For everyone who has followed and favored this story, and especially those who left reviews, thank you, thank you! Your interest in this story encourages me.

Grab a cold one and get as comfy as you can, Maggie is putting her plan into action. And not everybody likes it.


Saturday noon, Maggie and Bobby got ready to board the bus back to Austin. Unable to hold back the tears, Maggie hugged her mama, hard. Whispering, "I'll be back. Real soon." Can't go back to just being his wife, living that lie. Just have to convince Abraham that a divorce is the best thing for both of us. Pulling back, she saw the confused look on Annette's face. As Annette began sniffing and wiping at her own tears. Her daddy gave her a quick hug, patting Bobby's back, mumbling, "Love you both". Then Maggie made her way up the stairs. Pausing to wave to her mama, before heading down the aisle. To the very back seat. Hugging her son as she sat down. I'm sorry baby, making you take this long ride when we're just going to turn around and come back. We have to come right back.

It was almost 10 am Sunday morning, when the bus pulled into the Austin bus terminal. Maggie could see Abraham's truck from a half a block away. Waiting her turn, she slowly made her way to the front of the bus. Bouncing between the seats like a pinball, as she tried to keep the heavy diaper bag slamming into the back of every seat. Bobby jabbering in her ear. Home again baby. Gosh I need a nap, then a drink. Before I tell.

Abraham did not move to help her down the stairs. He didn't take the heavy, oversized diaper bag from her when she exited the bus. He didn't crowd in close with the rest who were picking people from the bus. Instead, he was waiting alongside of the bus, for the luggage compartment to be opened, so he could collect their suitcase. Maggie let Bobby slide down, to stand next to her on the sidewalk. Holding his little hand in hers, watching Abraham as he waited for the driver to come around and start pulling out the luggage. As the crowd thinned out, Bobby began jumping up and down, pulling and twisting against her hand, screaming. "Papa, Papa. Papa. Papa. Papa." Trying to get to Abraham.

Maggie's bag in one hand, Abraham made his way to where Maggie was waiting. Dropping the bag to scoop up Bobby. Rubbing his nose and scratchy mustache against Bobby's soft cheek. "Hey Little Man, you have fun with your granny and grandpa?" Allowing Bobby to pull his hair and rub a sticky hand over his cheek, his eyes went to Maggie. "Glad you're back. Have a nice visit?"

He knows. He knows I tried to find Glenn. And I want a divorce. Wait, how could he… Stop being ridiculous. He doesn't know, does he? Pushing the ends of her mouth up, in a small smile. "Yes." Wish I was getting right back on that bus. "I'll tell you about it at home." Not telling you here. You deserve better than that.

Arriving back on base, at their small house, Abe hauled her bag inside. Bobby happily trailing after him. Maggie dialed her parent's phone number. Listening to it ring twice before hanging up. Letting them know she had arrived home safely. Standing next to the phone, waiting for the return two rings. So she knew they had heard. Then she set about unpacking and cleaning the messes left from Abraham being home alone for a week. While Bobby and Abraham wrestled around on the sofa and the floor. Should be Glenn doing that with him. Both of them grunting and laughing like maniacs. Maggie fed Bobby an early dinner. Then gave him a warm bath and tucked him into bed. Between the travel and the horseplay, he was asleep almost before she was out the bedroom door.

Abe's look was wolfish when she returned to the living room. "So. Now your back." With a thin, closed mouth look, Maggie skirted him, sliding into the kitchen to grab a beer from the refrigerator. Using the bottle opener on it, she wiped the sweat from the outside with a towel. Coward. Can't put this off. Returning to the living room, Maggie silently handed him the beer. Then avoiding looking at where he was patting the seat next to him on the sofa, she sank into the side chair. Tucking her skirt under her. Perching on the edge, her hands folding in her lap.

This could be bad, or not. Maybe he already knows. "Abe, there's something we need to talk about."

Downing half the bottle in one pull, Abe let out a belch. Then, his lips pulling up at one end. "Yeah, Dumplin', I missed you too." Jerking his chin towards the bedroom, "Why don't you go on in and…"

Her teeth grinding together. Oh this is going to be bad. "No, that's not quite what I wanted to talk about."

"You can tell me about your visit later. First…" And he was moving off the sofa, towards her. His arm moving, hand out, reaching for her.

Leaning back, her hands jerked up, palms out like shields. "Wait. Abe, wait." I can't. Abraham seemed to freeze, his hands slowly dropping down to his sides. His eyes, they're so blue, icy. Why didn't I ever notice that before? Slowly freezing over. "Please, sit down."

Taking a step back. His eyes seeming to narrow. Not sitting down. "Been gone a week Maggie. A man has needs."

"I know. And I'm sorry, but… Please Abraham." Forcing herself to breathe through her nose, her hands dropping back into her lap. "Sit down and talk to me."

"Uh huh." Abraham still not sitting down. His eyes, cold, hard. Seeming to pierce her soul.

He knows. And he's not gonna make it easy. Sucking in a deep breath, to keep from sighing. "You know I care about you. But, I can't…"

"Goddamn it." His clenched fist landing with a dull thud against the wall. "You ain't doing this to me Maggie. Not after I let you go for a whole week." Turning on his heel, to begin prowling through the small house. Grumbling a steady stream of profanities under his breath. Tossing his half empty bottle in the trash, ignoring the drips that sloshed out the top and ran down the wall behind it.

Maggie stared down at her hands, listening as Abraham made his way back into the living room. Growling at her. "I been faithful. Haven't demanded much from you. Tonight, you're tired. I ain't gonna force you." Throwing open the front door, he took half a step outside, looking back over his shoulder. Their eyes meeting. "But tomorrow." Slamming the door, he was gone.

Sucking in her lower lip, Maggie leaned forward in her chair. Resting her forehead on one hand, she strained to hear. Anything from outside. But there was nothing. Five minutes passed. Abraham hadn't returned. Still no sound from outside. He must have gone to the club. Walking into the kitchen, she dialed her parents' phone number. Waiting for someone to answer.

"Mama, it's me. Maggie."
"I'm fine, it's just…. I want to come home. I'm going to tell Abraham I want a divorce and…"
"Daddy?"
"I know, but…"
"You're right, I'm sorry. He is a good man."
"Yes Daddy. Tell Mama I love her. Bye Daddy."

Hanging up, she went into Bobby's room. To check on him. Then went to her and Abraham's room. Laying down on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. What am I going to do? I can't stay here and Daddy won't let me come home. How am I going to get away, so I can find Glenn? Where do I start looking? Please God, help me. Amen. Closing her eyes and not falling asleep.

Abraham did not attempt to wake her up when he returned.

Early Monday, Maggie padded into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. Then set about preparing Abraham's breakfast and packing a lunch for him. When he finally emerged from the bathroom, showered, dressed, and ready to leave, they cautiously eyed each other in the kitchen. Maggie setting a plate with bacon, eggs, and toast in front of him.

"I fixed egg salad for your lunch." That's a stinky bribe. Maybe it's enough to get him talking. Just talking.

Finishing the last of his coffee, Abe grunted out. "When I get home." Then grabbed his lunch, not even attempting to kiss her, before he stamped out the back door.

That night, Abraham glared through a silent dinner of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade rolls, and fresh berry pie for dessert. Continuing to sit at the table, watching, as Maggie cleared the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. Not moving even when Bobby tugged at his pant leg, calling to him. "Papa. Papa. Play ball wiff Bobby, Papa."

"Not now, Little Man." Even with her back to him, Maggie could feel Abraham's eyes burning into her.

The kitchen in order, Maggie moved into the living room. Abraham finally standing from the table to follow her and Bobby. Settling into his recliner. With the TV on. Maggie sitting on the end of the sofa, holding some sewing her lap. Not really sewing or watching her son play on the floor in front of them. Until it was time to bathe Bobby and tuck him into bed for the night.

Quietly pulling Bobby's bedroom door most of the way closed, Maggie returned to the living room. Where Abraham was waiting. Standing in the middle of the room. Hands in his pockets. Not smiling.

"So, you want to wash your face or whatever it is you do in the bathroom before we…"

Blinking. Maggie reached for the back of the chair. Moving to stand behind it. "We need to talk Abe. I know you don't…"

Taking two steps towards her, a grin starting across his face. "We got all night to talk. Don't worry, I'm not upset about last night. We'll just…"

A surge of panic starting to rise. No, no, no. "I can't…"

His shoulders sinking. "Why didn't you tell me you were on the rag?" Letting out a long, pained groan. "I'm going to the club." His hand going to his mustache, he smoothed it out. Turning to the front door, muttering under his breath. "Get stinkin' drunk. Goddamn. Waited a whole week already. Couldn't plan this better. Go on the rag when you leave, come home fresh. Mother dick." And the door was slamming closed behind him.

Waiting to make sure he wasn't coming back inside. Maggie dialed her parents' phone number. Tears running down her face.

"Mama, I have to come home."
"Not yet, Mama. He hasn't really given me a chance."
"Daddy, I'm sorry. I know you don't want me to, but…"
"I can't stay married to him, Daddy. Please."
"No, he hasn't hit me, Mama. It's not like that."
"Bye Mama, I love you too."

Hanging up, Maggie wiped her face with her hands. Slipped into Bobby's room, to check on him. Before going to her own room. And stretching out on her own side of the bed. Wiping her nose with her hands. She did not hear Abraham when he came in.

Tuesday morning, rising before dawn, Maggie fixed Abraham breakfast. She packed his lunch. They quietly sat together while he ate, each with a cup of coffee. Preparing to leave, Abraham grabbed his lunch bag. Opening the backdoor, he paused in the doorframe. To look back at her. "So you still on…"

"I want to go back. I want…" A divorce. I want to find Glenn. We're supposed to be together. Forever. He promised.

With a scowl, Abraham slammed the door. Stamped down the steps. And was gone. It was just after three in the afternoon, Abraham was due home in an hour, when Maggie dialed her parents' phone number.

"Mama, it's me. Again."
"No, he hasn't come home from work yet."
"I told him I wanted to come home, but I haven't…" The tears starting, staining her cheeks.
"Hi Daddy."
"I told Mama last night, nothing happened. I just…"
"Mama? Tell Daddy I'm sorry."
"I love you, too. Bye."

That night, it was after midnight before Maggie heard the key in the lock. Stretched out on her bed, she stiffened. Pulling the blanket up to her chin. Eyes closed, holding her breath, desperate to hear where he went. Her teeth clenching when she heard his footsteps stop outside their bedroom door. Not relaxing even a little bit, until she heard the sofa creaking in the living room.

Wednesday, Maggie got up extra early. Packing Abraham's lunch. Fixing a plate of pancakes and sausage for him. Setting out his breakfast, and two cups of coffee. Black. Sitting across from him in silence. Waiting. Finally, his plate empty, Abraham stood. Leaving his dirty plate and cup on the table, he picked up his lunch bag. Pausing in the door frame, to look back over his shoulder at her.

"Tonight, Maggie. I don't care if you are..."

"Okay. Have a good day." The door closing, Maggie let her head fall forward. Have a good day? What is wrong with me. Catching her forehead with her hand. How am I going to tell him I want a divorce? He thinks this is just about sex. Ugh.

In a daze she moved through the next few hours. Until she couldn't wait any longer. Around 11 am, Bobby coloring at the table, she dialed her parents' phone number.

"Mama. It's me. Again. You have to let me come home."
"Hi Daddy. I'm sorry, I really tried, but…"
"No, I told you, it's not like that. Abraham has never raised a hand to me or Bobby. He's a good provider. He adores Bobby. I just… Daddy, I don't love him." The tears flowing.
"More time is not going to change anything." Her words accompanied by noisy sniffs.
"Mama. What happened to Daddy?"
"He doesn't want me to come home, does he? Talk to him, Mama. Please."
"I love you too. Bye Mama."

Abraham was late coming in from work. Two hours late. It was almost 7 pm when he came in the front door. He didn't call out to her. He didn't pause to talk to Bobby. Or take a shower. He walked directly to the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. Finishing it in a few large swallows. Chucking the empty into the trash. Then reaching above the refrigerator, he pulled down the half empty bottle of whiskey he kept up there. Not bothering with a glass, he took a couple of swallows. Then wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand.

Still carrying the bottle, he squeezed past Maggie to sit in his recliner. Not bothering to turn on the TV.

With a little sniff, Maggie wrinkled her nose. "You're late. And you smell like a brewery."

"Yeah, stopped by the club. Just getting ready to talk. So, why don't you want to…"

This is it. Stay calm, can't let him get me riled. I'm doing this for Bobby. For us. "I want a divorce."

"A divorce? You shitting me? I know we've had some problems. But, it's nothing we can't work out."

"This isn't about working things out, Abe. I can't be married to you anymore."

"Knew I shouldn't have let you go back. You just got your head twisted, that's all."

"That's not it." Well, maybe if I hadn't seen how happy Beth is, I wouldn't be thinking like this. Her hands twisting together. She unconsciously scooted further away from him.

Abraham's face softened, as he stared at her. The bottle in his hand sliding down to the floor. The whiskey spilling out, soaking into the rag rug. "Don't worry, Maggie. I'm not mad. I remember. When I met you, it'd been a couple years since Ellen and the kids. But I was still hurting pretty bad. After losing my family like that, I didn't think I deserved another one. Then your dad called. Laid it out for me, the spot you were in." A low rumble emanating from his throat. "I thought you were the last woman I'd meet. You're not."

"So, you're okay with my…" I thought you wanted to work things out. I'm so confused. You're talking in circles. Should have taken that bottle away from you.

"Pfft. Hell no. We aren't getting divorced. And you aren't taking my son away from me. You're staying right here. I'll just find my satisfaction somewhere else."

Maggie stared across the room at him. Her mouth sagging. No divorce, not letting me leave. Oh no, you can't make me… Opening her mouth to protest, watching as Abraham stood up and turned on the TV. Then, arms crossed over his chest, he settled back in his recliner. To watch My Little Margie.

Scooping Bobby from the floor, Maggie retreated to the kitchen. Grabbing up the phone, she dialed her parents' phone number. Loud noisy sobs starting as she listened to it ring. One. Two. Three. Four times.

"Mama, help me."

Her mama's response blotted out by the sound of Abraham's roar from the living room. "Call all you want. Won't do any good. We're NOT getting divorced."

"Mama, did you hear…" Her sobbing louder.
"Daddy. Please, I tried. I really tried. But, I don't belong here." With him. I belong with Glenn.
"What?"
"Okay. I'll get him. Thank you Daddy"

Taking the phone from her ear, Maggie leaned towards the living room. "Abe, my daddy wants to talk to you."

Grumbling, Abraham sauntered into the kitchen. Grunting into the phone. Listening. Maggie watched as his leaned over the counter. His big forearm resting along the countertop. His gaze flicking to her, to Bobby, then back down to the top of the counter. After several long minutes, punctuated by Abraham sporadically grunting into the phone. Then, "Alright. Bye." He hung up.

The back of her hand wet from wiping at her cheeks and nose, Maggie sucked in a shaky breath. "What did my daddy say?"

"Nothing. Just go to bed."

Bed? It's only 8:00. "I'll put Bobby down and…" Daddy had to have said something.

Turning to fully face her. "Yeah, put him down and… Just stay in there."

He always gets mad when I sleep in there. "Okay." This is weird. Not acting angry, just… Cold. What did my daddy say to him?

Stretching out on a small single bed next to the crib, Maggie clutched at the sheets. Eyes open. Not sleeping. Listening to the sound of her son's sleepy gurgles and the dull rattle of the TV in the living room. An hour or so had passed when she heard the phone ring. Then Abraham's low tones when he answered. Hard as she tried she couldn't make out what he was saying or who he was talking to. Only that he was on the phone for a long time.

Thursday morning, Maggie and Abraham sat at the table in silence. Finishing his breakfast, Abraham stared across the table. Maggie pushed her lips into a smile. Waiting. What's he doing, he has to leave. He's going to be late for work. Geez, I hope he didn't stay up too late. Abraham abruptly reaching across the table, his fingers brushing against her cheek. Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. What is going on with him?

"You're still a looker. I knew getting married was a risk. Hell, we hardly knew each other. But I thought we had square shot at going the distance. Making some little ankle biters of our own."

Her eyebrows working together a little. "I don't understand." Does this mean you changed your mind? You're going to let me go?

"Pack your shit, Maggie." Abraham's chair scraped across the floor as he stood. "And Bobby's. You're getting what you want."

Her eyes closing for a brief moment. She looked up at him, her mouth opening slightly. "Does this mean?" We're going home.

Stomping towards the door, his shoulders bowed. Abraham turned in the doorframe. "Got bus tickets waiting for you at the station, for the 9 pm to Atlanta. We'll figure out terms, and who's going to file later." Slamming the door closed, he was gone.

That night, at 8:45 pm, standing outside the bus terminal, Maggie looked up into Abraham's eyes. Stroking the side of his face. Then grasping his upper arm, she pushed up on her toes. Pressing her lips to his, one last time. "Thank you, Abe. This is… You deserve someone head over heels in love with you. To start another family with. To grow old with."

Abraham tightened his grasp on the overstuffed bag he was holding. "Take care of yourself Mags." Ruffling Bobby's hair. "Be good for your mama, Little Man." Turning, he walked to where luggage was being stowed under the bus. Handing over the bag to be loaded. Then, leaving Maggie and Bobby standing on the curb waiting to board, he straightened his shoulders. Stuffed his hands in his pockets. Whistling, he headed to his truck. And left.

~:~

Late Friday afternoon, Maggie stared out the window as the bus pulled into the Atlanta station. Bobby in her lap, restlessly chewing his thumb. His other fist twisting in her shirt. The bus grinding to a full stop, Maggie waited for the people in front to get off before starting down the aisle. Her oversized diaper bag banging against the back of every seat. She mumbled, "Sorry. I'm sorry. Sorry." Coming to a stop before she reached the front, at the sight of her daddy boarding the bus.

With a few long strides, Herschel made his way to his daughter. Holding out his arms. "Here, I'll take that. You just worry about Bobby." As Maggie let the heavy diaper bag slip from her shoulder, Bobby reached for his Bompa. "No, no. You stay with your mama, Bobby."

"Daddy." Maggie felt her insides melting, her eyes threatening to flood.

Herschel turned back to the front of the bus, the diaper bag in hand. "I'm going to get your suitcase."

Exiting the bus, Maggie let the driver hold her arm, and help her down the steps. Smiling. Because Abe was letting her go. She was home. And her daddy was getting her suitcase. Minutes later standing next to the old green sedan, suitcase in the trunk, Herschel opened the passenger door for her. Setting Bobby on the front seat, Maggie turned back to him. "Daddy, I… Thank you."

Herschel folded a sniffing Maggie into a hug. Her head against his shoulder, she squeezed her eyes closed. Holding on until she felt him begin to pat her back, the universal signal the hug was over.

His voice unusually gruff. "Get in, so we can go home. Your mother made meatloaf."

Twenty minutes later, Maggie was running through the house. Shouting. "Mama. Mama!" Turning the kitchen into chaos. With Annette hugging her and Bobby, then Beth joining them in the center of the kitchen. The four of them laughing, hugging, and dancing around. All talking at the same time. Even Bobby. Until it was just Maggie and her daddy in the kitchen.

"Daddy, I don't know what you said to…"

"Margaret, you're my daughter. Your happiness is what's most important to me."

"But…"

"I am not thrilled with you getting a divorce. That is something you will have to live with. And, explain to your son when he's old enough. But, you and Bobby will always have a home here. Now, go find your mother."

"Yes Daddy."

~:~

Time started to fly by. Days were spent painting Maggie's bedroom and converting Shawn's old bedroom into a permanent room for Bobby. After taking down all of Shawn's decorations, the room had to be painted. Shawn's furniture was re-located to the attic. So the hardwood floor could be cleaned to Annette's standards. The old crib was brought down and thoroughly cleaned. And then re-cleaned by Annette. Before it was deemed clean enough for Bobby to sleep in. There was a trip into Atlanta to buy a new crib mattress, bedding, and curtains. When it was finally set up, ready to go, Annette announced that instead of a crib Bobby should really be sleeping in a twin bed.

The next day, Herschel hauled the crib back up to the attic, and brought Shawn's old twin bed frame and dresser back down. Without complaining. It took Annette two more days of cleaning, before she was convinced that Shawn's old bed and dresser were clean enough for Bobby to use. A bed and dresser Shawn had used as recently as the previous Christmas. The day after that, they made another trip to Atlanta for a new twin mattress, box springs, bedding and curtains. Finally, with cowboys on the bedspread and curtains, and a new rag rug on the floor, Bobby's room was ready.

Bobby quickly adjusted to his new home. Without his Papa to play with, he began tagging along after Hershel. Going out to the goat barn in the evenings, with his Bompa. Playing at his feet, while Herschel worked on various projects. Including making Bobby a set of blocks. For Maggie, it felt a little more strained at first. After keeping her own house, it wasn't as easy to go back to being a child in her mama's home. With no end in sight. But, for Bobby, she would. Until she found Glenn.

~:~

After the first couple weeks, the days fell into an easy rhythm. At some point every day, Maggie would wheedle the keys to the old green sedan from her mama and head out for a few hours. Then, it was off to town. Or somewhere near town. Either after breakfast, taking Bobby with her. Or, after clearing the lunch dishes and cleaning the kitchen, when she put Bobby down for a nap. Later, after putting Bobby in bed for the night, she would sit on the porch with her parents. Not talking about Abraham or how she had agreed to wait three months before filing for a divorce. Or Glenn. Just rocking. And waiting.

Her first afternoon in town, Maggie parked in front of the five and dime. Pushing the door open. She glanced at the clerk, don't recognize him, then headed straight back to the bins of 45's. Her heart sinking just a little. What was I thinking, that he would be standing here. Waiting for me. This is just a nice memory. If I'm going to find him, I need to… After I… And her fingers were flipping through the new releases. Pulling out I Still Believe, by Ronnie Hilton. Staring at the cover for only a moment, she hurried to the front counter to pay for it. Then headed back to the farm. That night, after Bobby was in bed, she listened to it on her little record player at least ten times. Before she cried herself to sleep.

The next afternoon, with new resolve, Maggie left the farm and drove directly to the sheriff's department. And asked for Deputy Rick Grimes. Saying he was an old friend she hadn't seen for a while. That's not a lie. Not technically. We might not have hung out, but we had a couple classes together. And, Lori was my best friend. By high school friend rules, that makes him my friend too. Hope he goes by high school friend rules. Standing at the front desk, one toe tapping, Maggie looked around at the institutional beige walls and standard issue over full bulletin board. She realized it was the first time she had been inside the station.

"Well what do you know, it's Little Maggie Greene." Turning, Maggie found Shane Walsh leering at her over the counter. One hand going up to comb through his wavy, black hair. His nose looking like it had been broken again, since the last time she saw him. "Last I heard you were married to some muscle head army guy. And moving to Texas."

Yep, that works. "That's right. It's Maggie Ford now." Carefully keeping her face in neutral. I don't need him for an enemy. And I don't want him for a friend or… Anything else. Eww.

Nodding, his grin as creepy as the way he was looking at her. "Well, congratulations. And uh, if there's anything I can do for you. Anything at all…"

"That's enough. I think Maggie was looking for me. Hey, Maggie why don't you come on back. Lori told me you stopped by. And…" Rick walked up behind Shane. Reaching past him to open the little counter gate. Moving his body between her and Shane, he ushered Maggie back to his office and closed the door. With Shane on the outside. "Sorry about him, he just doesn't know when to give up. So, how can I help you?"

Maybe he really is my friend. "Well, thank you for… That." Lifting her chin, she gestured towards the door. I have to take a chance. I have to try. "I hope you don't mind my stopping by like this. I'm hoping you can help me. I'm looking for…"

"Yeah, I know who you're looking for." Looking off to the side, he scratched along his jaw, through his short beard. That's new. I like it. I wonder if, nope not thinking about that. Yet. "Before I get into this, I want you to go down and start at the library. They have phone books from across the country. If you have a name, and a general idea of where this person would have moved to. Like say, Detroit. Start there, try to find the address for… Or a relative of his."

Of course, it's been three years. He would be in the phone book. Or his mama would. Maggie's mouth moved from hanging open, to a slight smile. Taking a step forward, her hand reaching out to squeeze his arm. "Rick thank you. That's a great idea."

Pulling himself free, Rick waved his hand up over his shoulder towards the door. "Yeah, yeah. Listen, you get stuck or run into a dead end, come back. Just don't go around telling people I helped you with this."

Flouncing out the door, Maggie called back. "Thanks Rick. Tell Lori I said hello." Then hurrying to her car, she drove to the library. It took Maggie over two hours to go through the most recent copy of the Detroit phone book, and copy down the name, address, and phone number of every Rhee listed. Never would have guess there would be so many. What if he didn't end up in Detroit. What if he got there after the phone book came out. One of them must know him. The phone book turned back in, Maggie walked out to the old green sedan. I'm going to have to send letters to them. Daddy will shoot me if I try and call. All those long distance charges.

Heading back out the farm, she was alternately consumed with worries about Bobby waking up while she was gone. What to put in a letter. And what she would do if none of those addresses panned out.

The next morning, after breakfast, Maggie bussed her mama on the cheek. Then her and Bobby headed out. The list of names and addresses tucked inside the diaper bag. Along with some stationary, envelopes, and postage stamps. Slowing when she got to the library, Maggie glanced in the rear view mirror. At her son, who was cheerfully digging Cheerios out of the diaper bag. I can do better than this. I'm not going to make my baby play by himself. Not when I know people who would love to play with him. At least for a little while. Accelerating, she made for T-Dogs. Forty minutes later she was sitting in the grass addressing envelopes, while Lucy and the girls entertained Bobby. Rehearsing in her head what she was going to write in the letters.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rhee,
My name is Maggie Greene. I live in Georgia, about twenty miles outside of Atlanta. The summer of 1951, I met a young man here, named Glenn Rhee. We became very close. Unfortunately, he had to move and we lost touch.

I need to locate him. To let him know he has a son.

No, I can't write that. I can't guilt Glenn into coming back to me if he doesn't want to. Why does this have to be so hard. I'll just write…

I am trying to locate him. If you know him, would you please let him know I'm looking for him.

I have included a self-addressed, stamped envelope he can use to contact me. And, if you don't know him, could you please send me a note, so I'll know. It's really important that I find him.

Thank you very much,
Maggie Greene

What if he doesn't want to find me anymore? What if he doesn't want Bobby? No, can't think like that. We are meant to be together. He said we would be together always. We talked about having a family. He'll take one look at Bobby and love him. I know he will.

At T-Dog's suggestion, the return envelopes were addressed to him. With an X in the bottom left hand corner so he would recognize them as hers.

After working for an hour, Bobby red faced from running and laughing, she hugged Lucy and thanked T-Dog for his patience. Bobby giving Ucy a slobbery kiss on the cheek when she hugged him. T-Dog patting Bobby's head, insisting Maggie come back every day she could. To write letters, or just hang around, and Bobby was always welcome.

Next few weeks passed in a blur. Mostly with helping at home and going out to T-Dogs, to send out letters. The second week, T had a little party for Bobby for his birthday. Lucy, Sally, Nene and Rae all came. So did Big Tiny and Oscar. T made a cake and Maggie brought out the ice cream maker and fixings. They played musical chairs, and Bobby won. He opened his presents, cheering for everything. And managed to get more cake on his face than in his belly. Hugging T, Maggie thanked him for a perfect afternoon. Gonna have to go home and write all this down, make sure I don't forget any of it, so I can share it with Glenn.

The next day, her mama had a birthday party for Bobby. It was just family. With more cake and ice cream. Annette raising her eyebrows when Bobby asked where Papa was, and wondered out loud why Bobby kept asking for T and Ucy. And were they children he played with at the library. Maggie pasted on a smile and nodded. Well I can't tell her the truth. Not going to lie. I guess I'll just going to have to let her think it's the library. As Aunt Beth showed him how to hold up two fingers, to show how old he was.

Evenings were the worst, when the lights were out and Bobby was snug in his own little bed, in his own room. And all she had to hold on to, were her hopes. That Glenn got one of her letters. Or someone who knew him did. And that he was coming for her. For Bobby. Making plans about what she was going to do, say, when they were finally reunited. Falling asleep every night listening to I Still Believe.


Hold on to that song, Maggie! And the rest of y'all, sorry. But, we're almost there.

A/N In the 1950's, divorce was considered scandalous. Being a divorced woman with a child, would make her a social pariah.
In 1954, a five minute long distance phone call cost $5 or $46.00 in 2018.
A first class postage stamp was 3 cents.

I Still Believe by Ronnie Hilton was number 100 on the pop charts in 1954

I still believe we were meant for each other
I still believe that you're mine and no other
It can't be right we should part this way
With our love all a-flame
Forget who's to blame
Our love cannot die

I still believe we shall soon be together
And still believe this is our stormy weather
I'll live again and I'll love again
When I'm holding you in my arms
Though my heart is breaking
I still believe

.

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xoxo