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This is the new version!

Chapter 40 Senior year and beyond

Baby, Jenny and Chris are sitting at the table, eating breakfast, when Johnny came downstairs, he smiles and gives Baby a kiss, they've got one month left of senior year and about five months ago, Jenny discovered she finally got pregnant, Billy is in heaven and he's making sure everything is going well, sometimes she's annoyed with it but yet she can't help to admire him so much.

"Good morning," Johnny says as he went to make himself some scrambled eggs, "you're up early," Baby says as she takes a bit from her toast, dance lessons are only in the afternoon and evening, and Johnny is normally still asleep when Baby needs to go to school, he looks at her and smiles, "yeah, I couldn't sleep anymore, you've been moving a lot last night, are you feeling okay?" He asks, she thought about a bit earlier when she woke up.

"Not really, I feel a little nauseated, I threw up earlier," she says with a sigh, Jenny looks at her and so did Chris, "you're sure you need to go to school, I want you to feel good," Johnny says as he sits down with his plate, she looks at him and sighs, "I need to, Jen and I have an important test today," Baby says, he's still concerned about her, "please, don't worry, I'll be fine," Baby says and sips her tea while thinking about earlier, Johnny keeps looking at her, "you're pregnant, Baby?" Jenny asks, Baby looks at her, "I don't think so, why?"

"Well, you're nauseated, you threw up and you didn't sleep well, is it the first time you feel like this?" Jenny asks, Chris looks at Baby while eating his cereals, "no, it's been like this for about a week now," Baby says, "I'm gonna buy you a test, and if you're pregnant, I'll call your father, okay?" Johnny asks, she looks at him and smiles, "okay, if I'm pregnant, are you ready for that?" She asks, Johnny smiles, "oh yeah, I can't wait to have another one, junior is already dancing a lot, he loves it," Johnny says and Baby smiles, then she hears junior, "I'm going to get him, he's a danger these days," Johnny says teasingly and stands up, he gives her a kiss and went upstairs, "let's go." Chris says.

Later that day, when they came back home, Baby went to the dance school and looks at the couples dancing while Johnny is instructing them, she looks at the cozy corner and sees Penny sitting there with her daughter and junior, she's watching them play, Baby walks to her and Penny looks up with a smile, "hey, Baby, how was your day?" Penny asks, Baby hugs her shortly and sits down, "mommy!" Junior says and stands up to go to her, Baby smiles and takes him on her lap for a cuddle.

"The day was busy, I hope the test went well, I haven't been able to study much for it, and I'm asked to guide new students at the open door day next week," Baby says, Penny smiles, "you're loved, Baby," Penny says, "a bit too much, to be honest, all I want is being here and run the school and be with my family," Baby says, Penny smiles as Amy came to her, Penny lifts her daughter up and looks at Baby again, "Johnny told me that you might be pregnant again," she says, Baby sighs and looks at junior, "yeah, Jenny thinks I'm pregnant as well, I've been feeling a little sick the last week and this morning I've been throwing up."

Johnny went to them and smiles as he gives Baby a kiss, the couples are done, they've paid Johnny and some are sitting down for a drink, most are gone already, "how are you, Baby?" He asks, she looks in his eyes and smiles, he leans in and gives her a kiss again, "still the same and very tired now," Baby says, "go, lay down a bit, Billy and I will make dinner today, don't you worry about it," Johnny says and she lays her hand on his cheek, "what must I do without you?" She asks, he gives her a kiss again, "the test lays on the bedside table in our room." He adds and stands up.

Baby puts junior on his feet who runs after his father, Johnny looks at him and smiles, "dance, daddy," he says, Johnny went to put some music on and teaches his son a few steps, Amy ran to them and wanted a lesson as well, Penny only smiles as she watch them, "I'm going upstairs, I need a nap," Baby says as she stands up, Penny looks at her, "take it easy, Baby." Penny says and Baby only nods, she walks to the house and sees Chris doing his homework, Jenny and Billy are smooching a bit and she smiles, she went upstairs to her room.

She sees the test and went to take it, she sighs as she looks at it, she looks in the mirror in the room and sighs deeply again, laying a hand on her belly, she went to the bathroom and peed on the stick, she washes her face a bit while waiting, after some minutes she looks at the test and sees it's positive, he lays her free hand on her belly and starts to smile, "hey, little one, I hope you'll be like your father, just like your brother is." she whispers and went downstairs, she went to the dance school and sees the two kids running around, Johnny sits down next to Penny and they're talking.

Penny sees Baby coming and smiles, Johnny turns his head and smiles as well, "don't you need some rest, Baby?" He asks as she sits down next to him, "I will, in a bit," she says, he gives her a kiss and then sees the test, she gives it to him, "it's positive," Baby says, she sees how his smile starts to grow as he looks back up at her, "you're happy?" She asks, "I am, Baby, I'm so happy, but are you ready for another one?" He asks, Baby smiles and lays her arms around his neck, he moves a bit and pulls her on his lap, "I'm ready." She whispers.

"Congratulations!" Penny says and hugs them both, Johnny chuckles about it and gives Penny a kiss on her cheek, "I've been thinking, Baby," Johnny says after a moment, Penny stands up and went to the kids, Baby looks in his eyes, "the house is getting too small for all of us, I mean," he pauses a bit and she keeps looking in his eyes, waiting for him to go on, "you're expecting again, Jenny is expecting as well, junior and Amy have their own rooms, but they'll be needing to share if the babies are born and maybe Penny wants a second too," Johnny says, "you want to look for our own place?" She asks, he nods, "I'd love that, Johnny, I love my whole family a lot, but I do think it's time we're having something for ourselves."

"I'm glad to hear that, Baby, because I found a house that's perfect for us," he says and she giggles a bit, "tell me more, "it's across the street," he says and Baby looks through the window, "which one?" She asks, he chuckles, "the one on the corner, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a big kitchen and living room, plus a garage and a garden," he says, "sounds really expensive," she says, "it's less expensive as I thought it would be, I actually made an offer already, you remember the cheque from the Cramers?" He asks, Baby only nods, "Billy didn't want to see me putting that money into his loan, so it's still on the savings account and with the interest that's on it, it went up with a few thousand dollars, I can buy the house with that money."

"You're sure you wanna do that?" Baby asks, "yeah, I'm very sure, we need our own place, and our privacy as well, plus it's close to the school here and close to dad, it's the perfect opportunity," he says, Baby starts to kiss him again, he chuckles as he kisses her back, "we need to tell the news to the others, when will you hear about your offer?" She asks, "hopefully tomorrow, they told me they would call me," he answers, Baby nods and stands up, junior runs to his mother and grabs her leg, she looks at him and smiles, she let her hand run through his hair while Johnny is watching them, Billy came into the school, "Johnny, someone's on the phone for you, I'm gonna start dinner." Billy says, Johnny nods and stands up.

Johnny went to the phone and picks the horn up, "hello, this is Johnny," he says, "hey, Johnny, Tanja here, I'm calling about your offer," she says, "oh, hey Tanja, what about it?" Johnny asks, "I made the offer and owners said they want a grand more, your offer is the asking price and they got another couple who's interested, unless you want to offer a grand more," Tanja says, Johnny thinks for a bit, "give me a moment, I need to check something," he says, "okay," she says, he lays the horn on the desk and looks for the book from his savings account, when he got it and opens it, he smiles, "how much was the offer I did again?" He asks, "ten thousand four hundred and fifty dollars," she answers, he sees that he would still have money left if he put a grand on top of it, "make it twelve thousand dollars, I really want the house," he says, "alright, I'll call the owner to tell him the new offer, I'll call you shortly," she says, "alright, bye." Johnny says and lays the horn down.

Baby came inside the living room with Penny and the kids, Jenny smiles as she's walking little circles for a bit while rubbing her belly, the kids giggle and went to follow her, Billy chuckles about it, Chris closes his study books when Penny went for a kiss, Baby went to Johnny and smiles, "and, who was it?" She asks, "the person from the real estate agency, it was about the offer I made for the house," he says, Billy looks at Johnny, "what house, cuz?" He asks, Johnny looks at him and smiles, he went to help his cousin with dinner.

"I made an offer for the house at the corner, I think it's about time that Baby and I, with the kids, have our own space, and it's perfect, it's big, it's close to the school and to dad," Johnny says, Billy became curious, "how much?" He asks, "I first offered ten thousand four hundred and fifty dollars, which is the amount they're asking," Johnny says, Billy nods, "you're gonna pay the house with the money you got from the Cramers?" Billy asks, "yeah, but the real estate agent just called and told me that the owner got another couple that's interested, so, unless I could offer a grand more, they might rethink about the offer I made," Johnny says, "and? Are you able to offer more?" Billy asks, Baby sits down and listens to them, "yeah, I've put the offer up to twelve thousand, she'll be calling back soon."

Billy smiles as he's stirring in the casserole, "it's good, cuz, having your own place, but I do hope you stay here for lunch and dinner," Billy says, "we will, but not every day," Johnny says as he starts to cut some vegetables, Billy smiles, Baby smiles happily, "I hope they take the offer," Billy says on the moment the phone went off again, Baby stands up, "Let me, Baby." Johnny says and gives her a kiss, Baby sits back down.

"Hello, Johnny speaking," Johnny says, "hello again, Johnny, I just called the owners with the new offer," Tanja says, "and?" Johnny asks curiously, "they didn't hesitate to say yes, the house is yours," she says and Johnny starts to smile widely now, Baby starts to smile as well, "I do want you and your wife to come buy the office tomorrow, the owners from the house will come too, you all need to sign the contract and do the money transfer, you'll be getting the keys as well," Tanja explains, Johnny looks at Baby, "give me a moment," he says, "okay." She says, Johnny lays the horn against his chest and Baby went to him.

"What is it?" She asks, "they've accepted the offer, the house is ours," Johnny says and Baby starts to smile widely, she gives him a kiss, "but we need to go to the office to sign the contract," he says, "when?" She asks, "tomorrow, are you able to skip school for a day?" He asks, Baby sighs deeply, she never skipped a day, Jenny looks at her, "Baby, you need to go with Johnny, this is something big, you can skip a day, I'll tell Clarissa about it," Jenny says, Baby looks at her and then back at Johnny, she nods, "alright." Baby says, he smiles and gives her a kiss again.

Baby went to sit down again and Johnny lifts the horn up to his ear again, "we'll be there tomorrow," he says, "great! I'll put up the contract now and I'll see you tomorrow," she says, "thanks for everything," Johnny says with a smile, "I'm just doing my job," she says, "see ya tomorrow," Johnny says, "bye." Tanja says and Johnny lays the horn down, the rest came to congratulate the two of them with their new house, after dinner, Johnny called the rest of the family to tell them the news.

Tamara sought contact with her son, as Mr. Castle had told her, she did it careful and she first wrote him a letter, she told him everything in the letter, from what happened back then, when he was still young, to the present, she wrote to him that his father has been sending her pictures and told her the news about his son becoming a father again, Johnny sits on the couch as he reads the letter, he got it last week but he didn't want to read it at first, Baby kept bothering him with it, so now he's sitting down as he reads it with tears in his eyes, Baby is at the dance school, working.

He sniffs as he ends reading the letter, his mother has written her phone number in the letter, but he wasn't sure if he wants to contact her, one letter doesn't mean she has truly changed, he sighs and takes the phone, he calls his father, "hello?" He asks, "dad, it's me," Johnny says, "son, are you alright?" He asks, "I'm fine, I've just read mom's letter," he says, "did she finally wrote to you?" He asks, "I got the letter about a week ago, I didn't want to read it at first, but Baby kept telling me to read it," Johnny says, "son, I know you're having trouble accepting her, but your mother really wants to reconnect with you, why don't you give her a chance?"

"I don't know, after all that she did to you, and then after 16 years she came to crash my wedding, acting as if she was better than everyone else, Zaya being worse," Johnny starts, "son, I know you hate everything she did, but she's truly sorry and I know she wants to show you that she has changed," he says, Johnny sighs and looks at the letter again, "you're in touch with her?" Johnny asks, "yeah, I call her once or twice a month, to update her about you, Baby, and junior," he says, "you told her about the house and about Baby being pregnant again, she has been writing about it, she wrote that she's proud of me and she also wrote that she wish she could be a grandmother."

"She's your son's grandmother, she has the right to be so," he says and Johnny swallows once, "I know, but what if I let her in and she's gonna ruin it again? What about Zaya?" Johnny asks, "you're gonna like it when I tell you that Zaya has totally changed, after your wedding and the advice she got from Lisa, she dropped the attitude, she's the Zaya she was when she was little," he says, "are you seeing her?" Johnny asks, "I had a good conversation with her about a year ago, I explained everything because she wanted to hear my side of the story," he says, "and?" Johnny asks.

"She has apologized to me, and she wanted to reconnect, she's visiting me once per week ever since," he says with a smile, "why you never told me?" Johnny asks, "I didn't know if you wanted to know about this, I'm sorry, son, for keeping you out of this," he says, "it's okay, dad, you probably did what you thought was best, but what do you think I should do? On one side I want to but I'm just scared, on the other side my mind is telling me not to trust her, both of them."

"I understand that, for what she did, but give her a chance, you might be surprised about it, she really wants to reconnect with you," he says, Johnny inhales deeply, "I'll think about it, when is Zaya visiting you again?" Johnny asks, "tomorrow, you want to come for dinner as well?" He asks, "I'd like to, I wanna see it for myself," Johnny says, "should I tell her you're coming?" He asks, "no, keep it a surprise, I'm coming alone, I need to do this alone first," Johnny says, "alright, I'll be making lasagna tomorrow, it's Zaya's favorite," he says, "okay, I'll see you tomorrow, dad, bye," Johnny says, "bye, son." Johnny lays the horn down and looks at the letter again, he decided to call his mother after dinner tomorrow.

The next day, Johnny told Baby he's going to his father for dinner, he walks to the house and press the doorbell, Mr. Castle opens the door and smiles, "hey, son, come in, the lasagna is almost ready, Zaya is in the living room," he says, "where's Clarissa?" Johnny asks as he steps inside, "she's at Bianca's, she always does when Zaya comes, she wants me to have a father and daughter time alone," he explains and Johnny only nods, he walks into the living and sees Zaya sitting on the couch, she sees him and stands up, "brother, I didn't know you would come," she says, he went to her and gives her a hug, she's surprised, "I called dad yesterday and he told me about you visiting him weekly, he told me you've changed a lot." Johnny says as they sit down, Mr. Castle smiles at them and he went to check on the lasagna.

"I have, I'm back to the one I've always been, after the advice from Lisa and the embarrassment with Chris and Penny, I did a lot of thinking," she starts, he looks at her face and sees her smiling a bit, he starts to smile as well, "Eugene died about a year and a half ago, he didn't liked the change I went through," she says and looks down, "I'm sorry to hear that," Johnny says, "it's okay, he spoiled me a lot but I never really had a good connection with him anyway, but mom loved him a lot and she's all alone now and I'm a bit worried about her." She nearly whispers, Johnny takes her hands and smiles.

"I'm so sorry," Johnny says again and looks down, she looks at him, "mom wants to reconnect with you, why don't you give her a chance?" Zaya asks, Mr. Castle hears their conversation and only smiles, "it's just hard after all she did to dad and almost ruining my wedding day," Johnny whispers, "mom never intented to do that, when we heard about you getting married from someone who's friend with Max Kellerman, the person told mom it was a special wedding," Zaya says and Johnny listens, "when he told mom the names, she got pale and nearly fainted, and then she got a little irrational about it and she wanted to go."

"If she only sought contact earlier," Johnny says with a sigh, "I know, and I told her that as well, but she's stubborn," Zaya says, Johnny nods a little, "you got that from mom, please give her a chance, brother," she says and he looks at her face, it takes several moments and then he nods, "I'll call her when I get home," he says, Zaya smiles a little more and hugs him, he hugs her back, "dinner is ready." Their father says and they stand up.

Later that day, Johnny sits on the couch and takes the phone, he thinks about it and takes the letter, he dials the number and waits, "hello?" His mother asks, "mom, it's me, Johnny," he says, it's silent for a moment and then he hears her sobbing, "mom, please, don't cry," he says, "I miss you so much, son," she says through her sobbing, "I've read your letter, I talked to dad and Zaya, she has changed so much," Johnny says, "she has, she's the person she always has been," she says, "mom?" Johnny asks, "yes?" She asks while sniffing a bit, "I want to give it a chance, but please don't ruin it," Johnny says, she starts to cry again, "I'll show you that I want to have you back in my life." She says and pauses.

"I'll tell you everything you want to know, and why I did the things I did," she says, "please, mom, don't stress it, you want to come and visit me and my family this weekend? I think that Baby would love to get to know you and junior to get to know his grandmother," Johnny says, "how is junior and Baby?" She asks, Johnny starts to smile now, "they're great, you'll love them," Johnny says, "I'll be there on Saturday for dinner, is that alright?" She asks, "that's fine, you got my address," he says, "I do, your father has been keeping me up to date, I hope you don't mind that?" She asks, "no, I don't, but I need to go now, I've got lessons to give," Johnny says, "alright, I'll see you on Saturday," she says, "see ya Saturday." Johnny says and lays the horn down, he stands up and went to the dance school to tell Baby about it.

They went that summer to Kellerman's for a holiday with the whole family, they're very much in need of it, because they've been working non-stop at the dance school, that has gotten bigger in name as well, Max has been promoting the dance school as he said he would, some of the guests went to the dance school to get lessons from Johnny and Penny, Johnny has invited his mother and Zaya to come too, Tamara took the opportunity to get closer to her son and Baby is really happy to know that Johnny is giving her a chance.

"You look wonderful," Tamara says as she sits with Marge and Baby on the pool seats, Baby is four months and showing a little bump already, she looks at Tamara and smiles, "thanks," Baby says, Johnny and Billy are with the kids at the playground, Jenny is taking a nap, she's almost at her end, Penny and Chris are having a nice walk, "I want to thank you," she says, Marge and Baby look at her, "why?" Baby asks, "for making my son so happy, and for supporting my chance to reconnect with him," she says, Baby starts to smile, "Johnny can be very stubborn, but I'm happy he decided to give it a chance, he deserves to know the truth and I think you deserve to be in our lives," Baby says, Marge smiles proudly at her daughter, "thanks, Baby, that means a lot."

The sky is really beautiful that day, Mr. Castle and Clarissa are walking hand in hand on the shore, not far from where the three women are sitting, she sighs after she inhales deeply, he watches her face, "I'm so happy," she whispers, "care to tell what makes you so happy?" He whispers, she looks in his eyes, "you, you make me very happy, and that you've got your daughter back as well," Clarissa says, he stops and turns to her, he grabs her head and starts to kiss her, Baby sees them and smiles, Marge and Tamara turn their heads, "you make me very happy as well, Clarissa," he starts, "we're together now for three years, I remember how our relationship started." He says and she giggles.

"It's been the best three years of my life, Johnny, and I hope I'll be having more years to come with you," she says, "that brings me to the next thing," he says and she became curious, his hand went into his pocket as she watches him, he kneels and looks at her face, she gasps, her hands going to her mouth as she watches him, "Clarissa Van Dyck, would you do me the honor in becoming my wife?" He asks, she starts to cry and nods, "yes!" She says loudly, Baby giggles about the reaction, he stands back up on his feet and puts the ring on her finger, they kiss and Tamara smiles as well, they all smile.

Later that day when the whole family sit together for dinner, they told everyone the news, and the whole family celebrated the engagement.

THE END