-March 1973, season 3-

It was a cool Monday night in March. It had been another productive day at WJM-TV and the news broadcast was just ending. Mary was heading out to meet with Rhoda for dinner when her phone rang. She answered, "Newsroom, Mary Richards."

A gruff sounded male voice came on and said, "Ms. Richards? This is Gabriel Musguire calling from Musguire and Lawall in Duluth."

Baffled Mary asked, "Mr. Musguire, how can I help you?"

The lawyer continued. "Ms. Richards, do you know Denise McGreer?"

Taking some to think Mary recalled a close friend she had when she was in high school, Denise, although back then she was Denise Astley. She was the quintessential girl next door and a popular and kind cheerleader back then. They eventually lost touch after high school. The last she heard about Denise was from her mother that she had married and had a child on the way.

Mary answered. "I do, she was an old high school friend of mine."

The lawyer softened. "I am sorry to inform you Ms. Richards that Denise and her husband Lee McGreer were killed in an accident yesterday. My clients had stated in their will that you are the legal guardian to their eighteen-month-old daughter, Tessa Marina McGreer. Right now, the little girl is in the care of Social Services. How soon can you come?"

Mary zoned out. Wait Denise is dead? Oh, why didn't I keep in touch with her? Now poor little Tessa.

Remembering that the lawyer was on the other line Mary shook her head and said, "I will be there as soon as I can."

Making an appointment to meet the lawyer at 9 AM the next day she hung up the phone. Sighing she knew now she had to keep her promise to her friend. She headed straight for Lou's office. After knocking she heard, "Come in."

Mary went in and Lou asked gruffly, "Mary, what are you still doing here?"

Mary spoke trying to control her emotions. "Mr. Grant, I am going to need several days off. I just found out an old friend of mine from high school is dead. She and her husband left their young daughter in my care. I am going to Duluth tonight and bringing the little girl home with me and…"

Lou softened. Children were his soft spot, especially having raised three daughters. He held up his hand. "Say no more Mary. Take the time you need. Please let us know if you need anything."

Mary nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Grant."

Taking off she made it home just in time run into Rhoda as she was coming down the stairs. Rhoda noted the frantic look on her best friend's face. "Mare, what is wrong? Did something happen?"

As they headed up the stairs Mary told Rhoda what happened. Forgetting about dinner Rhoda responded. "Oh, my goodness, the poor little girl. Do you need me to do anything?"

Although she didn't want to admit it she was a nervous wreck, too nervous to drive. She turned to her best friend, "Rhoda, I need to be there in one piece. Could you…?"

Rhoda finished. "Call the airline and cab. No problem kid, anything to help."

Rhoda followed Mary back up the stairs to Mary's apartment. As Rhoda made the calls Mary packed. As Mary packed she never imagined that today this way. She knew that she would be a mom one day. She knew she was good with Bess when she stayed with her. But today's news she got changed everything. She just hoped she can take care of a child in a more permanent way.

Making sure she had what she needed for a few days, she made her way out of the closet and into the living room/bedroom. Rhoda hung up and said, "Okay Mare the cab is on its way. Your flight to Duluth leaves at nine. You are good to go kid."

Mary smiled. At times like this, she was glad she had friends to count on. Rhoda helped her best friend carry her carry-on luggage and they headed out. Right before she was completely out the door she ran into Phyllis. Mary motioned Phyllis to follow and she did.

As the cab driver who had arrived helped with the luggage. Mary said, "Phyllis, I am going to be out of town for a few days. An old friend of mine died and left her daughter in my care and I am going to go and pick her up."

Usually, Phyllis would have said something snobbish but when she saw how distraught Mary was she held back her usual sayings. But she did say one thing, "Mary, if you need any help with anything, both Bess and I are here for you and the little girl."

To which Rhoda added as Mary got in the cab, "Call me when you arrive and keep me posted."

Mary nodded and she was off to the airport.

A/N 2: Thanks for reading the first chapter! Reviews are appreciated!