So Holly, Alexis and Martha came down stairs to see what they can create for dinner. Martha noticed the big pile of take out menus.
"Holly? Do you have a favorite? We are going to order dinner."
Holly looked up and down the huge pile and finally dug out a yellowed very dog eared menu which looks like people have been scribbling on it and barely could read the menu item little alone the phone number.
"I like this one."
Alexis squinted at what could be laughingly called a menu.
"Holly, are you sure? This is the one?"
"Yes that has the most yummiest food."
"Ok so what would you like? Holly spoke in Chinese her choices for dinner."
"Hey Slow down my Chinese is a little rusty." Alexis said.
"Ok I will do it slower then. This time Alexis heard most of the words and agreed that the order would be very yummy indeed."
Martha dialed the number and placed the order. The man on the other end said the dinner would be in 50 Mins. Martha agreed the hung up.
"Holly, where did you learn Chinese?"
"On the TV show yeah they have Spaceships and Cows!"
Alexis looked at Martha. There has to be explanation.
"Plus there is someone who looks like Daddy on it too. When I was little I would dream it was Daddy. He would come in his spaceship for me. But I am older and know that is not right. He came in a Car! So how old are you Alessa?"
"Well, it is still March and my birthday is in October. I was 19 when you were born. So that makes me.."
"22!" Holly said brightly.
"Yes that is correct I am 22".
"Addition is easy so is subtraction but long division is the pits!"
"Right Holly Sure agree with you on that."
Martha could not believe her ears the conversation between Alexis and Holly.
"Alessa? I heard you are finishing Medical School? How? You are only 22. "
Alexis laughed.
"Why do you say that?"
"Jim's Girl friend is going to Medical School and she said it takes 3 to 4 years to complete. And Jack is in his first year of College and it takes 4 years for that too. You need to finish College before going to Medical School. So How? But explain please I am confused. Jim and His girl friend, they are going to get married soon. I am going to be her flower girl. You know what she is very pretty and she is mommy's friend too. Her name is Callie."
"Ok when I had my last year of High School I had taken lots of College credits online."
Holly nodded she knew about online course work from Jack he did it in High School too.
"Ok so when I got to college I tested out of all required course and graduated that same year. I then took the MCAT and passed it and was accepted to John Hopkins on their accelerated course. I will graduate in May from Medical School. I want to be like Mommy's friend Lanie."
"I do not recognize Lanie's name."
"Oh that is ok she is a very old friend of your mommy. She is back in New York City."
"Alessa? will I go to New York? I have seen the tall building on the computer but to see it for myself would be awesome!"
"Well I do not know that is up to Mommy and Daddy to decide."
"Well I hope they decide to go there!"
At this point Jim Beckett appeared walking down the stairs. Holly immediately got up and ran over to her Pawpaw.
"What is up? My little chatter box I could hear you from the top of the stairs."
"Jim, she was being a good hostess and keeping everyone entertained."
"Thanks Martha glad to see you are enjoying yourselves."
Holly said in very loud voice "we order Chinese food and I got your favorite Pawpaw."
"You did? Well, Thank you Holly!"
Holly beamed with pride being thanked by her Pawpaw.
Soon the meal was delivered and everyone sat around the table and took part of this splendid meal. Alexis was showing Holly how to use the chopsticks correctly. It took a few tries but she mastered the art of bring food to her mouth using two round sticks.
Holly was animatedly chattering in Chinese the benefits of each item. Alexis was interested in the running commentary. Holly acted so much like her Dad which is funny. Rick a grown man on par with a 3 year old. Well Kate did say he was like a nine year old on a sugar rush or maybe a mature 3 year old? Alexis smirked at that thought.
Meanwhile Martha and Jim Beckett were discussing the arts or what is the lack of them in this retirement community.
"I was saying Martha they really need a good production company down here there is a dearth of professionalism. The Theater here is dreadful. Summer stock would the heights of Broadway compared to this place. However, you can find good Italian and Greek food here. There is a Deli a few blocks from where Katie works makes you think you are still in NY! It is that good. I try to get Katie to pick me up a Reuben every time she goes past. Thanks for Jim, Katie's partner. He always seems to come through with the sandwich when Katie does not."
"Jim is a bit of hero in this house?"
"Well he was the first person I met when moving down here. Then I learned he was a Detective and I told him about Katie. Then the event happened and Katie was here in a very bad way. Jim was there for both of us. That just the way it was with him. I know if Rick knew he would have done something but he didn't and it was Jim who pulled us through. Then when Kate was well enough he got her a job where he worked.
"I am so sorry we did not know. We just knew she was gone and there was no trace of her anywhere."
"I guess in a tribute to Jim Katie changed her last name to his when she had Holly with all that red hair. She further cemented her change by coloring her hair red too. However I miss the brown with the red highlights. Now she looks nothing like Johanna. I guess that was another reason.
"I have noticed you do not have any of her pictures. If I am being too indelicate I do apologize."
"No Martha it is fine. Well when I got down here I chose to leave many of the boxes sealed. I guess I did not want the reminder of the pain. Then when Katie came here I saw no point of opening the boxes. Maybe one day I might but right now they stay sealed. Besides this one here is so bright I need to wear shades!"
"Aw Jim!"
Everyone groaned at the reference. Soon dinner was done and Holly slipped in her favorite DVD. She and Alexis had a running commentary on what Mal was going to do to get back at the bad guys. The ended the episode with a rousing rendition of Jayne the Man called Jayne!
"See I told you he looked like Daddy!"
"Yes you sure did young one."
"Well it is time for Bed. So who would you like to be Kaylie or Zoe?"
Holly thought about it for a moment and displayed a wonderful miniature version of Kate's crinkle.
"I think I would like to be River."
"Why?"
"Because she is free to do anything she wants and nobody will stop her."
"Wait Simon is able with a word make her stop."
"Yeah, he does not use it that often and besides he is her brother."
Alexis got Holly ready for bed and then she wanted Alexis to read to her while she went to sleep. Alexis picked a favorite of hers Charlotte's Web. She would imitate the voices Like Rick did when he read to her. Of course No one was as good as their Dad in storytelling. Soon the young one was fast asleep.
Alexis came down the stairs the house was strangely quiet. Only a murmur of voices between Martha and Jim Beckett could be heard. Alexis came into the kitchen where the conversation was now a bit more intelligible.
"So you say Rick proposed in the Car?"
"Yes both Kate and Richard were in the front seat while Alexis and I were in the back seat. But you should have seen the tears of joy when Richard placed the ring on her finger. Alexis captured the moment when they kissed."
"Alexis dear please show Jim the picture you took."
Alexis got her phone out and scrolled to the right picture. The look of love was so evident in their faces.
Jim felt proud of his Katie.
It was getting late and still no Rick or Kate appeared.
"I guess we will take you up on the spare bedrooms."
"I think I can find you something to sleep in."
Jim was rummaging around for a moment and produced a pair of maternity sweats.
"I am sure Katie will not mind. There is a full bath connecting the two rooms. So ladies you have to share. "
Both Alexis and Martha got ready for bed. The beds were surprisingly comfortable.
Soon they were both fast asleep.