Claudia Gray was having a bad night. After all her friends left, the baby started wailing again. This time because she was running a fever. Alan had to run out to the nearest 24-hour pharmacy, which happened to be 30 minutes away, for more infant Tylenol. After he got back it was a struggle to get Mimi to swallow the medicine and the baby didn't fall back to sleep until nearly 3. Claudia collapsed in bed, mentally swearing that Mimi was going to be an only child. She didn't think she'd survive another infancy.
Bright sunlight woke Claudia the next morning. She glanced at the clock, and then jumped out of bed. It was nearly noon and Mimi hadn't cried all morning. Was something wrong? She raced down the hall into the nursery to find the crib empty and a note taped to the door. The fever was gone and Alan had taken the baby to his parent's house. They'd be back around 5. Claudia was to enjoy her day off. Claudia nearly did a cartwheel of happiness at the thought of having a whole day to work in her studio with no interruptions.
After a quick shower and some food, she pulled out fabric samples and a sketchpad. She had an idea for a blouse that she wanted to test out. Summer was coming and Maureen wanted something new for the shop. Claudia was hoping she could get some outlines down and get an idea of what material she wanted to use for the sample clothing. Just as she settled down, the doorbell rang.
"Stacey, come on in." The sketches were instantly forgotten as Claudia ushered her friend into the kitchen. Stacey looked absolutely miserable. "I'll make some tea. Sit down."
"I wanted to apologize for last night," the blonde said as she pulled out a chair. "I was out of line."
"What happened to you Stacey? I've never heard you that angry in all the time I've known you."
"It's a long story."
"I've got time. Alan took Mimi to his parents house and the rest of my day is clear." Claudia brought the mugs of tea over the to the table and sat down next to her friend. "Talk to me Stacey. It won't do you any good to keep all bottled up inside."
"I know. I can't have kids."
"What?" The way Stacey had spoken, Claudia knew it was the truth. And the pain behind the words suddenly made the outburst from the night before not so out of place.
"It's my diabetes. Most diabetics can have normal, healthy pregnancies. Not me. My doctor said I should have my tubes tied because there was no way I could carry a pregnancy to term and I'd probably die in the process of trying. I had the surgery last month." Tears were streaming down Stacey's face now. "That's why I started screaming last night. Kristy has what I want so badly and she's giving it up. How can the world work like that? I want a baby so bad it hurts but I can't have one. She doesn't want a baby and she gets one." She broke down completely then, sobbing until she gagged. Claudia held her and rubbed her back as she cried.
"It's going to be okay Stacey. Maybe not right now, but eventually."
After about 30 minutes Stacey stopped crying. A person can only sob for so long. She began to talk then, about everything. How she was worried that Sam wouldn't love her anymore. How she felt like she was only half a woman now and empty inside. How robbed and cheated she felt. How she wanted to adopt a baby, but was scared that she'd be turned down or the mother would take the baby back from them. She rambled on for nearly an hour, pouring out everything in her soul to her best friend. Claudia listened and comforted and held her she began to cry again. Stacey told her how it hurt to see pregnant women and mothers. That she could barely stand to hold Mimi because it just reminded her of how much she'd lost. Finally the torrent of words ended and Stacey stood up to leave. She was little embarrassed over how she'd lost it.
"Are you sure you won't stay for dinner?" Claudia asked as she walked Stacey to the door. "It's no trouble."
"Sam and I are supposed to go out with my Mom. Thank you though, for everything."
"That's what friends are for Stace. And as your friend I say this: you have to apologize to Kristy. You have to tell her why you said what you did. Mary-Anne said last night that she thinks Kristy is about to have an emotional breakdown. If you apologize to her, you might help prevent that from happening."
"I will. I promise. I'm so ashamed that I could say those awful things to her. I just hope she hasn't gone back to Seattle."
"She probably hasn't. I'd have gotten a frantic call from Mary-Anne if she had." Claudia hugged Stacey; then gave her a little push. "Go see your husband. I'll see you at the church tomorrow." Stacey gave her a grateful smile, then left.
Claudia closed the door and sagged against it. When had their lives turned into a damned soap opera? Could she really have thought that a reunion like this would be uneventful? It seemed so simple on the surface. Mimi was being christened and Claudia had wanted her best friends to be there for it. They hadn't all been together since they were 20, the year that Watson died. Claudia still remembered the frantic phone call from Dawn, saying that Kristy's stepfather was dead and Kristy needed them. Two hours later Claudia had been on a train home. It had been such a sad reason for a reunion. A christening had seemed like such a wonderful occasion in contrast. Why couldn't life ever be simple?
At 5 o'clock Alan returned home. Mimi was asleep in her carrier and looked to stay that way. The visit had been a success. Mimi had smiled and laughed for her grandparents, to their great delight. After Stacey had left, Claudia had managed to get some rough sketches done, and was in the middle of fixing dinner when her family returned.
"Hi sweetie." Alan placed the infant carrier on the counter and came over to kiss his wife. "How was your day off?"
"Just fine. Stacey came over, and I got some work done on a new blouse for Maureen." She put down the vegetables she was chopping and turned to greet her husband properly. "Did her highness behave herself?"
"Yes. She smiled and laughed for my parents. I think they're going to start bugging us for more grandkids soon."
"That's not happening anytime soon. Especially after last night." Claudia shuddered at the thought of another baby in the house. It was hard enough to keep up with the demands of one.
"My thoughts exactly. I think the princess needs to be talking, walking and toilet trained before she becomes a big sister." As if she knew what her dad had said, Mimi opened her eyes and began to cry.
"I don't think she agrees with you." Claudia handed the salad preparations over to her husband and went to pick up her daughter. "When did she eat last?"
"She had a full bottle about an hour ago."
"Probably the diaper then. We'll be right back." Claudia took the baby upstairs while Alan finished getting dinner ready. Sure enough it was a dirty diaper that was making Mimi cry. As soon as she was changed, she dropped off to sleep again. Claudia laid her in the crib and turned on the baby monitor. "Do me a favor sweetheart and stay this way for the rest of the night. Mommy really wants some quiet time with Daddy. Okay?" The baby left out a little sigh in response. "I'll take that as a yes." Claudia clipped the speaker of the monitor to her belt and left, pulling the door half closed behind her.
"I think she'll be down for awhile. I changed her diaper and she went right back to sleep. Here's hoping she stays that way." The over timer went off and Claudia pulled out the casserole. "Dinner's ready."
"Great. I set the table. You want a glass of wine?"
"Sure, that sounds great. Just make sure it's a small one. I'm not done nursing yet."
"Of course my dear. I know everything about you. It's almost like we're married or something." Alan ducked out of the way as Claudia flung a dishtowel at him.
As they were doing the dishes, Alan asked if Stacey had brought up what had upset her the night before. Sam had told him the basics when they heard her start screaming. Claudia sighed and told Alan the whole story.
"I don't know if she'll ever get past this. She's always wanted kids and it's hurting her terribly that she can't have them." She concluded. She made herself a cup of tea and headed for the living room. "I wish there was some way I could help her, but I think I'm making it worse."
"I don't think Stacey will start to heal until she decided that she wants to. You can't make someone get past a painful experience until they decide to move on. It sucks but that's the way life is."
"I know. I just can't stand to see her hurting so badly. Not to mention Kristy. I can't even begin to imagine what she must be going through as well. Makes staying up with the baby seem like a blessing in comparison."
"I wouldn't want to be in either of their shoes. I can't imagine the pain and heartache that they are going through and I don't want to," Alan said. He reached over and began rubbing Claudia's shoulders. "You're so tense honey. Try to relax would you?"
_______________________________________________________________________
The next day dawned bright and clear. Opening her eyes to the sound of birds chirping, Claudia realized that there was another reason for today to be special. Mimi had slept through the night for the very first time. As if she could hear what her mother was thinking, a wail filled the air as the baby began to cry. Claudia rolled out of bed and headed for the nursery. Mimi was screaming with hunger and a wet diaper. Claudia changed the diaper and settled into the rocker to nurse the baby. Mimi latched on immediately.
"Hungry this morning, aren't you princess?" The baby ignored her mother, choosing to instead concentrate on her meal.
"Now that's a beautiful picture," Alan said quietly from the doorway. "Should I go get the camera?"
"Don't you dare. My hair is a mess, I'm in pajamas and I'm not wearing any make-up," Claudia hissed back playfully. "There will be plenty of opportunity for picture taking when I'm properly clothed and the baby isn't attached to my chest."
"Just a thought. What time are people supposed to be arriving?"
"After the ceremony. I don't feel like entertaining before hand. I have enough to do getting ready for the reception this afternoon. Lucy Newton is supposed to be here to watch Mimi while I put up the decorations and you work on the food. All the platters have been ordered from the deli and bakery, you just have to go pick them up. And don't forget the champagne."
"Can I get dressed first? Then we can draw up the battle plans." Alan kissed Claudia on the head, and ran a hand over Mimi's face before heading back to the bedroom. Mimi nursed for a few more minutes, then let go and started crying again. Claudia burped her, changed her diaper and dressed her in one-piece outfit. The christening dress wouldn't go on until right before they left for the church. Mimi had a nasty habit of spitting up on nice clothes. As soon as Alan was dressed, Claudia handed Mimi over to him and jumped in the shower herself.
Lucy arrived just as Claudia finished getting dressed. Claudia handed the baby over with instructions to go for a walk for the next hour or so. Lucy strapped the baby in the stroller, grabbed the diaper bag and took off for the park. Marnie Barrett and Laura Perkins were also babysitting that day, and had agreed meet so they could talk and the kids could play.
Alan left shortly after Lucy did, and Claudia was left alone to get the house ready. Everything was clean, and the reception was going to be in the backyard. It was too nice of day to stay indoors.
It only took about 45 minutes to get everything ready. Alan had already set up the two long tables for the food, so all Claudia had to do was put on the tablecloths and tape them down. Alan was picking up the plates, cups and cutlery along with the food. She wound some white Christmas lights over the bushes and tied balloon bunches to the trees. Streamers crisscrossed the patio and she lugged the baby swing over to a shady corner. She didn't think there'd be any shortage of people willing to hold the baby but it never hurt to be prepared. The beeping of a car horn heralded Alan's arrival and she went out to help him get the food inside. Lucy returned Mimi shortly after that. Claudia took the baby in for a bath while Alan went to put on his good clothes. As soon as he was dressed, she handed the baby off and got herself ready. The days of wild clothes and colors were gone. She decided to wear a simple lilac sheath dress that was very good at hiding the extra weight from her pregnancy that she had yet to shed. Once the adults were ready to go, Claudia got Mimi into her christening gown. With luck, she'd still look nice when they got to the church.
It wasn't a large crowd. Both sets of parents, Janine, Alan's brother Eric, some friends from work, and the BSC members with their significant others. Stacey was the godmother and Eric was the godfather. Claudia's heart sank when she realized that Kristy wasn't there, and that she must have gone back to Seattle after all. There was nothing she could do about it however.
The ceremony was short and simple. Stacey and Eric promised to be a second set of parents for Mimi Lynn Gray should they ever be needed. The baby behaved beautifully, not even crying when the minister put the water on her head. Instead she just cooed and blew spit bubbles. Just as everything was drawing to a close the door to the chapel creaked open. Claudia turned around and saw Kristy slip inside. She sat down in back pew and didn't approach the group up front. As soon as the ceremony ended Mary-Anne walked back and sat down next to her friend. Kristy didn't say anything and just buried her head in Mary-Anne's shoulder. Claudia decided that the tactful thing to do was let them talk, so she discreetly ushered the crowd out and told them she'd see them at the house.
Just as they pulled into the driveway, Mimi decided that she had behaved enough for the day and began to wail. Alan went to set out the food and welcome their guests while Claudia took the baby upstairs to feed and change her. She got her out of the christening gown just in time. The baby spit up all over her mother and herself. Claudia then had to bathe her again and change her own clothes. It was a good 45 minutes before they could join the party in the backyard.
The former BSC members were all gathered in one corner, Mary-Anne and Kristy included. Claudia handed the baby over to her parents and went to join them.
"Hey guys. Glad you decided to come Kristy. I was afraid you'd gone home."
"Sorry about running out like that the other night Claudia. I really didn't mean to spoil everything," Kristy said. She sounded better than she had since she'd arrived. Stronger and more alive.
"Don't worry about it Kristy. What are friends for if you can't dump on them once in awhile?"
"Still, I shouldn't have lost it like that. I'm supposed to be a grownup, not some weepy 13-year-old girl." This was an apparent jab at Mary-Anne, who grinned and elbowed Kristy in the ribs.
"There is nothing wrong with being weepy. It means that your tear ducts are working fine and that your eyes are in good shape."
"Anyway, I'm going to stay for the rest of the visit as planned. I'm already here and I've already made a scene. It should be pretty boring from here on out." Kristy shifted in her seat and massaged a sore spot in her back. "Besides, that food looks great."
"I'll go bring some over," Jessi volunteered. Mallory followed to fetch drinks. The rest of them settled down to talk and gossip unrestrainedly. They hadn't done more than the basic catch-up stuff the other night. Claudia had to get up every so often to check on the baby but other than that they were in their own little world.
"So why did you decide to stay Kristy?" Dawn asked about two hours later.
Kristy was quiet for a minute as she considered her answer. "I was all set to go back. I got back to the house, packed my bag and called the airline for a flight out the next morning. Then I decided to go for a walk. I felt stiff and I wanted to loosen up a little. Next thing I knew I was standing in front of SMS. For a moment I was 13 again. It was like everything melted away. Remember how simple thing were back then? I liked that feeling. And I knew that if I left, I'd never come back again. Not ever. And I don't think my ties with my family and friends would survive that. I can't lose those ties. Not ever."
Bright sunlight woke Claudia the next morning. She glanced at the clock, and then jumped out of bed. It was nearly noon and Mimi hadn't cried all morning. Was something wrong? She raced down the hall into the nursery to find the crib empty and a note taped to the door. The fever was gone and Alan had taken the baby to his parent's house. They'd be back around 5. Claudia was to enjoy her day off. Claudia nearly did a cartwheel of happiness at the thought of having a whole day to work in her studio with no interruptions.
After a quick shower and some food, she pulled out fabric samples and a sketchpad. She had an idea for a blouse that she wanted to test out. Summer was coming and Maureen wanted something new for the shop. Claudia was hoping she could get some outlines down and get an idea of what material she wanted to use for the sample clothing. Just as she settled down, the doorbell rang.
"Stacey, come on in." The sketches were instantly forgotten as Claudia ushered her friend into the kitchen. Stacey looked absolutely miserable. "I'll make some tea. Sit down."
"I wanted to apologize for last night," the blonde said as she pulled out a chair. "I was out of line."
"What happened to you Stacey? I've never heard you that angry in all the time I've known you."
"It's a long story."
"I've got time. Alan took Mimi to his parents house and the rest of my day is clear." Claudia brought the mugs of tea over the to the table and sat down next to her friend. "Talk to me Stacey. It won't do you any good to keep all bottled up inside."
"I know. I can't have kids."
"What?" The way Stacey had spoken, Claudia knew it was the truth. And the pain behind the words suddenly made the outburst from the night before not so out of place.
"It's my diabetes. Most diabetics can have normal, healthy pregnancies. Not me. My doctor said I should have my tubes tied because there was no way I could carry a pregnancy to term and I'd probably die in the process of trying. I had the surgery last month." Tears were streaming down Stacey's face now. "That's why I started screaming last night. Kristy has what I want so badly and she's giving it up. How can the world work like that? I want a baby so bad it hurts but I can't have one. She doesn't want a baby and she gets one." She broke down completely then, sobbing until she gagged. Claudia held her and rubbed her back as she cried.
"It's going to be okay Stacey. Maybe not right now, but eventually."
After about 30 minutes Stacey stopped crying. A person can only sob for so long. She began to talk then, about everything. How she was worried that Sam wouldn't love her anymore. How she felt like she was only half a woman now and empty inside. How robbed and cheated she felt. How she wanted to adopt a baby, but was scared that she'd be turned down or the mother would take the baby back from them. She rambled on for nearly an hour, pouring out everything in her soul to her best friend. Claudia listened and comforted and held her she began to cry again. Stacey told her how it hurt to see pregnant women and mothers. That she could barely stand to hold Mimi because it just reminded her of how much she'd lost. Finally the torrent of words ended and Stacey stood up to leave. She was little embarrassed over how she'd lost it.
"Are you sure you won't stay for dinner?" Claudia asked as she walked Stacey to the door. "It's no trouble."
"Sam and I are supposed to go out with my Mom. Thank you though, for everything."
"That's what friends are for Stace. And as your friend I say this: you have to apologize to Kristy. You have to tell her why you said what you did. Mary-Anne said last night that she thinks Kristy is about to have an emotional breakdown. If you apologize to her, you might help prevent that from happening."
"I will. I promise. I'm so ashamed that I could say those awful things to her. I just hope she hasn't gone back to Seattle."
"She probably hasn't. I'd have gotten a frantic call from Mary-Anne if she had." Claudia hugged Stacey; then gave her a little push. "Go see your husband. I'll see you at the church tomorrow." Stacey gave her a grateful smile, then left.
Claudia closed the door and sagged against it. When had their lives turned into a damned soap opera? Could she really have thought that a reunion like this would be uneventful? It seemed so simple on the surface. Mimi was being christened and Claudia had wanted her best friends to be there for it. They hadn't all been together since they were 20, the year that Watson died. Claudia still remembered the frantic phone call from Dawn, saying that Kristy's stepfather was dead and Kristy needed them. Two hours later Claudia had been on a train home. It had been such a sad reason for a reunion. A christening had seemed like such a wonderful occasion in contrast. Why couldn't life ever be simple?
At 5 o'clock Alan returned home. Mimi was asleep in her carrier and looked to stay that way. The visit had been a success. Mimi had smiled and laughed for her grandparents, to their great delight. After Stacey had left, Claudia had managed to get some rough sketches done, and was in the middle of fixing dinner when her family returned.
"Hi sweetie." Alan placed the infant carrier on the counter and came over to kiss his wife. "How was your day off?"
"Just fine. Stacey came over, and I got some work done on a new blouse for Maureen." She put down the vegetables she was chopping and turned to greet her husband properly. "Did her highness behave herself?"
"Yes. She smiled and laughed for my parents. I think they're going to start bugging us for more grandkids soon."
"That's not happening anytime soon. Especially after last night." Claudia shuddered at the thought of another baby in the house. It was hard enough to keep up with the demands of one.
"My thoughts exactly. I think the princess needs to be talking, walking and toilet trained before she becomes a big sister." As if she knew what her dad had said, Mimi opened her eyes and began to cry.
"I don't think she agrees with you." Claudia handed the salad preparations over to her husband and went to pick up her daughter. "When did she eat last?"
"She had a full bottle about an hour ago."
"Probably the diaper then. We'll be right back." Claudia took the baby upstairs while Alan finished getting dinner ready. Sure enough it was a dirty diaper that was making Mimi cry. As soon as she was changed, she dropped off to sleep again. Claudia laid her in the crib and turned on the baby monitor. "Do me a favor sweetheart and stay this way for the rest of the night. Mommy really wants some quiet time with Daddy. Okay?" The baby left out a little sigh in response. "I'll take that as a yes." Claudia clipped the speaker of the monitor to her belt and left, pulling the door half closed behind her.
"I think she'll be down for awhile. I changed her diaper and she went right back to sleep. Here's hoping she stays that way." The over timer went off and Claudia pulled out the casserole. "Dinner's ready."
"Great. I set the table. You want a glass of wine?"
"Sure, that sounds great. Just make sure it's a small one. I'm not done nursing yet."
"Of course my dear. I know everything about you. It's almost like we're married or something." Alan ducked out of the way as Claudia flung a dishtowel at him.
As they were doing the dishes, Alan asked if Stacey had brought up what had upset her the night before. Sam had told him the basics when they heard her start screaming. Claudia sighed and told Alan the whole story.
"I don't know if she'll ever get past this. She's always wanted kids and it's hurting her terribly that she can't have them." She concluded. She made herself a cup of tea and headed for the living room. "I wish there was some way I could help her, but I think I'm making it worse."
"I don't think Stacey will start to heal until she decided that she wants to. You can't make someone get past a painful experience until they decide to move on. It sucks but that's the way life is."
"I know. I just can't stand to see her hurting so badly. Not to mention Kristy. I can't even begin to imagine what she must be going through as well. Makes staying up with the baby seem like a blessing in comparison."
"I wouldn't want to be in either of their shoes. I can't imagine the pain and heartache that they are going through and I don't want to," Alan said. He reached over and began rubbing Claudia's shoulders. "You're so tense honey. Try to relax would you?"
_______________________________________________________________________
The next day dawned bright and clear. Opening her eyes to the sound of birds chirping, Claudia realized that there was another reason for today to be special. Mimi had slept through the night for the very first time. As if she could hear what her mother was thinking, a wail filled the air as the baby began to cry. Claudia rolled out of bed and headed for the nursery. Mimi was screaming with hunger and a wet diaper. Claudia changed the diaper and settled into the rocker to nurse the baby. Mimi latched on immediately.
"Hungry this morning, aren't you princess?" The baby ignored her mother, choosing to instead concentrate on her meal.
"Now that's a beautiful picture," Alan said quietly from the doorway. "Should I go get the camera?"
"Don't you dare. My hair is a mess, I'm in pajamas and I'm not wearing any make-up," Claudia hissed back playfully. "There will be plenty of opportunity for picture taking when I'm properly clothed and the baby isn't attached to my chest."
"Just a thought. What time are people supposed to be arriving?"
"After the ceremony. I don't feel like entertaining before hand. I have enough to do getting ready for the reception this afternoon. Lucy Newton is supposed to be here to watch Mimi while I put up the decorations and you work on the food. All the platters have been ordered from the deli and bakery, you just have to go pick them up. And don't forget the champagne."
"Can I get dressed first? Then we can draw up the battle plans." Alan kissed Claudia on the head, and ran a hand over Mimi's face before heading back to the bedroom. Mimi nursed for a few more minutes, then let go and started crying again. Claudia burped her, changed her diaper and dressed her in one-piece outfit. The christening dress wouldn't go on until right before they left for the church. Mimi had a nasty habit of spitting up on nice clothes. As soon as Alan was dressed, Claudia handed Mimi over to him and jumped in the shower herself.
Lucy arrived just as Claudia finished getting dressed. Claudia handed the baby over with instructions to go for a walk for the next hour or so. Lucy strapped the baby in the stroller, grabbed the diaper bag and took off for the park. Marnie Barrett and Laura Perkins were also babysitting that day, and had agreed meet so they could talk and the kids could play.
Alan left shortly after Lucy did, and Claudia was left alone to get the house ready. Everything was clean, and the reception was going to be in the backyard. It was too nice of day to stay indoors.
It only took about 45 minutes to get everything ready. Alan had already set up the two long tables for the food, so all Claudia had to do was put on the tablecloths and tape them down. Alan was picking up the plates, cups and cutlery along with the food. She wound some white Christmas lights over the bushes and tied balloon bunches to the trees. Streamers crisscrossed the patio and she lugged the baby swing over to a shady corner. She didn't think there'd be any shortage of people willing to hold the baby but it never hurt to be prepared. The beeping of a car horn heralded Alan's arrival and she went out to help him get the food inside. Lucy returned Mimi shortly after that. Claudia took the baby in for a bath while Alan went to put on his good clothes. As soon as he was dressed, she handed the baby off and got herself ready. The days of wild clothes and colors were gone. She decided to wear a simple lilac sheath dress that was very good at hiding the extra weight from her pregnancy that she had yet to shed. Once the adults were ready to go, Claudia got Mimi into her christening gown. With luck, she'd still look nice when they got to the church.
It wasn't a large crowd. Both sets of parents, Janine, Alan's brother Eric, some friends from work, and the BSC members with their significant others. Stacey was the godmother and Eric was the godfather. Claudia's heart sank when she realized that Kristy wasn't there, and that she must have gone back to Seattle after all. There was nothing she could do about it however.
The ceremony was short and simple. Stacey and Eric promised to be a second set of parents for Mimi Lynn Gray should they ever be needed. The baby behaved beautifully, not even crying when the minister put the water on her head. Instead she just cooed and blew spit bubbles. Just as everything was drawing to a close the door to the chapel creaked open. Claudia turned around and saw Kristy slip inside. She sat down in back pew and didn't approach the group up front. As soon as the ceremony ended Mary-Anne walked back and sat down next to her friend. Kristy didn't say anything and just buried her head in Mary-Anne's shoulder. Claudia decided that the tactful thing to do was let them talk, so she discreetly ushered the crowd out and told them she'd see them at the house.
Just as they pulled into the driveway, Mimi decided that she had behaved enough for the day and began to wail. Alan went to set out the food and welcome their guests while Claudia took the baby upstairs to feed and change her. She got her out of the christening gown just in time. The baby spit up all over her mother and herself. Claudia then had to bathe her again and change her own clothes. It was a good 45 minutes before they could join the party in the backyard.
The former BSC members were all gathered in one corner, Mary-Anne and Kristy included. Claudia handed the baby over to her parents and went to join them.
"Hey guys. Glad you decided to come Kristy. I was afraid you'd gone home."
"Sorry about running out like that the other night Claudia. I really didn't mean to spoil everything," Kristy said. She sounded better than she had since she'd arrived. Stronger and more alive.
"Don't worry about it Kristy. What are friends for if you can't dump on them once in awhile?"
"Still, I shouldn't have lost it like that. I'm supposed to be a grownup, not some weepy 13-year-old girl." This was an apparent jab at Mary-Anne, who grinned and elbowed Kristy in the ribs.
"There is nothing wrong with being weepy. It means that your tear ducts are working fine and that your eyes are in good shape."
"Anyway, I'm going to stay for the rest of the visit as planned. I'm already here and I've already made a scene. It should be pretty boring from here on out." Kristy shifted in her seat and massaged a sore spot in her back. "Besides, that food looks great."
"I'll go bring some over," Jessi volunteered. Mallory followed to fetch drinks. The rest of them settled down to talk and gossip unrestrainedly. They hadn't done more than the basic catch-up stuff the other night. Claudia had to get up every so often to check on the baby but other than that they were in their own little world.
"So why did you decide to stay Kristy?" Dawn asked about two hours later.
Kristy was quiet for a minute as she considered her answer. "I was all set to go back. I got back to the house, packed my bag and called the airline for a flight out the next morning. Then I decided to go for a walk. I felt stiff and I wanted to loosen up a little. Next thing I knew I was standing in front of SMS. For a moment I was 13 again. It was like everything melted away. Remember how simple thing were back then? I liked that feeling. And I knew that if I left, I'd never come back again. Not ever. And I don't think my ties with my family and friends would survive that. I can't lose those ties. Not ever."
