A/N: Wow, this was a little hard to write. I remember in a very early Arthur episode, Arthur and the True Francine, which oddly had nothing to do with Francine, she mentioned she went to her grandmother's house once. Now, she may had been talking about a different grandmother, but why not include her Bubby in that reference? Also, there's mentions of Francine's grandfather, I remember at the end of Is That Kosher? that Bubby mentions their grandfather in past tense, so he's mentioned here too. Plus, I just realized that tomorrow is Grandparents Day. That was always a lonely holiday for me, the only grandparent I met died when I was a baby, she was my mom's mom and I think it's because she's the only one I met that I'm so attached to her. So I kind of feel Francine's pain, even if this is just a story, I don't know if they'd do a Very Special Episode and kill off Francine's Bubby like that. Only time can tell. Anyway, enough of my rambling, Read & Review. Marc Brown owns all.
Francine stared out the window as she sat on her bed and Catherine had left the apartment earlier, deciding to tell her friends what happened. The younger Frensky sister heaved a sad sigh, she was still feeling lost without her grandmother. When Bubby came back to visit for Yom Kippur, Francine thought maybe she was moving closer with the family and something may have happened, but Bubby was very strong for a woman of her age, even after Francine's grandfather had already passed away years before from natural causes of cancer. She remembered before the family moved to Elwood City, Francine got to see her one time beforehand.
Francine was three, Catherine was 12, and they were visiting Bubby in their old town. They were a very poor family and could barely afford Hanukkah presents or even presents for Catherine's upcoming Bat Mitzvah. Laverne didn't really have a job and Oliver was just known as a garbage man. The Frensky family decided to see Bubby before they moved.
"Ah, hello, dears, so good to see you," Bubby smiled fondly at her daughter with her family. "Catherine, look at how much you've grown... And who's this? Laverne, I know you're losing weight, but slow down!" she looked down at her younger granddaughter.
Laverne hid a laugh and picked up the little one. "Mom, this is our other daughter, Francine, she was born a couple of years ago. You two haven't met yet."
"Oh, I see," Bubby smiled. "Ya better be feeding her, she looks like a starving dog. Maybe her Bubby should cook for her."
Francine giggled a little at her grandmother.
"So, what brings you all here?" Bubby asked, sitting at her chair while Francine sat on the floor, playing with some toys brought with her to keep her busy while the adults would talk.
"We just wanted to let you know that we can't stay in our old house," Oliver told her in a hushed tone so he wouldn't worry little Francine. "The rent has gotten too high and we can't afford to stay in our house."
"Yes, it's very bad." Laverne added.
"Why didn't you say so?" Bubby looked at them. "You can stay here with me if you want. I've wanted some company ever since Edgar left the picture."
"Oh, Mom, we wouldn't want to be a burden," Laverne told her. "We could stay here a while, but are you sure it'd be okay with you?"
"I don't mind at all, I just love my grandchildren's company," Bubby smiled fondly. "I barely see you all anymore anyway. When was the last time I saw everyone?"
"I think Catherine was just starting kindergarten." Oliver shrugged.
"Exactly my point, you stay here and don't worry about cleaning, I'll take care of everything until you all get back on your feet." Bubby said.
Francine looked up. When she saw her parents smiling and her grandmother smiling, she knew this was a happy occasion. She hadn't been listening to the conversation, but she stood up and hugged her grandmother's legs.
"Aww... She's so sweet," Bubby patted the girl's head. "Catherine, why can't you be as sweet as your sister?"
The pre-teenager scoffed and shook her head.
"Don't worry, Frankella, Bubby's gonna love and take care of you forever..." Bubby told little Francine as they held each other closely.
After that, Oliver worked extra hard to make extra money for the family before they would afford to move to a new place. Laverne left Francine with Bubby while she would take Catherine to school still and she would do other things with her own job. Francine really enjoyed her grandmother's company and it didn't take long for her to be close with her.
Those memories were very sweet and everlasting in a young child's perspective. When the time came for the family to move, Laverne told her mother she was welcome to move in with them to a new apartment in a place called Elwood City, but the elder woman said that her own house held too many memories and she decided she should stay until she's ready to get out of the house more. She was still a lot more active than most seniors her age.
Francine sighed as her memories faded. This Sunday was Grandparents' Day. Sure, she still had her paternal grandfather, but Bubby was great. She was like the best grandmother anyone could ask for. Oliver and Laverne stepped into the shared bedroom of their daughters' and saw Francine in distress. They wanted to help her and they knew it would take time before she would be back to her normal self again.
"We should let her friends come and find out what a great woman your mom was." Oliver said as they left the room after sharing a tight hug with Francine.
Laverne nodded. She had stinging tears in her eyes as he had brought the woman up. "I miss her so much..." she said in a choked voice.
"Oh, come here..." Oliver hugged her close as she let out more tears. "There, there... We're going to make it through this... She wouldn't want to see you sad."
"I know," Laverne choked, still in emotional distress. "Just, why so soon?"
"These things happen... I promise, it'll be okay."
"I love you, Oliver..."
"I love you too, Laverne..."
