Disclaimer: I don't own the Penderwicks. If I did, book four would be out by now.
Chapter 1 A Phone Call
Four way phone calls in the Penderwick Family never went well.
"I just don't see why we have to have the family reunion THERE," said Batty.
"Going to Arundel is a family tradition," Rosalind pointed out.
"Was a family tradition,'' Skye pointed out, "it stopped after Jeffery and I got married and his mother disowned him."
That silenced her sisters for a moment.
"We do have such wonderful memories there," Jane said softly. "I would love for Lucy and Malcom to see the place that inspired my first real novel. Oh Skye! You could show Lizzy and Ryan the place where you first met Jeffery!"
"I highly doubt they'd care about something like that. My children have sense you know," Skye teased her sister lightly.
"I would love to see those gardens again," Rosalind smiled.
"Batty you were four the last time you were there, I don't know if you remember the wonder of all those flowers in the gardens, the shining silver of the lily pond, the treasure chest that was the attic…"
"Breathe Jane," Skye cut her off.
"Personally, I'd like to see the place that means so much to you all," Ben said. He and Batty were on speakerphone in their apartment.
"And you'll get to play the grand piano in the Hall," Jane wheedled, "C'mon Battykins, you know you want to go back there."
"Even if she does, I certainly don't," Skye's voice was cold, "I don't want that woman anywhere near my children."
"Have Lizzy and Ryan even met their grandmother Skye?" Rosalind asked softly. Her sister didn't respond. "Jeffery?"
"She knows where we live. My mother could have stopped by any time she wanted to."
"They should be able to meet her Skye, or at least see the place their father grew up." Jane said.
"Like you have room to talk in this situation." Skye snapped, but instantly regretted it. Silence came from Jane's end of the phone.
"That. Is. Different." Jane sounded like she was going to burst into tears at any second.
"Skye, apologize." Rosalind instinctively took over as OAP.
"You all right Jane-O?" Batty asked carefully.
"Fine, I'm fine. Skye's right, she doesn't need to apologize. We should do this, we haven't been together in years." Jane quickly changed the subject.
"All in favor of a family reunion this December at Arundel Cottage?" Rosalind successfully pulled the conversation back on track.
"Aye," said Jane.
"Aye," Ben gave his input.
"Aye," said Batty grudgingly.
"Skye?" Jane's voice was hopeful.
"Aye," Skye finally said and a cheer went up from three different continents. The Penderwicks were going to be together again.
A/N: So, this will be a fic about the original Penderwick sisters' children. The main ones will be between the ages of ten and thirteen. It takes place about 21 years after Point Mouette. This is my first fic with an actual plot so updates will be sporadic. Leave a review telling me what you think!
-countingmoons