Disclaimers: Please see chapter 1.
A/N: my apologies for the delay. The muse was sending me plot bunnies for another story, and just recently took pity on me and allowed me to update this story :-). Be warned though, it's a long chapter. Enjoy :-)
Chapter 4
Even with the hectic turn in Rachel's life, her internal clock is so in tune that comes six a.m. she is up and ready to face the world. She makes a mental note to talk to Andy about a safe running route or two. Hopefully by the time she returns to Lima, she'll know Andy's new neighbourhood better. She slowly gets out of bed, careful to not disturb Andy, and makes her way to the kitchen to see what's available for breakfast. After scrounging through the fridge, she settles for eggs Florentine, whole grain toast, and orange juice. She starts by brewing coffee, because neither Andy nor her Daddy can function properly in the morning without it.
The sound of running water alerts Rachel that Andy is up. Rachel puts the finishes touches to their breakfast, just as Andy and her daddy walk out to join her. Perfect timing, she thinks.
"Good morning, my little Hummingbird. Did you sleep well? Andy asks, making a beeline for the table. "Mmmm, smells delicious. You know you didn't have to do this, right?" Andy says as she grabs a steaming mug of coffee and sits down to enjoy her first home cooked breakfast in ages.
"Morning, Sunshine. I slept great, you? And yes, I did. I wanted to eat something other than cereal and milk for breakfast." Rachel replies as she sets the food on the table. "Morning Daddy." She adds when she sees Leroy making his way to them. Andy just laughs at the truth in that statement.
"Morning girls." Leroy answers back with a sleepy smile.
"I slept like a baby. Good Morning Uncle Leroy." Andy says after she swallows. "Rach, have you decided your song selection for your audition?" She adds before she continues to eat.
"I'll sing 'think of me' from The Phantom of the Opera as my English language song. There are enough nuances in pitch that will showcase my control very well. The foreign language song I'm still trying to choose between 'jueves' from La Oreja De Van Gogh and 'lullaby of nemunoki' a song Empress Michiko of Japan wrote when she was a teenager." Rachel answers.
"That explains a lot." Leroy says with a chuckle after his first sip of coffee.
"What do you mean?" Andy asks confused.
"Rachel has been rehearsing a lot of non-English songs at home these fast few months. Now I know why." He answers with a sad smile. "Are you familiar with those two songs Andy?" Leroy adds, pushing his sadness away. This is for his baby girl, he reminds himself.
"Only the first. 'jueves' is a very sad song. It tells the story of a girl who falls in love with someone and the day they talk for the first time and share their love for one another, was Thursday, March 11, 2004, the day of the Madrid train bombings. One of them dies and the other survives. To this day, no one knows if it's fictional recount, or if it's based on a real story. The composers of the song won't say. The song was released as a single and it was the debut of the group's new vocalist. All proceeds of that song were donated to the surviving families. I'm surprised by the choice though. The second one, I'm not familiar with. How about explaining your choices to us mere mortals?" Andy asks Rachel.
"I wanted something different. The lyrics for 'lullaby of nemunoki' actually inspired a prize in Japan given to women who excel in the care of disabled children or with other special needs. The songs sound simple, but they are both deceptively complicated." Rachel says with a smile. "I only plan on piano as accompaniment. This way the faculty won't get distracted by the background music and will be able to focus on what is important here, my voice, my range, and my control." Rachel answers.
Both adults smile at this, knowing that Rachel wouldn't just pick a song without a good reason behind it.
"Will you save some of your rehearsal until I make it home from work?" Andy asks, dying to hear Rachel sing.
"I, uh, wasn't going to practice anymore." Rachel says softly, causing both adults to look at her in surprise. "I don't want to get you in trouble with your neighbours with all my singing. You live in an apartment and I doubt the walls are thick enough to drown out my voice. I mean, even back in Lima we had to soundproof part of the house so I wouldn't disturb our neighbours there, and we live in a house. Imagine what would happen if I were to practice here the way I normally do back there." She says, remembering the lawsuit back in Ohio that thankfully got dismissed once her parents soundproofed a room in the basement.
"That's very sweet of you, but we will have to figure something out for you to practice when you move here." Andy says with a smile. "For now though, I'm sure my neighbours wouldn't mind it too much if you say, do it in no later than the afternoon? Everyone in this townhouse works regular office hours, so you wouldn't be disturbing anyone if you were to practice during the day. I'd suggest the roof, but I know the cold will kill your vocal chords. Besides, once you're warmed up, everyone will fall in love with your voice." Andy adds. "Ok, I'm off to work. I should be back in a few. Remember, tomorrow we're going shopping. Thanks for breakfast, Sweetie. Nate would have been jealous of your cooking talent." She says as she puts her dirty dishes in the sink and reaches to give a quick hug and kiss to Rachel and her father.
"Yeah, well, he is an idiot." Rachel mumbles unhappily at the mention of Andy's ex.
"What's this about shopping?" Leroy asks quickly trying to defuse the rant he knows Rachel always has whenever Nate is mentioned.
"I talked Rachel into letting me give her a slight makeover. I'm going to call a friend for his expert opinion, so be ready to shop 'til you drop tomorrow, Uncle Leroy." She answers with a sweet smile.
"What would a trip to New York City be without loads of shopping, huh?" He answers resigned, but happy that Rachel is all right with it. He remembers only too well the disaster that was her first makeover. And as much as he hates to admit it, Rachel would definitely benefit from one.
"I'm glad you feel that way, because knowing Nigel, we might go a bit overboard. Ok, I'm off; otherwise, I'll be late. Here is a set of spare keys. The yellowish one opens the main door at the bottom entrance and the silver one opens the front door to the apartment. My network is at your disposal, you know where the password is. I love you both." Andy says as she heads out the door.
"Have a good day." Rachel says as the door closes and catches a hurried "thanks, you too" from Andy.
"Thank you, Daddy. I know this is really hard for you." Rachel says out of the blue.
"I just want you to be happy. I haven't seen you this relaxed in a very long time. It will be very hard not having you at home, but moving here is the right decision." Leroy says as he starts cleaning up.
"I haven't gotten in yet Daddy. I still have to audition and write those exams. Anything can happen." Rachel says softly.
"Unless the faculty of Juilliard is tone deaf you won't have a problem there. As for your exams, you are one smart young lady. Just relax and believe in yourself. I know you can do it, and so do Andy and Quinn." He adds, as he looks Rachel in the eyes.
"Thanks Daddy." She says getting up and throwing her arms around him.
They spend the day exploring the neighbourhood, talking and reconnecting. Eventually, Leroy calls Hiram to check on him, which results in another small fight. At least Hiram has enough common sense left in him and hasn't blown Rachel's cover for her absence. He's sure that had Hiram done so, Quinn would have called to warn Rachel.
The talk Rachel has with Quinn goes a lot smoother, but at the same time, sadness fills both girls, because it gives them a taste of what things might be like between them should Rachel move to New York in the summer. The young diva confirms her song choice for the audition while Quinn tells her how everything is the same at McKinley. When Rachel mentions that she will at least sing them one more time for Andy to hear, she ends up promising Quinn a phone call so the blonde can also hear her sing.
The easy going pace of the early morning is shot to hell the second Andy arrives at the Mirror offices. Andy's editor calls her in for a meeting to inform her that her series on child labour outside of the U.S. has landed her another nomination for the Nelly Bly Cub Reporter Award and a nod for the Livingston Award. It seems like only yesterday she started this job to write small articles that more often than not were edited to death for their length, or were shelved altogether. Her big break had come in the form of a general interest article she wrote about first impressions. Her take had been so different. She wrote about the conundrum between learning not to judge by appearances alone and the reality where a person's first impression determines whether or not others would ever give said individual a chance to prove his or her worth. Her own experience during her tenure at Runway the perfect example. That article garnered her the first nomination a year ago.
Andy's day is spent juggling congratulations from her co-workers, telling an ecstatic Rachel, and working on last minute edits of her current articles before she sends them to her editor for approval. It is a wonder she managed to find the time to call Nigel and arrange a lunch meeting with him. It feels odd that through the years she has kept in touch with him, due to some sort of unspoken agreement, they hardly mention Miranda. To this day Nigel doesn't know the full reason Andy left Runway so suddenly. She will only tell him that it was personal and that she won't go into more details until she can explain to Miranda Priestly herself why she left the way she did. After three years, Nigel isn't holding his breath on that one.
"Hey Nige, sorry I'm late." Andy rushes in to their restaurant of choice right on time.
"Six! No worries, you're right on time." Nigel greets her with a soft kiss on her cheek. "How are you doing Andy? You look great and happier than I have seen you in a long while." Nigel asks as they both sit down.
"Things are great. My editor just told me I received a nomination for the Nelly Bly Cub Reporter Award and for the Livingston Award, and my cousin is visiting." She says with a huge smile on her face.
"Congratulations Six. You're really going places now. This is your second nod for the Nelly, correct?" Nigel replies.
"Yes, it is. I probably won't win, but to be recognised two years in a row is such a stroke on my ego. And to be recognised by another organisation is just icing on the cake." Andy says with excitement and pride.
"You should be proud. You know I have been following your career since you joined the Mirror and your writing just keeps getting better. This should do wonders for your freelancing." Nigel says with pride.
"Thanks Nige." She replies squeezing his hand quickly.
"I take it though that as wonderful as the news has been, it wasn't the reason you called. Come on, spill girl. I'm not getting any younger sitting here waiting." Nigel says playfully.
"You are right. I only found out about the nods this morning. I need a huge favour from you. My visiting cousin is in dire need for some guidance in the clothing department." Andy starts to say.
"So you need me to help you with a makeover for your cousin. Of course I'll do it." Nigel finishes for her.
"Yes, I do. But there is more. She has gone through a lot of teasing at school. In fact, she has gone through more bullying than anyone should at any age, and I would really appreciate it if you try your best to spare her self esteem a little bit. I know that living here has made us sort of immune to barbs and such but Rachel is very sensitive and she is still so young and…" Andy continues only to be cut off by Nigel once again.
"Say no more, Six. I know the drill. I can see this is really important to you. So, what's the big occasion for the makeover?" Nigel asks.
"Rachel has an audition in a few days. I want to make sure that whoever is there will only focus on Rachel's performance and not her appearance beyond what is considered normal." Andy says.
"An audition? Is she an actress?" Nigel asks, truly intrigued now.
"No, although I'm sure that is in the realm of future possibilities for her. She is auditioning for a spot in Juilliard's pre-college division for singing. After that, she will write the admission exams for Dalton and of course meet the faculty for her first interview." Andy says. "Don't give me that look, Nigel. You know that Dalton is one of the best schools in the country. It has nothing to do with her." Andy adds when she sees Nigel's face, neither one of them needing to say who the 'her' in question is.
By the end of their lunch, it's decided that Nigel will be joining them for dinner. Andy wants him to listen to Rachel sing, her words would never do Rachel's talent justice. She also wants their first meeting in an environment where Rachel is more comfortable, and maybe this way Nigel can get some ideas on what might work best for the girl.
"Hey my little Hummingbird. I'm calling to give you a heads up that Nigel will be joining us for dinner tonight." Andy says into her phone on her way back to work.
"Ok, but you do now that you have almost no food in the fridge, right?" Rachel asks.
"I'm leaving work early, so we can hit the store or something when I get back. I'll even help you cook." Andy says sweetly.
"Uh, no thanks. I would like to be able to eat sometime this century." Rachel replies, cringing slightly at the memory of Andy's culinary skills.
"Hey! I'm not that bad." Andy replies trying to sound affronted, but failing miserably because of her giggling.
"Uh, yes, you are. When you cook, the kitchen looks like a hurricane has gone through it. You use every single pot and pan available, and every single container as well." Rachel says laughing now.
"Fine, I'll give you that. This time though I'll actually listen to instructions if you accept my help. Anyway, I need to get back to work if I hope to leave when I want. I'll see you in a few, Rach." Andy says once she gets back to the office.
"See you later, Sunshine." Rachel answers smiling into the phone.
Rachel can't help but imagine what life would be like in New York. She doesn't delude herself into thinking that she will be popular all of a sudden though. She will gladly settle for just being able to blend into the background and be able to sing. She will gladly take anonymity over slushies, insults, and be on the receiving end of practical jokes any day. She can have her fame once she becomes a stage legend.
When Andy makes it back to the apartment, they all agree on a light dinner and quickly leave to get groceries. Once again, Leroy insists on paying for everything. Andy just gives up and offers genuine thanks.
"You sure you'll be ok singing in front of Nigel?" Andy asks again.
"Yes, as long as you don't mind being on speaker phone because I promised Quinn I'd call her once I'm ready to do my run through of the songs so she can give me her opinion and maybe between all of you I can actually come to a decision on which song to use." Rachel replies as she puts the finishing touches to their dinner just as the buzzer sounds signalling Nigel's arrival.
"Hey Nige, come on in." Andy says as she opens the door.
"Hey Six. Here, I brought some wine." Nigel says stepping in and handing over two bottles of wine, one red, and one white. "I didn't know what we were having, so I brought once of each." Nigel explains.
"Let me take your coat, and introduce you to my family." Andy says smiling.
"Nigel, these are Rachel and Leroy Berry. My cousin and my uncle. Guys, this is Nigel Kipling, Art Director for Runway and a dear friend." She says to the group of people around her.
"Nice to meet you." Leroy says offering his hand to Nigel.
"Pleasure is all mine." Nigel replies as they shake hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Rachel." Nigel says turning to Rachel.
"Same here. Thanks for, uh, helping me out." Rachel says shyly.
"Don't mention it. I love dressing people." Nigel replies, taking in Rachel's look with a critical eye. He knows there is quite a bit to be done, but for now refrains from saying anything. There is no need to scare the girl, especially after Andy's story of her first make over attempt.
Rachel smiles wider and lets out an involuntary sigh of relief when that is all Nigel says. She knows she's not being fair, but years of people making fun of the way she dresses always has her expecting some form of barb.
While the adults talk, Rachel goes through a series of warm up exercises, which of course take Nigel by surprise. He knew Rachel would be rehearsing, but still, the vocal exercises are a bit unexpected. He actually thought that she would just break out in song.
"I, uh, need to prepare my vocal chords or I risk damaging them." She offers as an explanation when she notices the odd looks she is receiving from their guest.
Soon, Rachel fishes out her phone and hits speed dial. Quinn answers on the second ring, and quick introductions are made. Quinn is surprised that Rachel will be singing in front of a stranger because she has kept everything so secret. She herself has only heard Rachel's choices a couple of times when she was hanging out with the diva.
By the time she is done with both songs, there is a proud and beaming father, along with two speechless people and a gushing best friend on the phone. Eventually it's Quinn who breaks the silence.
"That was amazing, Rach. I say go with 'jueves' because it's longer and it is a bit more technical so it will show your range and control better. Regardless though, they would have to be complete morons to turn you down." Quinn says over the connection, a mixture of pride, sadness, and happiness in her voice.
"I'm no expert, but I actually agree with Quinn. You were amazing. Keep it up and you should have no problems with the audition." Andy says proudly.
When they end the phone call, Quinn is a lot more relaxed. She can easily hear the happiness in Rachel's voice, as well as Andy's affection and pride. She knows her best friend will be in good hands.
"Will we be able to be present?" Leroy asks.
"No. There will be two or three faculty members only, so they will film my performance for the rest of the faculty to see and hear." Rachel answers. "I'm kind of unsure what happens next because normally these auditions are held in mid to end of May and prospective candidates are notified in the summer. Since they are requesting an audition this early on, I am hoping to find out sooner because it will kill me to wait until summer to know, but I won't know until Wednesday when I see them." Rachel adds.
As the evening progresses, to Rachel's relief, the neighbours never complained about her singing, not even during her warm up exercises. The rest of the evening is spent celebrating Andy's nominations and finalising what their game plan will be for their shopping expedition. Nigel keeps his promise to Andy and no matter how hideous he thinks some of Rachel's outfits are, the only comment he makes is that a bad fashion sense must be genetic for them. By now, Rachel is comfortable enough in Nigel's presence that all she does is stick her tongue out at him while he receives a slap on the shoulder from Andy. The adults are relieved that there are no hints of the insecurity and hurt that usually appears in the young girl's face whenever someone makes even the slightest negative comment on her wardrobe. They agree to meet for breakfast and then hit the stores when Nigel bids them good night.
The past few weeks finally catch up though and Rachel can barely keep her eyes open. A quick good night to Leroy and a quick trip to the bathroom and Rachel is back in Andy's room. She is fast asleep the moment her head hits the pillow. Andy quietly walks out of her room after wishing her cousin a good night and starts the kettle to make some tea.
"You are fantastic with her." Leroy says as he joins Andy in the kitchen.
"She is an amazing young woman. I'm glad I can be there for her and that she lets me. Would you like some tea, Uncle Leroy?" She asks as the kettle whistles and she reaches over for a mug.
"Sure, what do you have?" Leroy asks.
"A bit of everything. I like variety." Andy says, pointing to the cupboard holding her wide selection of teas.
"How are things with your parents?" Leroy asks once he makes his selection. He hopes that since Thanksgiving, Andy's relationship with her parents, but especially her mother, has improved.
"They're going, unfortunately, not in the direction I am." Andy admits a bit deflated.
"The usual?" He asks with understanding.
"Yeah, they're both still a bit sore I bypassed law school to pursue a career in journalism. Things aren't as adversarial, but they're far from what they used to be. I don't know if we'll ever be able to have that easy going relationship we had before I started to stray in my way of thinking. I know they don't approve of how I have changed over the years. They keep blaming Runway and especially Miranda. They thought everything would revert back to their version of normal once I quit. I know they were very disappointed I ended things with Nate permanently. I know that they don't like that I refused to get back together with him even after he came back to mend things. They keep saying that I should swallow my pride and accept that Nate had good reasons to dump me the way he did. It doesn't help that I barely see Lily and Doug anymore. They're convinced New York changed me to the point where I'm not recognisable anymore." Andy shares with Leroy.
"Are you happy?" He asks bluntly.
"For the most part I am." She answers honestly.
"What's missing?" He asks.
"My parents' approval, someone to share my life with, a bit more time to myself. The understanding of my childhood friends. You know, the usual." Andy replies wistfully. "Sometimes I wonder if professional fulfillment and self-acceptance are worth the shambles that my personal life has become." She adds sadly.
"I wish I could honestly say to you that things with your parents will improve, but I'm still working on mine." Leroy says sadly. "But I can tell you that even support from loved ones doesn't really count unless they truly mean it." He adds.
"I know Uncle Leroy. Things will work out in the end. I have to believe that, or I would go crazy." Andy replies, reaching out for his hand.
"Andy, you are the closest thing to a mother figure Rachel has ever had. You have taken care of her pretty much every summer from the time she was five, but are you ready to do this full time?" Leroy asks softly.
"I am. You can trust me, Uncle Leroy. I will take care of Rachel to the best of my abilities." Andy answers without hesitation.
"I know you will. I am just afraid that the shift in your role as her cousin, confidante, and friend to parental figure might put a strain in your relationship and I really don't want that to happen." Leroy shares his biggest fear.
"Rachel and I have talked about this. She knows that should she move here and be under my care I will still be her friend, but I will also be the disciplinarian when the time calls for it. We both know that there will moments where she will act like the teenager she is and defy me and times where my decisions won't be popular but we will deal with those moments the same way we have in the summers we have shared. I've had to be the bad guy even then." Andy replies, hoping to ease some of Leroy's fears.
"She knows that for this to work, she will have to hang her diva attitude outside the front door. This won't just be a visit of a couple of months. She will be living under my care until she turns eighteen. We both know what is at stake here and we won't do anything stupid to jeopardise the wonderful relationship we have." Andy adds as an afterthought. Both girls have discussed this at length, and both are drawing on their shared summers together where things have gone smoothly and near perfect between them.
"I'm still adjusting to the fact that you two have discussed this at length before she even approached us with this. I can't help but feel like I have failed her as a parent because she couldn't find it in herself to confide in me. I knew the bullying was getting to her, but I had no idea she has been skirting with a full blown nervous breakdown." Leroy continues.
"It has nothing to do with your ability as a father. You know how Rachel can be, always wanting to solve everything herself. You have enough on your plate, and Rachel didn't want to add more." Andy says hoping that will be enough to ease some of his guilt.
"Don't try to justify my actions Andy. We know full well I should have stepped up and done something about the bullying, but I let my ideals and wishful thinking cloud my judgement." Leroy says.
"I'm not. I understand where you and Uncle Hiram were going. Rachel dealing with adversity and the fact that not everyone will love her is something that will prepare her for life on her own. God knows overprotection from parents can do even more damage in the long run. The balance is hard to find. The situation is far from simple, because those in charge of McKinley don't do a thing to stop the bullying from happening in the first place. Add to that Rachel's penchant for wanting to solve everything by herself, and we find ourselves in the situation we're in." Andy replies.
"Thank you for trying, but we both know Hiram and I should have been more proactive." Leroy says. "Then of course, the whole thing with Rachel wanting to know her birth mother happened, and that did not help matters." He adds, without giving Andy a chance of rebuttal.
"You know that Shelby has nothing to do with Rachel's decision to come here, right?" Andy asks.
"Yes, I do. She has made it very clear that it's her desire to attend school here and to catch a break from her life in Lima that is spurring her to speed up her plans." Leroy says. "I'm her father. She shouldn't have to worry about my feelings. She should always feel at ease to come and talk to me about her problems." He replies.
"How would you have reacted to Rachel's plans last year?" Andy asks, hoping to prove a point without having to hurt him further.
"I probably would have laughed at them, thinking she was joking. I would have probably said something about overreacting and over dramatizing everything. Then I would have told her no in no uncertain terms once I realised she was being serious. Sort of like what Hiram did." Leroy admits.
"What changed your mind?" Andy asks.
"I paid attention. I have seen Rachel go from a happy adolescent to a mere shadow of herself. Lately, her smiles have always been fake. She has been so sad. I never realised how much everything has affected her. Now that I have a better idea of what she has gone through so far, I just want her to be happy. I've said this before, but Hiram's words nearly killed her spirit completely. I knew then that it's either a fresh start or a deep depression for my daughter. At this moment in her life, her happiness is here. Her dream has always been Broadway." Leroy answers honestly as realisation hits him. "I see your point. Had Rachel approached me earlier, I would have quashed her dreams, and probably added to her stress levels." Leroy adds.
"That's why Rachel kept so much to herself. She knew you and Uncle Hiram would have never agreed to it. She took a huge chance by doing this behind your backs. She wanted to tell you only if she got accepted in both schools. She only said something sooner because I insisted it was time you guys knew. I know it feels like she is running away, but she isn't. She's saving her sanity. As a plus, she'll get the best education at Dalton, and it will improve her chances of getting into her college of choice. I'm really glad you have Rachel's best interests at heart and looked past your own hurt and fought the instinct to keep her home by any means necessary." Andy continues.
"I know. In the end, Rachel's happiness, wellbeing, and future sealed the deal for me. I just wish I didn't have to feel like I am choosing between my husband and my daughter." Leroy finishes sadly.
"So things with Uncle Hiram are still at a stalemate then? They haven't improved one bit? Not even with both of you here?" Andy asks, knowing the answer already.
"Pretty much spot on. He is convinced Rachel is overreacting. He is sure that facing her bullies will build her character up. He is convinced that she is following Shelby here and even though he won't admit it, he is petrified Rachel will develop a rapport with Shelby and that she will choose her birth mother over us. I admit that I let the same fears affect how I reacted and dealt with Rachel's quest for knowledge and her quest for her own identity.
"Hiram has chosen such a poor way to deal with Rachel's transition from little girl to young woman. We always knew what her dreams were. We knew that it was only a matter of time before we had to let go and trust that we did a good job with her. I love him a lot, but I'm not sure what will happen if his attitude doesn't change. I never thought the day would come where I have to protect my daughter from her father. I've also been branded a traitor for facilitating what he deems to be nothing more than Rachel's eccentricities." Leroy says softly.
"You have done a magnificent job with Rachel. She is a responsible young woman, with clear goals and plans on how to reach those goals. You have nothing to worry about on that end. I wish I could impart you with some hidden gems of knowledge, but he is very much like my mom, and they are both very stubborn and set in their ways. I know he is your husband and you love him, but no one hurts my little Hummingbird. I don't care who it is. I just hope that with time he will come to realise how much his words have hurt Rachel and he tries to make up for his attitude." Andy shares her thoughts on the matter.
"I know. That is why I have no problems with Rachel moving in with you. No matter what, you always have Rachel's best interests at heart, and you will always protect her from anything and anyone." Leroy says gratefully. "Don't worry about Hiram and me too much. We'll work things out. We have always managed in the past. Like you, I hope he sees the error of his way soon. I also hope it won't be too late. I don't want the rift between him and Rachel to get any bigger." Leroy adds, hoping to reassure himself and Andy at the same time.
"So that's where Rachel gets her optimism." Andy says with a smile.
"Yeah, someone in the family has to be the optimist, you know." He says with his own smile. "Thanks for the friendly ear, Andy. I really needed to unload." Leroy says through a yawn once he finishes the last of his tea.
"Anytime, Uncle Leroy. I'm glad I was here for you. But, it's getting late, and we have a full day ahead of us tomorrow. I even promised Rachel I'd go for a run with her." Andy says looking at her watch.
"Have a great night Andy. Thanks again for the shoulder to lean on." Leroy says as he gets up and gives her a hug and soft kiss on the top of her head.
"Good night Uncle Leroy. Sweet dreams." Andy says returning the hug and kissing him on the cheek.
"You go on and get ready. I'll take care of stuff here while I wait." Leroy says with a smile.
"Thanks, Uncle Leroy." Andy says as she walks to the bathroom to start her night time routine.
When Andy makes it to her room, she can't help the smile on her face when she sees Rachel curled up on the bed, out like a light, not a single sign of distress. How she wishes to be able to always give her this sense of peace. She settles on the bed, and pushes aside a lock of dark hair and places a quick kiss on the forehead. Silently, she sends a prayer to whatever deity that will listen to give this young woman a small break.
TBC