I don't own the characters or the show.
--Part 2.
"Come on Aunt Melinda my flight leaves in less than two hours!" I screamed from the doorway, suitcase in hand. I was packed, I was ready, just no one else was.
"Chill Fiona, it's only a 40 minute drive." My aunts live in boyfriend Morris and must likely to be uncle in a few months time told me while setting a tape in the VCR to record something. He had nearly a dozen tapes scattered around the house, never in my life have I seen someone so addicted to TV.
"What are you recording this time?"
"A classic episode of Hogan's Heroes. I had a copy of it, but Maggie accidentally put some teenybopper concert on it. Thank God for the TV guide huh?" Ok Morris was a bit strange, but I like strange. I really hope my predication of Aunt Melinda marries him comes true; I never had an uncle before. Miranda and Maggie's father came around every few months, but he was more like sperm donor in everyone's book. Aunt Rachel preferred the single independent life. Aunt Melinda is real productive of the girls, wanting to make sure any possible boyfriend is a great role model for them. She certainly scored big when she meet Morris a few weeks before I came to stay. He had moved in a month ago and fits perfectly with the family, like the missing piece of the family has been found.
"Real good. But will you please hurry up!?" He looked up at me and rolled his eyes while sticking his tongue out. Yeah he fit perfectly in this family.
"Why don't you go get you aunt? I think she's upstairs trying to find her shoe, again." I don't respond but I drop the suitcase unsure why it took me so long to do that, and dashed up the stairs. I pasted Maggie's bedroom where Maggie was reading a book on the bed.
"Hi Fi!" She was always such a happy child.
"Hey Mags. Whatcha ya reading?"
"Goosebumps. When you leaving?"
"I used to love those books! Hopefully in a few minutes." Maggie's smile quickly dissolved.
"Oh." She said very softly.
"Come on cheer up. I'll be back before you know it. I promise." That brought part of her smile back, I could get the rest back later. I waved bye and headed down the rest of the hallway. I found Aunt Melinda on her hands and knees peering under the bed.
"Need a hand?" I guess she hadn't seen or heard me come in because she let out a scream.
"Sure. Ok Private Phillips the mission today is to locate a brown size 9 shoe, like this one (holds up the match). You're mission starts now!" It wasn't until I moved here did I discover what a crazy and fun lady Aunt Melinda could be. Besides my mom she was one of my favorite people. Miranda and Maggie very lucky to have her as a mom. I joined her on the floor to find that shoe that some how managed to walk away without any assistance. My Aunt is the queen of miss placing things especially shoes. It sorta reminds me of the story The Elves and the Shoemaker. Except there are no elves, at least I don't think there are.
"Ah! Found you!" I hear her call out. We'll that only took 3 minutes a pretty good record, our worst record is 1512 hours and counting, that's nine weeks. That tennis shoe is long gone.
"Great. Now come on we have to get going."
"Anxious to see everyone huh?" I nod my head that must likely as a real stupid grin.
"Yeah I really miss them." Sometimes I fear that me always saying I miss my family hurts my aunts feelings. But I think she realizes this change is difficult for me at times.
"I know sweetie. But just think in a few hours you'll be in your mom's embrace." Just the thought of it nearly made me tear up.
"Well that's if we make the plane on time. So come on!" Now with both shoes on Aunt Melinda nodded at me to let me know my wish coming true. We could leave now. We were the only one's going to the airport. Miranda was at a girl scout sleep over and Maggie doesn't long waits, so Morris was going to stay at the house with her.
While passing Maggie's bedroom I make a stop to say my goodbye to her.
"Well I'm going to be leaving now. But I promise I'll be back in 14 days."
"You cross your heart?"
"Yes I do." I made the hand motions. Maggie jumps off of the bed and runs to give me a hug. I had never had a sister before now I felt like I had two of them. I hug her right back and kiss her on the top of the head.
"Bye." I tell her while releasing my hold and head towards the stairs. Aunt Melinda is now the one waiting at the door trying to look impatient. I know she's just teasing me. Morris is sitting at the kitchen table reading over some papers for his work, he's an accounted.
"Bye Morris see you in a few days." I call out to him. He stands up and walks in my direction and gives me a handshake. Our relationship hasn't reached the point of giving hugs.
"Take care of yourself alright?"
"Of course. You take of yourself and everyone else here, ok?"
"Will do." And he salutes. Then Aunt Melinda opens the front to let me know it's time to go. I re-pick up the suitcase and walk out the door. I was finally going back home, only if it's only for two weeks, I really need this visit.
