The next morning, Leon woke up bright and early noticed that Sharon wasn't on the other side of bed with him. However, it didn't take him long to realize where Sharon might have fallen asleep at and headed downstairs to see Sharon and Karen still asleep on the couch. This put a smile on Leon's face and then noticed Sharon's phone was going off, so he decided to answer it after recognizing the name on the caller ID.
"Morning, Mrs. Carter." Leon said as he answered the call outside.
"Oh, good morning, Leon. You're up early, I thought Sharon would have been up to answer my call." Mrs. Carter said in response.
"I thought so too but she must have been tired after talking all night with Karen and the traveling we did yesterday." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Yes, if you get them two to talking after they've been apart for a while that's bound to happen. Sharon has always looked up to Karen even when they were little, they would do anything for each other." Mrs. Carter said in response.
"Yes I seem to notice that myself." Leon said with a smile.
"That's what I figured, Leon. This is why me and Mr. Carter have a favor to ask of you." Mrs. Carter said with a calm tone.
"Sure, what is it?" Leon asked out of curiosity.
"As you know, Karen's complex is about to be demolished because you remember that inspection that got her to move some of her things to your house, well the inspection turned out to be grimly. Karen felt very distraught about this and she considered about finding a place of her own. However, me and the old man realized how happier Karen's life has become since she's been helping you and Sharon out with things like being like a second mom to Nicole and helping around the house. I know that you and Sharon want to build your marriage and all but…" Mrs. Carter said in response.
"You can count me in, Mrs. Carter or is it ok if I call you Ma. Since we're family now." Leon said with a smile.
"Of course, Leon. Tell Sharon she can call me later tonight or tomorrow. I got to head out for a hair appointment." Mrs. Carter said before hanging up the phone.
Leon then put Sharon's phone in the living room and went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. Once he sat down on the adjacent sofa taking a couple of sips of coffee, Leon noticed that Sharon and Karen were about to wake up.
"Morning sleepy heads." Leon said with a smirk.
"Morning darling. Is there still some coffee left in the pitcher?" Sharon said after kissing Leon.
"Yeah I just made a whole pitcher." Leon answered before Sharon went to get a cup for her and Karen.
"Morning, Leon. We can explain…" Karen said with a calm tone.
"I understand Karen. Also, I am aware of what happened to your old complex." Leon said with a sigh.
"I'm guessing Mom called this morning and told you about it." Karen said with a sigh.
"Yes, but don't feel sad about it, Karen. Because that's what I wanted to tell you about, I've noticed how much happier you've been since you had to come here. I mean you've helped out me and Sharon in many ways that we are grateful for that. Also, Nicole thinks highly of you just like my wife does. What I'm trying to say is how about you come and live with us, Karen?" Leon said with a smile on his face.
"You…serious…. Leon." Karen said as she was about to cry.
"Yes, Karen. Not only you're my sister-in-law but you mean so much to this family that we love to see you happy." Leon said with a smile.
"Thank you, Leon. Thank you." Karen said as her tears stopped.
"What's going on?" Sharon said once she entered the room with the coffees.
"Sharon, I think it's best that Karen staying here and lived here with us." Leon said honestly.
"Leon, darling. How can I ever repay you enough other than my unconditional love for you?" Sharon said as she was happy.
Then Leon proceeded to tell Sharon and Karen that Mrs. Carter noticed the change in Karen too. However, Karen wanted to send a thank you message to her mother, but Leon mentioned that she might be at the hair appointment. This led Sharon to realize that Leon had answered her phone while she was asleep and didn't get mad at him for doing so.
A few minutes later, Nicole wakes up and walks straight to the dining room. This prompts Leon to head into the dining room to see what is going on.
"Morning, sweetie. You don't seem like yourself today." Leon said with concern.
"I had a hard time falling asleep last night, Daddy. After talking with mommy and Auntie Karen, I thought it would help me, but it slightly changed things." Nicole said with a gloomy tone.
"I'm sorry to hear about that, sweetie." Leon said as he rubbed Nicole's head.
"Thank you Daddy. That made me feel better." Nicole said with a smile.
"You know what?" Leon said with a smile.
"What?" Nicole said in response.
"Aunt Karen is coming to live with us. How do you think of that?" Leon said with a smile.
"I feel really happy about that." Nicole said before heading to the living room to greet her mother and aunt Karen.
"Okay. What do you want for breakfast?" Leon said once he was in the kitchen.
"Scrambled Eggs, Daddy." Nicole said in response.
"Alright I can do that for you, sweetie. What about you, Sharon and Karen?" Leon said in response.
"Same thing for me, Leon." Karen said in response.
"Cheese and ham omelet for me, darling." Sharon said in response.
"Alright then. I got those orders memorized and should be done in a few minutes." Leon said with a smile.
Leon then proceeded to cook up breakfast after he found the carton of eggs in the refrigerator. While cooking breakfast, Leon could see the happiness being filled in the living room as his wife, daughter and sister-in-law were having a good time conversing with one another. "You were right, Ma. I owe you and the old man one after all you raised Nicole for a few years while I was at my lowest and wrapping up my career. I'm blessed to be a part of this family." Leon thought to himself while he was getting ready to make the omelet and put the scramble eggs on two separate plates.
Suddenly, Leon felt a familiar hand touch his shoulder and he turned his head around to see who it was.
"You okay, darling. I figured I come in here to keep you company." Sharon said with a smile.
"That's very thoughtful of you. Oh, by the way the scramble eggs are done if you want to hand the plates to Nicole and Karen. Your omelet is busy being cooked and should be ready in a couple of minutes." Leon said in response.
"Okay, Leo. I'll be right back." Sharon said with a kiss to Leon.
Sharon then dropped off the plates to Nicole and Karen in the living room before heading back into the kitchen to be right by Leon's side. Noticing the aroma of her food, Sharon almost touched the pan before Leon prevented it with a sign of his spatula.
"I know what you were trying to do, Shar-bear. But that could cause your finger to get hurt by doing that." Leon said once he put the spatula on the pan.
"I know, darling. But it smells so yummy though." Sharon said with a smile.
"As a matter of fact, I think your omelet is actually done, honey. Did you want any chives or something of that sort to go on top of your omelet or leave it like it is?" Leon said as he turned off the burner.
"Leave it like it is, darling. But wait what are you going to eat for breakfast?" Sharon said once Leon handed her plate.
"I got my protein shake, remember." Leon said with honesty.
Then Leon got his protein shake from the refrigerator and started to take a couple of sips of it before noticing that Sharon chose to eat her food in the kitchen. This caused a bit of concern for Leon and went to where his wife was.
"How come you eating breakfast by yourself, honey?" Leon said with a calm tone.
"I don't know, darling. I thought you were lonely when you were cooking back here earlier, and Karen understood that I should keep you company for a while. It's the best I can do especially after what happened last night." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"Shar-bear don't blame yourself for what happened last night, okay. You would have felt the same way about me if I spent all night catching up and talking to Rita to the point where I fell asleep too. Besides, we're happy with everything." Leon said with a smile.
"Yeah, you're right." Sharon said before Leon kissed her on the forehead.
"Leon, do you think we have time to get all my storage bins from the storage unit today?" Karen asked out of curiosity.
"Hmm…. if we leave in a short while. Yes, we should get that taken care of, Karen. I don't know how long it will take, Sharon. But…." Leon said with a calm tone.
"It's okay, darling. Don't worry about me or Nicole. Go help my sister get her things. See you guys when you get back." Sharon said with a smile before Leon and Karen were about to head out the door.
"I'm guessing we're taking your car." Leon said to Karen once they got outside.
"Yep." Karen said as she handed Leon the car keys.
Then Leon and Karen headed off for the storage unit which was about two hours away. While on the ride up there, Leon had a curious look on his face which caught Karen's attention.
"Karen, can I ask you something?" Leon said.
"Sure, Leon. What is it?" Karen said in response.
"Is it me or has Sharon been acting a little weird today?" Leon said in response.
"What do you mean?" Karen said with curiosity.
"Well, she was eating breakfast by herself and whenever I was trying to explain to her about this errand she just got all jumpy. However, she blamed herself for spending time with you instead with me last night, but I tried to reassure her that we're happy with everything. I don't know, Karen." Leon said boldly.
"Yeah to think of it, Sharon had been acting odd while we were catching up last night. I mean you know how curious Nicole is, well she had a nightmare and stayed up for a while and asked me and Sharon a question she wanted to ask for a while. Well, you know about my PTSD and the origin behind it, when I was about to find the best way to explain it to Nicole well I had a bad panic attack where Sharon administered my inhaler to me twice, so I had to leave for a moment. So, I guess by the time I came back I realized Sharon finished the rest of my answer to Nicole and she understood the way I am. Just between me and you, Leon, I believe Sharon is feeling a lot of guilt because she had to see me in a panic attack." Karen said with honesty.
"Right. I can understand that Karen. What should I do to ease her guilt and pain?" Leon said.
"Keep doing what you did at breakfast by telling her everything's going to be okay. As you and I both know, Shar is the most emotionally sensitive person that we love and care about." Karen answered boldly.
"You're right, Karen." Leon said before he notices that he and Karen were at the storage facility.
"Okay, we're here. Pop open the trunk, no worries I trust these guys and I'm going to notify them that I won't be needing the unit after this. So, this will take a few minutes, Leon." Karen said as she gets out of the car and Leon popped the trunk.
Karen then proceeded to do everything she said that she was going to do. While waiting for Karen's storage bins to be put in her car, Leon decided to call Sharon.
"Hi, honey. How are you and Nicole doing?" Leon said once the call came in.
"Hi, Leo. We're doing good, just cleaning up the house a bit. Where are you and Karen at?" Sharon said in response.
"We're at the storage place now. Just waiting for Karen and a couple of people she knows to finish loading up her stuff into her car and we'll be on our way home." Leon answered.
"Okay, darling. Umm….." Sharon said in response.
"Shar-bear is something the matter?" Leon asked out of concern.
"I've not been myself today, Leon. I want to apologize for that. It's that I have been feeling overwhelmed and worried." Sharon said with a sigh.
"What's making you feel like this, honey? Don't shut me out let me help you." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Okay, I've been feeling this way since I saw my sister having her panic attack last night and I helped her. It's that I feel so guilty as to witnessing my big sister who has always been there for me at her vulnerable time, and it worries me a lot because of that reason." Sharon said with a trembling tone.
Leon had put his phone away from his ear for a moment and noticed that Karen had finished up loading her things onto her car. However, Leon explained to Karen what was going on in the phone conversation with Sharon. Realizing that it was what she had feared would happen, Karen motioned Leon to put the phone on speaker after they've left the storage place.
"Sharon Michelle, you listen to me. Don't let what happened to me haunt you. You are my little sister and stuff like that don't let that get you down. You've got a husband and daughter who loves you very much and they don't want to see you sad. Because that would make them sad. Do you hear me?" Karen said in a reassuring way.
"Yes, Sis. I am sorry for causing you all this trouble." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"It's okay, Shar. But I still think there's one more person you have to apologize to." Karen said with a calm tone.
"Yes. I'm deeply sorry for causing you so much worry, Leon, my love." Sharon said in response.
"It's okay, honey. We're on our way home now. So…. hold on I'm getting a call from Rita. I'll talk to you when we get home." Leon said with a smile.
"Okay, darling. Love you." Sharon said.
Leon then ended the call with Sharon and switched it over to Rita.
"Hi, Sis. What's going on?" Leon said with a calm tone.
"Oh, not much, Leon. Just wanted to call and thank you on behalf of the kids for the souvenir gifts. So, what are you and Sharon up to today?" Rita said in response.
"Thanks, Sis. Well Sharon's actually at home right now doing a little cleaning while I am on my way back from picking up storage bins at Sharon's sister's old storage locker and bringing them to the house." Leon answered boldly.
"You mean?..." Rita said.
"Yes, she's moving in with us for good and the decision was made this morning." Leon said with a smile.
"I figured it would happen just by the fact on how Sharon would brag about the close relationship she has with her and how instrumental she was in bringing Nicole back into your life." Rita said in response.
"Hmm-Hmm. You know she's actually hearing everything you're saying, Sis. Because I forgot to turn off my speakerphone when I was talking to Sharon a few minutes ago." Leon said with a smile.
"Oh, Leon. One of these…. Hi Karen." Rita said in response.
"Hi Rita. I know your brother can pull a joke like that from time to time. So, how's your family doing?" Karen said in response.
"My family's doing well. Even after that little hiccup last night, life was back to normal. I'm happy that you're living with Leon and Sharon now." Rita said in response.
"Yeah, I was a bit emotional when I found out to tell you the truth. Even though your brother is nodding at me like he really knows how much that means to me." Karen said after nudging Leon.
"I know but at least he did something beneficial though. That means me and my husband can send my kids to my aunt's house if we're away." Rita said in response.
"Hmmm…I didn't realize that I helped you in that way, Sis. Sending them to Aunt Ruth's. Should have mentioned that Luna last night." Leon said in response.
"Jeez, Leon. Anyway, I better let you go. Have a good day. Nice talking to you again Karen." Rita said in response.
Then Leon ended the phone call and placed his phone in his pocket. However, Karen looked at Leon with a curious smile.
"Leon, I was wondering. How come your sister almost got onto you for thinking about sending your niece to your aunt's house." Karen said out of curiosity.
"Well, my sister's children every time they go visit my aunt Ruth, let's say they have sour feelings about it amongst themselves. I couldn't understand why even when my Aunt explained it to me one day when I went up there. Because she's my late father's sister and I would assume my nieces and nephew would get along with her fine just like my dad, but I was wrong. I mean when I brought Nicole up there to see my Aunt Ruth, she handled it very well but again it could be that she had favorited me over Rita when we were younger." Leon said with a sigh.
"Ah, I understand. Leon, I was thinking we should bring Sharon and Nicole back some lunch. You know like….." Karen said with a calm tone.
"Yeah, I was getting to that before the call with my sister. So, I am fine with that." Leon said with a smile.
Karen then texted Sharon to see what she and Nicole wanted for lunch since the idea for takeout was okay. Then it didn't take long for Karen to get a response from Sharon with what she wanted and showed it to Leon. This put a nod on Leon's head after he saw the message and went to grab a pizza from the local pizza restaurant.
After handing Karen the pizza, Leon went back to the driver's seat to start the car and headed for the house. The smell of the pizza had Leon's mouth water which made Karen chuckle a little from the time they left the pizza place till they got to the driveway of the house. This prompted Karen to regain her composure and brought the pizza into the house before she helped Leon bringing in her storage bins.
Sharon who was putting paper plates on the dining room table noticed the drool on Leon's cheek and quietly chuckled. However, Nicole who was sitting in the dining room waiting for everyone to get done what they were doing noticed her mother's facial expression and shook her head.
"Mommy, you know Daddy is going to pay you back for that." Nicole said with a sigh.
"Oh, shoot. You're right, sweetheart. I know your dad saw me chuckled at him for having a drooling spot on his face. I shouldn't have done that in front of you. I'm sorry." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"It's okay, Mommy. I mean at least he and Auntie Karen brought us back pizza. Hmmm…..I hope it's yummy." Nicole said in response.
"You're hungry aren't you, my little angel." Sharon said with a smirk.
"Hmm-Hmm." Nicole said in response.
"Sorry it took us a while, but we wanted to unpack all of Karen's storage bins and reorganize her room. Hope the pizza didn't get cold on us." Leon said as he explained to Sharon why he and Karen were taking a while after they got home instead of eating right away.
"Me and Nicole understand, darling. We chose to wait until you guys got here before we began eating." Sharon said with a smile.
Leon smiled and kissed Sharon before he took his seat. Then Leon dispersed a slice of pizza to everyone at the table. While enjoying the pizza, Sharon notices a look that Leon was giving her which caught her off guard, but Nicole and Karen were putting their heads down on their plates. This made Sharon feel dead beat nervous which made her heart race.
"I want to know, dear. How come you were smirking out of laughter at me earlier?" Leon said with a calm tone.
"Well, it was that you had umm…droll on your cheek earlier." Sharon said with a deep sigh.
"Oh, Sharon. Why didn't you tell me I had droll on my face?" Leon said with a calm tone.
"It's that you were busy, and I didn't want to bother you. But I'm sorry for laughing at you." Sharon said with a sympathetic look.
"It's okay, honey. Oh, you got something right there." Leon said right as he pointed out a sauce stain on Sharon's cheek.
"Oh, okay. Got it." Sharon said after wiping the stain off her cheek.
"Aww…. that's extremely sweet don't you think so, Nicole." Karen said with a smile on her face.
"It sure is, Auntie Karen." Nicole said with a smile.
"You guys…" Sharon said with a nervous feeling on her face.
"Come on, honey. You know they're complementing us." Leon said with a smile.
"Okay…." Sharon said as her nervous eased up a bit.
Then everyone proceeded to finish eating their pizza. Leon, Sharon and Karen went to the living room while Nicole headed up to her bedroom to play with her stuffed animals. Once Leon took his seat in the living room, Sharon laid her head on Leon's chest. Karen had a smile on her face and took a deep breath before rubbing her stomach.
"Wow, I am stuffed. What about you guys?" Karen said with a sigh.
"Yeah, I think we totally are full of that pizza." Leon said in response.
"I can tell easily by looking at Shar. She's already passed out." Karen said with a smile.
"I know but I can feel that she was spent emotionally from the talk we had earlier." Leon said with a smile.
"Yeah, you do have a point there, Leon." Karen said with a calm tone.
"I know your sisters got a good and caring heart for anyone. That's why I love her, and I know you do too. But it worries me that she gets down about something she deeply cares about because it makes feel like I am in the wrong sometimes, you know." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Yeah I can see where you are coming from, Leon. But don't take it that way though, I know my sister is a sensitive person at times just remember this is her way of coping with her feelings." Karen said with a smile.
"Ok, thank you Karen for helping me understand." Leon said while rubbing Sharon.
"No problem, Leon. I figured it would be helpful since you two are married now." Karen said with a smile.
"Most certainly." Leon said in response.
"You want to know what me and Sharon had remembered last night while we were talking?" Karen said with a calm tone.
"Sure, Karen. I mean Sharon had only told me a couple of stories about her childhood between you and her. So, I don't mind it at all." Leon said with a smile.
"Ok, Leon. Well, me and your wife were back in high school and Sharon wanted to go see this concert one day. However, our dad didn't want us to go to the concert since your wife had gotten into trouble at school the day before for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Me and Sharon had roomed together when we were younger, so on the day of the concert Sharon convinced me that we should sneak out of the house through the window while our parents were watching TV in their room. The plan worked until we got to the concert when a couple of good friends of our dad's recognized us and took us back home about halfway through the event. My parents weren't happy with us for that especially my dad which it took him a month afterwards before we got back into his good graces." Karen said with honesty.
"Yikes, that sounds similar to a couple of stories I heard from the old man himself. I mean that's one person who you don't want to get to into his bad side." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Yeah, that's my dad for you." Karen said with a little chuckle.
Then Sharon woke up and looked up at Leon's face with a smile on her face. Leon proceeded to stroke Sharon's hair which felt soothing. Karen went up to decorate her room a bit.
"I never knew you had a frisky side when you were young, honey." Leon said while rubbing Sharon's head.
"Oh, Karen told you about that story me and her were remembering about the other day." Sharon said with a smile.
"Yeah, Shar-bear. It shows that you and I have a lot in common." Leon said in response.
"You mean you used to a be a wild child?" Sharon said with a curious look.
"Of course, why'd you think I was always adventurous when I was young and such." Leon said with a smirk.
"That's true." Sharon said with a smile.
"Hmm…. who could be at the door at this time?" Leon said as he heard a thud on the front door.
"Um…. there's something I needed to tell you. After you called me earlier, my mom called and asked me if she and my dad could come over for a visit and I said that was okay." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"That explains the cleaning of the house you did, honey. I'll get the door now." Leon said in response.
Leon opened the door to see that it was Mr. and Mrs. Carter standing there, so after greeting them inside Leon went to the kitchen to get them a glass of water. Sharon greeted her parents and offered them a seat in the living room before she let them look at the pictures of the honeymoon. Once Mr. and Mrs. Carter looked at the video of Leon's serenade of Sharon and looked at their daughter.
"Sharon, sweetie. You're just like your mom." Mr. Carter said with a sigh.
"How, so dad?" Sharon said with curiosity.
"Oh, Sharon, darling. Your dad is pointing out the time when we first met, and he tried to serenade me with a beautiful song, but he got so nervous by the time he was on stage I accidentally laughed at him instead of seeing gesture he was giving me. But throughout the years whenever that song comes on the radio we laugh back to that day." Mrs. Carter said in response.
"Oh, okay. Mom." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"So, where's your sister at?" Mr. Carter said in a calm tone.
"Decorating her room, Dad. It will be a short while before she comes down." Sharon said with a smile.
"Okay, sweetie. So, did you notice your mom's hairdo?" Mr. Carter said in response.
"Oh, it looks very lovely Mom." Sharon said with a smile.
"Thank you darling. Your dad thought so too. I liked how the hair stylist did it." Mrs. Carter said with a smile.
"Yeah, I mean it's been the past couple of times the hair shop has done great wonders. Maybe it could be the fact they changed owners recently." Mr. Carter said with a calm tone.
"That's what it is, dear. I asked one of my friends who is a regular there and confirmed it to me today." Mrs. Carter said in response.
"Mom, still getting your gossip from the shop." Sharon said with a sigh.
"Yes but not as much as I used to." Mrs. Carter said in response.
"I'm glad that you and Leon had a good time on your honeymoon. That puts a smile on me and your mother's faces." Mr. Carter said with a smile.
"Thank you Dad." Sharon said with a smile.
"Nicole, can you come down here please?" Leon said as he asked in a calm tone.
"Papa, Nana." Nicole said as she came down to the living room.
"Hi, Nicole. Being a good girl." Mrs. Carter said with a smile on her face.
"I sure am, Nana." Nicole said enthusiastically.
"That's good to hear. I see that you have something different on. Would you like to tell me and Nana what it is?" Mr. Carter said with a calm tone.
"Oh, this a luau necklace and seashell bracelet that Mommy and Daddy brought back for me from their trip." Nicole said with a smile.
"That's pretty." Mrs. Carter said with a smile.
"Thank you Nana." Nicole answered before she went back up to her bedroom.
Leon had a curious look on his face which caught the attention of his wife and in-laws.
"Hmm…. it's been a long time since your sister went up to decorate her room, Sharon. Don't you think we should check on her? I mean…." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Yeah, it's a bit odd for Karen to act like this and especially if Mom and Dad are here." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"I was going to say something but luckily I wasn't the only one that noticed that Karen hasn't come down yet." Mr. Carter said with a sigh.
"Alright, I am going to check to see on Karen. Anyone coming with me?" Leon said as he got up from the sofa to head upstairs.
Then Sharon and her parents followed Leon upstairs into the direction of where Karen's room was. By the time they had reached to the door of the bedroom, Leon put his ear up close so he could hear what was going on and then he heard something unexpected, Karen was crying. Once he relayed this to Sharon and his in-laws, they all realized that action had to be taken immediately. So, Leon knocked on the door of the bedroom.
"Karen? Can we come in." Leon said after knocking on the door.
"Yeah, Leon." Karen said upon wiping a couple of tears of her face and sniffling her nose.
Leon, Sharon and the Carters entered Karen's room to see the emotional look Karen had on her face and Leon shut the door behind him. Then Sharon sat on the bed next to Karen while their parents sat on the chairs that were in the room.
"Sis, what's wrong." Sharon said with concern.
"I've been having flashbacks to that day since the anniversary's approaching. It is making me scared and everything just like that night all over again." Karen said with a trembling tone.
"Karen, sweetheart. Have you been taking your medication or going to therapy like you're supposed to?" Mrs. Carter said in response.
"Only when I need to, Mom." Karen said with honesty.
"Karen Louise Carter, see that's what it's always been with you. Always been about needing to use things for emergencies. Good gracious, you didn't listen to what the nurse said to you back then. I mean your mom and I sacrificed so much time to send you to therapy after what happened to you. Not only you caused us a lot of scare back that day but your little sister as well. I mean she cares the whole world about you even though her life is changing in many ways. Why do you think me, and your mother went ahead and asked your brother-in-law to help us out? It's because he knows as much me and your mother do that there will always be somethings Sharon will depend on you for. Can you help me out here dear before…" Mr. Carter said in a stern tone?
"Karen, darling. Don't skip out on your medication and therapy sessions, please. Like your father said we asked Leon to help us out because he knows what we've been through and understands that Sharon has always looked up to you; so, I know how much your life has gradually changed since you've been here, and your dad and I want that Karen to be happy not the one we see broken down right now. Okay?" Mrs. Carter said with a sigh.
"Okay, I'll say one thing before I let you guys say what you need to. Everything that your mom and dad is saying is the truth about my cooperation. Karen, I've been through things very traumatic over the years, and I had bottled up my emotions for years about it until I found peace with it to let them go. I know that's not the best case I can provide but if you let fragments of it go day by day you'll feel better about yourself." Leon said with a calm tone before leaving the room to head back down to the living room.
Then Mr. and Mrs. Carter went with Leon to the living room. However, by the time they sat on the sofa, Leon took a sip of water.
"I didn't know her PTSD was going to flare up today." Leon said with a sigh.
"Yeah, it caught us off guard, Leon. But remember the advice you gave to Karen should work because that's what the therapist told me and the missus when she first started going to the therapy sessions." Mr. Carter said in response.
"Okay, that's good to know." Leon said with a smile.
"Leon, where you are going?" Mrs. Carter said as she noticed Leon getting his shoes on and getting his car keys.
"The flower shop and then the cemetery. It's been a while since….." Leon said with a sigh.
"Okay, paying respects to your dad. See you when get back. I won't tell Sharon where you gone." Mrs. Carter said in response.
"Thanks, Ma." Leon said with a smile.
Then Leon stepped out to get into his car and drove to the nearest floral shop to pick a set of flowers. After finding the right set of flowers, Leon went to the other side of town where the cemetery was located at. Upon parking his car, it took Leon a while before he found his father's headstone and placed the flowers on the cupboard next to the grave. However, before he could say his thoughts Leon notices his sister's vehicle parked next to his. Then Leon waved at Rita once she walked over to the headstone.
"Hi, Sis. Thinking the same thing." Leon said.
"Yeah, Leon. Those are nice flowers dad would have liked those." Rita said in response.
"Thank you, Sis. I know he would have." Leon said with a sigh.
"Dad, it's been over a year since you left me and Leon. There are many things that you would have been proud of for the both of us that's happened since then. Lori leaving for college, Leni getting ready to graduate high school, Lily starting preschool and importantly Leon getting married to the woman of his dreams. I mean she's the best sister-in-law I can ask for and you would have a blast meeting her. Well, that's all I got to say. Do you have anything to add, Leon?" Rita said with a calm tone.
"Well, I think you pretty much covered it, Sis. So, we'll see you again sometime soon, Dad. We love you and miss you." Leon said as he and Rita were leaving the gravesite.
"Does Sharon know you were here?" Rita said before Leon got in his car.
"No, my mother-in-law is the only one that knew that I would be here. Why, does Lynn know you were here?" Leon said honestly.
"No, because you know what happens especially if the kids come along." Rita said with a sigh.
"Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. Well, I better head on home." Leon said as he left the cemetery.
Leon then took a back route home from the cemetery to see if it was faster than going through downtown Royal Woods, but he was wrong. By the time he made it back to the house, Leon noticed that his father-in-law was in the living room and headed in there.
"Welcome back, Leon. How did that errand go?" Mr. Carter said with curiosity.
"It went good. What happened to umm….." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Oh, the missus, well the situation with Karen calmed down completely once you left, and she wanted to us her room for a little while and apologize for her actions earlier." Mr. Carter said in response.
"That's good everything went back to normal. So, did Sharon ask my whereabouts?" Leon said with a calm tone.
"She did but we told her you were on an errand and you'd be back shortly after she asked 20 questions. Why'd you think I'm down here?" Mr. Carter said in response.
"Oh, she's in one of those moods." Leon said with a sigh.
"Leon, your wife wants you in Karen's room now." Mrs. Carter said in a reassuring way.
"Sorry, Leon. I tried to keep you out of it but….." Mr. Carter said in response.
"I heard that, dear." Mrs. Carter said as she went downstairs.
Then Leon went upstairs to Karen's room to see that Karen opened the door for him to see that she and Sharon were waiting on him. Leon took a seat on the chair while Karen shut the door behind her.
"Leon, where were you? I wanted to talk to you and my parents weren't here." Sharon said in a worried tone.
"Ok, I went to the cemetery to pay respects to my father and picked up flowers to put at his grave. I could have asked you to come with, but I knew that you were busy doing….." Leon said with his head down.
"Leon, I admire your honesty. You had me worried a bit there." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"I'm sorry that I caused you so much worry, honey. Especially after an eventful day like this." Leon said with a sympathetic tone.
"It's okay, Leo." Sharon said as she raised Leon's head.
"Thank you, Shar-bear." Leon said after kissing Sharon.
"Leon, there's something I need to tell you. I'm sorry for my little episode earlier, I should have not been like that." Karen said with a calm tone.
"Apology accepted, Karen." Leon said with a smile.
"My parents were right; I need to work a lot better to stick on my sessions and medications. Also, I am glad that you would help me out when no one else could. I mean I'll like it here with the fact that I am once again in the same roof as my little sister. I know she'll need me just as much as I need her and I thank you, Mom and Dad for that." Karen said with a smile before nudging Sharon.
"Of course, Karen. That's what families do for each other." Leon said with a smile on his face.
"Hold on, Leon. Do I hear….." Sharon said before hearing her parents' conversation downstairs.
"Yeah, Shar. Mom and Dad playing 20 questions with each other." Karen said in response.
"Oh, brother." Leon said as he put his hand on his face.
"What's with that look, Leo? Oh wait, what did our dad say to you before you came up here." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"I thought you were in a mood because your dad was saying you were asking 20 questions concerning my whereabouts which led your dad to go downstairs." Leon said with a sigh.
"Oh, why does dad do this sometimes." Sharon said with a sigh.
"I don't know, Shar. But take a deep breath and besides let Mom take care of it, okay." Karen said with honesty.
"Okay, Sis." Sharon said after she took a deep breath.
"Come in." Karen said as she heard a knock on her bedroom door.
"Your room looks great, Auntie Karen." Nicole said with a smile.
"Thank you Nicole. Looking for your mom and dad." Karen said with a curiosity look.
"Sort of because Papa and Nana sent me to ask what was for dinner." Nicole said with a nervous tone.
"Okay, sweetheart. Tell your Nana that I will be right down, okay." Sharon said while rubbing Nicole's head.
"Okay, Mommy." Nicole said once she left the room and Sharon began to follow suit.
Once Sharon left the room, Leon noticed that Karen had gradually regained her smile. This put a smile on Leon's face before noticing that Karen wanted him to stay in the room for a while longer.
"Is something the matter, Karen?" Leon asked out of curiosity.
"No, I wanted to thank you for saving me when no one else could, Leon. I mean I don't know where I would be today if there weren't moments like this, you know." Karen said with a smile on her face.
"Of course, Karen. You're my sister-in-law, I know how much you mean to this family. That's why I chose the opportunity to save you and I understand how important you are to my wife and daughter. Don't forget it was you that helped me reunite with Nicole which led back to your sister and I am forever grateful for that." Leon said with a smile.
"Yeah, Leon. I helped you out and you're helping me, so we basically are in each other's debt." Karen said with a calm tone.
"I suppose you could say that." Leon said with a smile on his face.
Then Leon got a message from his cellphone and proceeded to hold his hand towards his mouth in shock before taking himself back. "Hi, Leon. You probably don't know who this is, but you do probably remember me because you were my dad's closest friend and used to hang around with me and my brother whenever my dad brought us to the shows. My mother always talked about you but kept me and my brother away from the business after my dad's passing. That's right, it's me, you used to call me Teena when I was a baby because it was easier than saying my real name." The message stated on Leon's phone.
"Oh, my god. I'm about to cry right now." Leon said with a tear about to build in his eye.
"What's the matter, Leon?" Karen said with curiosity.
"I got a message from someone from that I haven't seen in almost twenty years. My closest friend that was in the wrestling business with me, well its his youngest child. I always remember the times when he had brought his wife and two kids down when we were on the road, or when they would invite me over at times to babysit them. I always had a soft spot for my friend's kids especially to his youngest child and I think that's why my raising of Nicole can be traced back to that. However, when my friend died in that tragic accident, his wife sued the company for wrongful death and that split beliefs among everyone for years including me. So, the last time I talked to my friend's wife and his kids was after the lawsuit and after that I thought about them on and off. More so now after I saw my friend's grave a year ago." Leon said with a sigh.
"Oh, I figured as much because when I was at your wedding I overheard your friend Bret saying to himself how proud Owen or someone like that would have been to see you get married." Karen said with honesty.
"Yes, I knew it, but can you hold on a second, Karen….." Leon said with a smile.
"Ok, Leon. But I'll be downstairs if you're looking for me or anyone else." Karen said in response.
Leon notions the ok signal and proceeds to answer back the text. "I remember you, Athena. It's been a number of years since I last heard anything from you, Oje, or your mom. So, how's everything been going with you guys?" Leon said in his response. "I've been doing great; I am a journalist. Oje's an attorney who practices on cases pertaining to human rights. Well as for my Mom, she got a college degree a few years ago in sociology and she also runs the Owen Hart Foundation which you know is set aside for everything that my dad had ever hoped for. I mean every year or so, a big-name celebrity comes out at a fundraiser to help out the Foundation and my mother is astounded each time." Athena said in reply.
"Your father would be so proud of the strives you guys made over the years. How did you know where to contact me?" Leon said in response. "Well, my mother had read about your retirement from wrestling, and she has let me and Oje talk to some of our relatives on our dad's side of the family because she didn't want the stigma of what happened to last forever. So, it turned out that at the time my mom had read about your retirement, I was trying to establish a relationship with Natalie. Basically, that's what led to this. However, we heard you were in town about a year ago but didn't want to cause friction since the rumor of my Uncle Bruce not being in the stable of moods that week." Athena said in response.
"Ok, that makes sense. I was up there a year ago and your Uncle Bruce did seem edgy when I mentioned that I was paying respects to your father but after that everything simmered down after that I mean your Uncle Bret can attest to that. I shouldn't be worrying you or your family with this, Teena." Leon said in response.
"Hehe, thanks. Leon, were any of the road stories involving you and my dad true?" Athena said in reply.
"Yes, they were all true. I mean there were times when your dad wanted me to be involved in some of his pranks dealing with your mom. Me, your dad and your uncle Davey were the practical jokers if we were on the road together." Leon said in response.
"I see. So, I heard that you got married recently, Leon. If you were wondering I found out from Uncle Bret who talked to Oje who told me the other day. We told our mom and she said that our dad would have been proud of you; so, were we." Athena said in reply.
"Thank you, Teena. I know your dad's looking down on me as a proud man seeing his friend married. If things were different, I would have chosen him to be my best man over any other person." Leon said in response.
"Hmm-Hmm. Oh, Leon so you know a package should have been at your house either today or tomorrow from me, Oje, and my Mom. It is a gift from and. Anyway, better let you go since my break is about to end." Athena said in reply.
"Ok, it was nice talking to you, Teena. Tell your mom and brother I said hello and my door's always open if they want to talk." Leon said in response before putting his phone in his pocket.
Leon then wiped the tear off his face before leaving Karen's room and headed downstairs to see that Sharon, Karen, the Carters and Nicole were all waiting on him in the dining room. However, Leon noticed a package in the living room that was in his name and signaled Sharon to come by him. There was a letter that dropped out of the package before Leon and Sharon opened it. Once Leon and Sharon opened the package, Sharon nudged at Leon who recognized the photo and he hugged onto Sharon tightly with tears.
"I remember when that photo was taken. Canadian Stampede 97, the last time the entire Hart Foundation was together in Calgary and a major moment in my career. I'm sorry if I'm crying right now, honey." Leon said with tears dripping on his face.
"I know how much the bond you had with Owen meant to you, darling." Sharon said as she rubbed Leon on his back.
"Thank you honey." Leon said upon kissing Sharon.
Then Leon began reading the letter that came out of the portrait while Sharon and Karen put it next to Leon's other memorabilia. "Leon, if you're reading this letter, that means you have received the special portrait I found in my closet of you, Owen and my kids at the Calgary Pay Per View event. I know it's been almost twenty years since we last talked to each other and I know that you were always there for my husband and Athena (Teena as you always liked to call her) and Oje. As you may know I had started a foundation in Owen's memory and still going strong, since you were one of his best friends you know the kind person he was and that's what I based the foundation on. Also, I wanted to put anything that set us on the bad side to the back burner and be friends again. You know this is what Owen would have wanted. I know you wanted to open up about this but couldn't since you were still contracted by the WWE and this time's different now you're retired. Can't wait to hear from you. Sincerely, Dr. Martha Hart" The letter stated. Then Leon had a huge smile on his face before putting the letter in his pocket.
Sharon noticed the smile her husband had and wanted to see the letter that fell out of the package; so, Leon handed Sharon the letter once he pulled it out of his pocket and she read it before putting her hand on Leon's shoulder.
"I'm happy that they want to be friends with you again, darling. I thought it was something else and I'm sorry for thinking about that." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"It's okay, honey. Umm shouldn't you check on the stove." Leon said as he noticed a pot on the stove boiling over.
"Oh, shoot. My pasta. Ehh." Sharon said as she rushed back into the kitchen.
Leon then entered the dining room to join the rest of the family and noticed Mrs. Carter shook her head upon seeing Sharon's mishap with the stove.
"Sharon Michelle, I hope the pasta isn't badly cooked after that." Mr. Carter said with a sigh.
"Don't worry, Dad. It shouldn't be." Sharon said with a nervous feeling.
"Yeah." Karen said in response.
"I'm surprised you didn't say anything, Leon." Mrs. Carter said in response.
"Well, it's because I know better not to judge my wife's cooking." Leon said in response.
"Aww, thank you, darling." Sharon said with a smile.
"You know your mother had done a similar thing when we first started dating, Sharon. However, I'm proud of your husband that he stuck by your side and everything." Mr. Carter said with a calm tone before getting nudged at by Mrs. Carter.
"Thanks, Dad. Oh, I better get dinner served before it goes cold." Sharon said with a nervous feeling before serving up the dinner plates with spaghetti and garlic bread.
"She takes that from you dear." Mrs. Carter said to Mr. Carter with a calm stare.
"Hmm-Hmm, sure. The girls take somethings from you, I mean do I have to make a list about it." Mr. Carter said in response.
"Ok, Dad we get it. But Mom was only pointing out one thing that Sharon gets from you. I mean let's not get into a fight over what qualities me or Sharon got from you and Mom." Karen said with a sigh.
"Oh, alright, Karen." Mr. Carter said in response.
Then Leon put a napkin on Nicole's shirt so that her outfit won't get ruined by the spaghetti. Sharon then brought the plates over to the dining room table and Leon got up to get parmesan cheese from the refrigerator. Once everyone took a bite of the spaghetti, it poured smiles down everyone's faces.
After the first bite, Nicole was having difficulty keeping her spaghetti on the fork; this prompted Leon to pause eating for a moment.
"Sweetie, watch me on how I twirl the spaghetti onto my fork like so." Leon said upon showing Nicole a demonstration on proper eating of spaghetti.
"Like this, Daddy." Nicole said once she tried to twirl her spaghetti.
"You're getting it, sweetie. But next time try to get a smaller size." Leon said upon looking at Nicole's fork.
"Okay, Daddy." Nicole said in response before taking a bite of her food.
Sharon had a smile on her face upon seeing that demonstration and got off guard for a stain that landed on her shirt. Leon sighed once he noticed the stain on Sharon's shirt and handed her a napkin.
"Here, I think you better take a look on why I gave you the napkin, honey." Leon said with a calm tone.
"What do you mean, darling…..Oh my gosh I can't believe I did that good gosh dang it." Sharon said as she noticed the stain on her shirt.
"Shar, it will come off once you put it in the washer." Karen said in response.
"Oh, you're right, Sis. I shouldn't be panicking over a messy stain." Sharon said with a sigh.
"Are you sure about that?" Mrs. Carter said as she was looking at Nicole who was dirty from head to toe from her dinner.
"Oh, dear. Nicole Ann…..We are so sorry about this. Come with me young lady, you are going to take a bath right now." Leon said with a sigh before carrying Nicole upstairs to the bathroom.
"Your husband's a good father to Nicole." Mrs. Carter said with a smile on her face.
"Yes, he sure is and knows what to do during any event." Mr. Carter said chiming in
"Thanks, Mom and Dad. I know Leon is a good dad to Nicole, it surprises us what she can do at times you know." Sharon said while wiping up the area where Nicole sat at
"Sharon, sweetie. That's the way life works you know. I mean your mother and I wondered the same thing when we raised you and Karen." Mr. Carter said in response.
"I suppose you could think of it like that, Dad." Sharon said with a smile.
"Sharon, sweetheart. Your spaghetti was delicious, and I was wondering if you had any leftover that your dad and I could take some of it home." Mrs. Carter said with a smile on her face.
"Thank you, Mom. There should be plenty leftover, come by the kitchen with me to see how much you think you and dad would want." Sharon said as she went into the kitchen with Mrs. Carter.
"Looks like you're getting some leftovers, Dad." Karen said with a smirk.
"Oh, boy. You know your mother and your sister every time there's an outing with them we always end up with each other's leftovers. I mean it's gotten to point where I almost thought about buying a second fridge for our house." Mr. Carter said with a sigh.
"Oh, really, Dad. Well, I know that Sharon's is the health nut but still when is she going to learn that you and Mom have plenty of groceries to fend off of." Karen said in response.
"I know what you mean, Karen. I wish you could help your sister out by helping her understand our needs like you always have. I mean Leon knows what's going on and he's realized that me and your mom need to be around for a long time for Nicole's sake." Mr. Carter said in response.
"Yes, Dad. I can also see it being hard though since Sharon's the youngest and she deeply cares about everyone she's close to. If you tell her something that could be life-changing, she could be in an emotional situation for a while. Don't worry since she has me and Leon here we can help her out with this request." Karen said before hugging Mr. Carter.
"Thank you, Karen. I knew I could count on you." Mr. Carter said after the embrace.
Then Mrs. Carter and Sharon came back into the dining room to see that Karen and Mr. Carter were getting along which put a smile on their faces. A few minutes passed before Nicole came down with clean clothes and a sympathetic look on her face.
"I'm sorry for causing such a mess at dinner and embarrassing everybody by it." Nicole said with a sympathetic tone.
"You're forgiven, sweetheart. Just don't try to do something like that ever again, okay." Sharon said as she hugged Nicole.
"Okay, Mommy." Nicole said in response.
"Where's your father?" Sharon asked out of curiosity.
"Bathroom, he wanted to use it once I got out of the bath." Nicole said in response.
"Oh, okay. Tell your dad when he comes out thanks for the hospitality of our visit. Because me and Papa are about to head back home." Mrs. Carter said while holding a bowl of leftover spaghetti in her hand.
"Okay. Bye, Papa and Nana thanks for coming." Nicole said as she hugged her grandparents who were getting their shoes on.
"Bye, Nicole. Bye, Sharon and Karen. Bye, Leon. Thanks for letting us stop by." Mr. Carter said as he followed his wife outside.
"Bye Mom, Bye Dad." Sharon and Karen said in unison.
After their parents were gone, Sharon and Karen were struck to see the mess that was in both the dining room and kitchen. It was around that time when Leon came back down from his bathroom trip and saw the looks on his wife and sister-in-law.
"Parents already left?" Leon asked.
"Yep." Sharon and Karen said in response.
"Let me guess, needing help with the kitchen." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Hmm-Hmm. Give me a second, Nicole, sweetie, can you bring the plates from the dining room table to the kitchen and that'll be your chore for the night." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Ok, Daddy." Nicole said as she did what she was told.
Once Nicole finished her chore, she went upstairs to her bedroom to play with her stuffed animals. Meanwhile, Leon chose to wash the dishes, Sharon rinsed the dishes and Karen dried them and put them away.
"Hey, Shar-bear. Can I ask you something? How come there's less leftovers from the fridge, don't tell me you did it again…." Leon said with a calm tone.
"I didn't mean to, darling. My mom actually came up to me asking me for leftovers. I know you have told me that I need to stop giving my parents leftovers and them the same to us but it's hard for me to say no especially to them. I'm sorry…." Sharon said in response.
"Shar, Sis. There's something I need to tell you. Dad told me earlier that you and mom's giving of leftovers to one another is making him feel uneasy to where he tempted about getting another fridge at their house. I know you might not like what I am about to say but here me out. Mom and Dad aren't getting any younger and sending them leftovers of food that could be risky to their health, you are being the health nut you are should have known this a long time ago. I mean they have food that their house which is designed to help them live longer and see Nicole grow up too just like all of us here. I believe the reason why Mom and dad chose me and Leon to help you understand this is because we all love you and we're trying to make things easier for us." Karen said in response.
"So, you saw it happen, Karen. I'm glad that the old man filled you in on what was bothering him because you know he hardly does that for anyone." Leon said in response.
"Yeah, Leon. Shar, you okay." Karen said with curiosity.
"Yes, Sis. I'm okay, I was just thinking about what you and Leon were saying just now, you guys are right I need to be more mindful and stop giving out leftovers to Mom and Dad. Instead, we need for them to be happy with their health and lives, just like they are with us." Sharon said in response.
"Now that's the spirit, honey. I love you so much." Leon said before kissing Sharon and splashing her with dishwater.
Karen laughed as she saw her sister and brother-in-law splashing each other with dishwater.
"You're mopping this up, Leo." Sharon said with a chuckle.
"Okay, Shar-bear." Leon said with a smile on his face.
Sharon and Karen left the kitchen once the dishes were done and headed to the living room while Leon mopped up the floor. Karen nudged at Sharon which caught her by surprise.
"Shar, you've got to make it up to Leon somehow." Karen said with a smile.
"I know, Sis. I mean we were showing our love for each other though." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"That's true, but you didn't have to act all serious there at the end is the point I was getting to." Karen said with honesty.
"Oh, okay. Yeah I do tend to get carried away sometimes." Sharon said with a calm tone.
Then Leon entered the room after putting up the mopping supplies and sat next to Sharon.
"Leon, darling. Is there any way I can make it up to you for my demeanor earlier while we were in the kitchen?" Sharon said with concern.
"Hmm…well let's see, I know you might not like the sound of this, but could you find the ice cream that's in the freezer and put it in a bowl for us to have." Leon said with a little hesitation.
"I can do that." Sharon said with a calm tone before getting up.
Sharon then prepared dessert for her, Leon and Karen. This led to Karen having an amazed look on her face and looked at Leon.
"You've figured out how to get her sweet tooth into effect, Leon. I'm glad because Sharon despite her health nut values and such that's one secret of hers even as a child that she hardly ate sweets. The only times she ever ate them is if she wanted to pay back someone for obvious reasons or the occasional birthday party food. Unlike me on the other hand, I like my sweets as much as my other food." Karen said with a calm tone.
"Yeah, I used to be a sweets lover before my career in wrestling and almost thought about going back to eating sweets until I found out the situation with my thyroid. So, it's for medical reasons that I try to limit my intake and also for your sister's sake. I mean after I found out about my thyroid situation a while back, Sharon became so concerned about me that I had to assure her that I would turn my life around for her even if it means I have to go back to the diets and exercises was on when I was a full-time wrestler." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Yeah, I've been meaning to lose some weight but it's a bit of a struggle for me to do it." Karen said with a sigh.
"You know something, Karen. Sharon has that feeling sometimes but she somehow manages to find time to do a workout or to. I don't know….." Leon said right as Sharon entered the room with a small bowl of ice cream for everyone.
"What you guys talking about?" Sharon asked out of curiosity.
"Shar, Sis. This may sound like a long stretch for me to say but I want to try and lose weight. However, every time I try to follow through with a diet and exercise plan I struggle with it which forces me to give up." Karen said with honesty.
"You know what, Karen. I wouldn't mind you being my exercise partner and as for the diet plan we kind of follow similar guidelines to what Leon eats. That's all I can say about that." Sharon said in response.
"OK, thank you so much, Shar." Karen said before she headed to the kitchen to clean up her bowl.
"I want to thank you, darling for bringing that up." Sharon said with a smile.
"Of course, Shar-bear. I know that you like to do your workouts at different times than me and besides this gives you and Karen something to enjoy together. I mean the only thing that might be a bit curious for your sister to get used to is the food we eat but that's about it." Leon said with a smile.
"Most definitely. Oh, did you take your medicine." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"Yeah, after I put away the mopping supplies. Thank you for reminding me, I got call the doctor in the morning to set up an appointment for my lab tests." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Really, it's already been six months since the last time your labs were done. I hope they have improved this time." Sharon said after scratching her hair.
"Me too." Leon said with a sigh.
Leon then took his and Sharon's bowls into the kitchen to be cleaned off, Sharon went on upstairs to the bedroom and Leon followed her. Sharon was getting her workout clothes out of the dresser and noticed that Leon was getting ready for bed.
"Getting ready for your workout, honey. Here's a bottle of water in case you need it. Don't forget to shower before getting into bed, okay. I love you." Leon said as he tossed Sharon a cold bottle of water.
"Thank you, darling. I won't forget to shower. See you in a while, love you." Sharon said with a smile before shutting the door behind her.
Sharon went into the bathroom to change into her workout clothes and put her hair up in a ponytail. By the time she got out of the bathroom, Sharon notices that Karen was standing out in the hallway and felt tired.
"I'd wish to join you in your workout tonight, Shar. But I'm too tired from all the traveling and unpacking I had to do today." Karen said with a tired voice.
"I understand Sis. You need your sleep so see you in the morning." Sharon said before heading downstairs.
"Thank you, Shar. You don't have to worry about tucking in Nicole because I took care of that for you and Leon tonight." Karen said before she headed to the bathroom.
"Okay thanks Sis." Sharon said in response.
Sharon moved the coffee table up a few feet so she could have room for her workout. Then Sharon pulled out her phone to use as an interval timer and got it setup before she could warmup. Upon hitting the start button on her timer, Sharon began her workout, and it was a different kind of workout than what she was normally used to. "My heart is beating out of control and my arms are shaking right now. Gosh my legs are burning. Doha…." Sharon thought to herself halfway through her workout and her breathing was out of control. A few minutes had passed, and the last interval of Sharon's workout was over and feeling completely drained, Sharon laid out on the floor for a while trying to catch her breath.
Then Leon who had gotten up to use the bathroom had seen Sharon laying on the floor and went to check on her. Suddenly Sharon had a curious smile once she saw Leon was by her side.
"Sharon, are you alright?" Leon said with a calm tone.
"Yes, darling. I just got done with the workout and it totally wiped me out big time…." Sharon said while feeling exhausted.
"Don't say any more. Here I got you." Leon said as he carried Sharon upstairs to the bedroom.
"Leon, I could have…." Sharon said in response once she was on the bed.
"Sharon, I know what kind of workout you were doing and that would have been risky for you to try walking immediately afterwards especially if you've never done that program before. I mean you probably noticed how fatigued your body became once you started it, am I right or wrong?" Leon said with a sigh.
"You're right, darling. I never knew that there were tougher workouts out there that could challenge my conditioning even though I'm athletic and a health nut. But I can see you're coming from though." Sharon said with a calm tone.
"Yeah, you never know, honey. I was the same way when I first started training in my career and didn't realize what some of the things my mentors told me were serious until I got my first injury. That's why I tend to be precautious when it comes to that kind of thing you know." Leon said in response.
Sharon looked on with a smile before trying to sit up from bed, Leon knowing how sweaty Sharon was decided to run some bath water for her. Once Leon returned from setting up the bath for Sharon, he could see how grateful she was for him doing that.
"Bath's ready for you, honey. Want me to carry you over there or are you ok walking there by yourself?" Leon said with a calm tone.
"I don't know if my legs have gotten back to normal after the workout, darling. So, if you don't mind can you…." Sharon said in response.
"Okay, honey. I understand completely. Hang on tightly." Leon said as he carried Sharon to the bathroom.
"You don't have to worry about getting my nightwear for me, darling. I'll be wearing my robe that's in here and I see that Karen was nice enough to bring a fresh pair of undergarments for me." Sharon said before she motioned Leon to leave the bathroom.
"Okay, Shar-bear. Have a good bath and see you when you get out." Leon said as he left the bathroom.
Sharon once she took of her clothes and got into the bath it was like heaven for her. "Ah…..Leon knows how to treat me well and this bath is so soothing that my legs are feeling a lot better. It feels like I am at peace." Sharon thought to herself while she was in the bath. Then Sharon heard a knock coming in the bathroom door and before long she saw the door creak open which spooked her until she saw it was Karen.
"Karen, you scared me there for a second. I thought it was Leon coming in here to spook the daylights out of me." Sharon said after taking a deep breath.
"Sorry about that, Shar. I didn't know that you were in here. But that's okay I was going to do you know… I don't mind talking to you for a while even though you're taking a bath." Karen said while she was using the toilet.
"Thank you, Sis. I don't mind the company." Sharon said with a smile.
"I'm guessing you overdid it with your workout, eh, Shar." Karen said with a smirk.
"Sort of, I pushed myself way too hard that my body was wear and tear at the end to the point where Leon had to carry me upstairs to our bedroom before he nicely set up this bath for me. He knew that what I was doing is risky and had me realize I got to be careful in what I do in my exercises from now on." Sharon said with a sigh.
"Yeah, Shar. I was going to ask you when we do these things together try to start out at beginner level because I'm not like you if that's okay." Karen said with honesty.
"I was meaning to tell you the same thing later, but it makes me feel happy that you came out and told me about it, Sis. Because I don't want you to get hurt since you're my big sister and I love you very much." Sharon said with a smile.
"Thank you, Shar. You're the best little sister I've could have ever asked for." Karen said in response.
"Oh man. You know what I forgot to tell Leon and it's been on my mind for a while now. I should have told him earlier but instead I mentioned his medication which prompted him to remind him to call his doctor in the morning to set up an appointment for updates on labs for his thyroid." Sharon said with a sigh.
"You didn't tell him about your twin nieces birthday party that your sister-in-law invited all of us to next week? Oh, Shar. You better tell Leon about it just in case he doesn't have anything else planned." Karen said in response.
"You're right, Sis." Sharon said once she got out of the bath and started to dry off.
Karen then left bathroom but not before pulling the drain from the bathtub while Sharon was putting on undergarments and her robe. Sharon went into the bedroom to see that Leon who was laying on his side of the bed was reading a book which gave her time to switch into long t-shirt before joining Leon in bed.
"Leon, darling. Do you have anything planned next week?" Sharon said as she noticed Leon was looking at her.
"Depends on the day, honey. Why do you ask?" Leon asked out of concern.
"Well Rita had invited you, me, Nicole and Karen to Lola and Lana's birthday party next week at the park. I told her that we would be there, but it would just depend on if it didn't interfere with anything you need to do, darling." Sharon said with a sigh.
"I am ok with that, Shar-bear. I mean if something did come up with me I would still like for you guys to go anyway, I understand that you're being caring and considering." Leon said in response.
"Ok, Leo. Thank you. But what are we going to do about gifts for Lola and Lana?" Sharon said in response.
"Hmm…. you do have a point. They're twins, I know that Lola has a personality of a pageant powerhouse if you're wondering what I mean it's basically similar to a princess in a way. However, for Lana she won't be hard at all since I know she is an animal lover and a bit of a tomboy. So, finding gifts for Lana will be easier than it is for Lola is what I'm getting at, honey." Leon said with a calm tone.
"Wow, you got this thing down to a tee, darling." Sharon said with a smile.
"I learned a thing or two from you, honey." Leon said while poking at Sharon's lips.
"You sure did, darling." Sharon said before kissing Leon.
Leon then started to fall asleep and a few seconds later Sharon started to fall asleep.