Hello Fanfiction readers; here's to hoping all is well with you and yours this chaotic time in life. And, you're able to use this story as a continued escape from the day to day. Let's check back in with this beloved story.
Happy Reading!
It's holiday time in NYC and it's exactly what they both needed. After visiting with Sam, before taking the trip. Just to make sure he was okay with them spending the holiday with Kerry's side of the family, and being reassured all would be well. They were relieved and excited to make it through the long, winding week. Especially with the cloud of the possibility of hurricane Jane coming to shore at any moment. They know that Liz and the family can certainly handle things in Tony's absence if need be.
The reassurance they got from Liz, made the idea of taking the much anticipated trip joyfully. Just a day removed from their arrival, both Tony and Kerry are embracing the holiday experience, being in Kerry's home town, and hanging with her family for the first time during the holiday, with their baby girl.
The Washington house is brimming full with happiness and alcohol, which gives way to great conversation amidst everyone. It's normal for there to be family visiting and relaxing together as the ladies cook; and the fellas do what fellas do around a television set. And this year is no exception; Kerry's favorite aunt Annette and uncle George came, along with their daughter Michelle, her husband Isaac, and their baby girl, who is the same age as Isa.
To say that Annette and Valeria are enjoying the joys of being grandmothers for the first time, is an understatement. After both Annette and Valerie perform an act of God, getting their grandbabies down for their naps. They return to the kitchen to finish cooking, while they wait for their supplies to arrive from Kerry's and Michelle's store run.
As they enter the kitchen Annette says, "I tell you. There is nothing like being a granny." Valerie beams as she responds, "You're not kidding. I love ladybug so much, it's unreal." She agrees with her as she says, "I know, It just warms my heart to snuggle with my little cuddle bug. I didn't think it was possible to love this much after having my own children." Valerie ponders out loud. "You have a point Nettie. The feeling is completely different than when we were raising Ker and Chelle. Why do you think that's the case?"
A voice rings out from behind them, as they stand at the kitchen counter; and they turn to face the voice's direction as they hear, "Because you can spoil these two and send them home to be with their parents. Without facing any consequences." They both see Earl standing in the doorway, smiling. And, they have to smile and chuckle with him, because his response is fair.
But, Valeri quips, "We aren't that bad Earl. A little spoiling is good for them." To which they hear another familiar voice ask, while walking from behind Earl, say, "Ahh, so if a little spoiling the kids isn't so bad. Why were you so upset that time mom gave both Ker and Chelle suckers before sending them home after choir rehearsal?" Earl grins as he chimes in, "Oh yeah. I remember that. Babe, you and Nettie were hotter than fish grease. Both of the girls were bouncing off the walls for the rest of the day."
Valerie and Annette both recall the moment vividly, as Annette shakes her head as she replies, "That was a nightmare Val." She shakes her head too as she agreeably says, :Yes. It was. I thought they'd never come down." Earl adds, they almost didn't. At least not till at least midnight."
George nods as he responds, "Yup, and we had early morning service the next day." They all groan, in remembrance of how exhausted they all were, including the kids. And, how Earl's parents were bright eyed and bushy tailed at service, feeling no pain when they drug in, late.
Annette snaps from her thoughts of that day first as she says, "I can remember being so mad at Martha and James that Sunday." Earl grins as he replies, "I think everybody in this room recalls being quite upset indeed sister in law. Especially when mom chuckled at how tired we were. Rest her soul, she didn't mean any harm. But that one was a doozy."
Valerie sees her husband's reminiscent demeanor, as he speaks of his mom, and the moment settles on all of them temporarily. Until George breaks the silence as he says, "Mom and dad both were something else. And, they're both missed for sure brother."
Earl nods in agreement, and both Valerie and Annette hug their husband's as they bond over missing Earl and George's parents. Unfortunately, the sweet moment of love shared between the four, is soon interrupted as the sound of the snow blowers rip through the air.
Earl quickly says, "Ahh, sounds like the fellas are about to clear the driveway, since it started snowing again." Wanting to see their progress so far, they peer out the bay window. While watching Tony and Isaac working outside, clearing the snow. George responds, "Man, Tony's not doing too bad for a California guy, battling snow for the first time." They all nod in agreement, as Valerie replies, "Yes. It's sweet that they agreed to get it done before the girls returned home."
Earl nods as he replies, "Judging by how they're moving. I'd say they must be coming back soon. Why else go so quickly to get it done." They all agree, he has a valid point.
As they walk back into the kitchen, they have a seat at the table as Annette adds, "Well, I hope they make it back sooner than later. I want to get all the baking done today." Valerie nods as she replies, "Me too. I want to get those pies and that cobbler in the oven while we work on prepping the turkey." She nods as she says, "Yes. I agree. That's my plan too."
Just as their conversation ends, they hear a car pull into the driveway. Earl nods as he says, "Come on George. Let's go help the girls with the bags. SInce the guys are out there finishing the driveway." George pushes back as he replies, "Little brother, one of the benefits to having a son in law; is allowing him to do the things you'd normally do. But you don't have to anymore, because he's here."
They all chuckle at his remark and agree with him, he has a point. Nonetheless, Earl says, "Man, let's at least offer to help them. And not treat them like it's their jobs." He nods as he responds, "I can do that." As they all hear the outer door open, both men get up as if they're about to go get their coats. When they both look at the door, Kerry and Michelle are in the doorway. Earl eagerly says, "Come on in, out the cold ladies. Are there any more bags?"
As Kerry walks into the house with Michelle in tow. Both of them are carrying multiple bags. Kerry smiles at her dad as she replies, "Yes. There are a few. But Tony and Ike said they'd bring them in." Michelle adds, "Thank goodness, because I'm spent." They all smile at her remark.
And both Annette and Valerie get up to grab the bags, as George and Earl head to the den, to disappear before being asked to chip in. Michelle removes her coat, and looks over as she attempts to say something to her father. But, notices both him and her uncle are gone. Kerry says it before her, "They got out of dodge fast." The other ladies giggle in agreement as her mom replies, "Didn't they though." Annette responds, "Chelle, you can't be shocked. You know your daddy." She nods as she replies, "That i do mom."
While Annette and Valerie continue to unpack the bags; Kerry asks, "Hey Chelle, did you want some hot chocolate?" She nods as she replies, "Yes. Of course. That sounds great. I'm going to check on Basha and Isa first while you make us some." Kerry nods as she replies, "Good deal. They should be about ready to get up soon anyway."
It's then that Annette quickly says, "Don't wake them Chelle. They're fine." She hears the urgency in her mother's voice and it intrigues her, as well as it catches Kerry's attention too. And she says, "I'm not going to wake them mom. I'm just checking on them. They have another half hour before they get up." Knowing they've only been down for about a half hour. So they're normal two hour nap is barely half complete. Annette feels the guilt level rise as she admittedly spouts, "They just went down not long ago."
Kerry curiously asks, "What's not long ago auntie?" Valerie chimes in, "Maybe a half hour or so." Both Michelle and Kerry look at each other; Michelle shakes her head as she replies, "So when we called an hour and a half ago to check on them, they were still awake?"
Both Annette and Valerie look like the cat that swallowed the canary. And despite being somewhat perturbed with their mothers. Michelle and Kerry cannot help but laugh at their expressions. They all end up laughing as a result.
As the laughter quells, Kerry takes a breath and says, "You two have got to stop spoiling them." Michelle nods as she adds, "Right. We know you love them. And miss them. But their naps are important. If they get off schedule they won't sleep through the night. At least I know for a fact Bella won't."
Kerry nods as she responds, "She's right. Isa has a firm schedule too mom. You know that." Annette and Valerie want to defend their behavior. But, they can't. Especially considering the last conversation they just had about their experience with Martha, doing the same thing to them.
Valerie is the first to respond as she says, "You're right. We are sorry. We didn't mean any harm. But, as I used to tell you girls, the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Annette also admits, "I agree. We are sorry girls. We will do better. We promise." Both of them look at their moms, and quickly forgive them. In all honesty, they expected such shenanigans.
Michelle first says, "You're forgiven. It's all love." Kerry adds, "Agreed, it's all love. Hugs." They all smile and hug, to seal the forgiveness. And as their hugs break, they hear the back door swing open. They turn to see two bundled up bodies walk in with the remaining bags from the car, placing them on the table.