Tony's ears perk up as he asks, "What do you mean sis?" She replies, "Anna was in the connecting bathroom in dad's room when Jane and dad were talking." Kerry gasps as she says, "Oh no." Liz nods as she replies, "I know. But, to be honest she did well. When she stepped into the room. Jane saw her, and was immediately embarrassed. She didn't realize Anna was in there, or heard the conversation."
Tony asks, "Damn it. Is she okay?" She replies, "Yes. She's fine. Her and Tess are both fine. Dad talked to both of them, and so did I. But the drama was contained. Nobody else knows what happened. Jane left after I told her she should, for the sake of everyone else. She wasn't happy about, but i don't care. She'd done enough damage with her thoughtless, reckless speech."
Kerry shakes her head as she says, "Oh my. That had to be tough though for the girls." Liz advises, "I thought it would've been too. But, they've both handled it like pros guys. I was so proud of them. They're really growing up. They're not Anna Banana and make a mess Tess any more."
Tony smiles as he agrees, his babies are really growing up. He knew it before this instance. But, the way they handled this situation really speaks to their maturity. He feels his anger dissipating as he says, "Yes. They are truly young women now, huh?" She smiles as she replies, "Yes. They are. And you've done a great job raising them. They are the best of you, for sure."
He smiles at her compliment as he responds. "Thanks sis. Thanks for just being there. You and dad both. To help them through that awkward moment. I appreciate both of you for it." She smiles as she replies, "You're welcome. It was our pleasure. Just do me a favor and don't bring it up to the girls. Like i said, dad made us promise not to tell you or Kerry. He didn't want to ruin your trip."
He doesn't want to make the promise. But, he knows he should. To honor his dad. And before his promise is given, their conversation is interrupted by a knock on Liz's door, and she says, "Hold on a minute. Yes. Who is it?"
They wait, as they hear familiar voices, "It's us Auntie, are you ready to play yet?" Liz quickly replies, "Yeah, hang on a second girls. I am just getting changed." She hears her brother say, "Let them in sis. I want to talk to them." Kerry flashes him a look and he hears a pause from the phone from his sister.
He addresses them both by saying, "Relax you two. I will behave. I just want to talk to my girls. That's all. I haven't talked to them in a few days." Kerry presses, "T, seriously. Don't blow this up." He acknowledges, "I promise. I won't." Liz adds, "Thanks for having my back girl." Kerry replies, "You're welcome. I think we're good. Let the girls in."
Liz agrees as she opens the door and puts the phone on speaker as she replies, "I am about ready. But, I am talking to your dad and Kerry. Say hi!" Tess and Anna both scream, "Hi dad and Kerry."
They all laugh together as Kerry and Tony reply, "Hi girls. We miss you!" The girls reply. "We miss you too!" Everyone grins with enjoyment, as Liz says, "Awe, family love. Isn't it grand?" They all chuckle at her silliness as Tess says, "Someone's feeling good." They're all in agreement, she's definitely not feeling any pain.
As the laughter settles Anna asks, "How's the family in NY doing dad and Kerry? He replies, "They're all doing great sweetie. Thanks for asking. Isaac says he loves Super girl. He's a big fan." She grins with pride as she replies, "Awe, that's sweet of him to say." Kerry adds, "He's not bluffing hon. He is a bit of a comic book geek and says he appreciates how close the plot lines of the show are to the comic strip." Tess being the supportive sis says, "Congrats sissy, that's amazing." And Liz adds, "Agreed. Very cool Anna banana." They all grin as Anna shakes her head at her aunt using a name she hasn't heard from her since she was 8.
Tony proudly says, "Take the compliment sweetie; it was genuine and deserved. You're doing a great job producing and writing the show. Not just because people like it; but because you're just that good at what you do. I'm really proud of you."
She beams hearing her father's smile in his voice, as she says, "Thanks daddy." Kerry sees the joy in his eyes as he hears her response. Love fills the air, they all feel it. She openly adds, "I agree, you deserve all the accolades Anna. It's a great show. Enjoy the praise."
She sweetly replies, "Thanks Ker. I appreciate you. I appreciate all of you. I really do." Noticeably, she's somewhat overwhelmed, as she cries tears of joy. And her aunt and sister show her love, as her sister says, "You're welcome sis. You really do deserve it." Liz adds, "Awe, Don't cry." Tony and Kerry chime in, "Awe, we didn't mean to make you cry."
Anna wipes her face as she says, "It's fine. They're tears of joy. I love all of you very much." In unison they return the sentiment, "We love you too." She's feeling lighter than air, as she continues to grin. And Liz says, "That's my Anna banana's smile." She laughs at her aunt, and everyone shares in the joy and laughter.
As the mood settles, the girls fill Kerry and Tony in on the festivities of their day. The food, the fun times with family, making more memories together. And they listen intently to them.
They can hear the smiles and laughter in their voices and it does Tony's heart some good to know, his girls really are okay. He can tell they're adjusting to the situations of life, just as they should as young adults. And he's happy to hear it. But, he makes a note to be sure to have a discussion with their mother about her behavior. Since, she had the audacity to call him after the incident at his dad's house, within earshot no less of their daughter. He feels the conversation is necessary, despite his father and sister both stepping up big dime to handle her nonsense when it reared its ugly head.