Life Goes On

by RetiredFromFanfiction2016

Now that Blair, Jo, Natalie, and Tootie have rekindled their friendships, they will need to rely on one another to get through the trials and tribulations of life. As things change more quickly than they ever expected, will they be able to depend on one another? (A sequel to Living the Facts of Life)

36. Chapter 36

Tootie had told Jeff about the plans she had made with Natalie. He didn't act thrilled about going to Peekskill, yet again, but he had finally agreed. Tootie knew they had made several trips there over the past few months, but she needed her friends. She needed Mrs. Garrett. She had been through so much the past few months, and Mrs. G always knew how to make things better. They had been apart for so long, and she did not want to lose that closeness again.

She picked up the phone and called Mrs.. Garrett. "Hello?" Mrs. Garrett answered.

Tootie began to talk immediately. "Mrs. Garrett," she said. "Guess what? I was thinking we could have a get together for the fourth of July. It should be a lot of fun and Nat said she and Snake could make it. It would be like old times again. Jeff didn't really want to come at first, but I talked him into it. It will be great, everyone together, having a good time."

Mrs. Garrett didn't say anything at first. Then she spoke up. "Tootie," she said. "It's very nice that you want to visit, but don't you think you've been spending a lot of time traveling to Peekskill? I'd love to see you, but maybe not right now. Why don't you and Jeff take a vacation together?"

Mrs. Garrett was obviously less than thrilled about the get together. "You mean you don't want us to come?" Tootie asked confused and a little hurt.

Mrs. Garrett replied in a kind tone. "Honey, I just think you are relying too much on me to get you through whatever is bothering you. If you need support for a problem, you should turn to your husband."

Tootie was hurt by Mrs. Garrett's words. She did turn to Jeff with her problems, didn't she? Sure she needed Mrs. Garrett, but she never denied her husband's position in her life. Tootie tried to hold back her tears. "I have to go. Bye Mrs. Garrett," she said.

Mrs. Garrett hung up the phone. She had never felt so bad. She loved Tootie like her own daughter, and of course she wanted to spend time with all of the girls. But, Tootie had become too attached to her, almost as if she were a child again. She couldn't let her slip away from Jeff or Ontario. "I won't be around forever," Mrs. G said to herself. "Tootie has to be independent." She sat down and felt deep sadness. She hated to hurt one of her girls, even if she felt it was for Tootie's own good.