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| Part 29A Josephine struggled with a box, carefully rounding the corner. She dropped the box unceremoniously in front of her apartment door, looking down at her daughter. �How you doin� sweetie?� Jamie pulled her knees up to her chest, her dark unruly hair covering her sad brown eyes. �I miss home, mommy. I don�t like it here.� �Oh sweetie.� Joey sat down on the worn floor, her hands cupping her daughter�s cheeks. �I know you do, but this is our new home now. Remember? We�re here to find your brother, and when we do- Jamie looked up at her mother, her voice little. �But what if he doesn�t like me?� Joey felt her heart twitching in her chest as she saw the wary look in her daughter�s eyes. She wished that she could say something, do something, anything, just so she could ease her daughter�s fears of rejection; but there was nothing she could. In truth, she was afraid herself. She hadn�t had contact with her son since his birth, and she knew that it was na�ve of her to hope that he would be willing to make amends, but she had to have hope. �Jamie, I�m sure your big brother will love you just as much as I do.� She kissed the top of Jamie�s head before placing a baseball cap over her head. �We just have to find him first.� Joey returned to the task of carrying the boxes inside the apartment, leaving Jamie to stare at her untied shoelaces. Jamie kicked at her feet, heaving a heavy sigh. She leaned her chin on her hand, eyeing the dusty floor. Her eyes lit up as she caught sight of a little furry puppy, chasing his own tail down the hall. She pulled herself up, walking cautiously to the dog. �Hi, puppy.� The dog wagged it�s tail, hanging it�s tongue out as it smiled at Jamie. Jamie kneeled in front of the dog, petting it gently. �Hi.� She chuckled lightly when the puppy licked her hand, his wet nose nuzzling her cheek. The door to apartment 5J opened, revealing a very pregnant Isabel. �Nanook? Nanook? Where are you sweetie?� Isabel hobbled out the door, her hand resting on her lower back. �Nan- Her voice stopped when she caught sight of Nanook playing with a little girl. The soft laughter and the playful yelps echoed down the hall, eliciting a small smile from her. �Hi.� Jamie stood up, stepping away from Nanook. She hid her hands behind her back, her toes shuffling in her scruffy sneakers. �Hi.� Nanook gave Jamie a friendly shake of his head, turning around to circle Isabel�s feet. �I see you�ve met Nanook.� She smiled warmly, holding out her hand. �My name is Isabel.� Jamie narrowed her eyes, not sure whether to trust Isabel. �I�m not supposed to speak to strangers.� �Oh, I see.� Isabel tucked her hair behind her ear. �Well I understand.� She looked behind Jamie, her eyes scanning the open door to apartment 5H. �Where�s your mom, sweetie?� �In the apartment.� She pointed behind her, walking backwards. �I gotta go.� She ran the rest of the way, her little feet thudding against the floor. Alex appeared at the door, picking up a squirming Nanook. �Who you talking to, Iz?� Isabel sighed as she watched the apartment door close. �A little girl. I guess someone moved into 5H.� Alex placed his hand over Isabel�s shoulder. �That�s nice. It�ll be good to have some more kids around this place.� ************* Max carried the dishes to the sink, calling out over his shoulder. �Did you want some coffee, Michael?� Michael seized playing with Leah, holding out a hand to Max. �Thanks.� �Go ahead and help yourself.� Michael nodded, pouring himself a cup. �Where�s the cream?� Max opened his mouth to answer, when the phone rang. He grabbed it, holding it against his ear. �Hello?� Michael scratched the side of his head, looking around the table. �Cream�� His eyes lit up when he caught sight of Leah�s baby bottle, filled with milk. He grinned at Leah as he uncapped the bottle. �You don�t mind, do you Leah?� Leah just gurgled, kicking her arms and feet in the air. Michael poured a little milk in his coffee, giving it a good stir. Max returned to the table, with a bottle of cream, handing it to Michael. �Here�s the cream.� Michael shook his head, bringing the mug to his lips, taking a sip. �It�s ok. I already got some.� Max looked perplexed, scratching his chin. �Where�d you get it?� Michael tipped his cup to Leah�s bottle. �I just took a little of Leah�s milk.� Max burst out laughing, his eyes filling with tears. �Michael, that�s breast milk!� Part 29B �Michael, that�s breast milk!� Michael promptly spit out the coffee in his mouth, running to the sink to rinse. He threw a glare at Max, while scrubbing his tongue, and then gargling water. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand while making a gagging face. �Thanks for the warning, Max.� Max just held onto his stomach, unsuccessfully trying to keep his composure. �Sorry.� He wiped away his tears, taking a deep calming breath. �Well, if it makes you feel any better, it is still milk.� Michael scowled, crossing his arms. �Yeah, milk that just happened to come out from one of my best friend�s body.� He shuddered as he continued thinking about. �Regular milk comes from cows. This milk just happened to- Michael shook his hands in the air, his face paling at the thought of milk coming from Liz. For the life of him, he couldn�t even figure out how she had managed to put the milk in the bottle, but he didn�t dare ask. That just fell into the TMI category, and there was just some things he didn�t need to know about. �That�s just�.I don�t even wanna think about it anymore.� He reached for another mug, pouring himself a fresh cup of coffee. He was going to reach for the cream, but decided against it. Better to be safe than sorry. Max straddled a chair, shaking his head as he watched Michael purposefully drink a fresh cup of coffee sans the cream. �So�.what brings you by?� �Not much. I was in the neighborhood.� He jumped up onto the counter, making himself comfortable. �In the neighborhood? Michael�.you live like three blocks away. You�re always in the neighborhood.� Max rest his chin on the back of the chair, laughing. Michael shrugged as he eased himself on the counter. �Okay, so maybe I just don�t want to head to the restaurant yet. I have to do like a million interviews today, and I don�t want to be there till the last possible minute.� �Still no luck finding a new hostess?� Michael ran a weary hand down his face. �Nope. Maria�s been real anal about just hiring anyone. She�s going all out, doing background checks and references.� He chugged the rest of his coffee, exhaling a long breath. �You know, I�m almost to the point of not caring anymore. We�re being swamped, and having Maria double as a hostess isn�t cutting it.� Max gave his a sympathetic smile. �I�d help if I could.� Michael jumped off the counter, smiling. �Thanks. But it�ll work out. It always does.� He walked to the sink, rinsing his cup as his cell phone began ringing. He brought it up to his ear, cringing when he heard the high pitch screech that was Maria�s voice as she chided him for not being at the restaurant yet. Max stood up, pushing the chair back in. �Maria?� �Yeah.� Michael stuffed his phone back in his pocket, smirking. �I better go if I don�t want to spend the night on the couch.� He tipped his head to the side as he exited through the back door. �Max....Leah.....Thanks for the coffee.� *********** Joey sat at the small kitchen table, uncapping a red pen as she searched through the want ads. She tapped the end of the pen on the edge of the table, scanning for places that were hiring. �Not enough qualifications.......no experience.......� she muttered under her breath, realizing that most of the jobs required a lot more than she had to offer. The only ones that she could possibly do were waitressing jobs, but even then, she had no experience. She circled two openings. One at the Crashdown Cafe, and the other at some restaurant named Blondie�s. Both places were holding interviews that day so Joey grabbed her keys, tying her hair in a loose knot. �Jamie! Let�s go!� Jamie dragged her feet, following her mother reluctantly. �Where we goin� now, ma?� �Mommy needs to look for a job.� ************** Michael smiled weakly, shuffling a stack of applications. �Thanks. We�ll get back to you.� When the girl was gone, Michael banged his head against the table. �No more!� Maria rubbed his neck, whispering softly. �Michael, we�ve only got a few more to go through.� Michael shook his head wildly, his hands pulling at his hair. �It doesn�t matter.� He held up the applications in his hands, shaking them at Maria. �All these applicants suck! They have no experience- �Isn�t it better that we find out now that these people aren�t qualified, rather than hire them and realize it was a bust?� �But this isn�t my job!� Michael whined. �I�m supposed to be worrying about what�s going to be on the menu. This is supposed to be your department.� He made a wild gesture with his hands, pointing to all of the paperwork. Maria just raised an eyebrow at him. �We�re partners Michael, and this is what partners do. They do things together. Just the way married couples do.� She emphasized the marriage part before pouring herself a cup of tea. Michael made a face at her when her back was turned, but felt his face drain of color when he heard Maria�s voice. �And quit making faces behind my back, or else your sleeping on the couch, buddy!� How the heck did she do that? He stood up, walking to the door. He leafed through the application, yelling out a name. �Sara Whitmore?� Michael gave a slight nod when a girl stood up, following him inside the office. Just as he pulled the door closed, Joey pulled the front of the restaurant door open, tugging on Jamie�s hand. �Is this where they�re having the interviews?� Joey asked to no one in particular. A bunch of uninterested nods were sent her way. �Gee....thanks.� She huffed a breath, taking a seat in the corner. She pushed Jamie�s cap out of the way, smiling into her daughter�s stormy eyes. �Remember what we talked about, sweetie?� Jamie nodded, fiddling with the edge of her shirt. �I hafta be on my bestest behavior.� �That�s right, cos mommy really needs this job.� Part 29C After all of the applicants were called in, Maria was set to lock the front door, getting the restaurant ready for dinner. She placed a hand to her chest, surprised to see a woman in her mid to early forties. Sitting in the waiting area with a little girl no more than four years old asleep with her head on the woman�s lap. �I�m sorry. I didn�t realize that there was anyone else out here.� She gave her a warm smile. �I must have missed your application.� Joey sat up, careful not to wake Jamie. �Actually, I don�t have an application. I was here on the off-chance that you would give me an interview anyway.� Maria bit her bottom lip. She knew that Michael had had enough of doing interviews today, and frankly so had she. But she just couldn�t turn the woman away. It seemed apparent that she had been waiting a while. Heck, what was one more interview? �Why not?� Joey made a move to stand up, but Maria waved off her efforts. �It�s ok. We�ll just have an impromptu interview here. I wouldn�t want you to have to wake her. Besides, I think my husband�s probably clocked out in there,� she laughed as she pointed to the office. Joey smiled her gratitude, feeling at ease with Maria. She held out her hand. �My name is Josephine Timmons. Joey for short.� Maria took her hand gladly, giving it a firm shake. �Maria Deluca-Guerin.� She took a seat in front of Joey, nodding at the sleeping little girl. �Who�s the little one?� �This is my daughter, Jamie.� She smoothed back Jamie�s hair, pulling her closer. �I would�ve left her with a sitter, but we just got into town yesterday. I�ve barely had time to unpack.� �I know the feeling.� Maria laughed. �I think my husband and I still have boxes in our garage from when we moved in together after high school.� She clasped her hands together in her lap. �So, where are you from?� �Albuquerque. I know it�s not all that far away, but I have family here�� �Oh really? That�s great.� Maria threw her hand flippantly in the air, more interested in having a getting-to-know-you conversation with Joey, rather than actually interviewing her, but she needed the new hostess. �Just to get this out of the way, I have a few questions I�d like to ask you.� �Shoot.� �Have you had any experience as a waitress? I know the job description was for a hostess, but sometimes we�ll need you to cover a table or two.� Joey shook her head slowly, causing Maria�s smile to falter. Maria wanted to hire her. There was something familiar about the woman, but she just couldn�t quite put her finger on it. But she didn�t have any experience. �Look, I know I don�t have any experience, but I�m a fast learner. I can wash dishes, mop floors, anything�.I really need this job.� Maria looked into Joey�s pleading eyes, then down to the sleeping form of Joey�s daughter Jamie. She stood up, wiping her palms against the skirt of her dress. Joey felt tears sting her eyes, reading Maria�s actions as her way of dismissing her plea. She swallowed past the lump in her throat, gingerly picking up Jamie in her arms. �Thank you for your time.� �The restaurant doesn�t open till seven, but we need the staff to be here at six sharp. I don�t have a uniform for you to wear, but I do have a dress code.� Maria grabbed a piece of paper, handing it to Joey. �It�s all right there. I�ll give you the rest of the info when you come in tonight.� Joey stood by the door, her jaw hanging open. �You want me to come in tonight?� Maria nodded matter-of-factly. �That�s what I said. Six sharp.� She placed a hand on Joey�s shoulder. �And if you want, you can bring Jamie with you. I�m babysitting for my little sister tonight, and they�re about the same age, so�..� �I don�t�.I don�t know what to say.� Giggling, Maria shooed her out of the restaurant. �Say you�ll bring Jamie tonight.� �Ok. Thanks, Mrs. Deluca-Guerin.� Maria stuck her tongue out, making a face. �It�s just Maria. No one calls me Mrs. Deluca-Guerin. Ever.� She waved as she watched Joey get into the car. �You can meet my husband later.� After strapping Jamie into her seat carefully, Joey drove back home. �That�s one down. All I have to do now is figure out how to get in contact with my son.� ************** �How�s daddy�s little girl?� Max tickled Leah�s round tummy, making funny faces at her. �Is that really necessary?� Alex laughed as he helped Max get Leah�s bath ready. �Is what really necessary?� Max dipped his hand in the water, checking it�s temperature. �The funny faces, the voices?� Alex scratched his chin, still reeling over the fact that Max had no qualms about playing the doting father. Max gently placed Leah in the water, using a wash cloth over her body. �Trust me, when your baby comes, you�ll be talking like that too. It just sorta happens. You can�t help it.� He reached for the yellow rubber ducky, placing it into the water. �Plus, it helps things stay familiar for them. She knows that when I make that face, and use that funny voice, the water and the little yellow ducky comes.� Alex reached into his back pocket, pulling out his palm, quietly writing something down. �Interesting�.Familiarity�� Max raised his eyebrows, his voice filled with mirth. �Are you taking notes?� Alex shrugged, making a face that said, What? �The whole point of this exercise is for me to learn. At least that�s why Iz sent me down here. She said I could pick up a few pointers from you.� �I didn�t realize that this was an exercise,� Max laughed. �I thought you came over to hang out.� �I did, but you know your sister.� �That, I do. I�m surprised she hasn�t signed you guys for every class available.� Alex quickly looked at his watch, tapping the glass face. �Actually we have a class for first time parents in like a half hour. You got any more pointers before I leave?� Part 30A �But mommy, I don�t wanna go! I wanna stay here wit you!� Jamie hugged her body to Joey�s leg, clinging to her mother like a lifeline. �Please?� Joey stopped her movements momentarily, extricating Jamie from her leg. �Jamie, we talked about this. It�s only going to be a couple of hours. Besides, you�ll to get to play with someone your own age.� Jamie�s lip trembled, her voice soft. �Please mommy? Please don�t leave me. Not like daddy.� �Oh Jamie.� Joey sat down on the floor, beckoning her daughter to crawl into her arms. She lay a soft kiss on Jamie�s head, holding her tight as she whispered in what she hoped was a reassuring voice. �I would never leave you, Jamie. Never.� Jamie let her tears soak into her mother�s blouse. �That�s what daddy said, but he never came back.� Her eyes shut tightly, willing the pain away. �Honey, I�m not your father. Leaving you behind is not an option. We�re in this together, remember?� She pulled back, giving a tentative smile. She brushed away a tear from Jamie�s chubby cheek, her fingers curling in her hair. �Remember?� Jamie hiccupped, wiping at her nose. �I �member. We�re togeder till we find him.� �That�s right. And when we find him, we�ll be one big family. You, me, and your brother.� *********** Michael tied his apron around his waist, reaching to tie a bandana over his head. �You okay?� �Huh?� Maria wrinkled a napkin in her hand, her voice slightly startled to hear Michael�s voice penetrating her thoughts. He sat down in front of her, taking the wadded napkin out of her hand, tossing it into the trash. �You�ve been somewhere else all night. What�s going on in that pretty little head of yours?� She leaned her elbows on the stainless steel preparation table, her chin resting in her palm. �Nothing,� she sighed. �Just thinking.� Michael frowned, crossing his arms in front of his chest. �What, no banter?� He placed his hand over her forehead, pretending to feel for a temperature. �You�re not sick are you?� �Michael!� She swatted at his hand. �I�m fine. I�ve just got a lot on my mind. I have the new hostess starting tonight, and I�m babysitting. My mind kinda seems like mush right now.� �Speaking of, she isn�t the one with the nails, is she?� He held out his hands, wiggling his fingers. �Cos I didn�t like her. She kept looking at me funny.� Maria gave him a soft pat on the shoulder. �That�s because you kept staring at her nails.� She stood up, grabbing her keys. �Look, I told mom and dad that I�d watch Jade for a few hours tonight.� She slipped her purse strap over her shoulder, waving as she went out the door. �Joey doesn�t have a key yet, so you�ll have to let her in. She�s bringing her daughter Jamie, so keep them company until I get back!� Michael hurried out the door, tugging at his apron. �MARIA! You can�t just leave!� He blew out a breath, holding onto the bandana that he had just ripped from his head. He walked back into the back, muttering under his breath. �I shoulda known��.I don�t know why I always let her do this to me.� A soft shuffle, alerted Michael to someone�s presence. He turned his head quickly, his voice louder than he intended. �Who�s there?� �Mr. Guerin?� Joey stepped out from behind the shadows, smiling sheepishly. He held a hand to his chest, feeling relieved. �You scared the heck out of me. What are you doing out here in alley, anyway?� His eyes narrowed when he realized she was holding something behind her back. �DON�T COME ANY CLOSER!� He pointed a finger at her. �HOLD YOUR HANDS WHERE I CAN SEE THEM!� Joey was startled with Michael yelling at her, that she held her hands up in the air, pushing Jamie further behind her. �I�m sorry. I�m just looking for Maria. I�m supposed to start as the new hostess. I tried knocking on the front door, but no one answered.� She backed away a little. �I didn�t mean to bother you. I just�.please, don�t hurt us.� Jamie stepped out from behind Joey, her eyes pleading with Michael. �Please don�t hurt us, mister. My mommy really needs this job.� Joey yanked Jamie to stand behind her again, hissing at her to stay out of sight. Michael felt the color drain from his face as he realized who they were. �Oh yeah. I�m definitely sleeping on the couch tonight,� he said under his breath as he ran his hand down his face. *************** �Whatcha doin�, Dexter? Huh? Where�s your brother?� Kyle pulled off his Deputy�s hat, making himself comfortable on the floor next to Dexter. Dexter smiled up at him, handing him a chewed up toy block. �My brodder�s in da room.� He smiled as he pointed in the direction. �Court Court�s der too.� Kyle smiled. �Court Court�s there too huh?� He stood up, sitting Dexter on his shoulders as he tiptoed towards the bedroom. He held a finger to his lips, encouraging the little boy to be quiet. �We have to be quiet. We�re huntin� wabbits,� he played. Dexter let out a giggle, unsuccessfully hiding it behind a chubby fist. �We huntin� wabbits!� As neared the door, Kyle let Dexter down, whispering to him conspiratorially. �You get Court Court, and I�ll get your brother, okay?� Dexter nodded excitedly, turning towards the door as Kyle gave his bottom a push. �We comin� to get yous.� Kyle shook his head laughing, running inside to help wreak havoc. **************** �You�re too good to me Alex.� Isabel felt her head rolling backwards as Alex massaged her swollen feet. She definitely had it made. Alex looked down at her, smiling a little. �I take it that you�re feeling a little better?� �Oh, I�m in heaven,� she sighed dreamily. �Remind me to buy my brother a big fat cake the next time I see him. He�s an absolute angel for teaching you how to do this.� He grinned triumphantly. He�d have to remember to ask for extra frosting on that cake. Nothing was too good for Max, considering he was kind enough to give him pointers on how to keep his very pregnant wife from screaming into the fiery pits of hell complaining about the disadvantages of being pregnant. Oh yeah! Max was definitely gonna get his just desserts. Literally. **************** �How�s my beautiful little lady?� Max rocked Leah in the rocking chair, softly cooing in her ear. �I thought I was your beautiful little lady?� Liz stood up from where she was leaning against the door frame. She held her shoes in one hand, dropping a kiss on Max�s head, then onto Leah�s nose. �You know, a girl could start getting jealous with the way you shower people with your affection.� Max blushed, shaking his head with a laugh. �No need to get jealous. All of my affection is saved for my two lovely ladies.� Liz nipped his earlobe playfully. �You�re a real smooth talker there, buddy.� �MOMMA! You�re home!� Noah ran into the room, propelling himself into Liz�s arms. �What took you so long?� Liz fell back a little with the force of Noah�s hug. Her little man certainly wasn�t so little anymore. �I wasn�t that long honey.� She brushed away his curly hair, kissing the smooth skin of his forehead. �I was waitin� for you, momma. I wanted to show you something.� He pulled away from her, grinning. �Ooohh. What do you have to show me?� He shook his head at her, pulling her up. �I can�t tell you. It�s supposed to be a surprise, silly.� Liz let Noah lead her out of the room, her other hand reaching for Max�s. �A surprise? Now you�ve got me all excited.� Max wrapped his arm around Liz, holding Leah to his chest as he whispered. �You�re gonna love this.� �You already know?� Liz pouted, batting her eyelashes. He pulled her to him, just so that their noses were touching. �Oh, don�t be such a sourpuss, babe.� Liz lay her arms across his shoulders, nuzzling his nose. �Sourpuss?� she giggled. Noah let out a heavy breath, shaking his head at his parent�s antics. �Are you done yet? I wanna show you already, momma!� �Ooops. Sorry there, boss. Your momma and I didn�t mean to get carried away.� Max gave Noah an apologetic look, then turned his head to give Liz a playful glare for getting him in trouble from the boss. Liz�s laughter filled the air, as she followed her son. �Lead the way, my precious.� Part 30B Noah tugged on Liz�s hand, asking her to keep her eyes closed. �I mean it, momma. No peekin�!� Liz threw a hand over her eyes, giving Max a pinch on his side when she heard him snicker. She walked slowly, trying to get a clue of what her surprise was. �So, about my surprise�.� �Nah uh! No fair. You can�t guess.� Liz felt herself shiver when she Max�s breath was on her ear, tickling the sensitive skin. �Cheating isn�t allowed,� he teased. �Yeah? Well I hardly think this is fair. The two of you are conspiring against me.� Liz felt Max place his hand on the small of her back, guiding her down the stairs, one at a time. �Conspiring? I think not,� he scoffed. �Your son was the one who came up with the whole thing. I�m only complying to his wishes.� Liz�s smile grew wider as she heard Max�s words. �Can I open my eyes yet?� �One more second.� Noah gave her hand a squeeze, giving it a quick kiss before running off. He finished setting up his surprise, giving his dad a nod to allow his mother in on the surprise. �Go ahead, babe.� He gave her a little push in the right direction, his hand curling to give Noah a thumbs up. Liz pulled her hands away from her eyes, her breath wooshing out of her body in a loud gasp. �What�s this?� �It�s a pitchure of Leah and me,� he said proudly. He traced the matte finish of the paper, handing it to Liz. Liz smiled softly, cupping Noah�s cheek. �When did you guys get this done?� She stared in awe at the picture, loving how both of her children were smiling right at the camera, almost as if they were staring right at her. Noah was sitting a bluesky background, with Leah perched on his lap, his arms wrapped delicately around her. �Today. Daddy took us to the mall, and we had our pitchures taken for you.� Liz kneeled down, pulling Noah into her arms. �I love it.� She kissed his cheek, squeezing him tight. �First thing tomorrow, I�m going to frame this, and put it on my desk at my office so it�s the first thing I see every time I get to work.� Noah let out an awed smile, surprised that Liz was so charmed by his picture. �Really?� �Uh huh. This is going up first thing tomorrow.� Liz stood back up, placing a kiss on Max�s cheek. �What was that for?� he grinned. �That�s for giving me the most precious son in the whole world���thank you.� ****************** Michael ran a weary hand over his face, trying to think of a way to salvage the situation. He really needed to work on that paranoia aspect of his personality. He held out a hand, giving his most sincere expression. �Look, I�m sorry I scared you guys. I�m really not crazy, maybe a tad paranoid, but that�s a whole �nother conversation.� He paused, taking a deep breath. �I�m Michael. Michael Guerin. I�m Maria�s husband.� Joey held onto Jamie�s hand tightly, stepping into the dim light of the alley. �I guess I owe you an apology too.� She smiled weakly. �I�m new in town, so I�m right there with you on the paranoia.� She reached for Michael�s hand, giving him a firm handshake, her smile faltering when he smiled. Michael gave her a genuine smile, scratching the side of his eyebrow. �Well, I know it may be a little late, but let me welcome you to Roswell; home of little green men.� Jamie peeked out from Joey�s side. �Is that really true?� Michael crouched down so that he was at eye level with Jamie. �You must be Jamie.� She gave him a shy nod, ducking her head when Michael smiled at her. �Well Jamie, what do you say I tell you a few stories about the little green men?� He looked up at Joey, offering his hand to Jamie. �That is, if your mom doesn�t mind?� Jamie placed her small hand in Michael�s large hand, looking up at her mother with pleading eyes. �Can he, mommy?� Joey nodded tightly, watching as Michael walked Jamie into the back of the restaurant, letting her sit on a stool as he began a tale of how the aliens crashed on earth. She took a moment to collect herself, before following them inside. She didn�t know what it was about Michael, but when he smiled at her, something about the way his eyes lit up, the way his smile was slightly crooked, it struck a cord in her. There was something so familiar about him, like she knew him before. **************** �Sorry I�m late, but little miss was being difficult.� Maria breezed into the restaurant, throwing her hand in the air as she pulled Jade inside with her. Jade crossed her arms, sticking her tongue out behind Maria�s back. Michael stifled a laugh when Maria�s voice rose a few notches higher. �And you better stop making faces behind my back, or else mom is sooooo gonna hear about it, and then no more play dates with Noah for a week,� she taunted. Michael picked up Jade, sitting her onto a stool next to Jamie. �She�s got eyes behind her head,� he answered the unasked question. Jade giggled behind her hand, before turning to Jamie, her head tilting to the side as she studied the other girl curiously. �Who are you?� �I�m Jamie. Who are you?� Jamie tugged on her baseball cap, shielding her eyes as she continued a staring contest between Jade. �I�m Jade. How come I never seen you here bufore?� �That�s because Jamie and her mom just moved into town. So you be nice to her, kiddo.� Michael ruffled Jade�s curls, leaving the two girls to continue staring each other down. �You like barbies?� Jade crossed her arms in front of her, waiting for a reply. Jamie shook her head, sticking her tongue out. �Ick! Barbies are no fun! They don�t do anything cool.� Jade let out a patented Maria smirk. �Me too. Wanna come play with my toys? I gots x-men and trucks.� �Mommy, can I?� Jamie jumped off the stool, tugging on her mother�s pant�s leg, her big brown eyes pleading. Jade followed suit, standing next to Jamie, her head leaning against the other girl�s. �Can she? Please?� Joey was beside herself with smiles, watching the two girls plead with her. �You sure seem to know how to bargain,� she joked. Michael breezed past her, whispering conspiratorially. �Runs in the family.� �I heard that!� Maria ushered the kids into the office, smiling as she watched Michael duck into the kitchen quickly. She walked up to Joey, placing a hand on her shoulder. �So? Everything okay?� Joey smiled warmly, her gratitude for Maria�s big heart unfathomable. �Everything�s great. I can�t thank you enough.� �No thanks needed. Just do a good job.� She watched the comfortable way she moved around Michael, the way the two of them joked, and just with the general way Michael was with her and Jamie. It was the way he treated their extended family. �So, Michael�s been nice, right?� �More than....Maria, you and Michael are like a godsend. You�ve been so kind to my daughter and me, and you guys don�t even know us.� Maria smiled, leading Joey to her station. �I believe in fate, and karma, and all that junk. I think that we were meant to meet. There�s something about you Joey....� She shook her head smiling. �I haven�t figured it out yet......but, in time. What�s that saying? Good things....� �Come to those who wait,� Joey finished for Maria. �There you go. We�re totally brain meshing here,� Maria laughed. She tapped Joey�s shoulder as she walked away. �Nice to have you on board.� Back Next |