Author: Catgurl83
Title: Changes Abound
Disclaimer: The characters belong to John Wells Productions, NBC, Warner Brothers, etc. I am making no money off of my stories. Trust me, I am not worth suing.
Feedback: I love feedback. My e-mail address is catgurl83@yahoo.com
Spoilers: Nothing specific at this point.
Summary: This is the third part of my Changes series. This picks up several months after Continued Changes ends. Sam died. Donna is in a coma. Josh has custody of their daughter, Serena, who is four now. This starts about a month before Christmas.
Rating: G
Author's note: Thanks to Classic She for betaing this for me. I really appreciate all of your help!
***********
Nov. 30
***********
Josh sighed when the intercom buzzed. His assistant, Janet, insisted on using the intercom for most of their communication. He pressed the button. "Yeah?"
"Amy Lerious and Serena Seaborn are here to see you, Mr. Lyman." Janet stated in a monotone voice.
Josh rolled his eyes. He had told her many times that she didn't need to announce their full names. "Please send them in."
"Sir, You have an appointment with Mr. McGarry in a half-hour."
"Send them in." He said again.
The intercom clicked off.
"Look what I did at school." Serena burst into the office excitedly.
Josh smiled at her. "Let me see, Angel." He took the proffered picture.
"It is the White House." Serena explained. She walked around the desk to point at the picture. "Everyone important is there. Uncle Jed, Aunt Abby, you, Uncle Toby, Aunt CJ, Zoey, Will, Charlie, Uncle Leo."
Josh choked back a laugh as he studied the drawing. Toby was completely bald, CJ's hair was Crayola Red, and CJ towered above them all. Not a one even reached her waist. "This is wonderful Serena. You have to show this to everyone okay?"
The little girl beamed. "Yeah." She pointed to a figure at the top of the page, which he hadn't noticed. "That is Daddy. He is an angel watching over us all."
Josh swallowed the lump in his throat. "It is beautiful." He said softly.
"Serena." Amy said from her seat.
Serena looked at Amy pleadingly.
Amy wished Serena wouldn't do that. It was very difficult to be stern with her when she got that look on her face. "Now Serena."
Serena turned her attention back to Josh. "It wasn't my fault."
"What wasn't your fault?"
"It was his fault." Serena stated.
"Whose fault?" Josh asked frowning.
"Michael's."
Josh was even more confused now. "Who is Michael?"
"He goes to preschool with Serena." Amy answered when it became clear that Serena wasn't going to.
Josh nodded before turning back to Serena. "What is Michael's fault?"
"Bailey was mean."
Josh blinked in confusion. "I thought you said it was Michael's fault?"
Serena nodded. "It was."
"Okay. What happened?"
"Bailey said that her mommy says Democrats are stupid. Especially the ones in the White House." Serena looked Josh directly in the eye. "She said that her mommy said she shouldn't play with me cause you are bad influences on me. Then she said that Aunt CJ is dumb and the only reason she has her job is cause Uncle Leo couldn't find anyone smarter to take it." She paused to take a breath. "She said Uncle Toby is fat. She said Uncle Leo is an alco. alco." She looked at Amy.
"Alcoholic." Amy supplied.
Serena nodded. "Alcoholic. Then she said you are all liars, and that when my Daddy died, the world got better cause there is one less Democrat."
Josh was furious. He turned to Amy.
"That isn't everything." Amy said before Josh could say anything.
"It was Michael's fault and I'm not sorry." Serena said defiantly.
Uh oh. He knew that tone and that expression. "What did you do?"
"I."
"Serena." Amy said warningly.
The child looked down. "Michael told me I should. If I didn't I was a wuss."
Josh sighed. Peer pressure already. He had hoped he'd have a few more years before that happened. "What happened?" He repeated.
"I threw coleslaw in her face and told her she was the stupid one."
"That was during lunch?"
Serena nodded.
"Tell him the rest." Amy instructed.
"She threw a roll at me so I dumped my milk over her head." She smiled. "You know how Uncle Jed says I'm a natural leader? Well, everyone got involved." She said it proudly.
Josh choked back another laugh. "Everyone dumped food on her?"
"Yes. Well, almost everyone. Two other kids were on her side. They threw food at us. I didn't get very much on me."
He turned to Amy. "Someone spoke with you when you arrived to pick her up?"
"Oh, yeah." Amy rolled her eyes. What an understatement. "It took them nearly five minutes to stop the food fight."
Josh started to smile but caught the look on Amy's face. He couldn't let Serena see that he thought this was humorous. "Do I have to meet with the teacher?"
"Yes. And Serena cannot go to school until you have."
"This Bailey girl?"
Amy shook her head.
"Angel, why don't you go see Aunt CJ? You can show her your picture." Josh told the child.
Serena nodded as she turned toward the door. She was relieved to be getting out of this so easily.
"The other girl?"
Amy shook her head. "The teacher told me that no matter what Bailey said, Serena's behavior was inexcusable."
"Is Bailey out for a few days too?"
"I don't think so."
Josh pressed intercom angrily. "Get Serena's school on the phone."
"You have a meeting." Janet's voice reminded him.
"Leo will wait." Josh snapped. "Get me Serena's school."
"Fine." She answered curtly.
Moments later, Serena's principal came on the line. "Yes?" She said cautiously. She knew that Mr. Lyman would be angry and she had heard that you did not want to talk to him when he was angry.
Josh struggled to hold his temper back. "I understand that there were problems at school today."
"Yes there were. Serena started a food fight. She had all of the other students involved. Most of the food was thrown at three students."
"Serena says that the other students were making fun of her." Josh stated as he broke a pencil in half.
"That is not an excuse, Mr. Lyman. Serena should have told an adult."
"And if she had?"
"The other child would have been reprimanded."
"That is all?" Josh was outraged.
"Mr. Lyman, she only used words."
Josh clenched his teeth. "Only? She told Serena that she is glad that Serena's Daddy is dead."
"I'm very sorry about that, but Serena should not have taken it into her own hands. She must be punished so that she realizes that in the future she should handle things differently."
"And Bailey?"
"I have contacted Bailey's parents. They have promised to speak to her."
"Speak to her?" Josh repeated incredulously. "Is that the only punishment she is going to receive?"
"I cannot discuss another child's discipline with you." She paused a moment before continuing. "Would you like to make an appointment to come in to discuss this further?"
Josh broke another pencil before answering her. "That will not be necessary. Serena will not be coming back to your school. Someone will be by to pick up her things." He slammed the receiver down, grateful that Serena was not around to see his behavior.
"You are switching Serena's preschool?"
Josh ran a hand through his hair. "There was no way I was going to leave her there. The only reason I've left her there this long is Sam and Donna chose it. It was one of the last major decisions they got to make for her."
Amy nodded sympathetically. "They would have moved her too."
"Yeah. But where am I going to move her to?"
Amy thought a moment. "Donna made a list of schools. She took notes on each place which she visited. I think it is still in her desk at home. Would you like me to get it out for you?" She knew that he didn't like going into the study.
Josh smiled briefly. He knew that Donna would not have just visited a school - she would have investigated it, inspected it, and interrogated the staff.
"Sure. Thank you."
"Guess what?" Serena bounced into the room.
Josh pretended to think. "Hmm. I don't know."
"You have to guess."
"Did CJ paint purple dots all over her walls again? I don't know how many times I've told her not to do that." He shook his head.
Serena giggled. "No, silly. She got another fish. Gail was lonely. She's is going to let me name it."
"What are you going to name it?" Amy asked curiously.
"I don't know yet. I'm going to have to think about it. The name has to be perfect." Serena said very seriously.
Josh and Amy both nodded, hiding their smiles.
Serena pranced farther into the room and flopped into a chair. Apparently, she had gotten away with the food fight. She smiled brightly. "Aunt CJ is going to decorate the goldfish bowl for Christmas. She said I can help her. I want to decorate our house too. And I want to bake Christmas cookies. Zoey said she'd help me make the cookies."
"Serena." Josh interrupted. He knew that she was trying to keep him distracted.
Serena did not answer. She just looked at him, he hadn't forgotten after all.
"We have to discuss your problems at school today."
Serena nodded mutely.
"You had every right to be very angry and upset at Bailey. She should not have said any of those things to you. But you should have handled it differently."
"How?"
"You should have told an adult at school or waited until you got home and told Amy or I."
Serena nodded. "Okay. I'll tell you next time."
Josh saw her expression. "Before you do whatever it is?"
"Okay." How come he always knew what she was thinking? She wondered.
"I'm not going to punish you." Josh felt that Bailey's comments were enough.
Serena hid her smile.
"You won't be going back to that school."
"Ever?"
Josh nodded. "I'm putting you in a different school."
"Can I choose?" She asked hopefully.
"No. I'm going to choose a school from your Mommy's list." He told her.
"Oh."
"Josh?" Margaret stepped into the room. "The meeting was supposed to start ten minutes ago."
Josh stood up. "I know Margaret. I'll explain to Leo." He turned back to Serena. "You and Amy can go get something from the mess. I'll be back soon."
***********
"So, how are the Christmas preparations going?" Will asked as he, Toby, CJ, and Josh left Leo's office.
"Hanukkah." Toby stated.
Will nodded. "Okay. How are the Christmas and/or Hanukah preparations coming?"
"I assume you mean personal, as we really have no say in the ones here." CJ stated.
Will nodded.
Toby shrugged. "There isn't much for me to prepare. I don't have family coming and I absolutely do not decorate."
Josh shuddered. "Serena is making me decorate the house. We are going to spend Sunday doing it."
"All day?" Toby asked in horror.
"Yeah. I guess she, Donna, and Sam got boxes and boxes of decorations last year."
"You guess? You spent Christmas day with them last year. Didn't you see the decorations?" CJ asked.
Josh shrugged. "I didn't notice anything but the tree."
"What about you?" Will asked CJ.
"Nothing much. I am putting a tree up this year."
"So am I." Will said. "I'm spending Christmas with Elsie."
Josh grimaced. "Alana's coming for Christmas. She is spending a week with us."
"How does Serena feel about that?" CJ asked curiously.
Josh hesitated. "I'm not sure. She has been very quiet on that subject." It was very unlike Serena to be quiet about anything.
"What about your mother?"
"She'll be here too. Donna's parents are going to be in DC to see her the day after Christmas. They are going to stop by to see Serena. Patty is spending the day before New Years Eve with Serena." He thought a moment. "Why don't you spend Christmas at the house with us? My Mom is making a traditional Christmas dinner for Serena's sake."
"Okay." CJ agreed. There was nothing like spending Christmas with a child.
Toby shrugged. "Alright."
Josh looked at Will. "Elsie, is more than welcome."
"I'll talk to her, it sounds like fun."
"Fun?" Josh repeated. "Spending time with Alana is not fun."
"Is she really that bad?" Will hadn't spent much time around Alana and was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.
"Yes." Toby, Josh, and CJ answered simultaneously.
Will wasn't convinced. "I can see why she'd fight for custody of Serena. She really thinks she is the best person to raise her."
Josh glared at Will. "She fought Sam for custody. She fought me for custody. Yet, she left early when Serena had her bone marrow transplant. Serena almost died and Alana couldn't be bothered to be there."
"I just don't think we should condemn her without knowing her side of the story. We are a somewhat difficult group of people to be around."
Josh, Toby, and CJ all glared at him. Will took a few steps backward. "Anyway, I'll let you know about Christmas."
"Is he really on Alana's side?"
Toby shook his head. "He was just trying to play devil's advocate."
"He'll see on Christmas." CJ stated. "What about Leo? Is he spending Christmas with Mal or the Bartletts?"
Josh shook his head. "He is spending Christmas with us. He was going to spend it by himself in the hotel but Serena found out. She is making him come over." Josh smiled. None of them could say no to that child.
"What about Mallory?" Toby asked.
"She is spending the holidays with her boyfriend."
"She has a boyfriend?" CJ asked in surprise. She had not heard.
"I guess she has been dating him for several months. They work together." Josh explained with a shrug. "And of course, the Bartletts are going to New Hampshire."
"They leave two days before Christmas." CJ confirmed. "They'll be back three days after Christmas."
"And Charlie is spending the holidays with his sister and some distant relatives." Josh said.
They all headed back to their offices.
********
Dec. 4
********
"Not like that." Serena said in an exasperated tone.
Amy smiled as Josh groaned. Serena wanted everything to be perfect. She would not settle for less.
Serena tilted her head. "A little higher and to the right." She instructed.
Josh moved the wreath and stepped back. "Well?"
Serena sighed dramatically. "It will do."
Josh closed the door.
Serena turned in a circle, studying the entryway and living room. A strand of garland was woven through the staircase.
Bright red, silk poinsettias adorned the top of the chandelier
A lacy red and white tablecloth with tiny Christmas trees embroidered on it was draped over the table against the wall. A hand crocheted, white Christmas tree sat on top of it. Donna's mother had made the tree for her the year before.
The wreath hanging on the front door had small porcelain dolls in red and green dresses sitting amongst the beautiful greenery and bright-red berries.
Mistletoe hung in the doorway to the living room, at Serena's insistence.
Holly was draped across the fireplace. A tall porcelain Santa Clause stood next to the fireplace looking out on the room.
White and silver candles sat on top of the baby-grand piano. They would illuminate the room at night. Soon, a Menorah would join them.
The tree stood in the center of the room. Its piney scent filled their nostrils. A porcelain angel with golden wings adorned the top of the tree. Smaller angels were interspersed along with silver balls and tinsel around the tree. Serena had spent hours placing each angel in the perfect place.
Amy had stenciled snowflakes on all of the windows with peel off paint. The iridescent snowflakes would glow in the dark.
The doorbell rang and Serena spun around. "I'll get it."
"Wait, Serena."
Serena turned to look at Josh. "I'm sure it is the pizza delivery person." Josh said.
"I want to pay him."
Josh handed Serena the money and followed her as far the living room doorway. She enjoyed "grown up" tasks like paying the young kids that delivered their food. He allowed it, but watched to make sure she was safe.
Serena carried the pizza box into the family room and sat it on the coffee table. Amy had already brought paper plates in from the kitchen.
Amy walked back into the room carrying glasses and a half-gallon of milk.
Serena noticed Josh's cringe when he saw the milk. "Can we have soda instead?" She asked hopefully.
Josh really wished he could give in. He hated drinking milk, but he felt that he had to drink it if he was forcing Serena to drink it. "How about this? We'll both drink half a glass of milk, then we can have some soda."
Serena pondered his suggestion for a few moments. "Root beer?"
"Yep."
"Okay." She agreed cheerfully as she took a glass of milk from Amy. Amy retrieved the soda from the kitchen while Serena quickly drank her milk.
Amy took a bit of her pizza as she surveyed the family room. They weren't done decorating in here yet but they had made progress.
Hand made stockings hung along the fireplace. A hand-blown glass plate sat on the end table closest to the fireplace. On Christmas Eve, the plate would hold Santa's cookies.
A large collection of Christmas CD's had been placed in the CD rack near the stereo. The look of horror on Josh's face when he saw the stack of CD's was priceless.
A beautiful, hand-carved, wooden Nativity graced the corner of the room. The Nativity had been in Sam's family for several generations.
"Hurry." Serena ordered them impatiently. "We have to finish decorating."
Amy took another bit of pizza. "What's next?"
"We have to finish in here." Serena grinned. "Then Uncle Josh can hang the lights outside."
Josh groaned. "Do I have to?" He whined.
"Yes." Serena answered immediately.
Josh thought wildly. "But we don't want to overdo it. We want to be understated and elegant."
Serena pondered that for a few moments and Josh sighed with relief. She wasn't going to make him hang outdoor lights after all.
Serena finally looked him directly in the eyes. "Nice try, but you aren't getting out of it that easily."
Josh stared at her through temporarily startled eyes. She had sounded so much like her mother just then that he almost wanted to turn around to see if Donna was standing behind him.
He hadn't thought that he could miss Donna anymore than he already did, but he'd been wrong. This holiday season was going to be difficult for all of them.
As hard as the last couple of weeks had been, he did have to admit that it was getting better. For the first several weeks after the accident, the only thing which kept him going was Serena. Taking care of that little girl had been the only thing which got him out of bed in the morning and home from work in the evening.
During the last few months, things changed. Living became easier every day. They established their routines, he felt more confident in his role as surrogate father. Everyone helped him as much as they could. It wasn't quite so difficult to move on.
He realized that things were going to continue to get better.
***********
Dec. 8
**********
Serena and Josh stepped out of the elevator and down the familiar halls. As always, Serena clung to Josh's hand, her other hand clutched a Christmas tree shaped plastic container.
Serena took her hand out of Josh's and stepped up to a desk. She smiled brightly. "Hi, Emily."
The young woman sitting at the desk looked up from whatever she had been reading. A smile brightened her face when she saw them. "Hi, Serena, Josh."
"Zoey came over earlier today and we made Christmas cookies." She held out the container. "I brought you some. The Santa's are sugar cookies. The gingerbread men are gingerbread. The reindeer are peanut butter."
The young nurse accepted the cookies from Serena. "Thank you sweetie. I'm sure they're delicious."
Serena frowned a bit. "Maybe not the peanut butter. Uncle Josh helped make those." She smiled at Josh teasingly. "Zoey says that he is inept in the kitchen."
Josh frowned. "I am not inept."
Serena rolled her eyes. "Zoey and I super. super." She thought hard and both adults held back their smiles. "Supervised." Serena said with a triumphant grin. "We supervised him so the cookies shouldn't be too bad." She assured the nurse.
"Thank you." Emily said again. She really adored this little girl. Serena was always so sweet and well behaved. She always stopped to talk to Emily or which ever nurse was on duty when she came here.
"How is she?" Josh asked as he always did.
Emily smiled sympathetically at him. He always asked, even though the answer was always the same. "No change."
Josh closed his eyes briefly as he said a prayer. That was always his reaction to the nurse's answer.
Serena slipped her hand back into Josh's. "She'll wake up soon." She assured him. "She just needs time to get better first because she was hurt so badly." She repeated what Abbey had told her.
Josh smiled at the little girl. It was impossible to lose hope with Serena around. The child was optimistic, even though most children that had been through as much as she had wouldn't be. She was a very special little girl.
Josh slowly opened the door to Donna's private room and Serena preceded him inside. Serena stepped up to her mother's bed. Josh lifted her up and she kissed Donna's cheek. "Hi Mommy."
Josh sat Serena back down and leaned over to brush a quick kiss onto Donna's forehead.
"It'll be Christmas in three days." Serena stated. "The house is so pretty. Uncle Josh and Amy helped me decorate." She spoke enthusiastically describing everything to her mother.
Josh smiled as he listened to Serena chatter. He studied both females in the room. The difference between them was amazing.
Serena was life. She bubbled over with energy, happiness, and enthusiasm. She could fill almost any room with happiness just by stepping into it.
Serena's long brown hair reached past her knees. Today that hair was pulled back in a French braid. Serena's bright blue eyes shone with happiness and health. Serena was very pale but her cheeks shone with warmth and cheer.
Today Serena wore a red velvet dress and black Mary Janes. She had been dressing festively for the past several days.
Donna lay still on her bed. She was always so still that Josh often felt for her pulse just to assure himself that she really was alive.
Her beautiful blond hair had been cut to almost nothing. It made it easier for the nurses to care for her. Her alabaster skin had faded: it was nearly transparent, it blended in with the white sheets of the bed.
She was wearing a flannel night gown and pink, fuzzy socks.
One of them epitomized life and the other epitomized. Josh swallowed, the other epitomized death. She was alive, yet she really wasn't.
Life oozed from Serena, while death hung like a cloak over Donna.
"Everyone is spending Christmas with us." Serena was saying cheerfully. "Well, almost everyone. Not Uncle Jed and Aunt Abbey. They are spending Christmas at their farm and so is Zoey. But Uncle Leo, Aunt CJ, Uncle Toby, Grandma Clara, Grandma Alana, Will, and Elsie are coming over. Amy is going to her mom's."
Serena was silent suddenly. After a few minutes, she spoke again. "I wish you could be there too." She said softly. "I know that you'll wake up when you can but I want you to wake up now. I want you to spend Christmas with us. We all do. I miss you."
Josh didn't know what to do. Should he continue to allow Serena to talk or should he interrupt her? Should he reassure her? This was not how Serena usually acted.
"I love you, Mommy." She turned to Josh with wide soulful eyes. "Can we go now?"
Josh looked between the woman and the girl. "Okay." He stepped over to the bed and kissed Donna again. "I'll be back soon." He whispered. He wished he could stay but he knew that he needed to get Serena away from here.
*********
"Serena?" Josh started once they were in the car on their way back to the house.
"Yes, Uncle Josh?"
"You really miss your mommy don't you?" Josh asked unnecessarily.
After a few moments, Serena answered in a soft voice. "Yes."
Josh pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned to look at the little girl in the back seat. "Do you like going to the nursing home to see her?" He had always just assumed that Serena wanted to go see Donna. He had never actually asked the child.
Serena hesitated. "Kind of." She finally answered.
"Kind of?" Josh repeated slowly.
Serena felt a tear slip down her cheek. "I like spending time with Mommy but it hurts." She explained, her voice so low that he could barely hear her. "I want her to wake up so much but she won't. I thought she would have by now." She paused for a few minutes. Josh waited patiently. "The nurse always tells you that there was no change."
Josh watched the little girl. How could he not have noticed what this was doing to her? How could he not have seen how upset she really was? She had done a very good job of hiding it but he should have seen it. Sam would have seen it.
"She isn't going to wake up, is she?" Serena whispered. Her face was covered in tears. She could taste the salty substance on her lips.
Josh swallowed the large lump in his throat as a few tears spilled out of his own eyes. How did you answer a question like that? Was there an answer? "I hope so." He finally whispered.
Neither spoke for several minutes.
"What if she does?" Serena finally asked.
"I." Josh didn't know what to say because he didn't really know what she was asking.
"What happens to me?" She asked after a few minutes.
"What would you want to happen?" Josh asked carefully.
Serena was silent for a few more minutes as she thought. "I don't know." She finally whispered. "I love Mommy, but I love you too. Would Mommy be able to take care of me?"
Good question, Josh thought. "Mommy would have to have physical therapy at first." Josh finally said. "She would have to practice doing a lot of different things."
"Like taking care of me?"
"Yes."
"After that would I live with her?"
Josh hesitated. "I'm not sure, Angel. We would have to discuss it then."
"Oh."
"But no matter what happens, one of us will always take care of you. We both love you more than anything."
Serena gave him a weak smile. "I know."
Josh turned back around and restarted the car. He was going to have to be a lot more careful with Serena in the future. She pretended to be stronger than she was in order to protect and help him. But she was just a little girl.
He wouldn't bring her back to see Donna again until she asked him.
************
Dec. 16
***********
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose.
Josh cringed at the song blaring out of the car's radio. He hated Christmas songs. He could tolerate the classics pretty well but songs like this? They really irritated him.
Serena did not feel the same way. She sang along with the radio, not missing a word or a note. As she sang, she stared out her window raptly. She did not want to miss a thing. Christmas only came once a year after all.
She loved the holiday season. Multicolored strands of light bedecked most houses and many trees and bushes. Snowmen stood tall and regale in front yards. Creatively decorated Christmas trees had temporary homes in most houses.
The uplifting strands of Christmas music played most places.
The unique blend of Christmas scents fragranced the air. Serena could almost smell them, just thinking about them. Pine, burning firewood, gingerbread, hot cider, pie, those were just a few of the combined smells which make up the scent of Christmas.
In a word, Christmas was happy. And Serena needed happiness.
Josh sighed in relief as he slid into an open parking spot. He climbed out of the car and walked around to let Serena out.
"Could I have had to park any farther?" Josh muttered as he stared out as the sea of cars around them.
Serena cheerfully took Josh hand for the long walk ahead of them.
Josh had to smile as Serena skipped next to him as she chattered excitedly about their plans for the holidays. She was trying to plan everything down to the minute.
As they approached the building, Josh scowled. A group of carolers in Victorian clothing sang "Deck the Halls" while a man in a Santa suit rang a bell as people dropped money into his little metal plate.
Serena practically dragged Josh over towards the group. She wanted to join the small crowd of people admiring the music.
Josh resignedly waited for the song to end. He glanced down at his watch several times. Who knew that this song could be so long? Finally, the song ended and he dropped some money in Santa's plate and walked off with Serena.
They walked through the airport and found the gate they were looking for. They found seats as they waited for their guest to join them.
Josh smiled at Serena who just couldn't sit still. She was wiggling and squirming in her seat restlessly. An older couple sitting across from them smiled at both of them. "Waiting is so difficult at her age." The woman said sympathetically.
Josh nodded his agreement.
The woman turned back to Serena. "I love your dress. It is so festive."
Serena gave her a brilliant smile. "Thank you."
The woman turned to Josh with a smile, "Your daughter is adorable."
Josh sat in his seat, astonished, as the old woman continued to speak with Serena.
His daughter. He had never thought of her like that before. After several minutes, Josh jumped up. He looked down at Serena. "She's here."
People started to file in from the flight.
After a few minutes, Clara Lyman appeared in the crowd. She scanned the waiting area for her son, finally spotted Josh and Serena.
She joined them and pulled her son into a hug. Then she turned to Serena. She knelt down next to the child and pulled her into her arms.
Serena took Clara's hand as they headed to get Clara's luggage. "Guess what, Grandma Clara?"
Clara smiled down at the exuberant child. She hadn't met the little girl until a week after Sam's death but she had immediately fallen in love with her. "What?"
Serena sighed in exasperation. "Doesn't anyone realize that you have to actually guess?" She inquired of the ceiling.
Josh rolled his eyes and held back a laugh. Serena loved being overly dramatic.
Clara barely choked back her own laugh. "Okay." She agreed. "Let's see." She rested her free hand on her chin and pretended to think hard. "Did Uncle Josh finally agree to let you start a zoo in your bedroom?" She inquired in a suitably curious tone.
Serena giggled a bit. "He says that would mess up the carpet. Zoey says he's just scared of the animals." She giggled again. "She says it would be really funny to watch him box with a kangaroo."
Josh mock frowned at Serena. "I am not scared of animals."
Serena looked up at him innocently. "Really?"
"Really." He said firmly.
Clara bit the inside of her cheek. She didn't want to let on that she knew Serena was leading Josh into a trap.
"I don't believe you." Serena announced after studying Josh's face for a few moments.
"Why?" Josh demanded.
Serena shrugged. "I don't know. I just think that you are scared of animals."
"I am not." Josh insisted.
Serena just looked at him.
"I'm not."
She still didn't say anything.
"Really." He looked at his mom. "Tell her."
Clara just shrugged. She didn't want to get involved.
"You could always prove it." Serena suggested with a shrug. Her tone was nonchalant.
"Fine." Josh agreed without thinking. "How?"
Serena barely held her grin back. "We can make a stop on our way home."
"Where?" Josh asked. He still wasn't thinking.
"At a pet store."
"How will that prove anything?"
Serena smiled up at him. "Because I'm getting a kitten."
"A what?!!!" Josh shrieked. Several people turned to stare at him but he ignored them.
They reached the baggage area and Clara started watching for her bags as Serena looked at Josh in mock sympathy. "A kitten is a baby cat, Uncle Josh." She said condescendingly.
"I know that. You are not getting a kitten or a cat."
"Okay." Serena readily agreed. "So, you are scared."
"I'm not."
"Okay." She agreed patronizingly.
Josh sighed. He could not believe this. He had allowed a four-year-old to trick him. There really wasn't any way out now. "We'll stop on the way home." He said after a few minutes.
Serena grinned triumphantly. She had known she would win.
***********
Dec. 18
***********
"Come on." Serena urged.
"What is the hurry?" Alana chuckled as her enthusiastic granddaughter practically dragged her into the house. Josh shut the door behind Alana, slowly followed the two.
"I want to show you something." Serena explained to her grandmother without slowing her pace a bit.
Clara stepped out of the kitchen and quietly stepped next to her son. She studied Alana. She had seen the woman on television, but never in person. Alana really did not look like a grandmother, Clara mused. She was probably in her late forties, trying to look like she was in her early twenties. Her blond hair was cut in a short sleek style around her face and any gray that might have appeared had been quickly dealt with. She wore a light blue skirt set with matching pumps.
Serena led the adults up the staircase. At the door to her playroom she abruptly stopped. She turned to her grandmother. "You have to be really quiet." She whispered the admonishment.
Alana nodded, intrigued. What could Serena want to show her that could require silence? She glanced back at Josh and the woman standing with him, his mother, Alana assumed. Neither one's face gave anything away.
Alana nodded at Clara in acknowledgment but completely ignored Josh. She noticed the slight resemblance between the mother and son. Their hair was the same shade of brown but Clara's was longer and was pulled back from her face with light colored clips. Josh's eyes were the same shape as his mother's but weren't quiet as light. Clara wore a pair of black slacks and a light blue turtleneck sweater.
Serena opened the door and motioned all the adults into the room.
Alana scanned the room but did not immediately notice whatever it was that Serena wanted her to see. She looked down at her granddaughter curiously.
With a sigh at her grandmother's lack of observation skills, she took Alana's hand and led her across the room. She knelt down next to the basket, which was lying near her dollhouse. The bundle of blankets inside were partially concealing the small animal sleeping soundly within their folds.
Curious, Alana knelt down next to Serena to get a better look. "What is that?"
Serena gently lifted one of the blankets so that her grandmother could see her new pet. The animal stirred and rolled over, stretching its legs out in front of it. "Uncle Josh said that she is a Hanukkah present."
"Oh." Alana stepped back away from the basket as her hand flew to her face. She wasn't fast enough to cover the onslaught of forceful sneezes that engulfed her body. She pushed her way past Josh as her eyes started to water and swell.
Josh moved over toward the basket and the perplexed little girl standing next to it. He knelt down beside Serena and grinned at her. "I think Grandma Alana is going to have to stay in a hotel." He tried to hide his glee but saw from his mother's expression that he did not quite succeed.
"Why?" Serena asked in a bewildered tone. "She doesn't like my puppy?"
"She is allergic to the puppy." Clara corrected gently.
"She makes Grandma Alana sick?"
"Yep." Josh answered cheerfully and received a reproachful look from his mother. He turned to the basket and the ten-week-old puppy watching the three humans, her head tilted curiously. Josh reached out to scratch her ears. "You know, I think I like you after all." He hadn't really wanted to get a puppy but it was better than the kitten Serena had originally tricked him into agreeing to. At least it wouldn't use him as a scratching post while he slept, or sleep on his head.
The tiny animal gave a tiny yelp to alert them that she wanted out of the basket since she was too small to jump out herself.
Josh lifted the puppy out, wondering for about the hundredth time what it was that had attracted Serena to this dog. The dog kennel they had gone to had several different breeds. Josh's choice had been either a golden retriever or a lab. His mother had wanted Serena to get a miniature collie. But Serena had insisted not only on this breed but also on this particular dog.
Josh felt that the dog was just about the ugliest thing he had ever seen. He had said that when Zoey and Abbey had dropped by to see the animal the morning after they got her. They would have taken the dog to the White House but the secret service would not have allowed that. Zoey had laughed at Josh's proclamation and had said that the dog was so ugly that she was cute. Her mother and Clara had readily agreed. Serena had stared at them before arguing that ugly and cute were opposites.
The puppy was almost completely hairless but had a puff of fur on her tail, fur on her paws, and what looked like a lion's mane around her head and face.
Josh hadn't even known that Hairless Chinese Crested dogs were a breed until he saw the three puppies in a playpen.
Serena had immediately fallen in love with the unusual animals. Josh and the kennel's owner had both told Serena how much work one of those puppies would be. It would have to have special care because of its lack of protective fur. They had to make sure it didn't get a sunburn or a skin infection. They'd have to rub baby-oil into the dog's skin everyday. Serena's response had been that she didn't care how much work the puppy would be because she loved it and when you loved something, you would do anything for it. Josh hadn't been able to say no after that comment.
"I'm going to go check on Mrs. Farrel."
Josh stared after his mother in bewilderment. Why would she do that?
"Is Grandma Alana still going to spend Christmas with us?" Serena inquired curiously while softly petting the as yet nameless puppy.
"I'm not sure."
Serena frowned. "If she does, will my puppy have to be locked up in my room?"
Josh sighed. "Probably."
"But it isn't the puppy's fault. What if she thinks we are blaming and punishing her? It isn't fun to be blamed for something that isn't your fault."
Josh looked into Serena's earnest face. He knew that Donna and Sam would have found a way to make this conversation into a lesson but he wasn't sure if he could. He doubted that he'd ever have the parenting skills that they had had. "No, it isn't." He agreed. "How about we give her a special treat to eat while she is in here on Christmas?"
Serena pondered the suggestion for a few minutes. "Okay." She finally agreed. "And we have to check on her lots and lots."
Josh nodded as he stood up. "Deal. I'm going to go find Grandma Clara and Grandma Alana, okay?"
"Okay." Serena turned her attention on her puppy.
As Josh left the room, he heard her asking the puppy her advice on names. If she liked a name she was supposed to yap twice and if she didn't like it only once. It was very difficult but he suppressed his laugh.
He found his mother and Alana in the family room sipping coffee. Alana's eyes were red and puffy but they seemed to have stopped watering.
Alana looked up to see Josh standing in the doorway. She scowled at him. "I cannot believe that you would stoop this low."
Josh blinked in confusion. "What?"
"The puppy."
Josh looked behind him to make sure that Serena had not followed him. He stepped into the room and slid the door shut before turning back to Alana. "What about the puppy?" He asked with deceptive calm. His mother stiffened - she had heard that tone of voice before.
"You got her a puppy to keep me from spending the holidays here." Alana accused.
"And how was I to know that you were even allergic to dogs?" Josh demanded.
Alana shrugged. "You have money. You probably hired someone to find out my weaknesses."
"Like mental health." Josh muttered under his breath. "I got Serena the puppy because she wanted a pet."
"Oh, so you give her everything she wants?" Alana asked with a raised eyebrow.
Josh clenched his teeth. This woman managed to twist everything he said. "No." He did not need to explain himself to this woman.
"Whatever." Alana stated with another shrug. "It really doesn't matter anyway. You'll just have to take care of it."
Take care of it. The sentence hung in the air for several silent seconds.
"What are you suggesting?" Clara asked carefully, as she laid a hand on Josh's arm in a calming gesture.
"It doesn't really matter as long as the puppy is gone."
"Are you suggesting that I get rid of Serena's puppy?" Josh asked between gritted teeth.
"I am not suggesting it. I am insisting." Alana corrected.
"No." Josh's tone was filled with ice.
Alana stood up. "You have no choice. The court gave me permission to spend all major holidays here with my only granddaughter."
"And I didn't say you couldn't." Josh reminded her.
"I cannot be around an animal with fur."
Josh shrugged. "That is your choice."
Alana glared at him furiously. "I am allergic to the animal."
"There are allergy medications." Clara suggested in an attempt to diffuse the situation.
"I should not have to take medication in order to spend time with my granddaughter." She told Clara icily before turning back to Josh. "Either deal with this or I will." She paused briefly. "Now, get Serena for me please. I am going to take her for hot chocolate."
When Josh did not move Clara briefly considered getting the child herself but decided that it would not be wise to leave these two alone without a witness or a referee. "Josh. Get Serena." She ordered softly.
Josh sent one last glare at Alana before exiting the room. He had no choice but to allow Serena to go with Alana. But there was no way in Hell that he'd allow her to upset Serena in any way, and that included doing anything with Serena's new puppy. The little girl already adored the small animal.
Josh's mood dissipated when he stepped into the little girl's playroom. Serena sat next to a bucket of doll clothes with the puppy on her lap. The animal lay calmly as Serena slipped tiny yellow socks onto her paws. The socks matched the dress that the puppy was already wearing. He burst out laughing.
"It isn't funny. You are going to hurt her fellings." Serena scolded without looking up from her task.
"Feelings." Josh corrected as he suppressed his laugh.
"Feelings." Serena dutifully mimicked.
"Good. Grandma Alana wants to take you for hot cocoa."
"Do I have to go? I'm busy."
Josh sighed. "Yes, Angel. You have to go spend some time with her." He paused. "I think she missed you." He added grudgingly. He knew that Serena's incredibly soft heart wouldn't be able to resist that.
"Oh." Serena started to gently pull the socks off of the puppy. "It isn't fun to miss someone." She stated wistfully. "I'll go with her. But only for a little while, cause I have things I need to do. Important things."
Josh raised an eyebrow as he hid his smile. "Like what?"
Serena carefully folded the puppy's dress and put it into the bucket. "I have to think of names for my puppy and Aunt CJ's fish. I don't want Aunt CJ to think I forgot cause I'm irreponsible."
"Irresponsible? And she knows that you are trying to find the perfect name."
"Good." She stood up and headed for the door. "Be good for Uncle Josh." She called back to the puppy.
**********
Dec. 22
**********
Josh looked up at the sound of the doorbell. "Can you get that?" He called out, hoping that his mother would hear him. There was no way he could go to the door right now.
"Uncle Josh, hurry." Serena whined impatiently.
"Kay." He responded. He turned back to his task of lathering the shampoo into Serena's hair. Amy was spending the holiday week with her parents.
He rinsed the shampoo out, careful to make sure that none of it ran down into her eyes. "All done." He announced. "Are you ready to get out?" He reached behind him for a towel.
"No!" Serena protested loudly. "I want to play longer."
Josh glanced down at his watch. "Ten more minutes." He agreed.
"Cool." Serena exclaimed as she grabbed a box of soap crayons and started drawing intricate designs on her arms.
"Joshua."
Her use of his given name caused him to look at his mother in surprise. She was standing in the doorway.
"You have a guest downstairs in the living room."
"Who is it?" His attention was back on Serena as she drew a multicolored rainbow on the shower wall. He heard her hesitation and turned back to her. "Mom?"
"It is Zoey Bartlett." She finally answered.
Serena looked up in surprise, happiness shinning on her face. "I want to see Zoey."
"I thought you wanted to play awhile longer?"
She looked at him like he was dense. "I want to see Zoey." She repeated slowly.
Clara stepped into the room and grabbed a towel. "Why don't you go see Zoey while I get Serena into her pajamas?" She directed at Josh. She was already helping Serena out of the tub.
"Thanks."
Josh smiled as he nodded at Gina who was standing by his living room door, before stepping inside. "Hey." He softly greeted Zoey who was studying the Christmas tree.
Zoey turned around and smiled brightly at Josh. "Hi." She walked closer.
Josh gestured to the sofa and Zoey sat down. "I'm surprised to see you tonight." Josh said as he sat down next to her.
Zoey laughed. "Your mom was too. It took her several seconds to even invite me in. She kept staring behind me like she expected to see my dad or something. Anyway, we are leaving tomorrow."
"To go to New Hampshire?"
"Yep, Dad planned the trip so that we have plenty of time to cut down our own tree." She rolled her eyes. "We used to do that every year when we were little. I guess he thinks that will take us back to our childhood's."
"The secret service is going to let him have a sharp object?" Josh asked in shock.
Zoey shook her head. "No. You should have heard him go on and on about traditions when Ron said that an agent would cut the tree for us."
Josh shuddered. "I'm glad I didn't."
Zoey laughed. "I kind of feel sorry for whichever agent has to do it. Dad is going to give the guy that same lecture."
"And probably one on the first Christmas celebrated with a tree here in America." Josh guessed with a grin. He found the President's quirks funny when he wasn't on the receiving end.
"Zoey!" Serena called out as she ran into the room. Her long braid flew behind her.
Zoey stood up and knelt down to hug the little girl. "Hey Munchkin."
"Did you decide to spend Christmas with us? Instead of going to New Hamshire?" Serena asked as Zoey sat back down with her on her lap.
"Nope. I just came by to bring you your Christmas present." Zoey answered cheerfully. Serena had been trying to convince her to ditch her parents for almost a month. It was a joke between them.
"Cool!" Serena peered all around her. "Where is it?"
"Serena." Josh prompted.
"Can I have it please?" Serena rephrased. A sweet smile graced her face.
Zoey pretended to think about it. She turned to Josh. "I don't know. Maybe I should make her wait. It is tradition to wait until at least Christmas Eve after all."
"True." Josh agreed. "It is only a couple of days. That shouldn't be too hard for her."
"Hey." Serena protested. She thought quickly before giving Zoey a manipulative smile. "Okay." She agreed sweetly. "But then you won't be able to see me open it. I heard Aunt CJ tell Uncle Toby that it was going to be fun watching my face on Christmas when I open my gifts."
Zoey and Josh both burst into surprised laughter. "You win." Zoey said after a minute. She picked up the bag beside her and took a box out.
Serena accepted the wrapped box and started to carefully unwrap it. She got the paper off in one piece without any rips. After laying the paper aside, she opened the box. "It is really pretty." She exclaimed.
Zoey, who was still staring at the folded wrapping paper in mild shock, blinked to clear her mind. Genetics aside, this was definitely Donna's child, she thought. "Do you want to try it on?"
Serena nodded eagerly.
Zoey took the necklace out of the jewelry box and fastened it around the little girl's neck. "Do you want to know why I chose it?"
"Yep."
"Well, you saw the pretty gold angel right?"
"Yep."
"I got the angel necklace for two reasons. Number one is that Uncle Josh is always calling you Angel. Number two is because the angel is supposed to be a guardian angel."
"A guardian angel?" Serena questioned curiously.
"A guardian angel goes everywhere with you and takes care of you when something bad happens." Zoey explained.
"I wish I had one before." Serena said solemnly.
"You did." She pushed a lock of hair out of Serena's eyes. "You just couldn't see it. This necklace will help you remember, next time you need an angel." She reached under her turtleneck and pulled something out. "See, I have one too. Uncle Leo and Aunt Jenny gave it to me when I was seven. It really helps when I am upset."
"I'll wear it all of the time." Serena promised.
"Not in the bathtub or when you are sleeping." Zoey told her.
"Okay." Serena agreed as she tried to cover a yawn.
"Time for bed." Josh told her.
Serena was about to protest but instead she smiled. "Okay. Can Zoey read me my story?"
"Ask her." Josh instructed.
"Sure." Zoey stood up and followed Serena and Josh out of the room. Gina silently stepped behind the small procession.
Serena grabbed a book from her bookshelf and flopped down onto her bed. Josh tucked Serena in under her covers and sat down across the room. Zoey climbed up next to Serena. Serena gave her the book. "Black Beauty?" Zoey asked in surprise.
Serena shrugged. "The little kid books were getting boring. I can read them myself now." She informed Zoey proudly.
Zoey looked over at Josh who just shrugged.
"How much do you read a night?"
"Several chapters."
"Serena." Josh said from across the room.
"Several pages." Serena said with a sigh.
Zoey opened the book to the bookmark and started to read animatedly.
Josh smile contentedly as he listened and watched Zoey and Serena. Serena was tucked snuggly under her blankets with her head lying on Zoey's shoulder. Zoey was half lying down on the bed next to Serena, her attention solely on the child and the book. Zoey read with emotion, giving each character a distinct voice. They looked so good like that. Sweet.
Zoey looked down after reading for almost a half-hour and was surprised to see Serena's eyes were closed. She gently brushed a lock of hair out of the little girl's face before looking across the room. She smiled at Josh who was watching her and Serena with a puzzling expression on his face. She couldn't pinpoint what it was but she definitely hadn't seen that look on his face before.
Josh stood up when he suddenly realized that Zoey was gazing at him curiously him. He approached the bed and helped Zoey move Serena over so that Zoey could stand up.
"Thank you." Zoey whispered to Josh as he leaned over her to shift Serena.
"Serena loves that necklace. I can tell already." Josh said softly once they were out in the hallway again.
"I hope so. I wanted to give her something meaningful."
"You did." Josh assured her.
Zoey looked down at her watch. "I'd better go." She said regretfully. "I'm staying at the residence tonight so that we can leave really early tomorrow morning. My parents are probably watching for me."
"Do they know you are here?"
"No, I just told them I was stopping by to see a friend on my way over."
"Have a good Christmas." Josh said as they walked down the stairs together.
Zoey laughed softly. "I think you mean Merry Christmas."
Her laugh was so sweet and melodious, Josh mused. He had never noticed that before. Josh shrugged. "I'm Jewish." He excused as he wondered why he liked her laugh so much.
"I'll see you in a few days." Zoey smiled at him one more time before disappearing out the door with Gina.
Josh stared at the door for a few minutes before turning and going into the kitchen. He grabbed a soda from the fridge and sat down at the table to sip it. He really wished he could drink something stronger but he hadn't had any alcohol since he was awarded custody of Serena.
"Josh?"
"Hey Mom." He greeted as she stepped into the room and got herself a bottle of water from the fridge.
Clara sat down across from her son. "So what was Zoey here for?"
"She brought Serena a Christmas present."
"That was nice of her."
"Yeah."
Clara hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "You know I don't like to meddle." She began.
Uh oh, Josh thought. Whenever she said that, it meant that she was about to meddle. He imagined that most mothers were like that.
Clara began carefully, "I was surprised by your reaction when you heard Zoey was here, and Serena's too, it was completely unexpected for me."
"Why?"
"Because Josh, she is your boss's daughter and she is little more than a child herself."
"She is almost twenty-two, Mom." Josh protested immediately.
Clara raised an eyebrow. "Most employees aren't close enough to their boss's daughter for her to stop by unexpected."
"I don't exactly work in a normal environment, Mom. We are all more like a family than colleagues."
Clara sighed. "I know that Josh, but still. You don't need or want rumors going around about you and Zoey."
"What about us?"
"Josh."
"Mom, there isn't anything going on. She is one of my best friends, that's all. And she loves Serena." First Charlie and now his Mom? Who was next, Leo?
Clara stood up. "Okay. Goodnight, Honey." As she walked out of the room, she hoped that her instincts were wrong this time. Or at least that Josh would think before he acted.
**********
Dec. 25
**********
"Wake up."
Josh slowly opened his eyes to see Serena sitting cross-legged next to him on his bed tugging at his hair. "What?" He muttered incoherently before closing his eyes.
"Get up." She grabbed his arm and pulled on it.
Josh opened his eyes again and peered at the clock on his nightstand. "It is 6:00 AM on one of the few days that I can sleep in."
"But it is Christmas." She said in case he had forgotten.
As Josh came more fully awake, he could smell the aromas coming from the kitchen. He climbed out of bed and trudged toward his bathroom. "What is Grandma making?"
"French toast, eggs, and fresh fruit."
"I'll be down soon."
"And then presents?" She asked hopefully.
"Breakfast, then everyone will come over and you can open your presents." Josh corrected.
Serena sighed. "Okay. I just hope they hurry."
They had barely finished breakfast when the doorbell rang. Serena ran to get it, letting CJ and Toby into the house.
"Buy out a toy store Toby?" Josh asked when he saw the pile of presents in Toby's arms.
"CJ did." Toby grumbled around a box.
As CJ was neatly stacking the presents near the tree, the doorbell rang again. This time Serena led her grandmother into the room. Alana had decided to stay in a hotel because of the dog. At his mother's urging, Josh was even paying the bill.
Alana looked around the living room. She completely ignored Josh. "Hello CJ."
"Hello." CJ replied coolly. Josh had told her about the puppy incident. How heartless did you have to be to even suggest taking a pet away from a child?
"Toby."
"Alana." Toby responded.
Within the next few minutes Leo, Will, and Elsie arrived.
"Presents." Serena announced to the room at large.
Most of the adults laughed at the little girl's enthusiasm.
Serena opened each package with care and folded the wrapping neatly beside her. She put the cards in a separate stack.
Josh snapped picture after picture as CJ videotaped the whole thing.
After more than an hour, Will peered around the living room. Clothes were piled on top of an unoccupied chair. A stack of books graced the coffee table. Toys and stuffed animals littered the floor. "It looks like a children's store in here."
"Maybe we went a little overboard." Josh admitted. He looked over at CJ. They both shrugged at the same time. "Naw."
CJ looked down at Serena, who was dressing her new Barbie doll in a hideously mismatched outfit. "Have you been thinking of names?"
"Names?" Alana asked in confusion.
"I get to name Aunt CJ's new fish and my puppy too." Serena informed her grandmother.
Alana turned to glare at Josh. "Her puppy?" She had been hoping that Josh would get rid of the animal at some point during the previous week.
"You met her remember?" Serena asked her grandmother in concern.
"I remember." Alana assured Serena before turning back to Josh. "I cannot be around a dog."
"You aren't having an allergic reaction right now." Will pointed out helpfully. "You should be fine unless you go near the dog."
Alana turned her glare on him and he sat back in his chair. "I didn't want to have to do this." Alana told Josh in a put-upon tone. "But I'm going to have to allow the judge to decide."
"Decide what?" Serena asked worriedly. "I want to live with Uncle Josh." She climbed onto his lap.
"The judge can decide other things about your care too." Alana told her.
"Like what?" Serena asked curiously.
"Like whether or not you can have a pet." Alana answered.
"I already have a puppy. I even chose her name." She informed the room proudly but no one heard her. They were all watching Alana wearily.
"The judge ordered you to allow me to spend holidays here. I can't do that if I have to constantly worry about my health do to some animal. Therefore, you having that dog is a direct violation of a court order." Alana explained haughtily. "I've already spoken to my lawyer."
"What about my puppy?" Serena asked in a soft, scared voice. She was staring at her grandmother.
Elsie jumped up. "Serena, you know what? I haven't gotten to meet your puppy yet. I'd really like to but I don't know where she is. Can you take me to her?"
Serena looked at Josh.
"Go with Elsie, Angel." Josh instructed gently. His tone a direct contrast to his eyes.
"Kay." Serena mumbled uncertainly as she took Elsie's hand and led her out of the room.
Josh turned on Alana. "How dare you scare her like that?"
"Scare her? She gets frightened that easily? I doubt that that is normal."
Leo stood up and went to stand next to Josh who had just stood. He laid a hand on the younger man's shoulder.
"Serena has already lost more than enough." Josh said dangerously.
"It is a dog." Alana argued. "It doesn't matter. Besides, she just got it. She can't be that attached."
Toby lay a hand on CJ's arm before she could get up.
"Get out." Josh growled.
"What?" Alana demanded indignantly.
"Get out of my house."
No one even noticed that it was the first time he had called it his house.
"I have a court order to spend Christmas here with Serena." Alana objected.
"Get out." Josh repeated.
"Fine." She stepped out of the living room with the others all right behind her. "I'll take her with me." Before she could go up the stairs, CJ was standing on the bottom step, her expression daring Alana to cross her.
"I have the right to spend this day with Serena." Alana insisted.
"You lost that right when you frightened her." Leo countered.
"You ruined her Christmas." CJ added. "It is going to take us hours to calm her."
Josh wrenched the door open forcefully. "Out!"
Alana backed towards the door as Toby took a step toward her. "You'll be hearing from my lawyer." She exclaimed as she slammed the door shut. Josh slid the deadbolt into place.
"Merry fucking Christmas." Josh cursed as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Um. You probably shouldn't have said that."
Everyone turned to stare at Will.
Will held up the camcorder which he picked up when CJ laid it on her seat.
"Did you.?" Clara began hopefully.
"I taped it all." Will announced.
"Thank you, Will." CJ startled him by kissing him on the cheek.
"Uncle Josh?" Serena said hesitantly, as Elsie gently guided her down the stairs, clutching her puppy tightly.
"Angel, it is okay." Josh assured her as he knelt down next to her. Serena awkwardly held her puppy as she groped for her new necklace.
"Where is Grandma Alana?"
"She left."
"Good."
"Why good?" Josh asked.
CJ motioned for Will to train the camera on Serena, but to step back so she wouldn't notice.
Serena hesitated. They could all see that she was upset. "She was scaring me." She whispered as she clutched her guardian angel.
"How?"
"I think she wanted to hurt my puppy. I think she is mad cause Tuft makes her sick. But Tuft doesn't do it on purpose. You and Amy always say that you can't blame someone for something they do accidentally."
"You're right." Josh agreed.
"Is she going to get a judge to decide?"
"Maybe."
"Could a judge take Tuft away?" Serena asked fearfully.
"Maybe, but I don't think the Judge would do that." Josh reassured her.
"But what if they made me go live with her?"
Josh kissed her forehead. "Do you want to live with her?"
"No." She said vehemently.
Josh hugged Serena tightly, whispering to her "I won't let that happen."
*************
Author's note: For those of you that would like to see what a Hairless Chinese Crested looks like here is a link to some pictures. http:\\www.crest-care.com\Hairless%20examples.htm Also, the Hairless Chinese Crested is usually a really good pet for an allergy sufferer although in rare cases such as the one in this story you can be allergic to them.
Title: Changes Abound
Disclaimer: The characters belong to John Wells Productions, NBC, Warner Brothers, etc. I am making no money off of my stories. Trust me, I am not worth suing.
Feedback: I love feedback. My e-mail address is catgurl83@yahoo.com
Spoilers: Nothing specific at this point.
Summary: This is the third part of my Changes series. This picks up several months after Continued Changes ends. Sam died. Donna is in a coma. Josh has custody of their daughter, Serena, who is four now. This starts about a month before Christmas.
Rating: G
Author's note: Thanks to Classic She for betaing this for me. I really appreciate all of your help!
***********
Nov. 30
***********
Josh sighed when the intercom buzzed. His assistant, Janet, insisted on using the intercom for most of their communication. He pressed the button. "Yeah?"
"Amy Lerious and Serena Seaborn are here to see you, Mr. Lyman." Janet stated in a monotone voice.
Josh rolled his eyes. He had told her many times that she didn't need to announce their full names. "Please send them in."
"Sir, You have an appointment with Mr. McGarry in a half-hour."
"Send them in." He said again.
The intercom clicked off.
"Look what I did at school." Serena burst into the office excitedly.
Josh smiled at her. "Let me see, Angel." He took the proffered picture.
"It is the White House." Serena explained. She walked around the desk to point at the picture. "Everyone important is there. Uncle Jed, Aunt Abby, you, Uncle Toby, Aunt CJ, Zoey, Will, Charlie, Uncle Leo."
Josh choked back a laugh as he studied the drawing. Toby was completely bald, CJ's hair was Crayola Red, and CJ towered above them all. Not a one even reached her waist. "This is wonderful Serena. You have to show this to everyone okay?"
The little girl beamed. "Yeah." She pointed to a figure at the top of the page, which he hadn't noticed. "That is Daddy. He is an angel watching over us all."
Josh swallowed the lump in his throat. "It is beautiful." He said softly.
"Serena." Amy said from her seat.
Serena looked at Amy pleadingly.
Amy wished Serena wouldn't do that. It was very difficult to be stern with her when she got that look on her face. "Now Serena."
Serena turned her attention back to Josh. "It wasn't my fault."
"What wasn't your fault?"
"It was his fault." Serena stated.
"Whose fault?" Josh asked frowning.
"Michael's."
Josh was even more confused now. "Who is Michael?"
"He goes to preschool with Serena." Amy answered when it became clear that Serena wasn't going to.
Josh nodded before turning back to Serena. "What is Michael's fault?"
"Bailey was mean."
Josh blinked in confusion. "I thought you said it was Michael's fault?"
Serena nodded. "It was."
"Okay. What happened?"
"Bailey said that her mommy says Democrats are stupid. Especially the ones in the White House." Serena looked Josh directly in the eye. "She said that her mommy said she shouldn't play with me cause you are bad influences on me. Then she said that Aunt CJ is dumb and the only reason she has her job is cause Uncle Leo couldn't find anyone smarter to take it." She paused to take a breath. "She said Uncle Toby is fat. She said Uncle Leo is an alco. alco." She looked at Amy.
"Alcoholic." Amy supplied.
Serena nodded. "Alcoholic. Then she said you are all liars, and that when my Daddy died, the world got better cause there is one less Democrat."
Josh was furious. He turned to Amy.
"That isn't everything." Amy said before Josh could say anything.
"It was Michael's fault and I'm not sorry." Serena said defiantly.
Uh oh. He knew that tone and that expression. "What did you do?"
"I."
"Serena." Amy said warningly.
The child looked down. "Michael told me I should. If I didn't I was a wuss."
Josh sighed. Peer pressure already. He had hoped he'd have a few more years before that happened. "What happened?" He repeated.
"I threw coleslaw in her face and told her she was the stupid one."
"That was during lunch?"
Serena nodded.
"Tell him the rest." Amy instructed.
"She threw a roll at me so I dumped my milk over her head." She smiled. "You know how Uncle Jed says I'm a natural leader? Well, everyone got involved." She said it proudly.
Josh choked back another laugh. "Everyone dumped food on her?"
"Yes. Well, almost everyone. Two other kids were on her side. They threw food at us. I didn't get very much on me."
He turned to Amy. "Someone spoke with you when you arrived to pick her up?"
"Oh, yeah." Amy rolled her eyes. What an understatement. "It took them nearly five minutes to stop the food fight."
Josh started to smile but caught the look on Amy's face. He couldn't let Serena see that he thought this was humorous. "Do I have to meet with the teacher?"
"Yes. And Serena cannot go to school until you have."
"This Bailey girl?"
Amy shook her head.
"Angel, why don't you go see Aunt CJ? You can show her your picture." Josh told the child.
Serena nodded as she turned toward the door. She was relieved to be getting out of this so easily.
"The other girl?"
Amy shook her head. "The teacher told me that no matter what Bailey said, Serena's behavior was inexcusable."
"Is Bailey out for a few days too?"
"I don't think so."
Josh pressed intercom angrily. "Get Serena's school on the phone."
"You have a meeting." Janet's voice reminded him.
"Leo will wait." Josh snapped. "Get me Serena's school."
"Fine." She answered curtly.
Moments later, Serena's principal came on the line. "Yes?" She said cautiously. She knew that Mr. Lyman would be angry and she had heard that you did not want to talk to him when he was angry.
Josh struggled to hold his temper back. "I understand that there were problems at school today."
"Yes there were. Serena started a food fight. She had all of the other students involved. Most of the food was thrown at three students."
"Serena says that the other students were making fun of her." Josh stated as he broke a pencil in half.
"That is not an excuse, Mr. Lyman. Serena should have told an adult."
"And if she had?"
"The other child would have been reprimanded."
"That is all?" Josh was outraged.
"Mr. Lyman, she only used words."
Josh clenched his teeth. "Only? She told Serena that she is glad that Serena's Daddy is dead."
"I'm very sorry about that, but Serena should not have taken it into her own hands. She must be punished so that she realizes that in the future she should handle things differently."
"And Bailey?"
"I have contacted Bailey's parents. They have promised to speak to her."
"Speak to her?" Josh repeated incredulously. "Is that the only punishment she is going to receive?"
"I cannot discuss another child's discipline with you." She paused a moment before continuing. "Would you like to make an appointment to come in to discuss this further?"
Josh broke another pencil before answering her. "That will not be necessary. Serena will not be coming back to your school. Someone will be by to pick up her things." He slammed the receiver down, grateful that Serena was not around to see his behavior.
"You are switching Serena's preschool?"
Josh ran a hand through his hair. "There was no way I was going to leave her there. The only reason I've left her there this long is Sam and Donna chose it. It was one of the last major decisions they got to make for her."
Amy nodded sympathetically. "They would have moved her too."
"Yeah. But where am I going to move her to?"
Amy thought a moment. "Donna made a list of schools. She took notes on each place which she visited. I think it is still in her desk at home. Would you like me to get it out for you?" She knew that he didn't like going into the study.
Josh smiled briefly. He knew that Donna would not have just visited a school - she would have investigated it, inspected it, and interrogated the staff.
"Sure. Thank you."
"Guess what?" Serena bounced into the room.
Josh pretended to think. "Hmm. I don't know."
"You have to guess."
"Did CJ paint purple dots all over her walls again? I don't know how many times I've told her not to do that." He shook his head.
Serena giggled. "No, silly. She got another fish. Gail was lonely. She's is going to let me name it."
"What are you going to name it?" Amy asked curiously.
"I don't know yet. I'm going to have to think about it. The name has to be perfect." Serena said very seriously.
Josh and Amy both nodded, hiding their smiles.
Serena pranced farther into the room and flopped into a chair. Apparently, she had gotten away with the food fight. She smiled brightly. "Aunt CJ is going to decorate the goldfish bowl for Christmas. She said I can help her. I want to decorate our house too. And I want to bake Christmas cookies. Zoey said she'd help me make the cookies."
"Serena." Josh interrupted. He knew that she was trying to keep him distracted.
Serena did not answer. She just looked at him, he hadn't forgotten after all.
"We have to discuss your problems at school today."
Serena nodded mutely.
"You had every right to be very angry and upset at Bailey. She should not have said any of those things to you. But you should have handled it differently."
"How?"
"You should have told an adult at school or waited until you got home and told Amy or I."
Serena nodded. "Okay. I'll tell you next time."
Josh saw her expression. "Before you do whatever it is?"
"Okay." How come he always knew what she was thinking? She wondered.
"I'm not going to punish you." Josh felt that Bailey's comments were enough.
Serena hid her smile.
"You won't be going back to that school."
"Ever?"
Josh nodded. "I'm putting you in a different school."
"Can I choose?" She asked hopefully.
"No. I'm going to choose a school from your Mommy's list." He told her.
"Oh."
"Josh?" Margaret stepped into the room. "The meeting was supposed to start ten minutes ago."
Josh stood up. "I know Margaret. I'll explain to Leo." He turned back to Serena. "You and Amy can go get something from the mess. I'll be back soon."
***********
"So, how are the Christmas preparations going?" Will asked as he, Toby, CJ, and Josh left Leo's office.
"Hanukkah." Toby stated.
Will nodded. "Okay. How are the Christmas and/or Hanukah preparations coming?"
"I assume you mean personal, as we really have no say in the ones here." CJ stated.
Will nodded.
Toby shrugged. "There isn't much for me to prepare. I don't have family coming and I absolutely do not decorate."
Josh shuddered. "Serena is making me decorate the house. We are going to spend Sunday doing it."
"All day?" Toby asked in horror.
"Yeah. I guess she, Donna, and Sam got boxes and boxes of decorations last year."
"You guess? You spent Christmas day with them last year. Didn't you see the decorations?" CJ asked.
Josh shrugged. "I didn't notice anything but the tree."
"What about you?" Will asked CJ.
"Nothing much. I am putting a tree up this year."
"So am I." Will said. "I'm spending Christmas with Elsie."
Josh grimaced. "Alana's coming for Christmas. She is spending a week with us."
"How does Serena feel about that?" CJ asked curiously.
Josh hesitated. "I'm not sure. She has been very quiet on that subject." It was very unlike Serena to be quiet about anything.
"What about your mother?"
"She'll be here too. Donna's parents are going to be in DC to see her the day after Christmas. They are going to stop by to see Serena. Patty is spending the day before New Years Eve with Serena." He thought a moment. "Why don't you spend Christmas at the house with us? My Mom is making a traditional Christmas dinner for Serena's sake."
"Okay." CJ agreed. There was nothing like spending Christmas with a child.
Toby shrugged. "Alright."
Josh looked at Will. "Elsie, is more than welcome."
"I'll talk to her, it sounds like fun."
"Fun?" Josh repeated. "Spending time with Alana is not fun."
"Is she really that bad?" Will hadn't spent much time around Alana and was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.
"Yes." Toby, Josh, and CJ answered simultaneously.
Will wasn't convinced. "I can see why she'd fight for custody of Serena. She really thinks she is the best person to raise her."
Josh glared at Will. "She fought Sam for custody. She fought me for custody. Yet, she left early when Serena had her bone marrow transplant. Serena almost died and Alana couldn't be bothered to be there."
"I just don't think we should condemn her without knowing her side of the story. We are a somewhat difficult group of people to be around."
Josh, Toby, and CJ all glared at him. Will took a few steps backward. "Anyway, I'll let you know about Christmas."
"Is he really on Alana's side?"
Toby shook his head. "He was just trying to play devil's advocate."
"He'll see on Christmas." CJ stated. "What about Leo? Is he spending Christmas with Mal or the Bartletts?"
Josh shook his head. "He is spending Christmas with us. He was going to spend it by himself in the hotel but Serena found out. She is making him come over." Josh smiled. None of them could say no to that child.
"What about Mallory?" Toby asked.
"She is spending the holidays with her boyfriend."
"She has a boyfriend?" CJ asked in surprise. She had not heard.
"I guess she has been dating him for several months. They work together." Josh explained with a shrug. "And of course, the Bartletts are going to New Hampshire."
"They leave two days before Christmas." CJ confirmed. "They'll be back three days after Christmas."
"And Charlie is spending the holidays with his sister and some distant relatives." Josh said.
They all headed back to their offices.
********
Dec. 4
********
"Not like that." Serena said in an exasperated tone.
Amy smiled as Josh groaned. Serena wanted everything to be perfect. She would not settle for less.
Serena tilted her head. "A little higher and to the right." She instructed.
Josh moved the wreath and stepped back. "Well?"
Serena sighed dramatically. "It will do."
Josh closed the door.
Serena turned in a circle, studying the entryway and living room. A strand of garland was woven through the staircase.
Bright red, silk poinsettias adorned the top of the chandelier
A lacy red and white tablecloth with tiny Christmas trees embroidered on it was draped over the table against the wall. A hand crocheted, white Christmas tree sat on top of it. Donna's mother had made the tree for her the year before.
The wreath hanging on the front door had small porcelain dolls in red and green dresses sitting amongst the beautiful greenery and bright-red berries.
Mistletoe hung in the doorway to the living room, at Serena's insistence.
Holly was draped across the fireplace. A tall porcelain Santa Clause stood next to the fireplace looking out on the room.
White and silver candles sat on top of the baby-grand piano. They would illuminate the room at night. Soon, a Menorah would join them.
The tree stood in the center of the room. Its piney scent filled their nostrils. A porcelain angel with golden wings adorned the top of the tree. Smaller angels were interspersed along with silver balls and tinsel around the tree. Serena had spent hours placing each angel in the perfect place.
Amy had stenciled snowflakes on all of the windows with peel off paint. The iridescent snowflakes would glow in the dark.
The doorbell rang and Serena spun around. "I'll get it."
"Wait, Serena."
Serena turned to look at Josh. "I'm sure it is the pizza delivery person." Josh said.
"I want to pay him."
Josh handed Serena the money and followed her as far the living room doorway. She enjoyed "grown up" tasks like paying the young kids that delivered their food. He allowed it, but watched to make sure she was safe.
Serena carried the pizza box into the family room and sat it on the coffee table. Amy had already brought paper plates in from the kitchen.
Amy walked back into the room carrying glasses and a half-gallon of milk.
Serena noticed Josh's cringe when he saw the milk. "Can we have soda instead?" She asked hopefully.
Josh really wished he could give in. He hated drinking milk, but he felt that he had to drink it if he was forcing Serena to drink it. "How about this? We'll both drink half a glass of milk, then we can have some soda."
Serena pondered his suggestion for a few moments. "Root beer?"
"Yep."
"Okay." She agreed cheerfully as she took a glass of milk from Amy. Amy retrieved the soda from the kitchen while Serena quickly drank her milk.
Amy took a bit of her pizza as she surveyed the family room. They weren't done decorating in here yet but they had made progress.
Hand made stockings hung along the fireplace. A hand-blown glass plate sat on the end table closest to the fireplace. On Christmas Eve, the plate would hold Santa's cookies.
A large collection of Christmas CD's had been placed in the CD rack near the stereo. The look of horror on Josh's face when he saw the stack of CD's was priceless.
A beautiful, hand-carved, wooden Nativity graced the corner of the room. The Nativity had been in Sam's family for several generations.
"Hurry." Serena ordered them impatiently. "We have to finish decorating."
Amy took another bit of pizza. "What's next?"
"We have to finish in here." Serena grinned. "Then Uncle Josh can hang the lights outside."
Josh groaned. "Do I have to?" He whined.
"Yes." Serena answered immediately.
Josh thought wildly. "But we don't want to overdo it. We want to be understated and elegant."
Serena pondered that for a few moments and Josh sighed with relief. She wasn't going to make him hang outdoor lights after all.
Serena finally looked him directly in the eyes. "Nice try, but you aren't getting out of it that easily."
Josh stared at her through temporarily startled eyes. She had sounded so much like her mother just then that he almost wanted to turn around to see if Donna was standing behind him.
He hadn't thought that he could miss Donna anymore than he already did, but he'd been wrong. This holiday season was going to be difficult for all of them.
As hard as the last couple of weeks had been, he did have to admit that it was getting better. For the first several weeks after the accident, the only thing which kept him going was Serena. Taking care of that little girl had been the only thing which got him out of bed in the morning and home from work in the evening.
During the last few months, things changed. Living became easier every day. They established their routines, he felt more confident in his role as surrogate father. Everyone helped him as much as they could. It wasn't quite so difficult to move on.
He realized that things were going to continue to get better.
***********
Dec. 8
**********
Serena and Josh stepped out of the elevator and down the familiar halls. As always, Serena clung to Josh's hand, her other hand clutched a Christmas tree shaped plastic container.
Serena took her hand out of Josh's and stepped up to a desk. She smiled brightly. "Hi, Emily."
The young woman sitting at the desk looked up from whatever she had been reading. A smile brightened her face when she saw them. "Hi, Serena, Josh."
"Zoey came over earlier today and we made Christmas cookies." She held out the container. "I brought you some. The Santa's are sugar cookies. The gingerbread men are gingerbread. The reindeer are peanut butter."
The young nurse accepted the cookies from Serena. "Thank you sweetie. I'm sure they're delicious."
Serena frowned a bit. "Maybe not the peanut butter. Uncle Josh helped make those." She smiled at Josh teasingly. "Zoey says that he is inept in the kitchen."
Josh frowned. "I am not inept."
Serena rolled her eyes. "Zoey and I super. super." She thought hard and both adults held back their smiles. "Supervised." Serena said with a triumphant grin. "We supervised him so the cookies shouldn't be too bad." She assured the nurse.
"Thank you." Emily said again. She really adored this little girl. Serena was always so sweet and well behaved. She always stopped to talk to Emily or which ever nurse was on duty when she came here.
"How is she?" Josh asked as he always did.
Emily smiled sympathetically at him. He always asked, even though the answer was always the same. "No change."
Josh closed his eyes briefly as he said a prayer. That was always his reaction to the nurse's answer.
Serena slipped her hand back into Josh's. "She'll wake up soon." She assured him. "She just needs time to get better first because she was hurt so badly." She repeated what Abbey had told her.
Josh smiled at the little girl. It was impossible to lose hope with Serena around. The child was optimistic, even though most children that had been through as much as she had wouldn't be. She was a very special little girl.
Josh slowly opened the door to Donna's private room and Serena preceded him inside. Serena stepped up to her mother's bed. Josh lifted her up and she kissed Donna's cheek. "Hi Mommy."
Josh sat Serena back down and leaned over to brush a quick kiss onto Donna's forehead.
"It'll be Christmas in three days." Serena stated. "The house is so pretty. Uncle Josh and Amy helped me decorate." She spoke enthusiastically describing everything to her mother.
Josh smiled as he listened to Serena chatter. He studied both females in the room. The difference between them was amazing.
Serena was life. She bubbled over with energy, happiness, and enthusiasm. She could fill almost any room with happiness just by stepping into it.
Serena's long brown hair reached past her knees. Today that hair was pulled back in a French braid. Serena's bright blue eyes shone with happiness and health. Serena was very pale but her cheeks shone with warmth and cheer.
Today Serena wore a red velvet dress and black Mary Janes. She had been dressing festively for the past several days.
Donna lay still on her bed. She was always so still that Josh often felt for her pulse just to assure himself that she really was alive.
Her beautiful blond hair had been cut to almost nothing. It made it easier for the nurses to care for her. Her alabaster skin had faded: it was nearly transparent, it blended in with the white sheets of the bed.
She was wearing a flannel night gown and pink, fuzzy socks.
One of them epitomized life and the other epitomized. Josh swallowed, the other epitomized death. She was alive, yet she really wasn't.
Life oozed from Serena, while death hung like a cloak over Donna.
"Everyone is spending Christmas with us." Serena was saying cheerfully. "Well, almost everyone. Not Uncle Jed and Aunt Abbey. They are spending Christmas at their farm and so is Zoey. But Uncle Leo, Aunt CJ, Uncle Toby, Grandma Clara, Grandma Alana, Will, and Elsie are coming over. Amy is going to her mom's."
Serena was silent suddenly. After a few minutes, she spoke again. "I wish you could be there too." She said softly. "I know that you'll wake up when you can but I want you to wake up now. I want you to spend Christmas with us. We all do. I miss you."
Josh didn't know what to do. Should he continue to allow Serena to talk or should he interrupt her? Should he reassure her? This was not how Serena usually acted.
"I love you, Mommy." She turned to Josh with wide soulful eyes. "Can we go now?"
Josh looked between the woman and the girl. "Okay." He stepped over to the bed and kissed Donna again. "I'll be back soon." He whispered. He wished he could stay but he knew that he needed to get Serena away from here.
*********
"Serena?" Josh started once they were in the car on their way back to the house.
"Yes, Uncle Josh?"
"You really miss your mommy don't you?" Josh asked unnecessarily.
After a few moments, Serena answered in a soft voice. "Yes."
Josh pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned to look at the little girl in the back seat. "Do you like going to the nursing home to see her?" He had always just assumed that Serena wanted to go see Donna. He had never actually asked the child.
Serena hesitated. "Kind of." She finally answered.
"Kind of?" Josh repeated slowly.
Serena felt a tear slip down her cheek. "I like spending time with Mommy but it hurts." She explained, her voice so low that he could barely hear her. "I want her to wake up so much but she won't. I thought she would have by now." She paused for a few minutes. Josh waited patiently. "The nurse always tells you that there was no change."
Josh watched the little girl. How could he not have noticed what this was doing to her? How could he not have seen how upset she really was? She had done a very good job of hiding it but he should have seen it. Sam would have seen it.
"She isn't going to wake up, is she?" Serena whispered. Her face was covered in tears. She could taste the salty substance on her lips.
Josh swallowed the large lump in his throat as a few tears spilled out of his own eyes. How did you answer a question like that? Was there an answer? "I hope so." He finally whispered.
Neither spoke for several minutes.
"What if she does?" Serena finally asked.
"I." Josh didn't know what to say because he didn't really know what she was asking.
"What happens to me?" She asked after a few minutes.
"What would you want to happen?" Josh asked carefully.
Serena was silent for a few more minutes as she thought. "I don't know." She finally whispered. "I love Mommy, but I love you too. Would Mommy be able to take care of me?"
Good question, Josh thought. "Mommy would have to have physical therapy at first." Josh finally said. "She would have to practice doing a lot of different things."
"Like taking care of me?"
"Yes."
"After that would I live with her?"
Josh hesitated. "I'm not sure, Angel. We would have to discuss it then."
"Oh."
"But no matter what happens, one of us will always take care of you. We both love you more than anything."
Serena gave him a weak smile. "I know."
Josh turned back around and restarted the car. He was going to have to be a lot more careful with Serena in the future. She pretended to be stronger than she was in order to protect and help him. But she was just a little girl.
He wouldn't bring her back to see Donna again until she asked him.
************
Dec. 16
***********
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose.
Josh cringed at the song blaring out of the car's radio. He hated Christmas songs. He could tolerate the classics pretty well but songs like this? They really irritated him.
Serena did not feel the same way. She sang along with the radio, not missing a word or a note. As she sang, she stared out her window raptly. She did not want to miss a thing. Christmas only came once a year after all.
She loved the holiday season. Multicolored strands of light bedecked most houses and many trees and bushes. Snowmen stood tall and regale in front yards. Creatively decorated Christmas trees had temporary homes in most houses.
The uplifting strands of Christmas music played most places.
The unique blend of Christmas scents fragranced the air. Serena could almost smell them, just thinking about them. Pine, burning firewood, gingerbread, hot cider, pie, those were just a few of the combined smells which make up the scent of Christmas.
In a word, Christmas was happy. And Serena needed happiness.
Josh sighed in relief as he slid into an open parking spot. He climbed out of the car and walked around to let Serena out.
"Could I have had to park any farther?" Josh muttered as he stared out as the sea of cars around them.
Serena cheerfully took Josh hand for the long walk ahead of them.
Josh had to smile as Serena skipped next to him as she chattered excitedly about their plans for the holidays. She was trying to plan everything down to the minute.
As they approached the building, Josh scowled. A group of carolers in Victorian clothing sang "Deck the Halls" while a man in a Santa suit rang a bell as people dropped money into his little metal plate.
Serena practically dragged Josh over towards the group. She wanted to join the small crowd of people admiring the music.
Josh resignedly waited for the song to end. He glanced down at his watch several times. Who knew that this song could be so long? Finally, the song ended and he dropped some money in Santa's plate and walked off with Serena.
They walked through the airport and found the gate they were looking for. They found seats as they waited for their guest to join them.
Josh smiled at Serena who just couldn't sit still. She was wiggling and squirming in her seat restlessly. An older couple sitting across from them smiled at both of them. "Waiting is so difficult at her age." The woman said sympathetically.
Josh nodded his agreement.
The woman turned back to Serena. "I love your dress. It is so festive."
Serena gave her a brilliant smile. "Thank you."
The woman turned to Josh with a smile, "Your daughter is adorable."
Josh sat in his seat, astonished, as the old woman continued to speak with Serena.
His daughter. He had never thought of her like that before. After several minutes, Josh jumped up. He looked down at Serena. "She's here."
People started to file in from the flight.
After a few minutes, Clara Lyman appeared in the crowd. She scanned the waiting area for her son, finally spotted Josh and Serena.
She joined them and pulled her son into a hug. Then she turned to Serena. She knelt down next to the child and pulled her into her arms.
Serena took Clara's hand as they headed to get Clara's luggage. "Guess what, Grandma Clara?"
Clara smiled down at the exuberant child. She hadn't met the little girl until a week after Sam's death but she had immediately fallen in love with her. "What?"
Serena sighed in exasperation. "Doesn't anyone realize that you have to actually guess?" She inquired of the ceiling.
Josh rolled his eyes and held back a laugh. Serena loved being overly dramatic.
Clara barely choked back her own laugh. "Okay." She agreed. "Let's see." She rested her free hand on her chin and pretended to think hard. "Did Uncle Josh finally agree to let you start a zoo in your bedroom?" She inquired in a suitably curious tone.
Serena giggled a bit. "He says that would mess up the carpet. Zoey says he's just scared of the animals." She giggled again. "She says it would be really funny to watch him box with a kangaroo."
Josh mock frowned at Serena. "I am not scared of animals."
Serena looked up at him innocently. "Really?"
"Really." He said firmly.
Clara bit the inside of her cheek. She didn't want to let on that she knew Serena was leading Josh into a trap.
"I don't believe you." Serena announced after studying Josh's face for a few moments.
"Why?" Josh demanded.
Serena shrugged. "I don't know. I just think that you are scared of animals."
"I am not." Josh insisted.
Serena just looked at him.
"I'm not."
She still didn't say anything.
"Really." He looked at his mom. "Tell her."
Clara just shrugged. She didn't want to get involved.
"You could always prove it." Serena suggested with a shrug. Her tone was nonchalant.
"Fine." Josh agreed without thinking. "How?"
Serena barely held her grin back. "We can make a stop on our way home."
"Where?" Josh asked. He still wasn't thinking.
"At a pet store."
"How will that prove anything?"
Serena smiled up at him. "Because I'm getting a kitten."
"A what?!!!" Josh shrieked. Several people turned to stare at him but he ignored them.
They reached the baggage area and Clara started watching for her bags as Serena looked at Josh in mock sympathy. "A kitten is a baby cat, Uncle Josh." She said condescendingly.
"I know that. You are not getting a kitten or a cat."
"Okay." Serena readily agreed. "So, you are scared."
"I'm not."
"Okay." She agreed patronizingly.
Josh sighed. He could not believe this. He had allowed a four-year-old to trick him. There really wasn't any way out now. "We'll stop on the way home." He said after a few minutes.
Serena grinned triumphantly. She had known she would win.
***********
Dec. 18
***********
"Come on." Serena urged.
"What is the hurry?" Alana chuckled as her enthusiastic granddaughter practically dragged her into the house. Josh shut the door behind Alana, slowly followed the two.
"I want to show you something." Serena explained to her grandmother without slowing her pace a bit.
Clara stepped out of the kitchen and quietly stepped next to her son. She studied Alana. She had seen the woman on television, but never in person. Alana really did not look like a grandmother, Clara mused. She was probably in her late forties, trying to look like she was in her early twenties. Her blond hair was cut in a short sleek style around her face and any gray that might have appeared had been quickly dealt with. She wore a light blue skirt set with matching pumps.
Serena led the adults up the staircase. At the door to her playroom she abruptly stopped. She turned to her grandmother. "You have to be really quiet." She whispered the admonishment.
Alana nodded, intrigued. What could Serena want to show her that could require silence? She glanced back at Josh and the woman standing with him, his mother, Alana assumed. Neither one's face gave anything away.
Alana nodded at Clara in acknowledgment but completely ignored Josh. She noticed the slight resemblance between the mother and son. Their hair was the same shade of brown but Clara's was longer and was pulled back from her face with light colored clips. Josh's eyes were the same shape as his mother's but weren't quiet as light. Clara wore a pair of black slacks and a light blue turtleneck sweater.
Serena opened the door and motioned all the adults into the room.
Alana scanned the room but did not immediately notice whatever it was that Serena wanted her to see. She looked down at her granddaughter curiously.
With a sigh at her grandmother's lack of observation skills, she took Alana's hand and led her across the room. She knelt down next to the basket, which was lying near her dollhouse. The bundle of blankets inside were partially concealing the small animal sleeping soundly within their folds.
Curious, Alana knelt down next to Serena to get a better look. "What is that?"
Serena gently lifted one of the blankets so that her grandmother could see her new pet. The animal stirred and rolled over, stretching its legs out in front of it. "Uncle Josh said that she is a Hanukkah present."
"Oh." Alana stepped back away from the basket as her hand flew to her face. She wasn't fast enough to cover the onslaught of forceful sneezes that engulfed her body. She pushed her way past Josh as her eyes started to water and swell.
Josh moved over toward the basket and the perplexed little girl standing next to it. He knelt down beside Serena and grinned at her. "I think Grandma Alana is going to have to stay in a hotel." He tried to hide his glee but saw from his mother's expression that he did not quite succeed.
"Why?" Serena asked in a bewildered tone. "She doesn't like my puppy?"
"She is allergic to the puppy." Clara corrected gently.
"She makes Grandma Alana sick?"
"Yep." Josh answered cheerfully and received a reproachful look from his mother. He turned to the basket and the ten-week-old puppy watching the three humans, her head tilted curiously. Josh reached out to scratch her ears. "You know, I think I like you after all." He hadn't really wanted to get a puppy but it was better than the kitten Serena had originally tricked him into agreeing to. At least it wouldn't use him as a scratching post while he slept, or sleep on his head.
The tiny animal gave a tiny yelp to alert them that she wanted out of the basket since she was too small to jump out herself.
Josh lifted the puppy out, wondering for about the hundredth time what it was that had attracted Serena to this dog. The dog kennel they had gone to had several different breeds. Josh's choice had been either a golden retriever or a lab. His mother had wanted Serena to get a miniature collie. But Serena had insisted not only on this breed but also on this particular dog.
Josh felt that the dog was just about the ugliest thing he had ever seen. He had said that when Zoey and Abbey had dropped by to see the animal the morning after they got her. They would have taken the dog to the White House but the secret service would not have allowed that. Zoey had laughed at Josh's proclamation and had said that the dog was so ugly that she was cute. Her mother and Clara had readily agreed. Serena had stared at them before arguing that ugly and cute were opposites.
The puppy was almost completely hairless but had a puff of fur on her tail, fur on her paws, and what looked like a lion's mane around her head and face.
Josh hadn't even known that Hairless Chinese Crested dogs were a breed until he saw the three puppies in a playpen.
Serena had immediately fallen in love with the unusual animals. Josh and the kennel's owner had both told Serena how much work one of those puppies would be. It would have to have special care because of its lack of protective fur. They had to make sure it didn't get a sunburn or a skin infection. They'd have to rub baby-oil into the dog's skin everyday. Serena's response had been that she didn't care how much work the puppy would be because she loved it and when you loved something, you would do anything for it. Josh hadn't been able to say no after that comment.
"I'm going to go check on Mrs. Farrel."
Josh stared after his mother in bewilderment. Why would she do that?
"Is Grandma Alana still going to spend Christmas with us?" Serena inquired curiously while softly petting the as yet nameless puppy.
"I'm not sure."
Serena frowned. "If she does, will my puppy have to be locked up in my room?"
Josh sighed. "Probably."
"But it isn't the puppy's fault. What if she thinks we are blaming and punishing her? It isn't fun to be blamed for something that isn't your fault."
Josh looked into Serena's earnest face. He knew that Donna and Sam would have found a way to make this conversation into a lesson but he wasn't sure if he could. He doubted that he'd ever have the parenting skills that they had had. "No, it isn't." He agreed. "How about we give her a special treat to eat while she is in here on Christmas?"
Serena pondered the suggestion for a few minutes. "Okay." She finally agreed. "And we have to check on her lots and lots."
Josh nodded as he stood up. "Deal. I'm going to go find Grandma Clara and Grandma Alana, okay?"
"Okay." Serena turned her attention on her puppy.
As Josh left the room, he heard her asking the puppy her advice on names. If she liked a name she was supposed to yap twice and if she didn't like it only once. It was very difficult but he suppressed his laugh.
He found his mother and Alana in the family room sipping coffee. Alana's eyes were red and puffy but they seemed to have stopped watering.
Alana looked up to see Josh standing in the doorway. She scowled at him. "I cannot believe that you would stoop this low."
Josh blinked in confusion. "What?"
"The puppy."
Josh looked behind him to make sure that Serena had not followed him. He stepped into the room and slid the door shut before turning back to Alana. "What about the puppy?" He asked with deceptive calm. His mother stiffened - she had heard that tone of voice before.
"You got her a puppy to keep me from spending the holidays here." Alana accused.
"And how was I to know that you were even allergic to dogs?" Josh demanded.
Alana shrugged. "You have money. You probably hired someone to find out my weaknesses."
"Like mental health." Josh muttered under his breath. "I got Serena the puppy because she wanted a pet."
"Oh, so you give her everything she wants?" Alana asked with a raised eyebrow.
Josh clenched his teeth. This woman managed to twist everything he said. "No." He did not need to explain himself to this woman.
"Whatever." Alana stated with another shrug. "It really doesn't matter anyway. You'll just have to take care of it."
Take care of it. The sentence hung in the air for several silent seconds.
"What are you suggesting?" Clara asked carefully, as she laid a hand on Josh's arm in a calming gesture.
"It doesn't really matter as long as the puppy is gone."
"Are you suggesting that I get rid of Serena's puppy?" Josh asked between gritted teeth.
"I am not suggesting it. I am insisting." Alana corrected.
"No." Josh's tone was filled with ice.
Alana stood up. "You have no choice. The court gave me permission to spend all major holidays here with my only granddaughter."
"And I didn't say you couldn't." Josh reminded her.
"I cannot be around an animal with fur."
Josh shrugged. "That is your choice."
Alana glared at him furiously. "I am allergic to the animal."
"There are allergy medications." Clara suggested in an attempt to diffuse the situation.
"I should not have to take medication in order to spend time with my granddaughter." She told Clara icily before turning back to Josh. "Either deal with this or I will." She paused briefly. "Now, get Serena for me please. I am going to take her for hot chocolate."
When Josh did not move Clara briefly considered getting the child herself but decided that it would not be wise to leave these two alone without a witness or a referee. "Josh. Get Serena." She ordered softly.
Josh sent one last glare at Alana before exiting the room. He had no choice but to allow Serena to go with Alana. But there was no way in Hell that he'd allow her to upset Serena in any way, and that included doing anything with Serena's new puppy. The little girl already adored the small animal.
Josh's mood dissipated when he stepped into the little girl's playroom. Serena sat next to a bucket of doll clothes with the puppy on her lap. The animal lay calmly as Serena slipped tiny yellow socks onto her paws. The socks matched the dress that the puppy was already wearing. He burst out laughing.
"It isn't funny. You are going to hurt her fellings." Serena scolded without looking up from her task.
"Feelings." Josh corrected as he suppressed his laugh.
"Feelings." Serena dutifully mimicked.
"Good. Grandma Alana wants to take you for hot cocoa."
"Do I have to go? I'm busy."
Josh sighed. "Yes, Angel. You have to go spend some time with her." He paused. "I think she missed you." He added grudgingly. He knew that Serena's incredibly soft heart wouldn't be able to resist that.
"Oh." Serena started to gently pull the socks off of the puppy. "It isn't fun to miss someone." She stated wistfully. "I'll go with her. But only for a little while, cause I have things I need to do. Important things."
Josh raised an eyebrow as he hid his smile. "Like what?"
Serena carefully folded the puppy's dress and put it into the bucket. "I have to think of names for my puppy and Aunt CJ's fish. I don't want Aunt CJ to think I forgot cause I'm irreponsible."
"Irresponsible? And she knows that you are trying to find the perfect name."
"Good." She stood up and headed for the door. "Be good for Uncle Josh." She called back to the puppy.
**********
Dec. 22
**********
Josh looked up at the sound of the doorbell. "Can you get that?" He called out, hoping that his mother would hear him. There was no way he could go to the door right now.
"Uncle Josh, hurry." Serena whined impatiently.
"Kay." He responded. He turned back to his task of lathering the shampoo into Serena's hair. Amy was spending the holiday week with her parents.
He rinsed the shampoo out, careful to make sure that none of it ran down into her eyes. "All done." He announced. "Are you ready to get out?" He reached behind him for a towel.
"No!" Serena protested loudly. "I want to play longer."
Josh glanced down at his watch. "Ten more minutes." He agreed.
"Cool." Serena exclaimed as she grabbed a box of soap crayons and started drawing intricate designs on her arms.
"Joshua."
Her use of his given name caused him to look at his mother in surprise. She was standing in the doorway.
"You have a guest downstairs in the living room."
"Who is it?" His attention was back on Serena as she drew a multicolored rainbow on the shower wall. He heard her hesitation and turned back to her. "Mom?"
"It is Zoey Bartlett." She finally answered.
Serena looked up in surprise, happiness shinning on her face. "I want to see Zoey."
"I thought you wanted to play awhile longer?"
She looked at him like he was dense. "I want to see Zoey." She repeated slowly.
Clara stepped into the room and grabbed a towel. "Why don't you go see Zoey while I get Serena into her pajamas?" She directed at Josh. She was already helping Serena out of the tub.
"Thanks."
Josh smiled as he nodded at Gina who was standing by his living room door, before stepping inside. "Hey." He softly greeted Zoey who was studying the Christmas tree.
Zoey turned around and smiled brightly at Josh. "Hi." She walked closer.
Josh gestured to the sofa and Zoey sat down. "I'm surprised to see you tonight." Josh said as he sat down next to her.
Zoey laughed. "Your mom was too. It took her several seconds to even invite me in. She kept staring behind me like she expected to see my dad or something. Anyway, we are leaving tomorrow."
"To go to New Hampshire?"
"Yep, Dad planned the trip so that we have plenty of time to cut down our own tree." She rolled her eyes. "We used to do that every year when we were little. I guess he thinks that will take us back to our childhood's."
"The secret service is going to let him have a sharp object?" Josh asked in shock.
Zoey shook her head. "No. You should have heard him go on and on about traditions when Ron said that an agent would cut the tree for us."
Josh shuddered. "I'm glad I didn't."
Zoey laughed. "I kind of feel sorry for whichever agent has to do it. Dad is going to give the guy that same lecture."
"And probably one on the first Christmas celebrated with a tree here in America." Josh guessed with a grin. He found the President's quirks funny when he wasn't on the receiving end.
"Zoey!" Serena called out as she ran into the room. Her long braid flew behind her.
Zoey stood up and knelt down to hug the little girl. "Hey Munchkin."
"Did you decide to spend Christmas with us? Instead of going to New Hamshire?" Serena asked as Zoey sat back down with her on her lap.
"Nope. I just came by to bring you your Christmas present." Zoey answered cheerfully. Serena had been trying to convince her to ditch her parents for almost a month. It was a joke between them.
"Cool!" Serena peered all around her. "Where is it?"
"Serena." Josh prompted.
"Can I have it please?" Serena rephrased. A sweet smile graced her face.
Zoey pretended to think about it. She turned to Josh. "I don't know. Maybe I should make her wait. It is tradition to wait until at least Christmas Eve after all."
"True." Josh agreed. "It is only a couple of days. That shouldn't be too hard for her."
"Hey." Serena protested. She thought quickly before giving Zoey a manipulative smile. "Okay." She agreed sweetly. "But then you won't be able to see me open it. I heard Aunt CJ tell Uncle Toby that it was going to be fun watching my face on Christmas when I open my gifts."
Zoey and Josh both burst into surprised laughter. "You win." Zoey said after a minute. She picked up the bag beside her and took a box out.
Serena accepted the wrapped box and started to carefully unwrap it. She got the paper off in one piece without any rips. After laying the paper aside, she opened the box. "It is really pretty." She exclaimed.
Zoey, who was still staring at the folded wrapping paper in mild shock, blinked to clear her mind. Genetics aside, this was definitely Donna's child, she thought. "Do you want to try it on?"
Serena nodded eagerly.
Zoey took the necklace out of the jewelry box and fastened it around the little girl's neck. "Do you want to know why I chose it?"
"Yep."
"Well, you saw the pretty gold angel right?"
"Yep."
"I got the angel necklace for two reasons. Number one is that Uncle Josh is always calling you Angel. Number two is because the angel is supposed to be a guardian angel."
"A guardian angel?" Serena questioned curiously.
"A guardian angel goes everywhere with you and takes care of you when something bad happens." Zoey explained.
"I wish I had one before." Serena said solemnly.
"You did." She pushed a lock of hair out of Serena's eyes. "You just couldn't see it. This necklace will help you remember, next time you need an angel." She reached under her turtleneck and pulled something out. "See, I have one too. Uncle Leo and Aunt Jenny gave it to me when I was seven. It really helps when I am upset."
"I'll wear it all of the time." Serena promised.
"Not in the bathtub or when you are sleeping." Zoey told her.
"Okay." Serena agreed as she tried to cover a yawn.
"Time for bed." Josh told her.
Serena was about to protest but instead she smiled. "Okay. Can Zoey read me my story?"
"Ask her." Josh instructed.
"Sure." Zoey stood up and followed Serena and Josh out of the room. Gina silently stepped behind the small procession.
Serena grabbed a book from her bookshelf and flopped down onto her bed. Josh tucked Serena in under her covers and sat down across the room. Zoey climbed up next to Serena. Serena gave her the book. "Black Beauty?" Zoey asked in surprise.
Serena shrugged. "The little kid books were getting boring. I can read them myself now." She informed Zoey proudly.
Zoey looked over at Josh who just shrugged.
"How much do you read a night?"
"Several chapters."
"Serena." Josh said from across the room.
"Several pages." Serena said with a sigh.
Zoey opened the book to the bookmark and started to read animatedly.
Josh smile contentedly as he listened and watched Zoey and Serena. Serena was tucked snuggly under her blankets with her head lying on Zoey's shoulder. Zoey was half lying down on the bed next to Serena, her attention solely on the child and the book. Zoey read with emotion, giving each character a distinct voice. They looked so good like that. Sweet.
Zoey looked down after reading for almost a half-hour and was surprised to see Serena's eyes were closed. She gently brushed a lock of hair out of the little girl's face before looking across the room. She smiled at Josh who was watching her and Serena with a puzzling expression on his face. She couldn't pinpoint what it was but she definitely hadn't seen that look on his face before.
Josh stood up when he suddenly realized that Zoey was gazing at him curiously him. He approached the bed and helped Zoey move Serena over so that Zoey could stand up.
"Thank you." Zoey whispered to Josh as he leaned over her to shift Serena.
"Serena loves that necklace. I can tell already." Josh said softly once they were out in the hallway again.
"I hope so. I wanted to give her something meaningful."
"You did." Josh assured her.
Zoey looked down at her watch. "I'd better go." She said regretfully. "I'm staying at the residence tonight so that we can leave really early tomorrow morning. My parents are probably watching for me."
"Do they know you are here?"
"No, I just told them I was stopping by to see a friend on my way over."
"Have a good Christmas." Josh said as they walked down the stairs together.
Zoey laughed softly. "I think you mean Merry Christmas."
Her laugh was so sweet and melodious, Josh mused. He had never noticed that before. Josh shrugged. "I'm Jewish." He excused as he wondered why he liked her laugh so much.
"I'll see you in a few days." Zoey smiled at him one more time before disappearing out the door with Gina.
Josh stared at the door for a few minutes before turning and going into the kitchen. He grabbed a soda from the fridge and sat down at the table to sip it. He really wished he could drink something stronger but he hadn't had any alcohol since he was awarded custody of Serena.
"Josh?"
"Hey Mom." He greeted as she stepped into the room and got herself a bottle of water from the fridge.
Clara sat down across from her son. "So what was Zoey here for?"
"She brought Serena a Christmas present."
"That was nice of her."
"Yeah."
Clara hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "You know I don't like to meddle." She began.
Uh oh, Josh thought. Whenever she said that, it meant that she was about to meddle. He imagined that most mothers were like that.
Clara began carefully, "I was surprised by your reaction when you heard Zoey was here, and Serena's too, it was completely unexpected for me."
"Why?"
"Because Josh, she is your boss's daughter and she is little more than a child herself."
"She is almost twenty-two, Mom." Josh protested immediately.
Clara raised an eyebrow. "Most employees aren't close enough to their boss's daughter for her to stop by unexpected."
"I don't exactly work in a normal environment, Mom. We are all more like a family than colleagues."
Clara sighed. "I know that Josh, but still. You don't need or want rumors going around about you and Zoey."
"What about us?"
"Josh."
"Mom, there isn't anything going on. She is one of my best friends, that's all. And she loves Serena." First Charlie and now his Mom? Who was next, Leo?
Clara stood up. "Okay. Goodnight, Honey." As she walked out of the room, she hoped that her instincts were wrong this time. Or at least that Josh would think before he acted.
**********
Dec. 25
**********
"Wake up."
Josh slowly opened his eyes to see Serena sitting cross-legged next to him on his bed tugging at his hair. "What?" He muttered incoherently before closing his eyes.
"Get up." She grabbed his arm and pulled on it.
Josh opened his eyes again and peered at the clock on his nightstand. "It is 6:00 AM on one of the few days that I can sleep in."
"But it is Christmas." She said in case he had forgotten.
As Josh came more fully awake, he could smell the aromas coming from the kitchen. He climbed out of bed and trudged toward his bathroom. "What is Grandma making?"
"French toast, eggs, and fresh fruit."
"I'll be down soon."
"And then presents?" She asked hopefully.
"Breakfast, then everyone will come over and you can open your presents." Josh corrected.
Serena sighed. "Okay. I just hope they hurry."
They had barely finished breakfast when the doorbell rang. Serena ran to get it, letting CJ and Toby into the house.
"Buy out a toy store Toby?" Josh asked when he saw the pile of presents in Toby's arms.
"CJ did." Toby grumbled around a box.
As CJ was neatly stacking the presents near the tree, the doorbell rang again. This time Serena led her grandmother into the room. Alana had decided to stay in a hotel because of the dog. At his mother's urging, Josh was even paying the bill.
Alana looked around the living room. She completely ignored Josh. "Hello CJ."
"Hello." CJ replied coolly. Josh had told her about the puppy incident. How heartless did you have to be to even suggest taking a pet away from a child?
"Toby."
"Alana." Toby responded.
Within the next few minutes Leo, Will, and Elsie arrived.
"Presents." Serena announced to the room at large.
Most of the adults laughed at the little girl's enthusiasm.
Serena opened each package with care and folded the wrapping neatly beside her. She put the cards in a separate stack.
Josh snapped picture after picture as CJ videotaped the whole thing.
After more than an hour, Will peered around the living room. Clothes were piled on top of an unoccupied chair. A stack of books graced the coffee table. Toys and stuffed animals littered the floor. "It looks like a children's store in here."
"Maybe we went a little overboard." Josh admitted. He looked over at CJ. They both shrugged at the same time. "Naw."
CJ looked down at Serena, who was dressing her new Barbie doll in a hideously mismatched outfit. "Have you been thinking of names?"
"Names?" Alana asked in confusion.
"I get to name Aunt CJ's new fish and my puppy too." Serena informed her grandmother.
Alana turned to glare at Josh. "Her puppy?" She had been hoping that Josh would get rid of the animal at some point during the previous week.
"You met her remember?" Serena asked her grandmother in concern.
"I remember." Alana assured Serena before turning back to Josh. "I cannot be around a dog."
"You aren't having an allergic reaction right now." Will pointed out helpfully. "You should be fine unless you go near the dog."
Alana turned her glare on him and he sat back in his chair. "I didn't want to have to do this." Alana told Josh in a put-upon tone. "But I'm going to have to allow the judge to decide."
"Decide what?" Serena asked worriedly. "I want to live with Uncle Josh." She climbed onto his lap.
"The judge can decide other things about your care too." Alana told her.
"Like what?" Serena asked curiously.
"Like whether or not you can have a pet." Alana answered.
"I already have a puppy. I even chose her name." She informed the room proudly but no one heard her. They were all watching Alana wearily.
"The judge ordered you to allow me to spend holidays here. I can't do that if I have to constantly worry about my health do to some animal. Therefore, you having that dog is a direct violation of a court order." Alana explained haughtily. "I've already spoken to my lawyer."
"What about my puppy?" Serena asked in a soft, scared voice. She was staring at her grandmother.
Elsie jumped up. "Serena, you know what? I haven't gotten to meet your puppy yet. I'd really like to but I don't know where she is. Can you take me to her?"
Serena looked at Josh.
"Go with Elsie, Angel." Josh instructed gently. His tone a direct contrast to his eyes.
"Kay." Serena mumbled uncertainly as she took Elsie's hand and led her out of the room.
Josh turned on Alana. "How dare you scare her like that?"
"Scare her? She gets frightened that easily? I doubt that that is normal."
Leo stood up and went to stand next to Josh who had just stood. He laid a hand on the younger man's shoulder.
"Serena has already lost more than enough." Josh said dangerously.
"It is a dog." Alana argued. "It doesn't matter. Besides, she just got it. She can't be that attached."
Toby lay a hand on CJ's arm before she could get up.
"Get out." Josh growled.
"What?" Alana demanded indignantly.
"Get out of my house."
No one even noticed that it was the first time he had called it his house.
"I have a court order to spend Christmas here with Serena." Alana objected.
"Get out." Josh repeated.
"Fine." She stepped out of the living room with the others all right behind her. "I'll take her with me." Before she could go up the stairs, CJ was standing on the bottom step, her expression daring Alana to cross her.
"I have the right to spend this day with Serena." Alana insisted.
"You lost that right when you frightened her." Leo countered.
"You ruined her Christmas." CJ added. "It is going to take us hours to calm her."
Josh wrenched the door open forcefully. "Out!"
Alana backed towards the door as Toby took a step toward her. "You'll be hearing from my lawyer." She exclaimed as she slammed the door shut. Josh slid the deadbolt into place.
"Merry fucking Christmas." Josh cursed as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Um. You probably shouldn't have said that."
Everyone turned to stare at Will.
Will held up the camcorder which he picked up when CJ laid it on her seat.
"Did you.?" Clara began hopefully.
"I taped it all." Will announced.
"Thank you, Will." CJ startled him by kissing him on the cheek.
"Uncle Josh?" Serena said hesitantly, as Elsie gently guided her down the stairs, clutching her puppy tightly.
"Angel, it is okay." Josh assured her as he knelt down next to her. Serena awkwardly held her puppy as she groped for her new necklace.
"Where is Grandma Alana?"
"She left."
"Good."
"Why good?" Josh asked.
CJ motioned for Will to train the camera on Serena, but to step back so she wouldn't notice.
Serena hesitated. They could all see that she was upset. "She was scaring me." She whispered as she clutched her guardian angel.
"How?"
"I think she wanted to hurt my puppy. I think she is mad cause Tuft makes her sick. But Tuft doesn't do it on purpose. You and Amy always say that you can't blame someone for something they do accidentally."
"You're right." Josh agreed.
"Is she going to get a judge to decide?"
"Maybe."
"Could a judge take Tuft away?" Serena asked fearfully.
"Maybe, but I don't think the Judge would do that." Josh reassured her.
"But what if they made me go live with her?"
Josh kissed her forehead. "Do you want to live with her?"
"No." She said vehemently.
Josh hugged Serena tightly, whispering to her "I won't let that happen."
*************
Author's note: For those of you that would like to see what a Hairless Chinese Crested looks like here is a link to some pictures. http:\\www.crest-care.com\Hairless%20examples.htm Also, the Hairless Chinese Crested is usually a really good pet for an allergy sufferer although in rare cases such as the one in this story you can be allergic to them.