo i'll see ya later. Bye Jo. Bye Nancy. They both walk into the dining room but Nancy walks out the door on the right and Jo goes to sit at a table to think. Jo wishes she could be more helpful to Nancy but how can she help anyone when she can't even help herself she wonders.

Blair walks in with the baby in her arms and sits down at the table with Jo. Blair says She is the cutest little thing I've ever seen in the sweetest voice. Jo looks up, smiles and says Yeah I know. She's the only thing in this world that can make me smile no matter how bad I feel. Blair if I tell you something do you promise not to tell anyone? asks Jo. I promise says Blair. Eddie was sent a base in Texas and he said he couldn't take me with him. I haven't seen him since Charlie was born and I'm stuck living with his parents that hate me.
Right before I came here I got a letter from Eddie saying he's not coming back and he doesn't wanna be with me anymore. He met another girl says Jo.
Why wouldn't you want Mrs. Garrett to know that? asks Blair. Cause I feel stupid enough for running away from here and doing what I did even though you all told me not to says Jo. Mrs. Garrett would understand says Blair. I dunno says Jo Can you tell her? asks Jo. Okay I'll tell her says Blair and I promise we will figure out a way to get you out of this mess. Thanks Blair. Let me take Charlie and put her for a nap. Jo says as she takes the baby and starts toward the kitchen to bring her upstairs. Blair sits and thinks about her friends situation and really wishes she could help her somehow. There's got to be a way. I wonder if I called and told Mrs. Polniaczek about Jo's situation now if she might change her mind and talk to her daughter again. Blair thinks. Yeah maybe if she knew how much Jo's hurting she'd help her. I know Jo's too stubborn to call her mother after what she said. I also know Jo would kill me me if I do anything behind her back. Blair sighs and thinks Maybe it's best if I leave it to Mrs. Garrett to handle. Blair continues to sit there and stare into space.