Living The Facts of Life (part II)

[ZeldaGilroy]

Thank you to everyone who voted in my poll. Living the Facts of Life was the winner by two votes, so that is the one I am writing a sequel to at this time. For everyone who voted for The Facts of Life Reunion Sequel, I plan to write a continuation of that one also, when I finish this one.

I will be posting this story in parts, because I have not finished it yet. Here is chapter one. Please tell me what you think!!!

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Living The Facts of Life (Sequel)

Chapter 1

She couldn’t believe she was going to do it. As Jo Polniaczek drove down the highway, the sound of her four children sleeping heavily echoing in her ears, her mind couldn’t help but wander to the extraordinary events that had just happened. Less than two weeks ago she was a single mother, laid off from her job, pregnant, alone. She hadn’t known where to turn or what to do. Now, things were coming together. She had her friends back. She had not even realized how much she had missed them. Her life would be better now. She knew it would be. It had to be.

She and the girls were going to move in with Blair. Was that really a good idea? After all that had happened, Jo wasn’t so sure. Still, she felt she had to give it a chance. Blair seemed so anxious to become a part of their lives again. Jo trusted her, even after all that had happened. Jo knew how hard it had been for Blair to tell the truth. She respected her friend’s bravery and honesty. Their friendship was healing. It had to work.

As she turned the corner, her apartment building came into view. There was Rick’s car, waiting for her. She had expected as much. When she called him from Peekskill, explaining her plan to move there, he had remained calm. He didn’t say much, but Jo knew what he was thinking… she had betrayed him, hurt him. Jo did feel guilty for all that had happened. She hadn’t believed him about the accident, and although she never admitted it to him, he knew. It tore their marriage apart. Rick had every right to feel angry. She really did not know what she would say to him. She prayed that something would come to her.

Jo quickly pulled her car into the space next to her ex-husband. She turned off the car and stepped out. Rick got out of his car at the same time and walked over to her. “I was worried,” he said. “I thought you’d be back an hour ago.” He looked frazzled, but let out a sigh of relief. “God Jo, I was about to call the police.” Jo looked at him and could see he was genuinely worried about them. “I’m sorry,” she said. “We got a late start and I didn’t know you would be waiting.” She actually hadn’t realized how late it was, almost 10:00pm. Rick relaxed a little and gave her a slight smile. “Come on,” he said, “let’s get the girls inside.”

Jo woke up her three oldest daughters. Jordyn and Ricki both yawned, but walked inside. Charli was instantly awake and chatting with her daddy about the trip. “It was really fun,” she said. “And guess what , Daddy? We get to move there!” Rick looked at his little girl. “I know sweetie,” he said softly. “Mommy told me. Now, you better get inside and go back to sleep.” He kissed her on the forehead, and Charli turned to follow her sisters inside.

Jo reached to pick Katie up from her car seat. “I’ll get her,” Rick offered. “You shouldn’t be lifting anything.” Jo looked at her ex, puzzled by his remark. “What are you talking about?” she asked. Rick looked at her, his eyes focused on her stomach, “The baby,” he said. “If we are going to have another baby, you’re going to have to take it easy.”

Jo watched in amazement as Rick carried their little girl into the apartment. Was this the same Rick Bonner? The same man who just weeks ago had wanted nothing to do with the child she carried…the man who had talked her into an abortion. She didn’t know what to think. Had Rick really changed? Maybe Blair’s confession had changed him as well. Jo hoped for the best, but in the back of her mind, an inner-voice was telling her something was not right. She walked inside and closed the door behind her.
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Should I continue???????

[80skid]

An inner-voice is telling you...


MORE!!!


This is fantastic and REALLY awesome. Add more to it to make it even more fantastic and awesome!

[ZeldaGilroy]

Thanks for responding 80skid. I'm glad somebody likes this story. Here is a little more for you. I may post more later, depending on how much time I have to write.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapter 2
The girls were all sound asleep. Jo was sitting at the table with Rick. They looked at each other, but neither of them spoke a word. Suddenly their silence was interrupted by the blaring sound of the ringing telephone. Jo was shocked by the noise, nearly jumping. She reached up and answered, “Hello?” Rick wondered who would be calling at such an hour, but his question was quickly answered as he heard Jo’s conversation with the caller. “Blair,” she said, “I know I said I’d call when we got here. I am sorry. I forgot. We’ve only been home a few minutes anyway.” Jo looked at her watch and saw that they had actually been home for almost an hour. “Yea, the trip was fine. Okay, I’ll see you then, Bye.” Jo hung up the phone.

Rick looked up at her. “Blair huh?” he asked. Jo cleared her throat a little. “She wanted to know if we made it home okay. I told her I’d call. I forgot.” She looked up at him. “I guess I’ve worried a couple of people tonight. I don’t know where my mind is.” She laughed a little, trying to lighten the mood. Rick almost smiled. “It was nice of her to call and check,” he replied. “You look tired. Get some sleep. I’ll be back in the morning.” He reached out and touched her hand. Then he stood up and left. Jo sat alone in the kitchen wondering what was going on with Rick.

As she made her way to her bedroom, Jo stopped to check on her daughters. Each one, snug in bed. Ricki was snoring slightly, a trait she inherited from her father. Jo smiled at her girls and went to bed. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The next morning seemed to come too soon. Jo felt Katie tapping on her arm. “Mommy,” her daughter whispered. “Wake up. I want cereal.” Jo opened her eyes. She looked up at her youngest daughter. “I’m awake,” she sighed, as she got out of bed. She walked into the kitchen. Ricki and Jordyn were up watching TV. Charli was still sleeping. Jo reached for the cereal box. She poured a bowl for Katie. Suddenly a wave of nausea hit her. She took a deep breath, hoping it would go away. “Mommy,” Katie whined, “I need milk.” Jo looked at Ricki, “Please put some milk on her cereal,” she asked. Then she ran to the bathroom.

Ricki poured milk on Katie’s cereal and sat her in her booster chair. Then she heard a knock on the door. She opened the door to find her father standing there. “Dad,” she said as she hugged him. “What are you doing here?” Rick smiled at her. “Can’t a man visit his family without getting the third degree?” he asked. “Where’s your mom?” Ricki answered him, “She’s in the bathroom. I think she’s sick or something.” Rick knew it was morning sickness. He had watched Jo suffer with it four times before. He also knew the girls had no idea about the baby. “Well,” he said. “Then you girls should just do your best to help her out until she feels better.”

Jo came out of the bathroom. Her skin was damp and her face was pale. Rick could tell she was really ill. He walked over to her. “Are you alright?” he whispered. Jo nodded her head slightly. “Come on,” Rick said, “You need to just go back to bed.” He put his arm around her shoulders and attempted to guide her back to the bedroom. “No,” Jo replied. “I’ll be okay. I have so much packing to do.” Jo sat down on the couch and took a deep breath. Rick looked at her. He knew better than to argue. “Okay,” he said. “But if you’re not going to rest, you’re at least going to let me help you with the work” Jo hated to admit she needed the help, but she was so tired and she felt horrible. She was still suspicious of Rick’s unusual behavior. “Okay,” she said. “You can help.”

Chapter 3


Blair was working as quickly as she could. She wanted to make her house perfect for her new roommates. She was hanging up posters in the spare bedrooms. What would the girls like, she wondered. She knew they would be bringing their own things as well, but she wanted the rooms to look welcoming when they arrived. The rooms had been empty for so long. They needed an added touch.

As Blair was working, she let her mind drift to thoughts of the past. She remembered how close she and Jo had been before the accident. She wondered if they would ever be like that again. She hoped…but deep down she knew things would never be the same. She was just glad Jo had agreed to let Blair help her out. Blair thought she owed Jo at least that much after all that had happened.

Blair was excited as she thought about the move. Her best friend, and those beautiful little girls were going to share her life now. She never thought she would see the day. Confessing the truth about the accident had been the hardest thing she had ever done, but she was relieved that Jo had forgiven her. If she ever saw Rick again, she would tell him how sorry she was as well. She didn’t expect him to forgive her. She just hoped he would not talk Jo out of the move. As independent as Jo had always been, she had always had a weakness for her ex-husband, and Blair knew it. Somehow, Rick had always been able to get Jo to do anything, and Blair was sure that moving to Peekskill was the last thing Rick wanted for Jo and his daughters.

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More soon...

[Ewan's My Man]

This is awesome!! Post more as soon as you can!!!

[MrsGarrettRocksMySocks]

AWESOME!!!! I love it.....I can't wait for more!

[Ryanmo97]

More! More! I know you've just started but it's as good as the first one!

[ZeldaGilroy]

Originally posted by Ryanmo97
More! More! I know you've just started but it's as good as the first one!

Thanks Ryan, and thank you to everyone else who has responded! I hope this one will be as good as the first one, but I'm not sure. I was really proud of the effort I put into that first one. It took two months to write it I think, and this one is being posted in parts, so who knows when it will be finished.

Anyway, here is a little more!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapter 4

They had been packing for hours. Jo and Rick were in the bedroom, putting pictures into boxes. “Hey, do you remember this?” Rick asked, holding up a photo for Jo to see. She laughed, “How could I forget? Ricki’s first Halloween.” Rick smiled, “She was the cutest little kitty cat I had ever seen.” “I know,” Jo replied, “I couldn’t thank Tootie enough for making her that costume. Lord knows I couldn’t have done it!” Rick paused a moment, then smiled. “So,” he teased, “I guess that is why the girls have had plastic store-bought costumes since we moved from Peekskill?” Jo reached out and playfully hit him on the shoulder. “Shut up,” she laughed. “I didn’t see you sewing any special costumes for them.”

They were both laughing then. Jo couldn’t help but wonder how they could be having so much fun together. Rick was like a different person. It was as if he were the man she had married nearly fourteen years ago, laughing… joking. She couldn’t even count the number of times he had asked her how she was feeling…if she wanted to take a nap…if she was hungry. It was as if he truly cared about her and their unborn child, the way he had been during her other pregnancies. Still, Jo did not want to get her hopes up. Rick had made it perfectly clear that he saw this child as a mistake, and as much as it tore her heart out, Jo had accepted that.

“Well,” Jo smiled. “I think we are just about finished in here. Thanks a lot Rick, for helping me out.” Rick looked at her and spoke softly. “Jo,” he said, “I think we need to talk about some things.” Jo felt her heart jump. She knew what was coming. He would try to talk her out of moving to Peekskill. He might even promise to be there for her and the kids, even the new baby. Jo also knew that she would be tempted by his offer. She loved him and missed him, no matter how irresponsible he was. The kids adored him. She did know what was best though, and staying in the city with Rick was not it. She had to go back to Peekskill. She needed that. She looked up at him. “I know we need to talk,” she replied.
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I am hoping to write a lot more tonight, so I'll post more later!

[marmalade]

AWESOME!!!
You are a really good writer!

[ZeldaGilroy]

Chapter 5

Jo looked at Rick, waiting for him to continue, but he didn’t. “I know you want to talk about all that has happened Rick,” she said. “But please don’t try to change my mind. I’m going to Peekskill. You and I cannot get back together, at least not right now.” Rick looked at his ex-wife. He did not know what to say to her. She thought he wanted to stop her from leaving, but that hadn’t been his purpose there. He hoped what he had to say wouldn’t hurt her, though he knew it would.

“Jo,” He said, almost mumbling. “I never said I wanted you to stay. I wouldn’t try to keep you from something you really wanted to do.” Jo was embarrassed that she had thought Rick wanted her back. “Well,” she asked, “What is this all about?” Rick looked nervous as he spoke. “Jo,” he replied. “I love you and the kids, you know that. We just aren’t meant to be. We are too different. We always have been. Plus, after all the tragedy we’ve been through, I don’t know how we held things together as long as we did.” He looked at Jo’s puzzled face. “Jo…I’ve met somebody else.” Jo was shocked. She couldn’t be hearing him correctly. “What?” she asked. Rick tried to put his arm around her, but she pulled away. “Her name is Shelley. She works with me at the club. She’s a singer.”

Jo refused to let herself cry. She just sat and listened as Rick confessed his love for another woman. “Shelley and I are moving to California. I figured this would be a good time. I mean, you and the girls are leaving.” Jo just nodded her head. “I promise you, Jo,” Rick tried to sound sincere. “I will be a good father to our kids. I’ll pay my child support. I have a good job lined up in California. I know I was upset about the new baby,” he sounded as if he were pleading with her, “but I’ll accept full responsibility. I’ll be his or her father. I don’t want to hurt any of you.”

Jo excused herself and walked into the bathroom. How could he do that to her? How could he be so sweet to her, gain her trust again, and then drop a bomb like this? Jo was wiping tears from her eyes. She would not let him know he had hurt her. He didn’t deserve to know the pain he caused. She heard the phone ring, but she didn’t move. She heard Rick pick it up. After a few seconds, there was a knock on the door. She wiped her eyes, and opened it to find Rick standing there. All the color had drained from his face. “I’m afraid it’s bad news,” he said.

Chapter 6
Natalie was home at last. She had dropped Noah off with his father, but not for long she hoped. She was determined to get him back. She sat down at her computer and began to write about everything that had happened in Peekskill. Mrs. Garrett had brought everyone together again. Natalie had her friends back. Soon she would have her son back. It was all because of Mrs. Garrett. She was a miracle worker. Natalie was grateful for all that had happened.

Natalie had a lot to write. She wanted to write the whole truth. What had happened between them. How they had lost each other. How they found each other again. It would make a wonderful book, but she would be careful this time. She would not use anything that could hurt her friends. She would change names and a few of the details. Still, it would be her story…their story. A story about true friendship…family.

Natalie had been so engrossed in her writing, that she had not realized how late it was. She turned off her computer and went into the bathroom. “I need a nice hot shower,” she thought to herself. She turned on the water, and as steam rose from the shower, Natalie could feel herself begin to unwind. After her shower, she slipped into bed and closed her eyes. She was quickly drifting off to sleep when it happened. The sound woke her immediately. She sat up and again heard the sound of the phone ringing next to her. “Hello,” she answered in a sleepy voice. As she listened to the caller, tears began to fill her eyes.

Chapter 7
Blair had finished her decorating project. She thought everything looked perfect. Jo and the girls would be happy there, and she knew it. Ricki and Jordyn would be sharing a room. It was blue, with white roses on the trim. Blair couldn’t help but think her own little girl would have liked that room. Charli and Katie would share a room as well. Their room was painted yellow and Blair had furnished it with small, wooden child-sized furniture. Jo had told her not to do anything special, and Blair was sure her friend would think she was spoiling the children, but she just couldn’t help herself. She had missed out on so much of this with her own little girl, but Blair had promised herself that she would not use Jo’s daughters to replace her own lost child. That wouldn’t be fair to anyone.

Blair was in her living room. She looked above the fireplace at her wedding picture. She missed Danny so much. Even after all he had done. They had been so close, at least that was what she had thought. And no matter what had happened, Blair never doubted Danny’s love for her or Debbie Jo. “It was a mistake,” she thought to herself. Then she wiped a tear from her cheek. She wondered if she should take the picture down. She wasn’t sure how Jo would react to it. After all, Danny was responsible for a lot of her pain as well. Blair didn’t have much time to think about what to do. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She opened it to find Andy standing there, his face stained with tears. “What’s wrong,” Blair gasped at the sight of her friend.

Chapter 8

Tootie and Jeff unlocked the door to their beautiful Los Angeles home. Tootie was still holding little Ontario in her arms. She hadn’t put him down for more than a second since Jeff had arrived with the little boy at Mrs. G’s house on Christmas. She had a son. A handsome, sweet, angel faced little boy, and she could not help but thank God every second for sending this child to her. “You know,” she said looking up at her husband. “I think he has your eyes.” Jeff smiled at her. “That’s impossible Tootie,” Jeff laughed, and although she knew he was right, Tootie couldn’t help but compare Ontario’s soft brown eyes to those of his new father. Jeff looked at his son. “I guess there are some similarities,” he sighed. “Both of us have eyes filled with love for you!” Then he kissed her softly on the lips.

The baby was sound asleep. Tootie and Jeff were listening to his breathing with the baby monitor. “That is such an amazing sound,” Tootie grinned at her husband. He put his arms around her, but their embrace was interrupted by the ringing telephone. “Who could that be?” Tootie asked as Jeff picked up the phone. She heard him talking to someone, “Okay,” he said softly. “Yes, we will. I’ll tell her.” He turned to her, a solemn look on his face. Tootie was scared. “Jeff,” she cried, “What is it?” He held her close. “Honey, It’s Mrs. G.” he spoke softly. “She’s had a heart attack. They’re not sure she’s going to make it.” “Nooooooooooo!” Tootie screamed, and she fell limp in his arms.
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I'll post more tomorrow. Let me know what you think!

[Ryanmo97]

You are going where No FOL Fan-Fic has gone before. Keep going.

[ZeldaGilroy]

Here's some more for Ryan, marmalade, #1JoFan, CharlotteRaeFan, 80sKid, and anyone else who is reading!

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Chapter 9

Blair was shocked by Andy’s news. Mrs. G couldn’t be as bad off as Andy made it sound. She was fine a few days ago. They had just finished their happy reunion. They were going to be close again. They were a family. “How did this happen?” she finally was able to mutter a few words through her sobs. Andy didn’t know what to say. “I don’t know,” he answered truthfully. “Mom just called and told me Aunt Edna had had a heart attack.” Andy put his arms around Blair. “It was so sudden…so unexpected.” He continued. “And so soon after Bruce’s heart attack. It’s only been a couple of months.” Andy’s words were becoming nothing more than mere mumbling in Blair’s ears. “I have to see her!” she shouted. Then she grabbed her purse and ran out the door.

Andy followed behind Blair. “Wait!” he shouted. He was running and nearly out of breath. “She can’t have any visitors right now.” He explained. Blair stopped. What was she going to do? She couldn’t let Mrs. Garrett die. She had to be there. She had to do something. She just couldn’t bear the thought of losing another loved one. “I’m going,” she said as she opened her car door. “I knew you would,” Andy replied. “Wait for me.”

Chapter 10

Jeff didn’t know what to do. Tootie had been so hysterical that she had passed out in his arms. When she came to, all she did was stare into space. Jeff had called their doctor, a close friend, and he had given her something to make her sleep. Now, sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his wife sleep, listening to her occasional murmur of Mrs. Garrett’s name, he was afraid. He and Tootie had gone through so much together. He knew she would want to rush back to Peekskill to be by Mrs. G.’s side, but Jeff really didn’t know if it was best. They had the baby to take care of. Was it fair to turn this child’s life upside down? He had been moved around so much already. And how long would they have to stay there? They may not make it to Peekskill before Mrs. G. passed away, or it may be weeks… months. Maybe Mrs. Garrett would make a full recovery and they would have made the trip for nothing. Jeff hated that he felt that way, but he had never understood Tootie’s attachment to Mrs. Garrett and her friends. They weren’t family, at least not in his eyes.

As Jeff was sitting in the silence of his room, he heard Ontario crying in the nursery. He walked in and picked up his son. “What’s wrong Buddy?” he whispered. Then he began to rock the child back and forth in his arms. Ontario was so special to him. Maybe he was not his biological child, but he loved him just the same. Jeff sat down in the wooden rocker, Ontario still in his arms. His eyes moved around the room looking at all of the decorations he and Tootie had put up. Before long his eyes focused on something new. A picture sitting on the little dresser. Tootie had put it there when they arrived home that morning. It was a picture of Tootie and Ontario with Mrs. Garrett, Blair, Natalie, and Jo. They had taken it Christmas morning. Everyone was smiling. Mrs. Garrett was kissing Ontario on the cheek. Tootie had put the photo in a blue frame with the words ‘Happy Family’ painted on it. As Jeff stared at the picture, he knew how Tootie must feel. She loved Mrs. G. He looked at his son, sleeping in his arms and knew that biology doesn’t always matter. He knew what he had to do. Jeff placed Ontario back in his crib, and went to the phone to make airline reservations.

Chapter11

Natalie was on the next plane to New York. She wasn’t going to waste time driving. As soon as Beverly Ann had called her, she grabbed her suitcase, still packed from the first trip, and she was off. She could not believe this was happening. She wondered if the commotion of the reunion had caused Mrs. G.’s heart attack. They all wanted to make her feel better. Now Natalie feared they may have killed her.

The seat next to her was empty, and Natalie was grateful. She knew she couldn’t handle listening to a chatty neighbor at a time like this. She needed time alone with her thoughts. She closed her eyes, trying to hide her tears, when she heard a voice behind her. “Excuse me,” a man said, “ Natalie Green?” Natalie knew it was probably someone who had read one of her books and wanted an autographed copy. She didn’t have the strength to reply, so she pretended to be asleep. “Natalie,” the voice said again, “I know it’s you.” Frustrated by this man’s persistence, Natalie turned around ready for an argument. She was taken off guard. “It’s been awhile,” said the man with lengthy brown hair and a crooked smile. Natalie’s eyes widened. “Snake?” she replied.

Chapter 12

“What’s wrong with Mommy?” Charli asked her father. The girls had been upstairs playing with some friends when Rick had told Jo about the call from Beverly Ann. Jo had been crying ever since. Rick couldn’t help but think that although most of it was because of Mrs. Garret, some of it was because of the news he had given her before the call came. He could not have picked a worse time to tell her about Shelley and the move to California. “Girls,” he said softly, “Something bad has happened and Mommy is very sad.” Jordyn looked frightened. “What happened?” she asked. Rick knew he had to tell the girls the truth. They would find out sooner or later. “Mrs. Garrett is very sick,” he said. Ricki was trying to be strong, but she was choking on her tears. The younger girls were already crying.

Jo came out of her bedroom and sat down with Rick and the girls. Katie sat on her lap and Charli was leaning on her shoulder. Jo reached up and wiped the tears from Charli’s cheeks. “It will be okay,” she said to her daughters. “Mrs. Garrett is a wonderful person,” Jo sighed, “and if she doesn’t get better, I know God will take good care of her.” It amazed Jo how strong she could be when her children were hurting, even though she felt as if her heart were breaking. Ricki looked at her mother. “I think we should pray for her to get better,” she whispered. Rick put his arm around his oldest daughter. The family sat and prayed together.

After a few minutes, Jordyn spoke up. “Are we going to see her?” she asked. Everyone seemed to be waiting for Jo to answer. Rick was the first to respond. “I can drive you,” he said. “No,” Jo answered quickly. She did not want his help. “I’ll get a hold of my folks. I’m sure one of them can drive us. You don’t have to go!” Rick knew why Jo was saying ‘no’ to his offer, but he couldn’t let her do it. He knew he owed her at least this much. “Jo,” he said rationally. “I know you’re angry at me, but you don’t know how long it would take to get in touch with your parents, or even if one of them can make the trip right now. You don’t want to risk getting there too late. I’m here now. We can go now!” Jo hated to admit that Rick was right. She couldn’t live with herself if she got to Peekskill too late. She had to see Mrs. G. “Alright,” she answered. “Let’s go.”

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I'll try to post more soon!

[Ryanmo97]

Keep It Up!

[marmalade]

Loving it, please add more!

[MrsGarrettRocksMySocks]

OMG! MRS. GARRRRRRRREETTTTTTT!!!!!!NO WAY!!!! This totally rules....except.....MRS. G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol...I'm kidding..........this is totally awesome......(I must catch a plane and go see Mrs. G....if you'll excuse me.......)

[ZeldaGilroy]

Originally posted by Charlotte Rae Fan
OMG! MRS. GARRRRRRRREETTTTTTT!!!!!!NO WAY!!!! This totally rules....except.....MRS. G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol...I'm kidding..........this is totally awesome......(I must catch a plane and go see Mrs. G....if you'll excuse me.......)

Tell Mrs. G. "hi" for me and "get better soon." Oh, I guess her fate lies in my hands. Too much responsibility! LOL

Here's a little more...

Chapter 13

Natalie had not planned to see anyone she knew on the plane, especially not her ex-boyfriend. Their relationship had ended years ago, and not on good terms. She had left him for Scott. She had given birth to Scott’s son, Noah, and she had not spoken to Snake since. Now, at such a tragic time in her life, he had popped up again. He stood up and sat in the empty seat next to her. “So,” he asked, “How have you been?”

Natalie felt like spilling everything out. She was so emotional. She was scared of losing Mrs. Garrett and she wanted someone to reassure her that everything would be okay. She didn’t know that Snake was the person, but he was there. “I’m on my way to Peekskill,” she answered. “Mrs. Garrett is in the hospital. They don’t think she will make it.” Natalie wiped a tear from her cheek. Snake looked at her. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “Is there anything I can do?” Natalie was amazed by his kindness. After all she had done to him, all the pain she had caused, he wanted to be there for her. Why had she left him? She wasn’t sure she could even remember. “Maybe you could just sit with me,” she suggested. Snake smiled at her. He reached out and took her hand in his and they both sat quietly for the rest of the flight.

Chapter 14

Tootie laid her head on Jeff’s shoulder. She was just too tired to sit up. Jeff had called the airline and they were on their way to Peekskill within a few hours. Her medication had not quite worn off yet. She was still pretty groggy. Ontario was sitting in a baby seat next to Jeff. He was crying softly, but Tootie hoped he would settle down soon. Before long she drifted off to sleep.

When she woke up, they were almost ready to land. She looked at Jeff who was reading a storybook to their son. “How could I have slept that long?” she asked, stretching as well as she could in the airplane seat. “It’s been hours.”
Jeff smiled at her. “You must have needed it,” he answered. “Besides, I’m sure the medication was mostly responsible.” Tootie couldn’t believe she had needed drugs to calm her down. She had just been so shocked by the news. She couldn’t imagine her life without Mrs. Garrett. Even during those years when they had all been apart, Tootie knew Mrs. Garrett was there if she needed her. The thought of losing that security scared her to death. She looked at her husband and son next to her. “She’ll be alright. Don’t you think?” she asked Jeff pleading for some hope. “At least she’ll have her loved ones with her,” Jeff answered. Then he finished reading Ontario’s book.