The Birthday -- part 1
Elizabeth's plane arrives early so she sits by the baggage claim always looking
over her shoulder ~He wouldn't know where I am at or would he~.
Harry is pacing when he notices that Elizabeth's plane has arrived. "I'll
go find her."
Abby starts to get up.
"No, no, you sit there. You're supposed to be resting. I'll be right back."
"But Dad..."
"Enough, Sandra Sue. Stay there." Without waiting for an answer Harry stalks
off to find Elizabeth.
"Grandpa Harry?" She calls out.
"Elizabeth!" Harry smiles at her. "Where is your luggage? Let me get it."
"It's right behind the bench." she points to it.
Harry picks it up. "Your...Sand--Abby is waiting. Come on."
"Thanks for letting me stay here." She says knowing it is an imposition.
"Any time, Elizabeth. Katharine is very excited to have with here."
"Thanks." she says ~Katherine is, but what about you?~
"We'd better get going. How was your flight?"
"Fine, thank you. How is Abby?"
"Getting better, slowly. She just needs her rest."
~In other words, don't bother her.~ She nods.
"She'll be wondering where we are."
They walk to where she is sitting. Elizabeth puts on her zombie like reaction.
"Hi Abby."
Abby gets up and hugs Elizabeth. "Hi."
She gives her a light hug, not wanting to break down. "I'm ready whenever
you are."
"Then let's go."
Elizabeth doesn't say anything on the way.
Abby puts an arm around her.
~I will not break down...I will not break down.~ Elizabeth says as they ride
home.
"Hey, Elizabeth, could you do me a favor?" Abby asks.
She nods.
'My parents could put you in the guest room, if you want," Abby whispers,
"but I'm awfully lonely, Would you consider staying in my room with me?"
"Really?" she asks while looking at Harry.
"Sandra Sue..." Harry starts.
"Dad, if she's in the guest room, I'm just going to have to keep on going
down the hall to her. This way I can rest more," Abby says, while smiling
at Elizabeth to let her know it's all a ruse.
"Sure, thank you."
"I guess I got used to having a roommate."
"I know what you mean." she says thinking about Nancy.
"You don't snore, do you?"
"No, but Nancy does."
"Then I'm lucky you're the one who's here."
She laughs.
Abby takes her hand, gives it a sqeeuze, then leans back against the seat
and closes her eyes.
Elizabeth holds on tight to her hand and looks out the car window.
Harry drives, not knowing quite what to say to the young lady.
Elizabeth starts to say something then doesn't
Harry looks at her in the mirror. "Did you say something?
"I was just going to say that its a pretty night."
"Yes it is. You'll have to sit out some night in Katharine's garden. Then
you'll really appreciate it."
"I'll do that."
"But not tonight. You look like you need rest, too."
"I am kind of tired." she says. ~Only way to escape this nightmare.~
"Then when we get home Katharine will make up a bed for you in Sandra Sue's
room and then she'll bring the two of you something on a tray."
"Thanks." she sighs.
Harry pulls up outside his home. "Well, we're here."
"The house looks nice."
"Thank you. I know it's not quite as big as yours, but we never needed something
that size."
"Sometimes smaller is better."
"Quality rather than quantity?"
"Don't get me wrong, I love my family."
"Even people you love can be a bit too much sometimes."
"Yeah."
Harry leans over the seat back. "Sandra Sue, we're home. Wake up. You'll
have to get yourself inside, you're too big for me to carry."
Abby wakes and stretches. "Daddy, you've been saying that since I was 7 years
old."
"And it's been true."
"Come on, Elizabeth. Let me give you the 25 cent tour."
"Thanks."
Katharine is waiting for them at the door.
"Hi Grandma Katherine."
Katharine hugs her. "Hello, Elizabeth."
"Thanks for letting me stay."
"You're welcome any time you like."
"Could you point me to the restroom?"
"I'll show you," Abby offers.
"You might as well take her right upstairs," Katharine suggests.
"You're right. Come on, Elizabeth."
"Thanks Abby." she follows her.
Abby shows her where the bedroom is and where the bathroom is. "I'll be in
our room; when you're done, why don't you come unpack?"
"Ok." she says and goes in and quietly grabs a towel to muffle her crying.
Afterwards she washes her face and goes to the bedroom and unpacks.
Abby had been lying down but quickly gets up when Elizabeth walks into the
room.
"I didn't mean to disturb you."
"No, no, you didn't disturb me. Come on, sit down and tell me what's going
on."
"Besides having to look over my shoulder every five seconds, I am fine."
"Well, you don't have to look over your shoulder here."
"How can you be sure?"
"Can you see anyone unwanted getting past my father?" Abby jokes.
Elizabeth gives a small smile. "I see your point."
"The one good thing about being here--you're safe."
"Only one?"
"Well, I think there's more, but for me, this is home."
"I can understand that."
"Home is where you feel safe--or should be."
"Unfortuneately the rock thru the window changed all that."
"Forever?"
"No, but it'll be a long while until I can feel safe again. I just
feel bad for Tommy."
"He'll have other birthdays."
"Yeah, at least Auntie V gave him the car he wanted."
"She what?"
"A firebird."
"You mean a model?"
"No, the real thing. Motor, tires, everything."
"Your father is going to flip."
"I know, I feel bad for Tommy. He's going to be in the middle of it."
"I know. And being in the middle of your father and V isn't comfortable."
"Maybe Dad will give in."
"V usually does get her way."
"How do you feel about it?"
"I think it's more a question of how do all of you feel about it."
"Would I be terrible if i said I am jealous?"
"Not at all. If I didn't have Gwendolyn, I think I'd be envious, too."
"I can't believe I am going to have to ask my kid brother can i borrow the
car tonight?" she half jokes.
"You think he'll let anyone drive it?"
"Good Point, Hey whatever happened to Bradford's rule?"
"Don't look at me to enforce it. I don't share my car, either."
"Yeah, but thats different."
"Tommy won't think so."
"I know."
"Elizabeth?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry I didn't bring you down here last week."
"It's Okay, I understand."
Abby smiles at her, hoping she really does understand.
She gives her a hug, "I'm going to go to bed."
"You don't want anything to eat first?"
"I'm not really hungry."
"OK. If you wake up in the middle of the night wanting something, wake me
up
so I can show you where everything is."
~and feels Harry's wrath? I don't think so.~ "OK, but I am sure I'll be fine."
~I'm not going to go eat something and leave her alone. Oh, well, when she
gets hungry she'll wake me up.~ Abby nods. "Well, then, good night."
"Goodnight." Elizabeth says.
Abby turns off the light and lies awake.
ELizabeth pulls the covers over her head and tries to sleep but jumps everytime
she hears a noise.
Abby turns over every time she hears Elizabeth jump.
In Sacramento: Noah comes over and notices the new car. "Did you win
a bet?" He asks Tommy.
Tommy laughs. "No, its my present from my Aunt."
"Wow that's some gift. Is Nancy inside?"
"Yep."
Noah goes inside looking for her and finds her in the kitchen. He kisses
her and then asks. "Are you ready to go?"
"Actually yes." She kisses him back. They then go shopping for Tommy's
gift which will be from both of them.
David comes outside to check out Tommy's car again. "Little brother
you have good taste."
"Thanks, want to drive it?"
He smiles. "Can I?"
"Sure."
David takes the car for a spin and then returns. "She runs great."
"I knew it would."
"So when do you get your permit?"
"Soon, I hope."
"When you do let me know when you need a drivers lesson."
"Thanks, I'd like that."
"Not a problem."
"How was Elizabeth?"
He tells him.
Tommy sighs.
As does David.
They go in the house.
A little while later Nancy and Noah return and after wrapping Tommy's present
they're watching tv when a news report comes on saying that Peter was killed
trying to attack someone.
"Dad!!" Nancy calls out.
Tom rushes out. "What....whats wrong?"
"Shh listen." They repeat the news report.
Tom listens. "Peter? The Peter who.....?"
"That's the one." Nancy says.
"Good riddance." Noah says.
"Amen."
"I bet Elizabeth would like to hear about this."
Tom looks at his watch. "Yeah, it might make her sleep better." Tom
goes and calls Pasadena.
Harry answers the phone.
"Hi Harry,its Tom."
Harry glances at his watch. "This late? Sandra Sue is sleeping."
"Listen its important,believe me I wouldn't be calling this late if it wasn't
Harry. I know she will want to hear this."
"Yes, yes, I'll tell her that you love her and you miss her. Anything else?"
"Harry.....if you must know before I tell my wife and daughter. Peter is
dead."
"I know you're desperate to get them home, but just tell me this--do I need
to find any of your family a criminal attorney?"
"Cute Harry, it was just on the news and No one in this family had anything
to do with it and I can't believe you would think so."
"I'll go get Sandra Sue."
"Thank you."
"Tom, what's wrong?" Abby asks.
"Honey, its over. Peter is dead." He tells her of the news.
"Elizabeth!" Abby calls out. "Elizabeth, pick up the phone!"
Elizabeth picks up the phone."Dad, whats wrong?"
He tells her the news.
"Really, its over?" she says not really believing it.
"Yes, honey its over." Tom says.
Abby is waiting, smiling.
"I can't believe it."
"I know, but its true. You can come home anytime you want. So can Abby when
she is ready."
Katharine walks into the room and while Elizabeth is on the phone, Abby fills
her mother in on the news.
"Can I talk to Abby before I decide?" Liz asks her Father.
"Sure take some time and get some sleep."
"I will Dad, I love you."
"I love you too honey."
Elizabeth hangs up the phone on her end.
"Abby? You still there?" Tom asks.
"I'm here."
"You can bring Elizabeth home anytime or you can ship her back."
"I suppose we could try to be home for the party...."
"I know Tommy would love that, but only if you are ready."
"I'll talk to Elizabeth."
"OK dear, sleep well."
"I'll certainly sleep better now."
"I think all of us will. Oh V gave Tommy an interesting gift."
"I heard. How are you handling it?"
"Trapped, I can't just take it away from Tommy."
"One of these days she's going to go too far."
Tom laughs. "One of these days?"
"Oh, I'll bet she can get worse than she has."
"What are you trying to do? Give me a heartattack?"
"I have better ways to do that. You're going to have to talk to her, Tom."
"I have." he states. "She won't back down. I guess I'll have to have a talk
with Tommy after his birthday and remind him of Bradford's rule."
"Wait until I get back so I least I can see you one last time."
Tom laughs. "So maybe I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Maybe. Depends on Elizabeth."
"Ok Honey, sleep well.I love you."
"You, too."
Tom hangs up and joins the others.
"What's going on?" V asks while Tom is on the phone. Nancy and Noah
tell her as another family member enters.
"Where's the fire?" Tommy asks.
"Um the wicked warlock of the west is dead." Nancy says.
"Huh?....Nancy you didn't...."
"No it wasn't me." She tells him everything.
Tommy sighs in relief and hugs her. "Looks like its going to be a good
birthday after all."
She hugs him back. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"I don't wish anyone dead, but I can't say I am not relieved."
"Yeah but I feel bad for his parents." Noah says.
"Me too." Nancy agrees.
Tommy nods.
"I think this calls for dinner out." V suggests. "Nicholas, Joannie,
Susan, Mary, David!!" While she's waiting for them to come in to see
what she's yelling for. "Noah are you coming with us?"
"Sure, thank you."
"Anytime handsome." She says to him.
"Where are we going Auntie V?" Nicholas asks.
"Hmm, do you like seafood Nicholas?" She asks.
He shrugs. "I don't know."
"Do you want to try some tonight?"
"Is it as good as Pizza?" he asks.
Tommy tries not to laugh.
"It's better than pizza." Nancy tells him.
"And instead of bread at the table they give you hushpuppies." Noah says
and tells him what they are so the name doesn't freak him out.
"Do they have Hamburgers?"
"They sure do." Noah says.
"Cool."
Mary and David finally venture in.
"What's up?" David asks.
Tommy tells them about Peter.
"Whoa." Mary says.
~Good.~ David thinks.
And V then tells them they're going out to dinner.
"After Dad gets off the phone with Abby and Elizabeth."
"That will be awhile." Mary says.
"Yeah." Tommy says sitting down flipping thru a magazine.
The others also keep themselves busy.
Noah starts flipping through channels.
"Cut it out." Nancy says.
"But we can't do what I want to really do." He whispers in her ear. "We are
not alone."
She starts laughing.
"We aren't disturbing you, are we?" Tommy asks.
"Huh? No of course not." Nancy says.
Tommy winks at her.
~Sheesh did he hear Noah?~
When Tom hangs up: "Are you up to going out to dinner Tom?" V asks.
"Yeah, sure why not."
"Joannie, Susan, you're coming too right?" V asks.
"Never turn down a meal..." Joannie says.
"That's my niece." V says proudly.
"Yeah, I'm coming too." Susan says
"Good." V says.
In Pasadena, Abby goes over to Elizabeth. "You OK?"
"Yeah I think so, just a little shocked."
"It happened very suddenly."
"I should be jumping for joy, but I can't." Liz states. "Is there something
wrong with me?"
"I don't think so."
"Suddenly I am hungry."
They go to the kitchen.
"What would you like?" Abby asks.
"Whatever you are having."
"Ice cream, or real food?"
"It's not vanilla is it?"
Abby throws her a 'you've got to be kidding' look.
"Well, I had to ask. I don't know what your parents like." she laughs.
"They're very indulgent -- at least to me."
"How indulgent?"
"Why? You planning some mischief for us?"
Elizabeth laughs. "You can't blame me for trying."
"Not at all. So--what are you planning?"
"Nothing, that I know of..but give me time." she teases.
"As much time as you need."
"So when am I going home?"
"Whenever you want to."
"I guess I should get out of your way so you can rest."
"Maybe I'll go home with you."
"That would be great, but what about your folks?"
"What about them?"
"Won't they put up a fight?"
"Elizabeth, I'm a grown woman."
"Never stopped Dad."
"Hmm. That's true. Well, you can always sneak me out the back door."
Elizabeth laughs. "Grandpa Harry will call in every favor he has with the
police dept. We'll be lucky to make it down the block."
Abby lays her head down on the table. "How did I turn 12 again?"
Elizabeth rubs her back. "Maybe he invented a time machine?" she jokes
"If he had, you wouldn't be here. And I'm glad you are."
"Really? I thought I'd be in the way."
Abby looks around to make sure neither of her parents are in hearing range.
"No. I've forgotten how lonely it can be here."
Elizabeth smiles. "Then you do miss us?"
"Of course I do. Did you think I wouldn't?"
"Well......" she reluctantly says.
"Really? Why?"
"We can be selfish and demanding."
"Everyone can be."
"So you don't regret marrying Dad?"
"On the whole? No."
"The whole?" she asks while double dipping into the ice cream.
"We'd better finish this off tonight," Abby decides. "And of course there
are time I regret marrying him--and I'm sure there are times he regrets marrying
me. But then we stop fighting and we're glad we got married."
"So i guess its just being human."
Abby puts a finger to her lips. "Shh. Don't tell your father you know his
secret."
Elizabeth smiles. "I'll keep it."
"Good."
"About going home, I'll leave the decision up to you."
"Then let's go home."
"I'd like that."
"Hey, you still up for some mischief?"
Elizabeth smiles."Right now I am."
"Actually, I was thinking of tomorrow. Let's not tell them we're coming back--let's
just drop in on Tommy's party as a surprise."
"Abby thats a great idea."
"Of course, we may have to sneak out of here, too."
"That bad?"
"It might be. I don't think they'll want to let us go."
"Maybe Grandma katherine could talk to Grandpa Harry into it."
"We can try..."
"It always worked when we go thrrough you first instead of Dad."
"You mean that's a cold, deliberate plan?"
"I wouldn't say that..."
"But you would think it?" Abby teases.
"Yeah." she reluctantly admits. "If its of any comfort, we used to do it
to Mom too."
"Ah, a tried and true technique."
"Are you telling me, you never tried it with your mother?" she asks curiously.
"Not really. I haven't needed to."
"Wow, I thought it was just normal. I mean from what my friends tell me,
they do it too."
"Maybe it's just a matter of my being a Daddy's girl."
"Oh, so it was the other way around then."
"Usually, but I eventually got things worked out with my mom."
"Worked out? I always assumed you two were close."
Abby hesitates a moment. "No, we weren't," is all she says.
"Oh...." she says not asking the details. "I am glad we are close."
Abby smiles at her. "I'm glad, too."
"Well I better get to bed if we are planning a jail break in the morning."
Abby cleans the table after their snack. "I'll be up in a few minutes."
"OK, Goodnight." she gives her a hug and leaves.
Abby finishes straightening the kitchen and then goes upstairs, too.
Elizabeth is asleep when she comes in.
Abby tries to stay away and plan for the next day, but is too drained and
falls asleep, still in her robe.
Later at the restaurant after the food arrives.
"Here Nicholas, try this." V says.
"What is it?" he asks suspiciously.
"It's Lobster meat."
Nicholas turns his nose at it when he smells it. "No thank you, I'll just
eat my hamburger.
"Ok." V smiles and eats it.
Tom rolls his eyes. "Nicholas, you should at least try it."
"Yeah it's pretty good." Mary says.
"Ok, just a little piece."
V gives him a tiny piece
He eats it and shudders. "Yuck."
Tom and Tommy laugh.
"It's an aquired taste." Nancy tells him.
"Eww." he says as he takes a drink.
Tom looks over to Joannie. "Joannie? You all right?"
"Sure. Why?"
"You are quiet tonight, something wrong?"
"No, nothing really. Just thinking about Tommy's birthday."
"Oh? What about it?"
Joannie shakes her head. "Nothing special. Just his birthday present."
"You didn't get him a car too, did you?" he jokes.
"All I'd be able to afford is a Matchbox."
"Yeah, you and me both." he replies sadly. "So much for Abby and my gift."
"What? That's what you got Tommy? That and something else, right?"
"A car model and money so he could save for a car.":
"Well, the money he'll appreciate."
"Yeah, so what is your gift?"
"You'll see tomorrow. I don't want Tommy to overhear."
"OK."
Joannie goes back to her thinking.
"Care to share what it is later?" Tom whispers to her.
"Maybe. Maybe when we get home."
"HMM..you have got me curious now."
"Good thing you're not a cat."
Tom laughs
"Huh?" Nancy asks. Only hearing the cat part.
"Nothing," Joannie tells her.
"Ok," ~She says but still wonders.~ "Are you ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. You?"
"I'm all right."
"Good."
"I'll trade you a crab cake for a couple of your shrimp."
"Deal."
They make the trade.
Later, after dinner, in Tom's study, Nancy and Tom are talking:
"Honey, what is it?"
"Noah wanted to take me skiing this weekend."
"Skiing?"
Nancy nods.
"Seperate rooms?"
"Honey, you are of age. I can't stop you. But since you and Noah are engaged
I was hoping that....."
"Hoping what?"
"I was hoping he'd play."
"Can he play next game?"
Tom nods. "Sure."
"Thanks Dad." She gives him a kiss and heads out of the room.
"Oh Nancy...."
"Yes, Dad?"
"I want to talk to Noah before you two go."
"Ok I'll send him in." She says. A few minutes later Noah comes
in.
"You wanted to talk to me?"
"Have a seat."
He sits down.
~Terrific.~ Tom beats around the bush. "Nancy tells me you are getting
seperate rooms, but even I know what it feels like to be away with the woman
I love. Understand?"
"Yes I understand and don't worry everything will be fine."
"I don't know about kids today." he sighs.
"Did I say something wrong here?"
"No you didn't, its just your generation. In my day....he starts to say.
"Well it was different."
"Oh, hey is there anything else you wanted to make sure about?"
"Yeah, want to play in the next game?"
"Sure." Noah says but wonders where Tom's priorities are.
"Was there something you wanted to ask me?"
"Well since you haven't brought it up yet. I guess I will. I've talked
to Mary and Dr. Max, Nancy will be fine with me. I know what to look
out for and how to do the injections."
Tom smiles. "Good."
"Yeah, is it ok if I go now?"
Tom nods.
Noah leaves the study and returns to Nancy. After awhile he goes home.
Later at Noah's house.
"Is something wrong?" His father asks him.
"I don't know maybe it's nothing." Noah says and tells him about his conversation
with Nancy's father. His Dad laughs. "What's so funny?"
"Son what do you get when you take the u out of assume?"
Noah cringes and then laughs in embarrasment.
"Now you don't know for sure if he was going to ask before you brought it
up. And you see how he is with his family, ease up ok. You're
starting to take life way too seriously."
"I just don't want to see her get hurt." Noah admits.
"I don't think you have to worry about her father doing that." He finally
talks sense into his son.
The next morning Elizabeth awakens early and sees Abby laying there with
no covers. She covers her up and goes downstairs.
Katharine is in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. "Good morning, Elizabeth."
"Good Morning, that smells good."
"Thank you. It'll be ready in a few minutes, so just have a seat."
"Need any help?"
"Oh, I'm sure you help out plenty at home. Relax, enjoy being a guest."
"Thank You."
"You're welcome. I heard about the call last night."
"Yeah, its still shocking to me."
"I know."
"I can't believe its really over, but I feel sorry for his family."
"They'll have to live with this for a long time. But they didn't stop him
when there was still time, did they?"
"No." she agrees.
"I think you've earned the right to just concentrate on yourself for a while."
"Thanks Grandma."
"Have you decided when you'll be heading home?"
~OH great, what do I say? I can't lie.~ Elizabeth frets.
"Elizabeth?"
"Abby said something about today."
"Today? But she's not..."
"I am just saying what she told me." she states ~Please don't shoot the messanger.~
"I see. Well, I wish we'd had a chance to spend more time with you, but I'm
glad you're able to go home."
"Maybe I could come next summer?"
"I'd like that," Katharine smiles.
"So would I."
"Then it's a date."
"So Where's Grandpa Harry?"
Katharine glances at the clock. "He should be down any minute. Is Sandra
Sue awake yet?"
"No, not yet."
"Would you mind keeping an eye on the stove? I just want to check what's
keeping Harry."
"Sure." she says
Katherine goes upstairs to talk to Harry. She sits on their bed.
"You don't look happy, dear."
"Elizabeth just informed me that Sandra Sue is thinking about going home
today."
"She's not well enough to go home," Harry fumes.
"I know, but it really is her decision. Harry we can't keep her here just
because we want her too."
"I don't understand. She knew yesterday she wasn't up to traveling. Did she
get better overnight?"
Katherine shrugs.
"So we just let her go?"
She nods. "If we don't she might never come back here if she needs us."
"But she still needs us now."
"I know, but it really is her decision."
"And when she wants to come back here because she's had a relapse?"
"We will let her." Katherine says. "You know as well as I do Sandra Sue has
a mind of her own."
"Why did we have to raise her to be so independent?"
Katherine smiles. "So she could make it in this cold cruel world alone, if
she has too."
"She'll never have to, not as long as we're around."
Katherine puts her arms around his waist. "That's just it Dear, we won't
always be around."
"Oh, no, I won't give my son-in-law the satisfaction of letting him outlast
me."
Katherine laughs. "Now Harry, Tom is a good man."
"Maybe, but no one's good enough for my little girl."
"So you say, you know I remember my father saying the same thing about you."
she reminds him.
Harry gives her a kiss. "And he was right."
"Harry Mitchell, that has to be one of the sweetest things you ever said
to me."
"Just wait until Sandra Sue goes home. Then I'll say really sweet things
to you."
Katherine smiles. "Then lets get her home."
"I don't know how you always manage to get me to do things I don't want to
do."
She kisses him. "Now do you remember?"
"Ah, yes, it's coming back to me." Harry kisses her. "If they're going back
today, shouldn't you wake her?"
"I will, your breakfast is waiting downstairs as well as your granddaughter.
Now Harry, be nice to her OK?"
"If I am, do I get a reward?"
"Let me put it this way, if you don't. They'll be no dessert."
"I'll be nice," Harry says. He finishes tying his tie and heads downstairs.
"Good morning, Elizabeth."
"Good morning." she says, "I'll get your breakfast."
"Thank you. I hear you're going home today."
"Yes sir." she says waiting for the lecture.
"Will you do your grandfather a favor?"
~Grandfather?~ "Uh sure...."
"Keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't overdo it once you get home."
"I promise."
"Thank you."
"How do you like your coffee?"
"Strong. Cream, no sugar."
Elizabeth pours him a cup.
Harry takes a sip. "Perfect. Thank you."
She then serves him his breakfast that Katherine started.
Harry starts reading his paper. After a few pages he says, "I wish you could
have stayed longer."
~You mean Abby stay longer.~ "It was Abby's decision."
"You mean you wanted to stay on?"
"Sure, if it hadn't been for Tommy's Birthday and all. I just thought....."
"Thought what?"
"You'd be happier if I wasn't here."
"And I was thinking how nice it is to have a young lady around. Like old
times."
"Really? I thought you didn't like me or any of us for that matter."
"I've always wanted grandchildren. I wasn't thinking of quite so many of
you, but..."
"But?"
"But that's how many of you there are. I do have to be honest, though. I
think I prefer it when you come visiting one at a time."
Elizabeth laughs. "It can get wild at times, but I wouldn't trade any one
of them for anything."
"Not even for a short while?"
She smiles. "You got me there. I'll admit it." she blushes.
"Then maybe you could come for a visit -- with or without Sandra Sue. Katharine
was looking forward to spending time with you."
"I told her may be next summer or break."
"Good."
"Thanks Grandpa Harry." she pauses. "I know its none of my business,
but could you relay the same information to Nancy and the rest of them. I
mean its been hard not having grandparents when the ones you really have
don’t talk to you." she thinks about her maternal grandparents.
"I'll take that into account. May I have some more coffee?"
"Sure." she pours him another cup.
"Thank you. What time is your flight?"
"I don't know, I don't think Abby called yet."
"By the time she gets down here, it'll be half the day gone. Maybe I should
call."
"If its not too much trouble."
"Do you know what time you want to be back in Sacramento?" Harry asks.
"Early afternoon?"
"All right. If the women come down, tell them I'm taking care of your reservations,"
Harry says and rises.
"Thanks Grandpa." she says omitting the Harry part.
Harry smiles at her. ~Grandpa. I like her, even if she is Thomas's daughter.~
He goes to his study to make the call.
Meanwhile Katherine knocks on her daughters door. "Sandra Sue?"
Abby wakes. "Come in," she says, still half-asleep.
"Good morning dear."
"Good morning, Mom."
"You better get a move on if you plan on going home." she smiles at her.
"You're ri...How did you know?"
"I asked and a little bird told me."
"That little bird being--Elizabeth?"
She nods. "Don't blame her, she could have lied you know."
"I know. I'm glad she didn't. You OK with this?"
"Honestly? I don't think you are well enough."
"I promise I'll rest, now that I know it makes such a difference. But I miss
being home, and Tom and the kids..."
"I understand dear. But if you need to come back, the door will be open."
Abby gets out of bed and hugs her mother. "Thanks, Mom."
"I'll help you pack."
"Thanks."
"Why don't you go downstairs and get some coffee."
"If I'm downstairs, how are you going to help me pack?"
Katherine smiles. "That's the whole idea, I'll pack for you."
"Aren't you afraid you might find something that would shock you?"
"Now honey, I am not the prude you think I am."
"Maybe not, but I am your 'little girl'."
"And always will be, just wait until Nicholas grows up. Then you'll see what
I mean."
"Well, I'm no prude either, but there are things I don't need to know about
the kids -- the older ones, at least."
"Huh uh." she says as she starts packing.
"Could you imagine me going through David's things?" Abby laughs.
Katherine laughs/ "No not really."
Abby starts folding some of her things. "Even worse would be Tom doing it."
She laughs.
"You know, I didn't even bring a diary for you to read," Abby teases her
mother.
"Drats, there goes my afternoon." she teases back. 'i'm going to miss you,
I'm even going to miss that overgrown family of yours."
"Maybe I can convince Tom to bring them all down here some time."
"That would be nice, but it would be wall to wall sleeping bags......Honey,
remember that house we used to rent at Pebble Beach during the summer?" a
light bulb goes off in her head.
"Of course I do. Why?"
"Why not do it again next summer for all of us? That way Harry and
Tom could golf, you and I and the girls could go shopping and the boys could
use the beach or go deep sea fishing?"
"That's a great idea. If you work on Dad, I'll work on Tom."
"As long as there is golf on the itinerary, It shouldn't be that hard."
"Even if it is with his least favorite son-in-law?"
"Honey, you could have married Prince Charles and he wouldn't have been good
enough for his little girl."
Abby laughs. "Only, instead of complaints about my husband's age, they'd
be about his ears."
"Exactly," Katharine laughs.
Elizabeth goes upstairs and knocks on the door.
"Think that's Dad, coming to tell me I can't go home?" Abby jokes.
"No, I can handle your father."
"I'll bet you can," Abby says, and then tells the person knocking to come
in.
Part 2