Well, aside from the epilogue still to come, this is a wrap. I felt that this was the time to end this particular volume of the story. Some have asked if I will be writing a story that picks up where this one left off, since this leaves many unresolved questions of the characters. I would say that it is likely (there are actually a few chapters already written), but may not be the next one I toss out here on FF. But feel free to offer your input if you would like to see the next installment. It was good of you to take the time to read and hopefully the characters as portrayed here were not too controversial to you. When reading a lot of PMs over the duration of this story, I got a lot of people supporting the characters and their lives, but also got a few people who just couldn't relate. The story was not for everyone's taste. It wasn't meant to be. I am glad some liked it and expressed interest in a continuation. As always, thanks for taking the time to review and PM. -Carly
-38-
Two weeks passed. Callie got stronger every day and was able to move around without assistance. She had finally been cleared to be released that Friday. Aimee had been discharged several days before and got to know Maddie even more. She and Iola kept up a suite in Indiana while they waited for Callie to recover. Fenton Hardy took his leave to get to Chicago to oversee his operatives who had taken over that case. He had promised to be back in Clymer that Saturday.
As luck and prayer would have it, Jade had also made it out of her coma and was on the mend. The doctors had said while she had no major physical issues, she stood a long road back in terms of her recovery from her addiction. Callie had been concerned for her long term wellbeing. She knew without a little help that Jade could easily go back into the spiral of addiction and lending herself to those who would use her. She made arrangements to cover Jade's hospital bills and get her into a long term treatment facility. Upon successfully completing her rehab and getting clean, she would also see that Jade was put into a job skills program and later helped with employment. She also made sure that if this went as planned, Jade would have a rent free apartment until she could get on her feet. Callie made sure that she would monitor her progress, and if she walked the line and stayed clean, Jade would enjoy a $50,000 reward for having given Callie the lead that helped break the case.
Aimee Davidson had recovered adequately enough to be able to drive her car, which had since been released by the Indiana County Sheriff's Department. She sat behind the wheel with Maddie at her side, and Iola seated in the back. They had just pulled into the parking area of the Indiana Medical Center. They had just gotten out and were prepared to go in and help Callie out of the hospital, but then noticed she had been sitting in a wheel chair with a nurse next to her by the main entrance.
"No doubt she is anxious to go!" Iola said with a smile, happy to see her friend looking so well and finally outside of a hospital room. Maddie raced ahead of them to greet her mother. Callie smiled broadly as she saw her daughter approaching. She greeted her daughter with open arms.
"There's my girl! How are you doing, baby?" Cal asked.
"Much better now!" Maddie beamed at her mother. "I thought you would never get out of there." She looked down at the wheel chair. "But why are you in the wheelchair, mom? Are you doing alright?" The nurse smiled to the youth.
"Don't you worry, hun. This is just hospital procedure. We have to give everyone a wheelchair ride who gets discharged." Maddie looked relieved as her mom smiled to her.
"Oh, wow. Thank you for that info. I was worried for a minute."
"I am going to be ok, baby. I promise!" Callie said as Aimee and Iola approached.
"Hey, girl!" Iola said and bent down giving Callie a hug. "Ready to blow this pop stand?"
"Oh yeah!" Callie said. The nurse handed Maddie a couple large plastic bags.
"Here you are, young lady. Why don't you carry your mom's stuff?" Maddie accepted the bags.
"Yes I can." She said. Aimee looked down to Callie and smiled.
"Hey there. I missed you." She said as they locked eyes.
"I missed you, too! Do you want to drive this thing to the car?" Aimee nodded and stepped behind the chair. Callie looked up to the nurse.
"I want to thank you for all your help. I am so grateful!" The nurse smiled and touched her shoulder.
"You are so very welcome! You take care of yourself and your family. If you need anything at all, you have our number and the doctor's contact info in one of the bags." Callie nodded with a wave as Aimee started pushing the wheelchair down the sidewalk.
"Freedom!" Callie yelled as they entered the parking lot. Aimee smiled to her as they approached the car. Callie looked over her shoulder to make sure the nurse wasn't still watching. Seeing no one she jumped up from the chair. "Thank God! I hated that thing." She said. She turned to Aimee and approached her. She placed her hands on Aimee's hips. The two smiled at each other. After a brief glance towards Iola and Maddie, who smiled and then averted their gaze, Callie leaned in and kissed Aimee deeply. The feeling of that kiss was such that Aimee felt weak in the knees. She fell forth a little into Callie, who supported her.
"I guess I still have it?" She whispered. Aimee nodded readily and kissed her again.
"Oh yeah." She said. Another couple moments embrace and Callie blinked, realizing that she may not exactly be presenting herself too subtly in front of her daughter.
"I better take a seat." She said feeling a little self-conscious. Aimee opened the passenger side door and Callie slid into the front seat. Iola and Maddie got into the back as Aimee took her position behind the wheel.
"Well, where to?" Callie asked. "as long as it's far away from here, I will be happy."
"Well..." Iola leaned forward. "I thought we would go back to Clymer. Alma and Jack still have our rooms held for us. They visited once when you were still in the coma. Alma was so heartbroken that she couldn't go back again. She said she wanted to see you once you were recovered" Callie smiled.
"Oh, bless her heart. Poor thing was so worried. She has been so sweet to us. I would love to see them."
"Fenton is due in later tonight. He called me earlier. And tomorrow we will go see Alice and the girls." Callie nodded.
"Sounds like a plan. I would like to see the Brennans too, if possible."
"No problem." Iola said.
They drove along with Callie leaned into Aimee. She rested her head against Aimee's shoulder.
"Hope you don't mind, baby, but I have been wanting to do this for quite some time now." Aimee looked over to her. She placed her right hand on Callie's.
"I don't mind at all. The feeling is mutual."
They drove along in relative silence. Callie had many thoughts going through her mind. She had told Maddie that while she and her father were not getting a divorce at this time, that they were going to separate. And see how things went. That Callie was no longer going to live on Long Island and was going to move back to Bayport. That she wanted Maddie to be with her most of the time, while her little sisters would live half the time with each parent. Maddie seemed receptive to this idea. Even a bit excited by the prospect. She asked Maddie to not share this plan with Aimee. That she wanted to tell Aimee personally when she got out of the hospital. Callie would be having that talk with Aimee later that day.
It was early afternoon when the car pulled in behind the Tibbs Bed & Breakfast. No cars were present.
"I believe Alma said she works all week." Iola said. "So I would assume the house is empty. It will give you a chance to rest, Cal." Callie nodded.
"That's fine. Say, why don't you and Maddie raid the fridge while Aimee and I go up to the room. I'd like to chat." Iola looked a bit dubious, since she didn't really have in mind what Callie may be thinking about. She had kept her future plans pretty close to the vest. She wasn't sure if Callie was going to give Aimee bad news. Or if she just wanted to have some intimate time. Iola smiled with hopes that no drama would take place.
"Sure, Cal. Maybe Maddie and I can dig up some leftovers from Alma's past dinners we missed. I am sure Maddie hasn't had that type of cooking out in the Hamptons." She said with a twinkle in her eye as she looked at the youth.
The group got out. Aimee looked over to Callie with a slightly nervous expression. Callie hadn't really gone into much detail about her future when they visited daily in the hospital over the last couple weeks. Aimee never wished to bring the subject up as she didn't want to put any pressure on Callie. But there was a bit of doubt which presented itself to her as a result. Callie smiled to her as they entered the back door. They approached the steps.
"Hope I can still make it up these damn stairs." Callie said taking a breath.
"Me, too." Aimee said. The pair took their time climbing the steep stairwell. They were able to both walk without much hindrance, but there was some degree of atrophy with both of their leg muscles given how much bedrest they had to endure.
They walked into their bedroom. Callie smiled as she saw that Alma had cleaned up the room quite nicely and dusted everything. A vase of flowers sat on the dresser. Callie bent and smelled their fragrance.
"Aww, that Alma is a sweetheart." She said taking a deep breath. She turned to Aimee, who appeared a little apprehensive. Callie frowned a bit.
"What's wrong, baby? Are you ok?" She asked with concern. Aimee nodded slowly.
"Yeah. I am ok. I just am a little nervous I guess. I mean, we haven't really talked about..."
"Us?" Callie finished. Aimee nodded again, nervously. Callie sat down on the bed and motioned for Aimee to sit next to her. Aimee walked over and sat down with her. Callie took a breath.
"It's ok, if you are going to go back to...him." Aimee started. "I mean I don't expect you to..." Callie held up her hand.
"Baby, just listen for a few. Ok?" Aimee nodded. Callie took Aimee's hand in hers.
"I am not going back to Chet. We are separating." Aimee looked at her wide eyed.
"Is he ok with that? Are you ok with that?" Callie gave a wry smile.
"I don't know if either of us are ok with any of it. But I do know, at this point, it is very necessary. I was not happy where I was. We were not a very functional family." She paused as Aimee hung on to her every word.
"I didn't mean to cause..." Callie shook her head.
"You didn't cause what had been broken for the last few years, baby. If anything, you gave me the strength to take this step. And well, that step, at least initially will play out something like this...and you can tell me what you think." She paused again, wishing she had a cigarette or a drink. But she knew she had to not depend on something to dull her senses. That she needed to stay on target and say what she needed to say without resorting to a crutch. Something she knew was easier said than done.
"So, here is what I will be doing. I will be moving back to my home town of Bayport. It's a smaller city down the coast. I will be taking Maddie with me for now. Carly and Ellie will be with me half the time. And with Chet the other half. And I have hope at some point of renewing my investigator license and going back into the PI game." Aimee sat quietly and nodded.
"Well, that sounds good." Callie smiled kindly to her. She sensed the underlying tension. She knew Aimee was still quite nervous as she hadn't mentioned anything regarding her.
"So...I guess that kind of leads me to that subject I am sure you are wondering about." Aimee looked down, slightly red in face.
"Well, I suppose I was..." Callie placed her hand on Aimee's.
"At the risk of perhaps ruining the objective of this trip...to get you home, I was wondering if you might like to maybe check out Bayport?" Aimee turned to look at her. An expression of surprise on her face.
"You want me to live..." Callie held up a hand.
"Hold on, baby. Before you get the wrong idea. I am not wanting to rush into things." She flashed her bright blue eyes to her. "I think what we have could possibly grow into something wonderful. And well, lesson one would be not to rush into some kind of living together scenario. At least not right off. I have to say that if I am going to take this second chance I got to heart, I don't want to screw anything up. And that is not just about with you. It means I don't want my daughters to feel neglected. I need to at least take steps to being there more for them as a mother, and that won't be as easy as it sounds. But I would like you to be near, so that we could explore our relationship and see where it takes us." Aimee nodded thoughtfully.
"Well, I mean it sounds good. But I would need to find a place. And definitely find a job." She said fretfully. Callie shook her head and smiled with an expression of assurance.
"Girl, you don't need to worry about finding a place. I can find you something nice. And I am sure a job will be forthcoming. But what I really meant...was that I know you were pretty determined to get back home. I don't want to sidetrack you." Aimee shook her head.
"I did originally feel that it would be nice to get back home. And I do have some bridges that are half burnt that I wanted to maybe rebuild. But I also didn't expect this to happen. For us to develop these feelings. So, I feel that I can maybe just visit in the future to address that." She said with a bit of relief. Though she hadn't had a lot of time to focus on it, Aimee had been silently dreading what would happen when she did get home. And with what had just happened to her...being kidnapped...raped...beaten...Aimee was uncertain if she wanted to walk back into an environment which the last time she was there was less than supportive of her.
"You're sure?" Callie asked, not wishing to seem like she was pressuring her. Aimee nodded.
"Yeah...I'm sure. To be honest, I was nervous about going back home before all of this happened. And all of this that went down is pretty overwhelming." She looked down and closed her eyes. She had started to talk about what happened with a therapist at the hospital. It helped some, but was rather painful to think about.
Callie put an arm around her and rubbed her back softly.
"That's another thing, baby. I don't want you to get stressed by everything I am suggesting. I just thought maybe if you came with, and I got you your own place...you could have some stability going on. Maybe you could hook up with a good therapist if you wanted. I just want to take care of you a bit. I hope that doesn't seem like I am trying to make you do something you don't want." Aimee put her arm around Callie and smiled.
"I want this. I really do. So you aren't making me do anything against my will. In fact, I am so grateful for everything you have done for me. I don't think I will ever be able to repay you." They looked at each other. The strong feelings they shared were undeniable. Callie shook her head.
"You don't need to repay me for anything, love. I am going to keep you covered emotionally as best I can. You do the same for me. We will take it one day at a time. Ok?" Aimee nodded and closed her eyes and rested her head against Callie."
"Sounds good to me." Callie took a deep breath.
"Feel better now?" Aimee nodded.
"Yeah. Now that I know we will be together...But..." She said with a bit of a troubled look. Callie picked up on her uneasiness.
"What's wrong, baby?" She asked with concern. Aimee averted her gaze and looked nervously to the floor. She didn't respond immediately. Cal ran her hand along her leg. "You can tell me." Aimee looked up and took a breath.
"Well, it all sounds so good and all, but I can't help but think it's wrong to take the charity you are offering. I mean getting me an apartment and such...I've just never been comfortable when others pay my way." Callie nodded her understanding.
"Well, it's not exactly charity, girl."
"What is it, then?" Aimee asked a bit confused as she really couldn't see it any other way. Callie held out her hand.
"Well, there is this little matter of you having rescued Nicole. And if you recall, there was a little matter of a reward I posted." Aimee shook her head.
"No, Cal. I can't take that. Not that much money anyway. I didn't go out and plan to do anything that allowed me to search out Nicole. I just ended up getting kidnapped and meeting her that way. And I didn't do anything with money in mind." Callie smiled and ran her hand through her hair.
"Well, of course you didn't. But even if you don't want to take the full amount, I think you deserve to have me at least get you a nice place and take care of your necessities until you find a job. Please accept that with a clear conscience. For what you went through just to free Nicole, well, there is simply no price tag that can be attached. You were obviously willing to give your life for that child. And for that alone, you shouldn't feel bad about catching a break." Aimee took a breath and sat in silence. She didn't want to take anything for what she went through to free Nicole. The reward alone was seeing Nicole escape and now be safe again. But she knew that she was not in a position at present to exactly get too selective with what she chose as her next step. As she saw things it was pretty much a matter of go back home to the pacific northwest, or join the woman she loved. The choice in her heart was clear.
"Well, I guess I would be a fool to turn away an offer like this. I was to be with you and see what happens. So, I guess it will be alright." Callie leaned over and they hugged.
"It will be ok. I promise."
The group sat in the Tibbs kitchen that evening feeling relaxed for the first time in weeks. Alma had laid out a spread that all had enjoyed. Jack and Alma had been especially happy that Callie and Aimee had been brought back safely. They were deeply concerned when they learned of the experiences each woman had endured in their investigation of the case. Jack had gone through many sleepless nights when he learned of Callie getting shot and laying in the hospital with an uncertain future. He was greatly relieved that night as he played host to the same sweet women he had come to know.
"You know..." Jack continued. "I couldn't help but think of what I could have done different to keep you safe, young lady." Callie smiled and shook her head.
"Jack, you did everything you could. We wouldn't have gotten as far as we did without your help. You were very much an important link in the chain in the recovery of Nicole Rose."
"I'll second that!" A voice boomed from the doorway of the kitchen. All parties turned and saw Fenton Hardy walking in. Callie smiled and got up and immediately hugged him.
"Good to see you, Fenton. Thanks for dropping back by." Fenton smiled to her.
"Oh, I couldn't miss the end of it all." He said and took a seat next to Jack as the pair exchanged handshakes. "How are you doing, Jack?"
"Oh, much better now that I know these two little ladies are out of harm's way. The good lord has answered our prayers." Alma nodded.
"Indeed he has. Jack and I are so relieved that Callie and Aimee are back with us." She smiled endearingly at the pair. Fenton looked back to Jack.
"There is no need at all to second guess your actions, Jack. You were incredibly helpful that night. And indeed you helped get Nicole out of the danger zone. And then you helped me. I couldn't have done it without you." Jack looked down and took a sip of coffee. He shook his head with a bit of embarrassment.
"Oh, well I was glad to be able to offer the assistance I could." Callie who was seated across the table from him fished through her purse for a moment and took out an envelope. She smiled to Jack and Alma and pushed the envelope across the table.
"Well, I do want you to know I so very much appreciate what you did. And Alma, you are just like a mother. You have offered me some pretty good advice during my stay here. I would like to give you and Jack this because I so very much think you have it coming." Jack and Alma looked down at the envelope. Jack looked over to Callie with a little hesitancy.
"Now, girl. If that is what I think it is, I didn't help you all for any payback. It was my pleasure and the lord put me in the right place at the right time to lend a hand. That is all it was." Callie smiled and nodded.
"Jack, I understand where you are coming from. But I did post a reward and I do feel you are entitled to part of that." Alma gestured to Aimee.
"Well, I think Aimee here had a much bigger role in getting little Nicole out of harm's way. I think she is much more entitled..." Callie held up a hand.
"Oh, don't you worry. Aimee has agreed to accept a little reward from me so that she can stabilize her immediate future. So really, you needn't worry about her getting taken care of." Aimee nodded to them with assurance.
"Yes, Callie has definitely helped with an offer which was most generous. I am a girl that is not accustom to taking things from others. But I think in the way that Callie intends the reward, I can get over my pride and accept. I think of all the people that were involved in helping get Nicole out of those woods. I heard a lot about your role, Jack. So, don't sell yourself short." Fenton cleared his throat.
"Jack, I must agree with the others here. I don't think we could have made it all happen without you. So, please accept it." Jack exhaled slowly and glanced over to Alma.
"Well...what do you think, ma?" Alma nodded and smiled appreciatively at Callie.
"Ok, hun. I think it is so sweet of you. What you have done to get that poor child back to her family has no monetary worth. It's so much bigger than that. Your kindness is so sweet. I am just so happy that you and Aimee made it back." Jack nodded and took the envelope. He proceeded to open it and took out a check. He looked down and then did a double take. He blinked several times. Alma leaned over and looked down as well.
"Girl..." Jack began. "You really don't need to do this." Alma appeared a bit in shock.
"Callie...$100,000?! Oh, my lord! We can't possibly..." Callie placed her hand on Alma's hand and smiled.
"Alma, really, it's not a big deal. If you feel it's too much, then I am sure you can find ways of paying it forward." Jack nodded thoughtfully.
"Well, that much is certain, young lady." Jack looked down with a bit of embarrassment and sniffled with a bit of emotion. Alma placed her hand on his back and smiled to her.
"We will be helping some other folks out, for sure. Those a lot less fortunate that us." Fenton nodded and patted Jack on the back.
"You two are good people for sure. It was indeed an honor to have met your acquaintance."
Alma smiled and shook her head in disbelief at Callie. She looked further down the table and saw Madeleine enjoying her second slice of cake.
"Is the cake good, dear?" She asked. Maddie looked up with a smile and nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh, yes, ma'am. I haven't had homemade cake like this before. It is super." Alma laughed.
"Well, I am glad it turned out good. You are welcome." She said and glanced back at Callie. "She is your mini twin! I am amazed how the two of you look so much alike."
"Well, I think she is prettier than me..." Callie began and winked to her daughter. Maddie reddened and smiled back at her mom.
A moment later, Iola, who had excused herself earlier to take a call, returned to the kitchen. Callie looked up from the table.
"Hey girl. We saved you some cake. How are things at home?" Iola shrugged a bit as she sat down.
"Ok, given that Joe called about three hours later than he said he would. He said he had some things that dragged on at the office." Fenton looked up.
"He works too hard, sometimes. But maybe that new office assistant he hired will take some of his load off. I met her briefly when I flew back home last week to see Laura before heading to Chicago. She seems very sweet." Iola raised an eyebrow as she cut a slice of cake.
"Oh? He didn't mention he hired anyone. Just said he was thinking of it. granted that was several weeks ago since we talked about anything work related." Fenton sipped his coffee and nodded.
"Yes, he finally did. A charming young lady named Vanessa. So, hopefully that will get him home earlier in the future."
The evening meal finally ended, and after some light conversation the group excused themselves to get to bed as they were wanting to depart by mid morning.
The morning brought the group together again on the back porch of the Tibbs home. The girls managed to get all their belongings pack and stored in the back of Aimee's GTO. Alma and Jack exchanged hugs all around in a tearful goodbye.
"Now you take good care of yourself, young lady." Alma said as she hugged Callie. "You get plenty of rest and recover properly. I will be praying for you all. If you ever need to talk, please don't hesitate to call me. And if you ever come back through this way, you will always be welcome here!" A tearful Callie hugged Alma tight.
"Thank you, so much! May God watch over you. I will miss you."
The GTO pulled up before the Rose home. Fenton's pulled up soon after in his rental. A Clymer Police unit was parked in front of the home as well. Before they could wonder who it was, Detective Jameson and a uniformed officer walked out the front door, escorted by Alice Rose.
Callie waved from the sidewalk as Alice spotted her and her face took on a smile. The group climbed the stairwell. Detective Jameson looked down as they approached. He couldn't help but smile as Callie approached.
"Well, well, Detective Morton. I am happy to see you on your feet." He said cordially. No doubt the pressures of the case being a thing of the past had put him in a good mood. Callie smiled to him.
"Detective. You look pretty good yourself. Nice to see you."
"Tying up some loose ends?" Fenton inquired. Jameson nodded.
"Yes, I had to stop by to talk to the Brennans. And as I was this close to the Rose's home, I thought I would see how they were doing." Fenton nodded.
"Everyone is ok; I trust?" Jameson gestured happily.
"Oh yes. The Brennans were a bit alarmed when I first disclosed to them about Katie having been the primary target. But given the outcome and the fact that the perp will never bother anyone again, they are just glad everything turned out in a positive way."
"Well, that is good. That would be concerning for sure. Happily, there should not be any further issues."
Callie stepped forward and hugged Alice.
"How are you? How is Nicole doing?" Alice pursed her lips but offered a positive expression.
"She is doing fairly well. There are some days which are better than others. But we are making it."
Jameson cleared his throat and stepped up.
"Well, I am going to get out your hair, folks. Detective Morton, I am very grateful that you made it. I am grateful that fate chose you to visit our town." He turned and looked to Aimee. "And that goes for you, too, Miss. Davidson. We are all grateful to you." Aimee smiled, a bit embarrassed and shook the detective's offered hand. Callie turned to him.
"Well, detective, I am appreciative to have gotten to work with you. Thank you and take care of yourself." They shook hands and Fenton stepped up and offered his hand.
"From one law enforcement brother to another, thanks again." He said with a wink.
After Jameson had left, Iola turned towards the sidewalk.
"Say, guys, I am just going to hop over to the Brennans and say a quick goodbye to Katie. I want to see her one last time and give her some advice to kind of remind her in the future." Callie nodded.
"Sounds good, girl. Give her and her parents our best."
Iola vanished down the sidewalk as the rest of the group walked into the Rose home. The sight of two children watching TV greeted them.
"Hey Jenny and Nicole, we have more company." Alice called over to them. Both girls turned to the group. Jenny smiled passively and turned back towards the television, but Nicole jumped up immediately. Nicole made a bee line for Aimee with open arms.
"You are back! I missed you so much, Aimee!" Nicole shouted happily. The group smiled at Nicole's obvious connection to her protector and rescuer.
"I missed you too, little lady. How are you doing?" Aimee asked.
"I am better now that you are here." Nicole said as she led Aimee over to sit on the sofa. Aimee smiled to the others as the child took her by the hand. Callie turned to Alice.
"We are leaving today. I thought we would drop by and say goodbye." Alice looked saddened for a moment as she realized the woman who had given so much of herself to help her. A stranger. She gestured to the dining room table.
"Aww, now I am sad. Won't you have a cup of coffee, first?" Callie smiled.
"I would love to." She said. "Maddie, why don't you hang with Aimee and Nicole?"
"Ok, mom." She said and walked over to join them.
Callie, Fenton and Alice took seats at the dining table. Alice poured them a cup of coffee and looked at them. She smiled broadly.
"You know, I will never be able to put into words how I feel about what you all have done. Especially you, Callie, and Aimee. I was beside myself when I saw you in that hospital bed! I prayed so hard for you, dear. I am just so grateful on so many levels." She said with tears in her eyes. "My baby girl is back home now. And I have you all to thank." Callie smiled back to Alice.
"I am so happy it turned out this way. It took a bit to get us all here and safe, but it happened." She looked over her shoulder towards the other room. "The therapist is coming in regularly?" Alice nervously fumbled with her cigarette pack. Not wishing to take one out.
"Yeah, but I am not sure she has all that good of a connection with Nikki."
"Is it possible to get someone else that might spark better with the child?" Fenton asked. Alice made a slightly distressed face.
"Well, this is the one that the Department of Family Services sent out. The one our state insurance pays for. She is a sweet young lady, but not sure how much experience she has in dealing with this kind of thing." Callie nodded.
"Well, perhaps we can do something about that. With as much as that little girl has gone through, this would not be the time to skimp on the quality of her care. I am sure I can get a referral for you."
"Cal..." Aimee appeared in the doorway. She walked in and gestured over her shoulder towards the other room and smiled. "Maddie and Nicole are bonding a bit, so I thought I would give them a few." She had overheard a bit of their conversation. She leaned over and whispered into Callie's ear for a couple minutes. Callie glanced over to her with a smile and nodded. Aimee took a seat next to Callie.
"Alice?" Callie began. "If it would be ok, Aimee has suggested we just give you a little money for the therapist of your choice. This way you and Nicole can make the rounds to a few and see who the best fit may be." Alice was about to object but Aimee held up her hand.
"Alice, Callie offered me a bit of money outright, and well I turned it down because I didn't do what I did for any money. I came to cherish that little girl in there and I am just so happy we were able to get her out before anything else happened. I would really appreciate it if you would take some money from Callie because I want Nicole to have the best possible care." Alice fiddled nervously with her cigarettes again and looked down. She took a sip of coffee.
"You guys have done so much. So much already and I will never be able to repay you for what you did." Callie placed her hand on hers and smiled assuring her.
"Alice, you don't have to repay us. It was truly our pleasure. All the payment needed is to ensure that little girl in there is safe and well taken care of in the future. And having someone she can connect with and work through her trauma will be so very important. I don't want it in the hands of an undereducated, overworked social worker." Alice wrung her hands fretfully and took a breath.
"Well, I guess it would be ok. I mean I just don't want to seem like a charity case." Callie shook her head.
"I don't see it like that, Alice. I see you as a woman who hasn't had a lot of breaks in life. A woman who has been pulling her hair out and going through absolute hell over the last several weeks. If anyone needs some some positive things to start happening, it's you." Callie proceeded to take out a checkbook from her purse. She shot a sideways smile to Aimee as she wrote out a check. Fenton looked across the table with an amused expression. He glanced over to Alice.
"If you need a smoke, Alice, feel free." He said. He had the feeling that by the time Callie finished writing that check, Alice would be needing something to relax her. Alice looked down at her smokes then up to him.
"Well, if you are sure. I just didn't want to blow smoke in your faces." She took a cigarette out of the pack and placed it in her mouth. Callie ripped the check from the book and winked to Fenton.
"Here you go, Alice. Get our little lady a nice therapist and maybe some new clothes for you and the kids."
"Aww, that's not necess..."Alice said as she slowly picked up the check Callie pushed along the table towards her. She looked down and the cigarette fell from her lips. She looked over to Callie with a shocked look.
"Callie! No, I can't take that!" Before another word could be said, the door opened and closed. A moment later Iola walked in.
"Hey guys, what's up?" She asked cheerfully. Alice looked at her with a blank expression. She held up the check.
"Well, Iola, can you please tell Callie that this is not necessary. She just said she wanted to pay for Nikki's therapy costs. But this..." Iola looked down at the check. She rolled her eyes and smiled.
"Well, Alice, the cost of good healthcare is going up." She said with a casual wave. "Take it, girl. It will be ok." Alice bent down and picked up her cigarette and lit it. She took a deep drag and then looked intently at Callie who had an innocent expression on her face.
"Callie! I don't think I will need $250,000 to pay for a therapist!" Callie smiled and rolled her eyes a bit.
"Well, fine. Then buy some cigarettes, too. That will put a dent in your wallet. Or better yet, dump the smokes. Alice, I just thought maybe if this house and its location offer a certain stigma of sorts, this gives you a chance to change it up a bit. Renew your life for yourself and your daughters. Go find a new little house and car. Then put the rest in the bank and pay to have a solid therapist for Nikki." Alice took another drag on her smoke and slowly exhaled.
"Well, but I don't want you to go without." Iola giggled a bit at the statement. She shot a humored look at Alice.
"Alice, I seriously don't think there is much chance of that happening. You see, my girl Callie is pretty well taken care of in terms of security."
Tears started falling down Alice's cheeks. This had perhaps been the first time she was overwhelmed by something positive happening to her. She leaned over and began to hug Callie.
"I really don't know what to say." She said with a glazed look on her face. Callie patter her back.
"It's ok, girl. You are going to be ok. Just take care of those two babies and give yourself some much needed rest. You have it coming."
The next hour passed with a lot of emotion on all sides. Aimee made an effort to give Nicole as much of her remaining time as she could. Doing her best to make sure the child felt secure. Nicole felt a certain safety with Aimee. They hugged many times and Aimee smiled to the child.
"You know, baby girl, you are going to be just fine. And if you ever need anything, you have my phone number." Nicole hugged her tight.
"Thank you for helping me, Aimee. I love you." The youth said softly. Aimee felt the tears running down her cheeks.
"I love you too, baby! You take good care of yourself, your momma and sister!" As much as it was heartbreaking to Aimee to have to leave, the time came where the goodbyes were exchanged all around.
Finally, with everyone else in their cars and ready to go, Callie stood on the Rose front porch looking at Alice.
"Gonna be ok?" Cal asked. Alice nodded and looked back at her.
"I think I am going to be. How about you? Are you and Aimee going to be ok?" The look in her eyes told Callie that Alice was apparently aware of the connection the two had. Callie perked her eyebrows.
"Well, Alice, nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say. But how did you know..." Alice grinned and shook her head.
"Well, I am not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but I have seen the way the two of you look at each other. And well, I have also heard that you threw yourself in the line of fire. Don't think I'd be doing that for someone I didn't love very much. I will keep my fingers crossed for you and your happiness with Aimee. You both deserve some happiness and peace with all you have been through. You will both be in my heart and prayers from this point on." Callie sniffled a little bit and nodded.
"Thank you for that, Alice. I hope the best for you as well. Keep in touch now!" The pair hugged tightly and Callie turned and rushed down the steps for fear of having another emotional moment. She ran briskly across the street to Aimee's car and hopped in the passenger seat. She turned to Aimee who was smiling to her. Callie leaned over, then glanced momentarily into the back seat to see a smiling Iola and Maddie seated together.
"Don't let us stop you, girl." Iola said raising her brows a couple times.
Callie turned to Aimee and they kissed. Aimee smiled, satisfied and took a deep breath.
"I'm ready if you are." Callie nodded with a broad smile.
"More than ready, Precious. More than ready..."