Emily sat, playing with her bunny, as she watched "Beauty and the Beast". Paula came out, wearing a yellow maternity dress, and flats. "Sweetie, are you ready to have dinner?". Paula asked, gently. "Yes". Emily said. "Let's get you ready first". Paula said, kindly. She took Emily's overnight bag into the other room, finding the "Belle" princess dress. "Here you are, sweetie". Paula said, smoothing out the dress. "Do you need any help?". "No". Emily said. "Mm k". "Let me know if you need anything". Paula said, kindly. Emily went to get ready, put her princess dress on. Filburt came out wearing a tie.
"I'm pretty well off". Filburt said, getting the car keys. "We have the points, so, we can get whatever we need". "I might surprise her with dessert". Paula said, getting her purse. "She's been through quite a lot". "She has, and we do have the platinum status". Filburt said. "Mmm, true". Paula said. Emily came out, wearing her princess dress. "Sweetie, you look like a million". Paula smiled. "A million bucks". Emily said, smiling. Paula chuckled. "The rain quit a bit ago, I don't think we need jackets". "Mmm, we'll see". Filburt and Paula went out through the garage, as the voice activated security system kicked on.
It was sunset outside now, as they got in the car, starting for Makoto's steakhouse. Paula sat on the passenger's side, Filburt drove, as Emily sat in the back. "You did call the insurance agent, to gather the points for this month's trip?". Filburt asked. "I did". Paula said. "I called our agent while I was in the office". "That's good". Filburt said. "I was beginning to worry about that". They spoke in low, secretive voices. They were soft.
"Why?". Paula asked in a gentle hum. "Well, I grew up with this notion that everything had to be done right away". Filburt said. "It's novice, and really it's an old concept that I'm trying to leave behind". "Well, I think it's cute how responsible you are". Paula said, smiling. "I would've never remembered". They drove for a bit, passing the Bayside Lakes shoppes, and plaza, as they went down Emerson, or wherever. "Babe". Paula said, in a gentle hum. "You shouldn't worry about those things". "They'll be taken care of". "I know". Filburt said. "Without you, I'd probably turn into a raging psychotic". "Or you'd be a hermit". Paula said, chuckling. "Either way, I'm lucky to have you". Filburt said. "Mm, I'm lucky to have someone as grounded as you". Paula smiled. They smiled, gazing into one another's eyes.
The Makoto's they were going to, was by the river, so they took a scenic trip. "There's where our first date was". Filburt said, "Right at Captain Hiram's". "I took my clothes off, and you were worried about germs". Paula said. They shared a chuckle. "That was somethin'". Filburt said. "How is she doing?". "She's good". Paula said. "She just, she was kicking before". "Mm, that's good to hear". Filburt said. "For now". Paula said.
Makoto's sat across the street from a restaurant on the river. Paula and Filburt paid for valet to park the car. They then went into the Makoto's. It wasn't crowded in there. There were only a few people. Everything here was intimate and special. There was red dim lighting. The waiter took Paula and Filburt to a long table with a cooktop. If you're aware of Japanese steakhouses, you've seen it before. Filburt and Paula sat down, waiting for their chef to come over. "This is neat, huh?". Paula said to Emily, kindly. "Don't touch up there". Emily said. "That burn". "That's right, it does". Paula said, kindly. "That's where our chef will cook". "Why does he cook up there?". Emily asked. "In a special kind of restaurant like this, they cook in front of everyone". Paula said, gently. "It's a form of entertainment". "Oh, ok". Emily said.
A waiter came around, taking everyone's drink order. "I'd like a coke". Paula said. "I'll just have a Sierra Mist, non caffeinated". Filburt said. "Do you have chocolate almond milk for her?". Paula asked, politely. "We do". The waiter said. "Thank you". Paula said. The waiter disappeared, as Paula and Filburt looked at their menus. "Hibachi shrimp looks good". Paula said. "I might get Hibachi steak". Filburt said. "They do sanitize it I'm sure, so, here it is". "They have tuna here you might like". Paula suggested to Emily. "Tuna". Emily said. "Yes, they do". Paula said, kindly. "How about we get the tuna, with fried rice". "They have a delicious ginger sauce I know you'll like".
"I eat tuna at lunch". Emily said. "You eat it in the little packet though". "This tuna is grilled". Paula explained, gently. "Why does it be grill?". Emily asked. "It's grilled because that's the way they prepare it". Paula said, kindly. "It's fresh meat". Emily sat, as everyone's drinks came. Soon, the waiter put down bowls of miso soup. Emily looked down at her soup, tasting it. She liked it. She tried more, a little more, and soon, she felt the warmth of the soup. "This is a special kind of soup called Miso soup". Paula said, gently, although with cheeriness. "It's very well flavored". "It's good". Emily said. Emily ate some, as a bit dribbled down her chin. "Sweetie, do you need some help?". Paula asked, gently. "No thank you". Emily said. "Enjoy, honey". Paula said, as Emily ate her soup. Soon, it was all gone, and there was the ginger salad left. Emily felt comforted eating that. She smiled, and played. "Thank you". She said, putting her salad bowl aside.
Soon, the chef came with his cart, and the meats, as well as the vegetables. He began cooking, and preparing. I need not go over any unnecessary details, as anyone who's ever been to a Japanese steakhouse knows what happens. Emily enjoyed it all the way through. She loved how the food was thrown up in the air, and on her plate. Soon, she was eating her fried rice, and tuna, along with some vegetables. "Mm, are you enjoying it, sweetie?". Paula asked, gently. "Yes". Emily said. "You're doing a great job". Paula said, kindly. "You're eating all your vegetables, you're eating your rice". "I'm so proud of you". "Thank you". Emily said. Paula kissed Emily's cheek. "Proud of you, girlfriend". Paula said, gently.
Emily still ate, feeling as if her sadness was being cured. It was, in fact, with food. Emily wanted to cry. She wanted to curl up and fall asleep, although with each passing memory of her grandfather, she would relay that sadness to food. Emily enjoyed every bit of the tuna, and fried rice.
"Are you eating the tuna first before the rice?". Paula smiled. Emily looked up at her. "You're just like my husband". Paula chuckled. "It's as if you and I were separated at birth". Filburt said, eating his steak. "They can't touch". Emily said. "Is that so?". Filburt said. "You sure sound like me, are you sure you're not my kid?". Filburt then smiled. Emily ate hers one at a time. They sat, enjoying their food. Filburt talked with Paula. "There was one couple I worked with at the office that didn't file jointly". Filburt said. "That's weird". "They were a couple, you'd think they'd do something together at least". Paula said.
"Maybe they take pleasure in being independent". Filburt said. "There was a couple who were in marriage counseling, but, they seemed so lovey dovey". "Hmm, we all know that's fake". Paula said. "She was pregnant, but, for the most part, it might've been an affair". Filburt said. "Could have based on how they were acting". Paula said. They continued eating their food. Emily poured her orange, yellow, shrimp sauce, and ginger sauce all over her rice, and was eating it. She was getting full, as the rice, even if there was a bit left, was coming to an end.
"Mmm, I was doing some quantifying, and found that there can be a 34% deduction on our current mortgage settlement". Paula said. "That would normalize it by at least 0.034". Filburt said. "That normalcy could mean a lower substantial rate on our backmatter". Paula said. "I might have to figure out what it is exactly, but, I think it is lower". "I'll have to see". "That would be nice if we want to take another trip". Filburt said. "Mmm, we'll see if there's still availability for Key West". Paula said. "Mmm, we'll stay at a romantic place, make our own….". Paula's voice trailed off in a whisper, as she whispered something sexual in Filburt's ear, turning him on. "You know, I booked us a private room here". Paula said, as Filburt smiled. "What will we do about her?". "She'll have to wait for us, I would think". Filburt said. "Mmm, I ordered for some dessert to come". Paula said. "She'll be able to eat that, she can watch some T.V. or relax outside". "Mmm". Filburt licked his lips. They shared a kiss.
Emily finished the last bite of her fried rice. Her plate was empty. "You did so well, baby". Paula said, gently, smiling. "You make me so proud, always". She kissed Emily's forehead. "Ms. Paula, can I have more milk?". Emily asked. "Of course, honey". Paula said, kindly. "You still have to drink your first one". "Ok". Emily said. She drank her chocolate almond milk, as Paula finished her Hibachi shrimp. There was nothing left to talk about, nothing left to do, for the three of them. Emily still didn't feel like talking after the funeral the day before. She still felt as if she was in a lot of emotional pain.
"I have a surprise for you". Paula said, gently. "I know how much our friendship means to us, so I got us something that is very sweet". A waiter came over, bringing Emily some chocolate ice cream. "Thank you". Emily said. "Of course, sweetie". Paula said, gently. "From me to you". "Can you eat it with me?". Emily asked. "I would love to, but, I'll only eat a bit". Paula said, kindly. "Mmm, Filburt and I have to...make a phone call real quick". Paula lied, as Filburt nodded. "It's a work call, so we'll have to get back to you in a couple minutes". Paula said. She took a small bite of Emily's ice cream.
"You enjoy, sweetie". Paula said, gently. She and Filburt stood up, walking toward a small, private, dimly lit room decorated with a couch. They closed the door, locking it. Filburt pulled down his pants, as Paula pulled his shirt down. They kissed with ecstasy, quickly, as Filburt put his reproductive organ into Paula's. They enjoyed one another's company, truly, taking it on the table.
They came out of the small room, Filburt pulled up his pants. Emily was drinking another almond milk. "That was delicious, huh?". Paula said, gently. Emily looked down at her bunny rabbit. "Emily". Paula said, kindly. Emily looked up at Paula. "Sweetie, that was good". Paula said, gently. "Did you enjoy it?". "Yes". Emily said. "I enjoyed it, too". Paula said, gently. They went out to the car, having the valet pick it up for them.
They got in, although Paula and Filburt just sat, gazing at one another. "Mm, it's so peaceful out here". Paula said in a soft hum, looking at Filburt. "It truly is". Filburt said. They needn't say anything else. They just gazed, as they leaned in, kissing one another. They held hands, looking outward at the river. It was dark outside now, and the clock read 8:54 pm. They still stared, until Filburt read a sign that said, "no loitering anytime". "Of course". Paula giggled, kissing him one last time. They started the car, heading for home.
Bev and Ed shared their embrace, kissing, as now they were completely naked in the hot spring. The moon was seen through the clouds, glowing, as it lit up their spring. "This is really peaceful". Bev said, as they continued kissing. "It is". Ed said. "I've never felt this good". "Even my joints quit hurting". "Mmm, I haven't been sick in some time". Bev said. "When I have sex with you, it's quite something". Ed said. "I've had the same experience". Bev said. They leaned in, kissing one another again, Bev felt the tingly feeling she felt when a reproductive organ was digging into her. She felt truly wondrous, and now wanted to go forth with raising this family. She wanted to follow her bliss. That was raising this family.
Emily was in her pajamas, as she came outside on the porch, seeing Paula stretched out on the lounger, smoking an e-cigarette. Paula had on her red, lace bra. "Mmm, hi, sweetie". Paula said, gently. "Hi". Emily said. Emily held her stuffed bunny rabbit close to her. Emily sniffled a bit, feeling the sadness shrivel up within her. Paula looked down at Emily, seeing tears come down Emily's cheek. "Are you ok, sweetie?". Paula asked, gently. "Yes". Emily said, quietly. "What happened, honey?". Paula asked, kindly. Paula was in her red lace bra now. She wore her robe over her bra."Nothing". Emily said. "No thank you". "You can tell me". Paula said, gently. Her voice was gentle, kind, and feminine. Womanly.
"My grandpa died". Emily said. "I see my grandpa lay down". "Grandpa is dead". Emily sniffled a little bit. "I know it's been tough, honey". Paula said, gently. "Sometimes, when bad things happen, we tend to remember them for a long while". "It can be devastating". "My grandpa is the only person". Emily said. "I don't have anybody left". "You don't have anyone left in your adoptive family". Paula said, softly. "No". Emily said. "Mmm, well, sweetie, remember we're always here for you if you need anything". Paula said, gently. "We love you, Filburt and I". "we are so glad you are a part of our family". "You won't die?". Emily asked. "Of course not, sweetie". Paula said, gently. "Filly and I will be around for a long time". "I'm still young, I'm happy to be where I am in this part of my life". "I've been trying to have kids for a long while now".
"Why?". Emily asked, feeling a bit calmer now. "I've wanted to start a family with Filburt for some time now". Paula said, gently. "I'm at that point where I've been making a lot of money, I've been married for 5 years, I think it's time". "What did, you and Filburt get married?". Emily asked. "Well, Filburt and I got married in St. Augustine at, I'm trying to remember where it was, or what it was called". "Oh yes, at El Christe Guadalupe". Paula told the story. "It was a Spanish mission church, one of the oldest in the country". "It was nice as it was very rustic, authentic, we stayed overnight at La Gorda resort". "It's one of the oldest bed and breakfasts places they have in the U.S.".
"It was beautiful". Paula said, blowing smoke. There was a low pool garden light on, lighting their way. "My mommy, and daddy are married". Emily said. "Yes, they've been married for 42 years". Paula said, gently. "They love each other very much". "My mommy, and daddy kiss". Emily said. "Mmm, that's what people do when they love each other very much". Paula said, kindly. "They share a kiss". "Does you and Filburt kiss?". Emily asked. "We do". Paula said, gently. "That's how we show affection for one another". "Oh, ok". Emily said. Paula smiled. "Mm". Paula stretched out on the lounger. "Sweetie, I know it's hard losing your grandfather". Paula said, gently. "He meant everything to you". "I sit on grandpa's lap, and he hug me". Emily said.
"You had so many memories of your grandfather". Paula said, gently. "He was a custom part of your young life". "Why did my grandpa die?". Emily asked. "Well, honey, sometimes bad things happen". Paula said, gently. "Sometimes, there are health problems that come up that occur, and can't be fixed right away". "That's why I'm in the medical field". "I help all kinds of people with different problems everyday". "I wouldn't consider it heroic, but I do like helping others". "I help people, too". Emily said. "You do, sweetie". Paula said, gently. "You help your parents with chores, you help your friends at school, you're part of Interact Club, is it?". "You're one of the most giving people I know". "My mommy and daddy say that they're proud of me". Emily said. "I'm sure they are". Paula said, gently. "I'm proud of you, too". "You are far more responsible, and practical than I was at your age".
"Why?". Emily asked. "Well, when I was 10, I was very self centered". Paula said, gently. "I was bratty, I fought with my mom, I wouldn't do my chores". "I remember when I was your age, I threw candy wrappers away in my sister's trash can, and blamed her for breaking the rule on eating upstairs". "I remember my mother and I fought constantly when I was a teenager". "I was always getting in trouble". "Mmm". Paula stretched out, as her baby bump was seen in the dim, low light. Her breast nipple was seen as well. "My mommy is my best friend". Emily said. "I don't fight with her". "That's because Bev is a nice person". Paula said, gently. "My mother...well...she was a bit, stubborn". "That's the price you pay for loving someone". "I realized that later on".
"I hope I'm a lot gentler as a parent than my family was". "But, everyday is a gift". "I'm just glad to be building a wonderful life with my husband, and best friend". Paula sighed, dreamily. Emily sat drinking her chocolate almond milk. Paula felt a sharp pain in her stomach. It grinded for one second, then it expanded, as if it were melting slowly much like chocolate. The baby kicked. Her baby was kicking. "Mmm". Paula stretched out a bit. "Mmm, I'm so tight". She said, laying back. She smiled afterward though. "I am the luckiest person in the world, though". She said, gently. "I have a beautiful castle to call my own, I'm married to a wonderful man, I'm so happy". "I have everything I've ever wanted, and needed". Paula laid back, blowing smoke from her cigarette.
"I'm also lucky to have you". Paula said, kindly. "You inspire me each, and every day I'm with you". "I know that I'm much safer, and more improved because you're here with me". "I know it's been hard, but, it'll get much easier". "I promise you". Paula stroked Emily's face. "Thank you". Emily said. Paula smiled, knowing Emily was in good hands. "Were you smart when you were little?". Emily asked. "I was top of my class in High School". Paula said. "8th out of 340 kids". "But, I switched jobs mainly because I was underpaid". "Oh". Emily said. "I want to be smart, like you". "Sweetie, you are smart". Paula said, gently. "You've done so well over the years, and I'm proud of that". "Never forget how amazing you are". She tickled Emily's cheek. Emily sat, drinking the last of her chocolate almond milk. Paula put out her cigarette, sighing. It was late, and she just wanted to see Filburt. It was fine, however.
"Is the baby going to bed?". Emily asked. "Mm, sure". Paula said, tiredly. "Do you want to give her a kiss goodnight?". Paula asked, gently. "Yes". Emily said. Paula took her robe off, revealing her stomach. Her pregnant stomach. Emily looked down, kissing Paula's stomach. "Goodnight, baby". She said. "She loves you very much". Paula said, gently. "I love the baby too". Emily said. "Mmm, I'm glad to hear that". Paula said, kindly. Emily sat, tiredly. "Mommy and daddy make me a godmotter". Emily said. She mispronounced "godmother". "A godmother?". "That's so cool, sweetie". Paula said, smiling. "You are very influential". "They chose you because they know how trustworthy you are". "How loving you are".
"I am the maid of honor at my mommy and daddy's vow". Emily said. "At their vow renewal, that's wonderful, honey". Paula said, gently. "You've been such an influence to them, as a person". "They look to you as someone that can help them". "You are their inspiration". "How cool is that". Paula stretched back a bit. "My mommy says I'm her hero". Emily said. She looked up at Paula. "Why?". Emily asked. "Mmm, well that's because you're such an influential person". Paula said, gently. "Your mom feels safe around you". "From the moment you came to her, you've changed your mom's life for the better". "You inspired her to be a better person, and embrace who she is". "Before, she felt really bad because she had a falling out with her son, Ralph". "You came along, and brought joy back into her day". "You gave her the confidence to be a better mother". "You've brought us nothing but joy". Paula said, kindly. "People are always so inspired by you".
"Ok". Emily said. "You are our pride and joy". Paula said, gently. "Thank you". Emily said. "Mmm, I love you always". Paula said, kindly. "I love you, too". Emily said. Paula laid out, feeling a bit tired. She contemplated getting another coke. For now, she just laid, feeling herself fall asleep. Emily felt herself become tired as well. There was a rustle of the glass door, as Filburt came outside to get Emily. "It's time for bed, honey". Filburt said, gently. "We don't want you staying up too late". "Ok". Emily said. "Why don't you go in the back bedroom, and we'll be in shortly to tuck you into bed". Filburt said, gently. "Ok". Emily said. "Goodnight, sweetie". Filburt said, gently. "Goodnight". Emily said. "Goodnight baby". Paula said, kindly, kissing Emily's cheek. "Goodnight". Emily said. They waved goodnight to her, as she went back in the house. She closed the sliding glass door behind her.
"You look fine this evening". Filburt said, suggestively. "As do you". Paula replied. They shared a kiss, as Paula got up from the lounge, coming in. They walked inside, closing the sliding glass door behind them. Filburt went into Emily's room to tuck her in. "Hey, sweetie". Filburt said, gently. "I liked the food". Emily said, looking up at Filburt. "Yes, it was delightful". Filburt said, tucking Emily in. "I enjoyed it myself". "I like the rice". Emily said. "Yes, the rice was spectacular". Filburt said, gently. "You usually don't find rice like that anywhere". "It's hand prepared by gourmet chefs". "Can I have rice tomorrow?". Emily asked. "I'm not so sure you'll be here for lunch tomorrow". Filburt said, gently. "Your parents are coming to pick you up, shortly thereafter mid morning". "Oh". Emily said. "You might be able to ask them, they'll make it". Filburt said.
Emily held her bunny close to her. "Well, goodnight, sweetheart". Filburt said, gently. "I will talk to you in the morning". "Ok". Emily said. Filburt kissed Emily's forehead. Emily laid down, turning over on her side to sleep. Filburt kept the light on for her, then gently put on a nightlight. He turned the lights off. Emily felt her eyes fall, as she slowly began to drift off to sleep. She slowly began to lose consciousness. She, as well as the world fell adrift. It was time to sleep, anyhow. It was time to just sit back, and let things work themselves out.