When You Are Forced to Roam
Part 4
Tom takes a cab to the Mitchells. He has with him some flowers. He takes
a deep breath and knocks on the door.
Katherine opens the door. "Hello, Tom."
"Hi Katherine." he hands her flowers.
"Thank you. But shouldn't these be for Abby?"
"I have something else for her in the suitcase." Tom says. "How is she?"
"Much better. She's in the garden, out back."
"May I?"
Katherine nods. "But if you don't mind, I'll stay inside and let you find
your own way. Harry's due home soon and I've barely started dinner."
"Thank You." Tom says as he walks out to the garden. "What a sight for sore
eyes." he says.
Abby gets up. "My mother's pretty handy with a trowel."
"That's not the only thing she does well."
Abby hugs him. "I'm glad you came."
"Nothing would stop me." he says as he kisses her.
"I could think of a few things..."
"Yeah, the kids and your parents. But I had a back-up plan."
"You did?"
"I was going to do my Romeo impersonation and climb onto your balcony." he
jokes.
"You might still have to do that. I think I heard my father mutter something
about the guest bedroom."
"You are joking."
"I *think* he was..."
"Terrific." he sighs. "I don't think a bottle of his favorite scotch would
help, would it?"
"Lawyers can always be bribed," Abby tells him.
"Good, because I have it in the suitcase." Tom says as he kisses her again.
"You think of everything, don't you?"
"I try."
"More than just that."
"I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you, too."
"I'm glad."
"You know, I've been sitting out here all day. Maybe we should go inside."
"Sure." he says as he leads her inside.
"Back in so soon?" Katherine asks.
"I'm a little tired," Abby nods. "Must have been all that fresh air. I think
I'll go upstairs and lie down until dinner."
"Would you like me to help you?" Tom asks Abby.
"Yes, please."
Tom takes his suitcase and escorts her to her room. Leaving the bottle of
scotch for Harry on the counter.
Katherine smiles and shakes her head as they leave.
"So this is your room."
"Was my room," Abby corrects him.
"Well while you are here anyway." Tom says.
"Our room," Abby compromises.
Tom smiles and then notices twin beds.
Abby notices what Tom noticed. "Hey, when I lived here I was single."
"Can we push them together?" he whispers.
~Frank always did.~ "Of course we can," Abby whispers back. "But quietly."
"OK." he does the task quietly.
"Now, how much did you really miss me?"
"Come here and I'll show you."
Abby goes over to him and starts to kiss him, but freezes when she hears
the front door closing.
"What's wrong?" Tom asks as he was lost in her kiss.
"He's home."
"So? We are married."
"I know, I know. Something about being in this room makes me feel 12 again."
"I kind of was prepared for that." he says. "So......." he pulls out a key
of a hotel nearby.
"Oh, so what are you going to do, kidnap me from under their noses?"
"Only if you want to be."
"I'd love to be. But really, how are you going to get me out of here? They
won't let me leave without a fight."
"We could take a long walk."
"If you can sell the idea..."
"Trust me." he says as he gets up. "I guess we better go downstairs."
"He'll want you to say hello."
"I know, thats why I said that." he opens the door for her.
"You're a good son-in-law, Tom Bradford."
"Let's hope your parents feel that way." he says as they go downstairs.
"Right.... Well, here goes nothing."
"You can say that again." he whispers. "Hello Harry."
"Hello, Thomas."
~Thomas again, I will not let him intiminate me.~ "How are you?"
"Fine. And isn't Sandra Sue looking wonderfully rested?"
"Yes she is."
"All she needed was peace and quiet."
"I thought I might borrow your car and drive Abby to the beach, the sea air
might do her good."
"Surely it's too soon for that."
"You said so yourself she looked rested." Tom plays it cool.
"Well, yes..." Harry says, flustered.
"Don't you think she might want a change of scenery?" Tom asks.
"Yes, but..."
"It'll do her good." Tom says
"Maybe after dinner, if she's not too tired."
"Sure." Tom replies.
Abby smiles at him.
Tom winks at her and they go into dinner.
When they're seated around the table, Abby asks about the kids.
Katherine waits for Tom's reply.
"That's right, I didn't get to tell you. Joannie moved out."
"She what?"
Tom nods."The day after you left."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"I tried too but I didn't want you to worry."
"I thought we had discussed the 'I don't want to worry you' scenario already."
"Abby, wasn't that the whole idea for you to come down here was to get well
and not to worry about the kids and their problems?"
"Joannie moving out is more than just a problem!"
"I couldn't do anything about it."
"You could have told me."
Katherine eats not knowing where to bud in to the arguement.
"You are right, I'm sorry."
"Did she say why she left?"
"Just she was ready to move out, she promised me she wouldn't quit school
and to eat home alot."
"And you just let her go?"
"Yes." Tom replies.
"Why?"
"Thomas, that is quite enough," Harry interrupts. "Can't you see you're upsetting
her?"
"She doesn't need this tension." Katherine agrees.
Tom ignores Harry's remarks. "Abby, I was afraid if I didn't she would have
ran back to New York. Don't you remember what it was like when you wanted
to move out?" trying a different approach.
"I didn't launch a sneak attack, wait until one of the adults was away and
then prey on the other's fears."
"Let's talk about this later, OK?" Tom says and reaches in his jacket pocket.
"Nicholas made this in school for you."
Abby takes it and looks at it. "Oh," she smiles. She passes it to Katherine.
"Look, Mom."
"Oh this is lovely." Katherine says.
"Pass it to Dad."
"Isn't this lovely Harry." She says as she passes it to him.
Harry turns it around a few times, trying to figure out which way is up.
"It's wonderful."
Tom rolls his eyes.
"I'd say he gets his artistic talent from you, Thomas."
"Probably right, but its the heart that went into it Harry."
"I'll call Nicholas after dinner and thank him," Abby says.
"He'd like that, he misses you, they all do."
"And I miss them."
Theres a pause in the conversation. "Lovely dinner." Tom says.
"Thomas..." Harry starts.
"Yes Harry?"
"How is Nancy? And Elizabeth?"
Tom sighs in relief inside. "Doing better, but Nancy's still having a little
trouble adjusting to her insulin. She's engaged, hopefully it'll be a long
engagement. Elizabeth is wearing glasses but only uses them when she studies."
"Engaged? Isn't she a little young to be engaged?"
"Yes, but you know how kids are today."
"Yes," he says, looking at Tom pointedly, "and long engagements don't seem
to be the rule."
"Well can't decide our childrens lives for them."
"Oh, I know that all too well."
"I knew you would." he says.
"Do you at least like the young man in question?"
"Actually I do." Tom is surprised to hear himself say that. then tells them
about Noah.
"What are his plans?"
"Music Production, so he says." Tom sighs.
"You mean no real plans."
"Not really, but he's a good kid and hard worker." Tom says. "And most important
they love each other."
"Love doesn't pay the mortgage."
"I agree, but I have no doubt one way or another he'll provide for Nancy."
"I certainly hope so."
"Harry you wouldn't happen to know of a model car shop in town would you?
It's Tommy birthday Monday and he wants a car and since I cant get him a
real one."
"Yes, I know of one. But why can't you get him a real car?"
"He's only 16, besides he'll have to earn the money himself if he wants a
car." Tom says. "David did as well as Nancy."
"He's 16 and all you'll give him is a model car?"
"No Harry, "I'm giving him money also."
"Ah, good. Every 16 year old values cash."
"That they do."
"Speaking of gifts, Thomas, thank you for yours."
"You are welcome, I hope its the right brand and vintage."
"Yes. Either you got good advice or you're very observant."
"The latter." Tom says.
"Ah."
"How are you feeling Abby?" Tom asks.
"Never better. A little cabin fever is all."
"Its a nice evening for a drive, don't you think?"
"A lovely evening for a drive."
"Harry may *we* borrow your car?"
Harry sighs, reaches into his pocket, and produces the keys. "Make sure you
have her home at a reasonable hour."
"Of course, she'll be well taken care of." Tom says as he gets up and pulls
the chair out from Abby.
"Eleven o'clock," Harry tells them.
"Harry, I am her husband."
"I know. I was at the wedding."
Tom rolls his eyes and escorts Abby to the car. "Eleven O'Clock." he mumbles.
"We could always call and tell him the car got a flat."
"Cute." he says. "I wouldn't buy it."
"Well, what have you bought?"
Tom looks at the gas gauge. "It would just be like your father to have a
full tank."
"We could always sneak back out later."
"You are enjoying this aren't you?" he laughs.
"I always enjoy seeing you misbehave."
"Well if it's misbehavior you want, then thats what you are going to get."
he says as he drives to the hotel.
"And home by 11?"
"No, whats the worse he can do to me, forbid me to see you again?"
"He could certainly try."
"I know."
"He could make you sleep in the guest room."
"You could join me."
"He'll ground me."
"Do you realize how ridiculous this is?:"
"Like you're always telling the kids, 'As long as you're living under my
roof...'."
"But you are not living there and you are married, its different."
"I'll bet the kids think they're different, too."
"I'll make you a promise ok? When our daughter and husband come to visit
and want to borrow the car, I'll say sure have fun enjoy your evening."
"I'll need that in writing."
In the parking lot, Tom takes his note book out of his pocket and writes
the note. He then hands it to Abby.
Abby reads it and tucks it into her purse. "I'll hold you to that."
Tom shakes his head and leads her to their room.
"Alone at last...."
Tom wastes no time and makes love to his wife.
Later on Abby glances at the clock. "It' only a quarter to 11."
Tom sighs. "Do we really have to go back?"
"No. But he's probably pacing the living room already."
"Call him up." Tom suggests. "Or better yet, call your mother."
"And tell her what? 'Hi, Mom. I'm planning to spend a hot night out with
a guy, so I'm breaking curfew. See you in the morning'?"
"The 'with guy' part is your husband, she'd understad. Its not like I'm taking
you hiking."
"No, but I'm not sure which is less like resting."
Tom groans and gets up and dressed. "Let's get you back before you turn into
a pumpkin."
"Don't be too upset. At least if I get home in time they can't kick you out
of my bedroom."
"Are you sure about that?"
"They always did let me sleep with a teddy bear."
Tom smiles."How do you do that?"
"Get me back to my room on time and I'll show you anything you want to know."
Tom gets her back home by 11:00.
Harry stops pacing as the door opens. "It's about time."
"Eleven o'clock Harry."
He looks at his watch. "11:02."
"Oh really? My watch must be slow." Tom pretends to fix his watch. "Goodnight
Harry."
"Thomas," Harry says sternly.
~I'm going to strangle him?~ "Yes Harry?" he says calmly.
"My car keys, Thomas," Harry reminds him.
"Oh yeah right." Tom hands him the keys. "Goodnight Harry."
"Good night, Thomas." He leans over and gives Abby a kiss. "Good night, Sandra
Sue. Don't stay up late."
"I won't, Dad. Good night." She takes Tom's hand and leads him up the steps.
"I need a drink." Tom sighs quietly to Abby as they walk upstairs.
"You're really looking for trouble, aren't you?" Abby whispers back.
"Only from you." he says
"Then forget the drink and I'll show you trouble."
"Promise?"
"If you think you can handle me."
"Just wait and see."
"I'm waiting...."
Tom smiles and escorts her to her room and shuts the door behind them locking
the door.
"When things have calmed down some, let's go away somewhere," Abby suggests.
"That's another thing I wanted to discuss with you." He tells her about V
wanting to take them and the kids to the Bahamas.
"You didn't come here just to see me. You came to make sure I'd have a heart
attack on the spot."
"Why did you say that?"
"Joannie moving out. A vacation with V. You're definitely trying to induce
a heart attack."
"Things do move fast at home."
"That's an understatement. A vacation with V?" Abby shrugs. "after the last
time, I'm surprised you left her alone with the kids."
"I know, but I wanted to see you."
"I'm glad you came. But some day I'm going to get you somewhere where we
don't have a lock on the door."
"I do have another idea. Let V take the kids and we can stay home."
"Then you'll be the one having the heart attack."
"Why?"
"The kids. Alone with V. In the Bahamas. Tell me you won't be worried sick."
"Yes, but I thought thats what you wanted for us to be alone."
"I do. But I don't want you worrying, or the kids getting in trouble."
"Then we go with them."
"Can you get the time off?"
"Well it'll be during Holiday break anyway, The paper wil be on a skeleton
crew."
"I'm willing. But I'm still going to get you alone in an unlocked room some
day."
Tom smiles. "I love you."
"I love you, too," Abby says around a yawn.
"You better get some sleep." Tom says.
"But we had plans," Abby says sleepily.
Tom smiles. "As long as I am with you, my plans have been fulfilled."
"You're so sweet," Abby says as she settles down into bed. "Hold me?"
Tom nods and crawls next to her.
"Good night."
"Good night." he says as turns out the light.
The next morning Tom gets up early and leaves the room quietly. He goes downstairs
in search of Coffee.
Harry is in the kitchen reading the paper. "Good morning, Thomas."
"Harry, I thought you'd be golfing." he says as he goes to the coffee pot.
"May I?"
"Of course. And I wish I were golfing. Cancellation. Very inconsiderate.
He
should have waited until Monday to get the flu."
"I'm sure he did the best he can." Tom says as he gets himself some coffee.
"Don't be so sure--he's an accountant."
Tom laughs.
"Sandra Sue still sleeping?"
"Yes, I thought I'd take her some coffee in a minute."
"Why not let her sleep?"
"I plan too, when I hear her stirring I'll take the coffee to her."
"Good idea." Harry goes back to the paper.
Tom drinks his coffee and goes out to the garden. ~How do I approach the
subject of Abby coming home with me?~ he ponders.
Katherine is out there, working in a flowerbed. "Good morning, Tom."
"Oh good morning, I didn't know anyone was out here."
"I always work out here on Saturdays. It's so nice and peaceful--it gives
me time to think."
"It is nice, you do good work."
"Thank you."
"Katherine, if I ask you a question can you answer it not as a mother?"
"I can try."
"Do you think Abby's well enough for me to take her home." Tom says.
"Have you asked her how she feels?"
"Not yet, but i dont want to broach the subject if shs not ready."
"She's been resting a lot. The question is whether it's been enough."
"And she's the only one that can answer that question, right?"
"I'd guess so."
"Somehow I feel there is a but in that last answer."
"But be sure, before you ask her, that she'll give you an honest answer."
Tom nods. "I will."
"Good."
Tom hears the water going. "Abby must be up, I'll take her some coffee."
"Good luck."
Tom gives her a kiss on the cheek and runs upstairs with Abby's coffee. "Good
morning." he says.
"Man bearing coffee. My favorite morning sight."
"How are you this morning?"
"After last night? Perfect."
"I'd offer to bring you breakfast in bed, but I know how you feel about my
cooking."
"I'll go down later; my mother will make us something."
"I need to ask you something, but I want you to be completely honest with
me. OK?"
"I'm always honest with you."
"I know, but this is about you and not me. Do you think you are well
enough to come home with me tomorrow?"
"I know that I want to."
"But..."
"But I'm not sure."
"OK, I won't say anymore about." He kisses her.
"Let me think about it the rest of the day, OK?"
"Sure, I need to go get Tommy a birthday present, want anything while I am
out?"
"No. I'll just stay around here and rest."
"Ok, I should have rented a car. Now I have to beg for the keys again."
"Hmm. Oh second thought, why don't you go get me some ice cream -- my father
won't fight you over the car then."
"Sure, what flavor?"
"Surprise me."
"As long as its not vanilla right?" he jokes.
"Exactly."
"Anything else?"
"Nothing that you can buy."
He smiles and kisses her. "I'll be downstairs, what do you want for breakfast?"
"Whatever my mother's made."
Tom nods and leaves the room. "Harry can I borrow the car later? Abby wants
some ice cream."
"She does? Well, yes, then, of course. Just don't run her around too much."
"Abby is staying in while I get the ice cream."
"That's even better." Harry hands him the car keys.
"Thanks." Tom says. ~Wondering when breakfast is.~
Katherine walks into the house. "Good morning." She gives Harry a quick kiss.
"I'll just go wash up and then I'll start breakfast."
"I'd offer to give you a hand, but my family thinks I am lethal in the kitchen."
"I've heard."
"I've survived."
"Because you have other people to cook for you," Harry says, not coming out
from behind his paper.
"Are you done with the sports section?" Tom asks.
Harry passes it to him. "Haven't read it since...well, I haven't read it
in a long time."
~Why bother?~ Tom sighs. "Thank You."
"You're welcome."
Katherine comes back. "Anything special you want for breakfast, Tom?"
"No anythings fine, thank you."
"You're welcome." Katherine starts cooking.
Soon Abby joins them.
"Good morning again." Tom tells her as he pulls the chair out for her.
"Good morning," Abby smiles at him.
Harry clears his throat, rattles his paper, and studiously reads.
Tom whispers in her ear. "Tell me I am not like that in the morning."
he points to her father.
"Not every morning..."
Tom shakes his head and makes a mental note. ~Cancel the morning paper.~
Katherine finishes her cooking and starts bringing food to the table. Abby
gets up to help her.
"Abby, I can do that." Tom tells her and motions her to sit down.
Abby hesitates a moment and then complies.
Tom goes and helps Katherine. "Need a hand?"
Katherine hands him some plates. "Thank you."
"No problem." He takes the plates in.
Katherine follows with the food.
"It smells great, Katherine." Tom says.
"Thank you," Katherine says.
Tom enjoys his eggs and bacon.
~Gee, thanks, Mom~ Abby thinks.
"That was great. Thanks Katherine, May I help you with the dishes?"
"He does dishes?" Katherine asks Abby.
"Yep."
"Wow. Yes, Tom, I'd appreciate it."
"He does dishes?" Katherine asks Abby.
"Yep."
"Wow. Yes, Tom, I'd appreciate it."
Abby hands him hers. Harry waits for his to be gathered.
Tom just shakes his head ~Of all the.....~ he takes Harry's dishes.
Abby smiles at Tom and then leans across the table to snatch some of the
paper from her father.
Harry moves the stack of papers closer to her.
"What time do you head back?" Katherine asks Tom.
"Tomorrow evening.unfortuneately."
"Alone?"
"Yes." he says. ~Unless Abby says something different.
"I'm sorry to hear that. We'll try to get her back to you as soon as possible."
"I know you will." Tom says.
"Well, *I* will."
"You OK Katherine?"
"Yes, fine. You know, Harry is really enjoying having his little girl back."
"Yeah I know." he sighs.
"You'll be the same way when the time comes."
"I suppose, but with so many, I have a feeling they will each drop in so
we wont get too lonely."
"Lucky you. Never an empty nest."
"I've never dared to ask, but why was Abby an only child? If that isn't too
personal."
"It's a long story, Tom."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pryed. But if you ever want to talk about. I'd
love to know."
"You can ask Abby sometime, when you have a few hours to spare. There's nothing
to know that she doesn't."
"I'll do that one of these days."
"OK." Katherine goes back to her dishwashing while Tom dries.
Katherine starts to ask him something, then stops.
"What?" Tom smiles.
"Is it always as hectic in your house as is has been since we've met you?"
Tom sighs and nods reluctantly.
"Not very restful..."
Nancy is waiting for Joannie to show up and get her. She's scheduled
to go with her first and then exercise with Susan later.
Joannie walks in about five minutes late.
"If you were ever early I'd be worried." Nancy jokes.
"It takes longer to walk here from David's than from my room--I mean my old
room."
"Well let's get out of here, I've been cooped up in this house way too long."
"You have the car keys?"
"Yep."
"Only thing I regret about moving out..."
"I hear ya." She checks her purse and makes sure she has emergency provisions.
"Ok all ready."
"What all are you taking with you?" Joannie asks.
"A couple vials of insulin, a syringe, and some food just in case."
"Good thinking."
"Thank you. Now which of us is driving?"
"Are you up to it?"
"My mind says yes. Dr. Max and my body say not till tomorrow."
"Then I'm driving."
Nancy hands her the keys and gets in the car.
"Where to, Madame?"
"Charles Street." She says.
Joannie smiles. "Next stop, Charles Street."
They arrive a little while later and get out of the car.
"Pretty sad looking, isn't it?"
Nancy looks around at the place and nods.
"It isn't much better inside. They've got no money."
"Doesn't look like the State has even been providing anything."
"No more than they have to. And it isn't a glamorous charity, either."
"Has anyone thought about a fund raiser?"
"I did, but who could we get to perform?"
"Our family for one."
"Tommy Terrifico?"
"Sure why not? And David can sing."
"And Dad can make a speech."
"And Elizabeth can dance."
"What will you do?"
She ponders this. "I have no idea, but I do want to be a part of it."
"Let's see what Father Trinelli says about it."
Nancy nods and they go inside.
"You're a great clown sis." Nancy says on the way home.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"So you really think we could do a show?"
"Yes I do, but when do you want to do the show?"
"After Dad gets home. Abby, too, I guess."
"Which hopefully will be soon."
"It'd better be."
"Yeah, it seems like every time we turn around they're leaving town."
"Maybe we should just call Child Services on them."
"You're joking right?"
"I guess..."
"Joannie it's not like all of us are underage."
"But some of us are."
"And Dad and Abby always make sure that someone will be there to handle things
while they're gone."
"Like Auntie V?"
"Or Grandma Katherine and Abby's Dad."
"Talk about disasters."
"They did a good job and so does Auntie V."
"I don't think Dad thinks so."
"Then why did he ask her to stay at the house?"
"Desperation."
"How are things going at David's?" Nancy tries to change the subject.
"Pretty good."
"That's good, so he's not driving you crazy."
"Well..."
"He's driving you crazy."
Joannie nods. "He's Dad's son."
"Yeah," they make it home.
"But he's still better than Dad."
"Dad's not that bad."
"Right..."
"Well I guess in some ways he is, but there's a lot of good in him."
"Well, that's just because he's got such great kids."
"I hope he realizes that." She says as they go inside.
"I hope so,. too."
Mary and V are talking in the kitchen.
"How good is she at giving the shots to herself?" V worries and wishes Mary
would have gone with them.
"Not perfect but getting there, don't worry if she needs one Joannie knows
how to do it." Mary says. "Although she cringes as much as Nancy does."
Tommy walks in.
"Hey young man what do you want for your birthday?" V asks.
"Hi Auntie V." Tommy says. "What I want I can't have so anythings fine."
"That's polite of you to say that dear, but what do you really want?"
"What every 16 year old wants, a car."
"Ok, do you have one picked out yet?"
Mary is shocked.
Tommy lights up. "Are you serious?"
"I'm very serious. If it's a car you're wanting then it's a car you're getting."
She says.
"Auntie V, Dad wouldn't approve." Mary says.
"Well it's not your dad who's getting him the car." V points out.
Tommy smiles. "I'll go get my brochures." he runs upstairs.
V smiles also.
"Dad is going to kill you." Mary warns.
"Oh don't worry, he'll calm down after a day or two." V says.
They wait for Tommy to return.
Tommy brings down his car brochures. "This is my favorite."
"I always knew you had good taste in things." V says.
"But The Firebird is kind of expensive."
"Don't worry I can swing it, but until you get your license no driving it
yet, and if you have or get a learners permit you'll want to make sure there's
a liscensed adult driver with you."
Tommy hugs her. "Thanks Auntie V."
"Any time honey." She says as she hugs him back. "Do you want to go
and get it today or wait for Monday?"
"Today, Dad'll be home tomorrow night." Tommy says.
"Then let's get out of here." She says.
"Bye Mary." Tommy says.
She shakes her head. "Bye," she then says under her breath. "It's been nice
knowing you both."
V and Tommy then leave.
Elizabeth comes down as they leave."Where are they going?' she asks Mary
"She's buying him a car for his birthday."
"She's what?"
"She's buying him a car, Dad is going to flip a lid."
"No kidding."
"Hopefully he'll be expecting something like this he is used to her."
"You keep telling yourself that,you just might convince yourself."
Mary laughs, "you're right on that."
"Is there any food?"
"Yeah I think so."
"Thanks." she scrounges around the refrigerator.
"No problem."
"Hey Susan we're home!!" Nancy says.
Susan comes from the other room. "Are you ready to exercise?"
"Ready as I'll ever be, I'll see ya at dinner Joannie."
"Have a good time."
"Thanks." She says and goes to exercise with Susan. "Susan I'm tired." She
whines after about twenty minutes.
"Just a few more minutes then you can rest."
A few minutes later. "I didn't realize how unused to exercise I was."
"It takes awhile to get back into exercising." Susan says "You will be back
into shape in no time."
"I hope so." She drinks some water and then asks. "How are things
going with the hunk?"
"Pretty good. We seem to be hitting it off."
"That's great." She says.
"So how are things going with you?"
"Pretty good, Noah and I are getting married in a few years." She shows her
the ring.
"Really, that's great." Susan says as she admires Nancy's ring.
"Thank you." After hitting the showers they head home.
Mary's in the kitchen starting dinner when Joannie walks in. Elizabeth's
still in there also.
"Hey Joannie, guess what Auntie V is getting Tommy for his birthday."
"You two are going to croak." Liz says.
"His own apartment," Joannie guesses.
"No, a car."
"You're joking."
"I'm not joking; Dad is going to kill them."
Soon there is a honk outside. "That's them." Liz says.
"I'll start cooking their last meal," Joannie volunteers.
"Good idea." Mary laughs.
Joannie starts pulling ingredients from the refrigerator.
The others go outside.
"Well what do you think?" V asks the girls.
"Looks nice." Mary answers.
"Isn't it totally hot?" Tommy asks.
"Sure is." Mary smiles at him.
Soon V comes in. "What are you making?" She asks Joannie.
"Maybe I ought to ask what you want. The condemned prisoner usually gets
to make a request."
V laughs. "I'm not worried about your father. I can handle him."
"Sure you can, Auntie V."
"Hey if he gets too out of control I'll tie him to a chair."
"You now, I'm not sure I want to hear this...."
"You're probably right, so why did you decide to strike out on your own?"
"It was time."
"Is that the only reason?"
"Do I need any others?"
"No, I was just wondering is all."
"Well, wonder no more."
Susan and Nancy walk into the kitchen.
"I don't know about you but I'm famished." Susan says getting something to
eat from the fridge. "Do you want anything?"
"Yeah." Nancy says.
"Anything you have in mind? There's yogurt, fruit or I could make you
a sandwich or something."
"Susan can you get Mary?" Nancy says starting to feel funny, needing an injection,
and not wanting to do it herself.
"Okay." Susan says and goes to find Mary.
Mary's in her bedroom studying.
Susan knocks on Mary's door.
"Come in."
"Mary, could you come down to the kitchen right now? Nancy says she needs
you." Susan says
"Sure," They both go down there and after the injection and after Nancy
starts feeling better.
"Hey Susan, does the offer of the sandwich still stand?" Nancy asks her.
"Sandwich? I saved you two some lunch if you'd like that instead."
Mary says.
"Sounds good to me." Susan says
"Me too." Nancy says. "Is Joannie still here?"
"I don't know." Mary says.
"Do you want me to go see if I can find her?" asks Susan
"No, you need to eat too." Nancy says to her. "I'll check after dinner."
"Okay." replies Susan
V finishes cooking and as soon as everyone is home they eat.
Tommy is beaming about his new car.
Elizabeth just shakes her head. ~Smile while you can.~
"Seriously who's car is that out front." Nancy says thinking Tommy's joking
around.
"Mine." Tommy says
"Cool." Nancy says.
"Thanks."
"Thanks." "You're welcome."
They finish eating dinner and hours after that everyone goes to bed for the
night.
Saturday night when everyone is asleep. A big rock with a note comes crashing
through Elizabeth and Nancy's window.
Elizabeth screams at the noise.
Nancy awakens at the scream and is at her side in an instant. "Did
it hit you?"
V and Mary are soon there.
"What happened?" V asks.
"No it didn't hit me." she says shaken. She gets the note from the rock.
"It's from him again."
~That does it I'm going to kill him, this has gone on long enough.
I don't care if I go to prison.~ Nancy thinks. "From Peter?"
"I'm calling the police." Mary goes to the phone.
Elizabeth nods."Mary don't, no police."
"But honey this has to end." Mary says as V hugs Elizabeth.
~Oh it will.~ Nancy starts plotting.
Elizabeth gets up and gets her suitcase, I'm getting out of here.
I don't know where to, but I don't care anymore."
"Elizabeth you don't have to leave I promise you that." Nancy says to her.
"Yeah right." she says as she starts packing.
"This is going to end soon that I assure you." She says trying to calm her.
"Nancy, Mary, will you please give us some privacy." V asks.
They leave the room.
Part 5