Letters to Mom and Dad
A/N: For all of you waiting for an update on Uptown Girl please be patient. I have written myself into a corner and can't seem to find my way out. But until then how about a tale from the heart of the African desert? I think another PJ installment is just what the muse doctor ordered. Plus we could use some fluff after this past episode. Here we go!
Parker Jane Messer: Changing the World One Hug at a Time
Dear Mom and Dad,
It is so great to be back in Africa. Not that I didn't love being back in the States for awhile. I just feel like my life has more meaning being here and helping people. I know we talked about me going back to school when I was home but I just can't do it. I'm needed here more than ever before. You would really be proud of me and all the work I have been doing. About a month ago I met a little girl who latched on to me and wouldn't for the life of me let go. Her name is Lakia and she has the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. Anyway today she, Dunabi and I played together and let me tell you I now know what Rachel and Becca dealt with when they were our nannies growing up...
PJ had never lost or misplaced anything in her entire life. Bella and the boys were not the tidiest of Messer children. In her, Bella and Miracle's room, Lindsay was always able to tell where PJ and Miracle's sides of the room began and ended. PJ's bed was always made, her desk never cluttered. Miracle was the same way. But Bella, God forbid she ever put back the mountain of clothes that were always on her bed, desk and sometimes the floor. It always seemed like PJ was cleaning up after Bella.
PJ and Dunabi had been playing with the children of the village. Lakia, a little girl of four had taken to PJ a few villages ago and was staying with her until she could save enough money to send her to Danny and Lindsay in the states. Lakia was going to be PJ's adopted daughter. While they were playing Lakia wandered off from the rest of the children. PJ had broken up a fight between two little boys and didn't see Lakia wander away.
Soon everyone was back playing and having fun. PJ did a quick head count and noticed she was missing one. She counted again just to make sure she wasn't but she was. Somehow Lakia had wandered off. PJ left the group in the capable hands of Dunabi and went in search of her soon to be daughter. She looked in every hut, building and trench that was in the village. It would be getting dark soon and the desert at night was worse than the desert during the day. Everything changed at night. Fierce wind storms could pick up at a moments notice and completely transform the area around you in a matter of moments. If not for the storms, there were desert snakes, scorpions, lizards of all sizes that could very well severly injure or even kill a little girl.
PJ was never one to panic. She always left that up to her sister and her father. She, like her mother were the defintion of calm, cool and collected. Slowly, as she searched and came up empty panic began to set in. Dozens of what if's came flooding into PJ's mind. What if she stumbled into a dry and pit and was stuck? What if she got bit by a scorpion? What if a nomadic tribe picked her up and was now lost to the sands of time?
PJ shook her head, banishing all thoughts. All she would think about right then and there was that she was fine and most likely off with Annie at the clinic or hounding Stan with a thousand and one questions. She took a deep breath and wandered over to the tent where Stan kept their Jeep covered. And sure enough there was Lakia sitting in the driver's seat softly drumming on the steering wheel.
"Kia, what have I said about wandering off?" PJ, scolded lightly.
"Sorry PJ. It was so hot. I had to get some shade."
"Next time tell me," PJ said, taking the four year old girl in her arms. "I bet you're hungry. Why don't we go see what Annie's got cooking?"
Mom can you please apologize for all of us to Becca and Rachel for scaring them so many times? I understand the panic you had when Miracle wandered off in Wal-Mart. I can't wait for you guys to meet Lakia. Tell Bella she's going to be an aunt. As I'm finishing this letter Annie just came in to tell me that all the paperwork cleared and I can bring Lakia to New York the next time I go home. Congrats Mommy and Dad, your're GRANDPARENTS!!
All our Love,
PJs and granddaughter Lakia
"We're what?!" Danny and Lindsay exclaimed.
