Audra fidgeted nervously as she stood at the door and knocked lightly. She heard the footsteps approach and knew it was Leroy. She was a nervous wreck because she was showing up unannounced and also letting Jarrod know the family was leaving the day after tomorrow.

Leroy opened the door and grinned immediately, "Miss Audra it's so nice to see you again."

Audra smiled, "You too Leroy." She looked around and asked, "Is my brother around?"

Leroy frowned and said, "He's in his study, been a real bad day for him."

Audra frowned, "Oh. Well just let him know that the family is leaving tomorrow night. I just wanted to come by and tell him and the children goodbye."

Unknown to Leroy and Audra Jarrod was listening to their conversation. Jarrod cleared his throat to announce his appearance. Leroy ducked his head hoping Mr. Jarrod hadn't heard what he told Miss Audra. Jarrod approached slowly and smiled kindly at Leroy and patted his large shoulders and said quietly, "Thank you Leroy. Can you get Minnie to fix Audra some tea please?"

Audra interrupted and said, "I'm fine Leroy, no need to bother Miss Minnie."

"Yes ma'am. Can I get you anything Mr. Jarrod?"

"No thank you Leroy. Please make sure we're not disturbed." Jarrod led Audra outside so they could talk without being interrupted.

Jarrod sat down heavily as Audra nervously wrung her hands. Audra hadn't missed her brother's red rimmed eyes or the days growth of beard on his chin. Jarrod was always very particular about his appearance but his clothes were wrinkled and he looked like hell. She cleared her throat and spoke, "I'm sorry for intruding on you tonight but I wanted to let you know we're leaving in a few days heading back to Stockton and I wanted to say goodbye to the children if you'll permit me to do so Jarrod."

Jarrod sighed and said, "We?"

Audra shook her head and said, "The family."

"And you're going with them too?" Jarrod questioned.

Audra sighed and said, "Yes unless..." Her voice trailed off.

"Unless what?" Jarrod asked.

Audra looked at Jarrod and said, "Unless you would like me to stay. Mother even said I could stay at the hotel as long as you promised to make sure Leroy picked me up and made sure I made it back to my room every night."

Jarrod raised his eyebrow, "Mother said that?"

Audra shook her head, "Yes. And Nick was the one who suggested that I could stay at the hotel if it was too much too soon for you and the children."

Jarrod chuckled lightly, "No, the children would love nothing more than to have their Aunt Auddie stay with them."

Audra asked, "And what about my brother?"

Jarrod leaned forward and put his head in his hands for a moment. He finally raised his head and spoke softly, "Your brother feels the same way."

Audra questioned, "But it's still too soon isn't it?"

Jarrod rubbed his hand over the stubble on his face and groaned. "You're the only one besides Eugene who didn't intentionally turn your back on me or Hester although you were punished just like we were." Jarrod took a deep breath and moved his hand down his body, "But you have to realize I'm still trying to come to terms with Hester's... passing and some days are better than others and today was not a good day. To be quite honest it was hell."

Audra spoke softly, "Well on those days maybe I could help Minnie with the children." She paused for a moment and said, "Or I could be there for you." Jarrod looked at Audra as she continued talking. "I remember Father John telling a widow that sometimes talking about your loved one helps in the mourning and healing process." Audra dropped her head as she let a sob escape, "Maybe if you could tell me about your courtship, wedding, marriage or about the children it may help."

Jarrod asked with a shaky voice, "You'd want to hear about my courtship with Hester?"

Audra smiled as she nodded her head, "Yes I would like that very much if you want to tell me. Or when you found out you were going to be a father for the first time or when the twins were born." Audra wiped the tears from her eyes, "I missed five years of your life and if and when you're ready to talk about it, I'm ready to listen."

Jarrod sighed and said, "I'm not sure I'm ready to talk about it yet."

Audra reached for Jarrod's hands and said, "Whenever you're ready to talk about it, if ever I would like to hear all about it."

Jarrod smiled as he looked at his sister's small hand and said, "Right now my main concern is the children. Lily knows her" Jarrod's voice broke, "mama is gone but the twins don't understand so they are continually asking for her which devastates Lily and me both. Lily can't comprehend why they are asking for her and I can't seem to make her understand why they don't know what's going on." Jarrod sighed heavily as he stood up.

Audra blinked back the tears and said quietly, "I wish I could tell you what to say to make the twins understand that their mother is not coming back," Audra sobbed.

Jarrod turned around shocked that his sister was so upset. He asked quietly, "Why are you so upset honey?"

Audra raised her head and said, "Because you and the children are hurting so badly and I have no clue what to say or do that could help." She put her head in her hands.

Jarrod swallowed as he sat next to his sister and spoke again, "Just by being yourself is helping."

Audra raised her head up and sniffed as she looked at Jarrod, "But that's not enough."

Jarrod sighed as he put his arm around Audra's shoulder and said, "For now it's more than enough." They sat for several minutes before Jarrod spoke again. "So you should be back in a few weeks?"

Audra raised her head to look at Jarrod and asked, "What?"

"Although I am sure you packed enough clothes to last a lifetime I am sure there are some items you will want to have here in New York."

Audra chuckled as she lightly punched Jarrod's arm, "For your information I only brought five trunks with me." Jarrod mouthed the word five and was rewarded with another light punch in the arm before it dawned on her what Jarrod said. "Did I hear you right when you mentioned I would want certain items while I was in New York?"

Jarrod smiled and said, "Yes." He sighed and said, "Not only do the children need you but I do as well." He got up and kept his back turned to Audra, "I am not promising you anything except that I do want you here honey," he turned to face Audra.

Audra rushed to Jarrod and hugged him tightly as she spoke in between the tears, "Oh Jarrod I will do whatever you and the children need me to do." Jarrod hugged his sister as tightly as he could.

xxxxxxx

"I'm glad you're staying Audra," Victoria stated.

Audra sighed, "I am too although I wish it was under different circumstances."

Victoria joined Audra on the bed and held her daughter's hands, "As do I. I am just glad Jarrod isn't punishing you for our stupid mistakes."

Audra spoke softly, "No, he's not." Audra hesitated and said, "He asked for you to meet him at his office tomorrow morning." Audra looked at her mother and saw the shock on her face.

"Oh, did he say why?"

Audra shook her head no, "He didn't say. He just asked me to have you meet him at his office tomorrow morning at ten." Audra looked at her mother again, "You will go won't you mother?"

Victoria smiled, "Of course. Did he mention your brothers?"

"No."

Victoria stood up and walked towards the window, "I'm sure he only wants to discuss your staying here."

Audra joined her mother and stood behind her, "Maybe but if not please just hear him out mother. I've never seen Jarrod so distraught and lost. Eugene told me Jarrod is not eating and that he hasn't been in their bedroom since Hester passed away. He's been sleeping in his study and has Minnie get his clean clothes and bathing items every day."

Victoria dropped her head ashamed that she had not been able to offer any comfort to her son during this very difficult time for him. "I won't do anything to further upset your brother." She sighed as she turned back around, "In the meantime I would suggest you finish packing and make a list of everything you want me to send back."