Sailor woke up the next morning, feeling a bit better than the day before. She didn't feel any sadness, any strife, or anything tumultuous. Sailor looked around, feeling a bit calmer. She sniffled, as now there were no tears. Sailor felt safe, protected, as if she was in control. She held her teddy bear close, looking about. It was going to be ok. Dino came into the room, laying on top of the guest bed, nuzzling close to Sailor. "Thank you". Sailor said, petting Dino's head. Sailor felt as if now, it was time to get up. It was now time to get ready for the day ahead.
Sailor went in the kitchen, seeing Wilma sitting, having her coffee. Wilma read a magazine as she drank her coffee. She looked up, seeing Sailor.
"mmm, good morning, sweet pea". Wilma said, gently. "How are you?".
"I'm good". Sailor said, holding her teddy bear close. "Did you sleep well?". Wilma asked, gently. "Yes". Sailor said. "mmm, you didn't have any nightmares, or any flashbacks?". Wilma asked, in a gentle whisper. "No". Sailor said. "that's good to hear, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "I feel better when I'm here, with you". Sailor said. "mmm, sweetie, I'm glad to hear that". Wilma said in a gentle whisper. "you are an amazing gift that I treasure". "I'm so glad each day that I have you". "you have blessed our family with your heroism". "Never forget how truly special you are". "I won't". Sailor said. Wilma took Sailor's hands in hers. "I will always love you". Wilma said, gently. "I love you, too". Sailor said. Sailor sat for a moment, looking around. "mmm, how are you feeling?". Wilma asked, gently. "ok, I guess". Sailor said. "I just…I slept ok, even if I went to sleep late". "mmm, you fell asleep pretty quickly". Wilma said, gently. "I was in the room yesterday, and saw you, fall asleep". "I guess I did go to bed". Sailor said.
"mmm, are you ready for this morning?". Wilma asked, gently. "We have church". Sailor said. "mm, yes, and we'll meet some of our friends on the church committee for brunch". Wilma said, gently. "they are so excited to finally see you".
"That's really cool". Sailor said. Wilma stroked Sailor's face. "you look beautiful, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "Have you ever considered putting your hair up in a ponytail, or a braid?". "No". Sailor said. "I don't like to do my hair". "I think you would look lovely". Wilma said, gently. "Let's try it, and see". "Maybe". Sailor said. "I don't think caring only about looks is important". "I care about the mind, and how good of a person you are". "That's nice". Wilma said, gently. "Although it's also good to try new, and different things".
"I guess". Sailor said.
"I style my hair the same way each time as well". Wilma said, gently. "I just like it out of the way". "That's good". Sailor said. Wilma kissed Sailor's cheek. "I have something very special, that tells the story of us". Wilma said, gently. Wilma took a small gift box out of her purse pouch. Sailor opened the gift box, seeing a necklace with two silver hearts on a silver chain. "This is really nice". Sailor said. "I like it a lot".
"We hold a special bond". Wilma said, gently. "a bond that transcends love, and cannot be broken". "Our hearts are together as one". Sailor said. "That's right". Wilma said, gently. "our love is stronger than we will know". "It is". Sailor said. "This is so special". "I'm really happy you gave this to me".
"You and I have a strength not many know about, or recognize". Wilma said, gently. "Our strength comes from the bond of friendship". "Whenever we're together, our spirit becomes strengthened, and we, in turn, are invincible, and can face anything". "Friendship gives us that strength".
"I have prayers in my book my mom gave me, on friendship". Sailor said. "It's called, "More Prayers on my pillow". "That sounds wonderful, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "My sister had that prayer book". "It's very fulfilling".
"I like the prayers in there because they're about finding hope, finding god when you lost your family". Sailor said.
"There are a multitude of prayers in there". Wilma said, gently. "Have you found guidance by reading those prayers?".
"Kind of". Sailor said. "I still miss my family".
"Sometimes, when we lose someone close to us, or we experience a tragedy, we oftentimes rely on ourselves to give us hope". Wilma said, gently. "Luckily, we have someone that can give us the faith to strengthen us". "If something happens, remember you are never alone". "The lord gives us what we need to handle adversity". "The Lord is a guiding source of hope".
"I pray everyday". Sailor said. "I always know that god will help me". "My parents are my guardian angels, too".
"that's lovely". Wilma said, gently. "We're never alone in our journey".
"god put us together to handle any adversity that comes toward us". "we are strengthened because of it". "you and I will change the world, together".
"I know". Sailor said. "It's true, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "Our love is immeasurable". She stroked Sailor's cheek. "my best friend". Wilma whispered.
"Thank you". Sailor said. "thank you for always helping me". "Of course, dear". Wilma said, gently.
Sailor sat, feeling the comfort, feeling the relief come over her. She felt strengthened because of it. Wilma kissed Sailor's cheek. "Let's get ready for our morning, sweetie". Wilma said, gently. "Ok". Sailor said. Sailor went to the back bedroom, getting her church blouse, and skirt ready. She went to the bathroom, putting her nice, church clothes on. She also combed her hair.
Wilma came into her master bathroom, getting ready to shower. In fact, she did shower. Her baby bump was seen, as she got in. she felt a warmth, felt a friendly, loving connection when she got in. The mist rose as she turned the water on, letting the steam bathe her. She let yesterday's mistakes, and damages behind as she felt the water bathing her, cleansing her. Wilma remembered the love she felt for her kids she had worked with in the group home. She would be there for them. She would give them a good quality of life, and a loving home. She would be their source of hope.
As for Sailor, Wilma thought of Sailor as someone she could help through the healing process. She would strengthen Sailor with friendship, with love. She shared a beautiful friendship with Sailor. She would give Sailor the hope, and faith she needed.
The curtain opened, as Fred came in, completely naked. "hey, babe". Wilma said. "Hey, sugar". Fred said, a bit suggestively. "thought you could use some company in here". "That's always nice, babe, thank you". Wilma said, as she and Fred, embraced a bit, kissing. They kissed with passion, kissed with love, as they curled their tongues around one another. They continued kissing, as Fred's reproductive organ joined with Wilma's. They kissed, as Wilma felt a tingly feeling emerge. They kept kissing, as Fred kissed up and down Wilma's neck. They kissed one another on the lips, going in with their bit of passion. They kept kissing, in love for one another. They kept kissing, feeling the touch of skin, the wet of a tongue, and the nearness of one another. They kept kissing, feeling the love, the ecstasy they felt for one another.
They did this quickly, as it was almost time to leave. They got out, Wilma drying, and styling her hair, while Fred put on khakis, a nice, collared shirt, and a tie. He also put on a suit coat. Fabric rustled, as they put their clothes on. They were a married couple in their room.
Wilma put on her white, silky, elegant maternity dress, as Fred wore a shirt, and tie, as well as a sports coat.
Sailor came into their room, holding her almond milk. "Sweetie, are you almost ready?". Wilma asked, gently. "I am". Sailor said. "oh, honey, that looks so beautiful". Wilma said, gently. "You are always so radiant". "Thank you". Sailor said. Sailor wore the necklace Wilma had just given her. "That's a nice piece of jewelry". Fred said, looking down at Sailor's necklace. "thank you". Sailor said. "Wilma just gave it to me". "It means friendship".
"I think it looks great". Fred said, gently. "thank you". Sailor said. "Wilma and I are best friends". Sailor said. "that's good to hear". Fred said, gently. "She's very loyal, my Wilma". "mm, certainly". Wilma said, kissing Fred on the lips. "mm, yep, Sails and I have a powerful bond". Wilma said, gently, although tiredly. Fred and Wilma shared a smile with one another. Sailor sat in their master bedroom, on the chaise, drinking her milk.
"Sweetie, did you take morning medicine?". Wilma asked, gently. "yes". Sailor said. "I'm very happy to hear that, sweetie". Wilma said, kindly. "you're very responsible". "I kind of have to be now that I don't have my parents". Sailor said. "still, any parent would be lucky to have you". Fred said. "I guess". Sailor said.
"Let's get some more almond milk before we depart". Wilma said, gently. She put on her flats, walking into the kitchen. She poured some almond milk into a container for Sailor. Wilma got her purse, as Fred followed behind. They went out to the car. It was a nice Sunday morning, as the sun peeked through the silver clouds on this Sunday morning. They got in the car, starting to drive down the road to the church. The church wasn't far away, and it was a nice church. There was a nice congregation, and few that attended the church.
They found a parking spot, walking with reverence, inside. A tall lizard, wearing Pince-nez glasses, and a sports coats stood nearby. Mr. Wizard the Lizard, the pediatrician from last chapter was there. "Hello, Wilma, yes, how are you?". Mr. Wizard asked, gently. "I am doing well". Wilma said, with a gentleness to her voice. "That's wonderful". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "How are you doing, Fred?". "pretty good". Fred said. "Things have been pretty exciting". "We're expecting in a few weeks". "Oh, how wonderful". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "I understand you've been expecting for some time now". "Yes, she's due any day now". Wilma said, gently. "my mother should come up, and get ready for the baby's arrival". "That's nice". Mr. Wizard said. "How have things been with your mother?". "I'm sure it's been trying, with her company". "We've smoothed things over, and she did agree to be more tolerant with Fred". Wilma said. "I know things haven't been the best between me, and my mother in law, but we've agreed to put our differences aside, and look towards the positives". Fred said.
"It is beneficial". Mr. Wizard said. "I've been content with my family, although it has been trying, putting up with idiosyncrasies". "I'm doing my best, putting up with a few". Fred said.
"With family, you must remember that it is a process". Mr. Wizard said. "Sometimes, it can be increasingly trying". "Remember the good ones, and stay with those". "perhaps". Wilma said, gently. "I find the ones I know both of us can bond with". "Fred is my first love, and if he's happy, I'm happy".
"I think family is important". Sailor said. "I try to stay close to my family any way I can". "That's wonderful, sweetheart". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "You certainly are wise beyond your years". "What is your name?".
"my name is Sailor". Sailor introduced herself. "I'm Wilma's friend". "That's lovely, pleased to meet you". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "I'm her counselor, although our relationship developed into that of a friendship". Wilma said, gently. "She saved my life once, stopping an oncoming bus from hitting".
"That is so special". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "Sailor, you truly are influential as well as having a beautiful name".
Another couple, King Leonardo, and his wife, Matilda, came over. You all remember King Leonardo from the 1960's Saturday Morning programming corner, "King Leonardo and His Short subjects". Maybe you don't remember, but baby boomers reading this story will. King Leonardo was a lion, who was loving, well meaning, and kind. King Leonardo was a bit inept, immature, and incompetent. However, toward his kids, his five sons, he was the easy one. He was extremely good-natured, kind, and compassionate, however he could be just as chaotic as his sons were.
Leonardo loved his wife Matilda, egregiously. He held a very romantic, (and very sexual) relationship with her, and loved waking up to see her face in the morning. He even rejected his family, to be with her. He gave up being rich, wealthy, loyal, and obedient, to be with her. Leonardo loved having romance with his wife. It came to the point where he would do it several times a day, in the middle of the day.
Matilda was kind, yet firm, tied down by principles, methods, and tradition. She was more of the uptight, irritable, strict one that yelled constantly. She was extremely harsh, yet well intentioned.
"Hello, everyone". Matilda said, incurring her boisterous nature upon everyone. It was only 10:24 in the morning, and she was already yelling, or talking in a yell. Matilda was pregnant as well with her 6th son. "I see the glow looks good on you". Matilda said.
"oh, well, thank you". Wilma said, gently.
"How've things been?". Leonardo asked, gently towards Fred. "They've been well". Fred said. "Things have been well by us". Leonardo said, gently. Leonardo was always gentle, and kind. "Matilda has her ultrasound tomorrow at noon". "I'll take off to see how she's doing".
"Wilma's due any day now". Fred said. "hmm, that's lovely". King Leonardo said, gently. He fumbled with a secret cigarette box in his pocket. "she's been doing well, which is nice". "It's always good to see the women happy". "I've been having a nice time in the "relations", aspect of things". Leonardo's voice sounded a bit raspy, and deep. Leonardo was a heavy smoker as well. "Oh, have you?". Fred asked.
"We've made our connection three times in the evening". Leonardo said, gently. "Luckily, my "round", has been very successful in doing so". "I've maintained an erection, at least twice during sex".
"I've done so, myself". Fred said. "I'm still young, so they'll come about each, or every few times during sex".
"I'm lucky that still happens". Leonardo said. "I'm older, so, it's been a bit harder, although, I'm surprised I can still make sperm appear, naturally". "It's been a good miracle, and it keeps Matilda happy". "Our relationship has really done well".
"We've done really well". Fred said. "I've been successful with sperm, hopefully, we may have a second child".
Sailor overheard the men's conversation a bit, although she was talking with Mr. Wizard. "How do you know my friend, Wilma?". Sailor asked, looking up at Mr. Wizard. "I'm a doctor, and developmental specialist, for one of the patients at Brightcare". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "I have meetings with Wilma several times a week, as well as attend mass with her".
"That's nice". Sailor said. "I still go to church, but I've never been to this one". "This is my first time at this one". "It is very fashionable here". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "It may be a bit formal, not what you're used to, but it is lovely". "I find peace when I come, often".
"I like going to church". Sailor said. "It's one of the only places where I can ask god to help me, and ask for help in protecting me".
"It is a renewing place". Mr. Wizard said, gently. "we can overcome some bouts of adversity when we gather". "Just so long as we find what we're looking for".
"That's true". Sailor said. "I'm really happy I have my friends". "I feel like I have hope".
"Sailor, are you ready to go sit down, sweetie?". Wilma asked, gently. "Yes". Sailor said. "Let's get ready, girlie". Fred said, gently. The three of them walked over to a row of benches, a pew, and sat down. The minister came out, and the mass began.
The mass was long, although to Sailor, it did feel renewing. It was a nice mass complete with songs, prayer, and a love of god. Sailor, while she prayed, felt a presence of her deceased family. She felt a presence of love, a presence of hope, and some faith that came over her, as she prayed.
There was love. There was so much love that came, and stayed with them, forever.
After the mass ended, Sailor lifted her head, from praying. She felt a brush on her cheek. It was Wilma, stroking her cheek. "Sweetie". Wilma said, gently. Sailor looked up at Wilma. "you prayed for a very long time". Wilma said, kindly. "That's so lovely". "Thank you". Sailor said.
"Are you ready?". "We're going to meet our friends for brunch". Wilma said, gently. "Ok". Sailor said. "Are we taking our own car?". "yes". Wilma said, gently. "We'll meet at St. Brendan's for brunch". "It's just up the street".
Wilma, Fred, and Sailor got in their car, going up the street, past a few marketplaces, up a little ways, and over to "St. Brendan's Trattoria". It was a semi-crowded place, with a nice venue, tables, and a brunch table. Fred, Wilma, and Sailor sat down at the table, along with King Leonardo and his wife, Mr. Wizard, and Dudley-Do Right, and his wife, Nell. They sat, talking as they did.
They talked with Sailor about how amazing she was. They talked about pregnancy, they talked about family, and they talked about love. Love was important. It was important to keep a nice, family dynamic when with old cartoon characters. These old cartoon characters were sympathetic, loving, kind, and wise beyond their years. It was a joy spending time with characters so golden. Sailor truly felt as if she was in comfort, in safety, and in good health. She felt in-love with a new family. This new family wasn't here to replace her old one, this family was here to give her the strength she needed to be herself, and to be golden. That was exactly what they did.