The Other Parents
Ch. 6 Letters from George and Nora
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and alerts. Most of these chapters are short to just let you know. Please enjoy.
Cindy
Dennis and Abby were trying there best to get know their children. Most of the time the kids were leaning on each other. Marti was the only one to respond to them. They weren't sure what they could do. Paul Derek and Casey's guidance counselor had suggested the family have counseling together. Derek quickly refused the idea and the other kids followed his lead in reusing. Each of the kids agreed to in school counseling without their parents there. Derek and Casey decided to go see Paul separately.
Abby told Dennis she was thinking about enrolling in parenting classes. Dennis just thought they all needed more time to adjust. Abby was cleaning up her side of the room when she noticed a hole in the wall. Inside it was a box. Abby wasn't sure if she should open it but she figured what would it hurt.
Inside the box were two letters one addressed Abby and one to Dennis. "What's wrong Abby?" Dennis asked concerned at the blank look on Abby's face. "Dennis go lock the door I just found something you need to see." Abby said.
Abby and Dennis sat down and pulled out some letters. "This one is to you from George." Abby said handing Dennis the letter. Dennis wasn't sure what to think. He didn't know George well why would he write a letter to him. And how did George and Nora know that he and Abby would move in with the kids.
"Dear: Dennis
If you are reading this it means Nora and I are gone. I wanted to tell you about my children. You are now as responsible for them as Abby is. First there's Derek he loves hockey, his friends, and his family especially Marti. He's strong minded and willed. He down plays his emotions. He's scared to let anyone in." Dennis read out. Abby nodded she was happy to hear more about Derek too.
"Edwin is my middle child and you can tell poor kid. He's not just smart he's brilliant. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Edwin just needs someone to encourage his greatness. He's truly meant for good things. Lizzie is his best friend and she knows what's going on with him at all times. She won't break his confidence though. But if he's upset send Lizzie and if that doesn't work then send Derek." Dennis said then paused again.
"Marti is our baby. She's my princess well all of us treat her like that. Her imagination is beyond anyone's I've ever seen. Dimi is her best friend. She looks up to all for the older kids. But especially to Derek they have a tight bond. Take good care of my baby girl." Dennis said pausing one last time.
"Dennis please take care of my children. Love them as you do Casey and Lizzie. Be there when they need you. And if we're gone they are going to need you. Also watch out for Abby she's brave but she'll need you also. But she is a good mother just needs encouragement. Thank you, George." Dennis said finishing the story.
Abby sighed and picked up her letter from Nora. Abby felt nervous. She was quickly realizing she truly was a mother of five now. "It's okay Abby just read your letter." Dennis said. Abby nodded and opened the letter and began to read it.
"Dear: Abby I wanted to tell you about my girls. Casey is a dancer, she's an A student, and she's very organized. Poor Casey stresses easily. She wants to be prefect was badly. She loves our family so very much. If I'm gone Casey will feel like she needs to be the mother and she will try to take on too much. Please help Casey to realize life's messy and it will be okay." Abby paused Dennis gave her a sad smile.
"Lizzie loves soccer she could play everyday. She's almost as bad as Derek was hockey. Lizzie's smart but she feels as though she'll never live up to her big sister. One day Lizzie will save the planet with Edwin at her side. She depends on Edwin to hold her up. Watch out of them they can get into almost as much trouble as the older ones." Abby read and then paused again.
"Thank you Abby for raising my beautiful girls. I so wish I could be there. My girls are now as much yours as they are Dennis'. Please take care of our family. Love them all with your whole heart. And I wanted to let you know I love Derek, Edwin, and Marti like my own. Love all five of my babies and remind them how much George and I loved them. Thank you Abby." Abby finished reading.
Abby started crying. Dennis hugged Abby. When Abby finally calmed down Dennis pulled away. "Abby I was thinking you and I should get to know each other better." Dennis suggested he realized that he and Abby were now part of this family. "That sounds nice Dennis." Abby agreed.
As they talked they realized they could do this. They would do this. They put this family back together. They could not only be parents but good parents and partners. They both felt grateful to be able to raise these great children. They were also grateful they would get to know each other. They each hoped they would become friends.