Frank POV
The next few days and nights go by in a blurb, I was constantly trying to come up with reasons not to be home. And when I was home Helen was either not home or she was on the phone and hung up quickly when she realized I was there. The cold war has nothing on the hostilities and frozen relationship feelings that are flowing in this house.
Through these days I have kept busy by driving my cab, spending time at the club and driving Edna and her cronies EVERYWHERE. Occasionally Edna pulls me aside and we have our chats, usually she gives me really great advice, which is really surprising for the past 10 years she's been a huge pain in my ass. I have come to look forward to her insights. Believe it or not she has a very unique way at looking at the world, not just on my on shortcomings.
The other half of my support-dynamic-duo is Juniak. He has been just as supportive as Edna. Although we he occasionally checks into my mindset he spends our time distracting the severity of my thoughts by playing pool or poker or just typical club shenanigans.
All of the heavy thinking, insightful conversation, friendly distraction and frost bite homestead made time fly by. Before I knew it my Pumpkin was calling me for our weekly check-ins.
"Hi Daddy" her voice had her usual warmth that I hadn't realized had been missing.
"How's it going Pumpkin?" I inquired.
"OH DADDY it's incredible here. We really haven't been doing much just getting the lay of the land. You won't believe all the different restaurants that are here, you name a country and there is a restaurant here that serves that food. I'm sure that if Carlos wasn't here I would be double my size when I got back. But Carlos makes sure we exercise for an hour each day. And that's on top of all the walking we have been doing. I have tortured the poor man on going to all the typical tourist traps. Can you believe he hasn't complained once, he even knew some obscure fact to each place we've been. Oh Daddy you would love the history of our country that is all around us. Next week we are going to make it to all the war memorials. I am so proud of you and Carlos for your service to our country. Making sure we live the life of freedom without realizing on how safety that men and women like you have provided at the cost of self. Thank you Daddy!"
Wow, my little girl really must be happy she hasn't stopped to take a breath through all of that. I feel so undeserving to her comments, but it just shows how amazing she truly is.
"You're welcome Pumpkin. So tell me what else do you guys have planned?" I try to focus her attention back to her.
"I'm not sure; Carlos said we will need to go shopping. I guess he has some function that we need to go to. He won't tell me about it just that it is formal. D.C. feels a lot like New York, everything requires Formal or Semi Formal attire. Carlos wants to keep buying me all of these dresses, but we came to a compromise that for ever dress he buys me; I wear it at least 10 times before he buys another dress. Unfortunately he had already bought me 5 dresses and made me agree to letting buy me a dress for this function. That man is so stubborn." She let out a happy sigh.
"Well Pumpkin it seems like your getting settled in nicely. I don't really have much to tell you. Your grandmother has made quite a few friends in your building; I take her and at least two new people around everyday. She has really settled into your apartment. I haven't heard much from your sister and her family. I will probably go over next week and see if they need anything fixed. I've been hanging out with your Uncle Joe a lot; I've been barely managing to keep him out of trouble." I tell her with a snort.
"Will you give them all my love? I miss them all so much. Don't tell Grandma but I even miss taking her to the funerals. How's Mom?" she asked
"She's fine; we've both been busy so it's like two ships passing in the night. I am sure once everyone is in their routines we will catch up more." I reassure her.
We chat for a few more minutes on the things she's seen before we hang up. I can't believe how much of a calming influence she had on me for such a short conversation. It is amazing the peace I feel knowing that she is safe and secure. My Pumpkin has always been amazing and I've just been reminded of that in this brief conversation.
A/N: I make no dollars or cents for this, the characters all belong to Janet.
SO I have been HORRIBLE about responding to reviews! I AM SO SORRY! I am very humble that one you take the time to read my story and two take additional time in your life to tell me your thoughts! I WILL get a response to them all no later than tomorrow! Please accept my apology!
My dear friend Margaret, thank you for being you and supporting me through this story!
Kari, I hope I am able to capture the 'Step 'Burg Wives properly in the upcoming chapters!