I woke the next morning and quickly got ready to go out, I called Ron up on my cell and asked him to bring Julie so we could go to the mall, he'd meet me there as soon as he got there. In the food court.
I waved at him.
"Hey Ron." I sat down next to him, he was singing to Julie. It was funny.
"Hi Kim,"
Julie looked at me and hugged Ron, I guess she wasn't used to me.
"She's really shy, Kim. She won't even go around my parents. She likes kids her age, though." He pulled her up onto his lap.
"Oh, well most kids are that young."
"Yeah." Ron set Julie down. "I'm getting some breakfast food, do you want anything?"
"No, I'm fine. Just get me a coffee." Julie ran after Ron. I sighed and waited for them to come back.
"Here's your coffee, Kim." Ron handed it to me and I waited for it to cool down before I took a sip.
"So, how are you doing after you know…?" Ron asked.
"I'm doing pretty good, I mean as you said he's right there, isn't he?" I took a sip of my coffee. Julie was glaring at me. I just smiled at her.
"Yeah, he's not really gone. I was upset when Rufus died, and he was a pet."
"I thought he was family?" I joked.
"Yeah, he was both." Ron admitted. "I'm thinking about moving to an apartment or a small two story house that's for sale."
"That'd be great." I said.
"I have enough money and everything, but the thing is I don't know what'd I would do with Julie, she can't stay home alone."
"I could watch her. What about your parents?"
"I don't know, that might be a good idea. The thing is I just can't rely on them for everything. I want to be considered a real adult."
"Yeah, she's starting school soon so you could work school hours."
"What if I get promoted, Kim?"
"Well, like I said. I would watch her for free."
"If your willing to do that…"
"Sure, Ron. I love the girl. It wouldn't be that bad." I stood up to throw my coffee away.
"If you say so, Kim."
"Hey Ron? Do you think I could borrow Julie for the day?"
"I don't know, if she wants to spend the day with you. As I said she's shy."
Ron looked over to Julie, she smiled.
"Do you want to spend the day with Kim?"
"Ok." She smiled and walked over to me.
"I think we'll just go shopping for clothes and toys for her, if that's ok."
"Yeah, its fine. Have fun you guys. I'll be at home if you need to reach me."
"Come on, Julie." I grabbed her arm and held onto her hand. I didn't want to loose her in the mall. We went to tons of stores and bought lots of clothes for her. We soon called Ron; I wanted him to pick her up.
After a while of waiting he was there.
"It was fun, I got some clothes for her. I hope that's ok with you." I smiled and walked Julie out to the car. "I'll talk to you later today, Ron. I'm heading back home or something."
"Well, alright, Kim. Thanks for buying all this for her." Julie sat down and he drove away. I smiled and waved. I soon got into my car and headed home.
"Where's Josh?" I asked.
"He's sleeping, Kim. Have some coffee." My mother was up, her hair was turning gray. It was probably because my brothers were living with us.
"No thanks mom. I already had some this morning." I sat down. "So, mom how have you been doing?" I thought it would be great to get close to my mom because we really didn't get a chance to talk in my teenage years.
"I've been great, Kim. Why do you ask? I mean after all you're here, and you will probably stay here?" My mom asked in a question like tone.
"We probably will head back for New York next year, mom." I leaned over and grabbed the newspaper off the table. "We would come back, though, for visits." I couldn't leave my friends again; it was hard enough having to wait. "The reunion is next year." I wanted to see everyone again, everyone grew up so fast.
"Oh, well I was hoping you'd stay here." My mom always tried to get her way these days.
"Mom, I have friends in NY, too." I pointed that out.
"That's true I guess." My mom shrugged and walked to the dishwasher and put her cup back. "So Kim, any new events in your life I should know about?"
"Not really."
"Same as always?" My mom sat down near me.
"Yep," Someone woke up, I heard the footsteps clumping down the hall. I sighed. "I'm going to go take a nap on the couch. I'm tired." I walked over to the couch and slept, waking up around noon.
I smelled lunch; I saw Josh was making it. It was good to see him working around my house, but I felt bad that I hogged him from his family, even though I did let him go there whenever he wanted. We never got time together since we've been here.
"Josh, how about we go out for dinner tonight. Just the two of us?" I smiled.
"If you really want to we could, don't your parents want us to spend time with them, though?" He asked.
"They won't care." I hugged him for a while. "We need to get outta here anyways, you know? Just some time for us."
"Yeah, after that we could drive to the school or somewhere and see who else is still living."
"That would be fun." I turned away. "Hurry up with that food. I'm going out for a second." I grabbed my car keys; I wanted to buy a new dress and necklace for myself for tonight.
I drove back to the mall and ran into any store to get a dress. I found a nice black one and grabbed a silver necklace for it.
"Your total is $200." The girl looked like a big punk and not so friendly.
"Wow…" I grabbed my credit card out and handed it to the girl.
"Thank you, come again."
I walked out of the mall and drove home. I saw another car at my house and I ran inside.
"I thought that'd I'd invite your friend over, and his kid."
"Ron?" I asked.
"Yeah, he is your best friend and all so why not have the guy over?"
"Well, thank you." I smiled and sat down at the table, my mom brought some food out for us, both me and Josh took small food because we wanted to have empty bellies for our dinner tonight.
"I found a house, Kim, that I can afford. It's small. The one I told you about, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, living room, kitchen and dining room. It even has a pool."
"A pool?" I dropped my sandwich. "Are you sure you can afford all that?"
"Well yeah, Kim. With a job and I have about 1,000 dollars left from buying the house. My parents are donating furniture and everything including my grandparents left me tons of money for all that. I'll have enough to live."
"Wow, both me and Josh had to work full time in order to pay rent and everything like that." I sighed.
"I'll probably work full time for a few months. Money is becoming a big problem now that I have to earn it." He finished his food and drank some of his soda.
"Exactly, now that we have the money we don't want to waste it."
Josh joined into the conversation.
"No one ever wants to waste their own money, but kids run to their parents for money and everything, I'll admit I did and I still do," he was gathering the dishes and put them all in the dishwasher and started it. He didn't like having my mom doing all the work.
"Yeah" Ron and I said at the same time.
"How about we all watch a movie, with my brothers and stuff?" I asked.
"I better get going, I have to pick up something for Julie. Thanks for the meal everyone and for inviting me." He grabbed his coat and walked out the door.
"We'll watch the movie with you, Kim." Jim and Tim ran down the stairs and sat on the couch.
"We're not watching a stupid one. Nothing with sports or anything. An old one or something." I sat down next to them; Josh was in the bathroom, probably going to shower.
"Fine. Have it your way Kim. Like always." Tim rolled his eyes, I slapped him playfully.
"I just don't want to watch people having a stupid ending." I grumbled and sunk into the couch.
"How about Gaze of the Executioner?" Jim pushed it in with no anyone's concurrence.
"Since we had no choice, fine." I sighed. I didn't like this movie, no one wanted to see peoples head's being cut off or anything. After a while the movie was over with, Josh was outta the shower and I went out to the car and back into the house. I took a shower and put it on, by this time we were hungry and ready to go out.
"That's a nice dress, Kim."
"Thank you, Hun. Where do you want to go?"
"I thought about Sir Palace. They have French food there, but it's good food."
"Josh! That's expensive and hard to get into." I widened my eyes.
"My sister's husband owns it. We can get in for free and everything for free."
"Josh I hate doing that, but if you really can, lets go ahead." I wrote down a note for my parents and when I'd be back. "How about after that we go to a movie or out dancing?"
"We can go dancing." He put his arm around me and walked out the door.
Soon we arrived at the restaurant, it was dark inside and a few lights were lightened. Mostly candle's were the light, it was full of people wearing nice clothes, that looked much more expensive that what I bought. We took a seat.
"You see Kim, right over there is a dance stage. With karaoke and everything. It'll start about 15 minutes."
The waiter came, he looked bored on this job. He handed us the menus.
"Would you people like anything to drink?" He sighed and got out his pad of paper and pen.
"Why do you need that right now?" Josh asked.
"Because we believe in it." He responded with a tone in his voice.
"We'll have water." I answered for Josh while glaring at the waiter.
"It should be here shortly." He walked out of our sight.
"What crawled up his butt and died?" Josh asked.
"Josh!" I yelled at him quietly. He just laughed; the waiter came shortly after that with our water in champagne glasses.
Soon the night was over and we headed home. We were gone for 2 hours and my parents were upset.
"Kim, you worried us." My father lectured.
"Dad! I'm old enough to take care of myself."
"Kim, you're living under my roof so I make the rules. Including your still my baby girl." He sat down near me and took my hand. I pulled away.
"I'll move back to New York then, Dad. I'm not 15 anymore. I can make my own rules." I got up and went into the room where I slept and went to sleep.
Morning soon came and I woke up, I didn't want breakfast with my family. I was mad at my dad.
I didn't have anything to do so I called Ron.
"So Ron did you get your new house yet?" I asked.
"Yeah I did, it's not fully decorated or anything. We're buying the stuff tomorrow. Tonight we'll have to sleep in sleeping bags or something."
"Can I drive by and see it?" I asked.
"Sure." He gave me the address and I scribbled it down, I hopped into the shower and soon was on my way. The house was just normal sized, but just a little smaller. It was made of brick and the lawn was beautiful. I pulled it and knocked on the door.
"Hi Kim," Julie said, she opened the door all the way. I looked around it was really nice inside; I wished I could've bought it. I looked and I saw a dog.
"Ron you got a dog?" I looked at it, it was a golden retriever puppy.
"Yeah, it's Julies."
"Let me guess, his name is Rufus?" I rolled my eyes just a little bit.
"Yeah, it is." Ron laughed and picked the dog up. "It's a girl, though. She's getting her shots and everything next week." He set her down next to Julie who ran off with it.
"Nice place you have, Ron." I looked around again.
"Yeah, got a great deal on it. The neighbor's have kids of all different ages."
"Any Julie's age?" I asked, taking a seat on one of the steps on the stairs.
"About two, but their not the nicest kids. They pushed her down on a mud puddle already, and we just met them last night to check the area out." He looked towards her direction.
"That's sad," I whispered. "She's so sweet, why would anyone do that?" I asked.
"I'm not sure, mean kid I guess. So do you think you can watch her? I have to start work today, already."
"Of course, should I take the dog, too?" I asked.
"Yeah, that'd be good. I hope it's not to much trouble."
"It's fine, Ron. You're my best friend I'd do anything for you." I looked over to Julie. "Do you want me to take her now?"
"Yeah, I think you should. I have to leave for work anyways." He went into another room and came out Julie's end and picked her up and brought her to me.
"Hey Julie." I smiled.
"Hi Kim, are you going to be my babysitter?"
"Yeah." I smiled. "Lets go." I looked in my pocket, I though it'd be good if I helped them with their dog.
Julie grabbed the dog and walked to my car with me, she kept quiet the whole ride and the dog lay right on her lap.
"We're here," I smiled. "We're getting your dog some stuff."
I walked out and took Julie out of the car and locked the door, cracking the windows a bit so the dog could breathe.
When we were in the store we bought a cage for the dog, bowls, food, collar, leash, bed, toys and bones.
"Do you want to hold the bag?" I asked her, I was holding onto the cages' box.
"Ok, Kim." She smiled and grabbed the bag, I opened the trunk to the car and set the cage inside. We got into the car and she put on the collar and leash.
Soon we were home and I explained to Josh about everything, he didn't like dogs but was totally ok with the whole thing.
"So the girl, how old is she?" He asked.
"I think she's four, I'm not sure."
"Doesn't she have school?" Josh looked at Julie play with the dog.
"I don't know. Maybe she's skipping kindergarten. "I thought school didn't start for another month, though?"
"Who knows?" He sighed. "I'm making some breakfast, want anything?"
"No, get something for her, though."
"What would she want?" Josh asked.
"I have no idea, eggs maybe." I sighed and turned on the TV. I wanted today to be a lazy day.
Jim and Tim came downstairs and said they would talk the dog, I was happy they would. It would be nice for her to be housebroken.
"Julie, I made some eggs for you." Josh called her into the kitchen. She ran on over and sat at the table and ate them right up.
"Thank you." She ran off and sat by me, I put a movie in for her. I fell asleep on the couch during the movie.
"So, Julie do you like the dog and your new house?" I asked.
"I love the doggie, and my house." She smiled at me. She seemed to always have a smile on her face.
"I like your dog and your house, too. I'll be right back," I ran upstairs and grabbed some hair things; I thought it would be nice for her to know about hair products and such.
"Do you want me to do your hair?" I asked.
Julie just sat down in front of me and let me do her hair. She soon took a nap, I didn't blame her. I had been tired a lot to. Probably from waking up early and going to bed late.
Later a while after she fell asleep Ron came, he looked tired.
"She's sleeping." I whispered, Josh came into the room and held her. I went to go get the dog.
"Thanks guys for doing all this. I'll pay you tomorrow."
"No, you don't need to pay us. We're fine." I shut the door and headed upstairs to do some cleaning or to make sure Rufus didn't make any messes. I can't believe Ron named the dog Rufus.
"Kim why don't we get a dog?" Josh asked.
"I thought you didn't like them?"
"I don't know, they're not that bad. Just raising them is bad."
"I know but they're a lot of work, like you said. How about a cat?"
"Cats are good," He smiled. "In a few months we will, that way it'll be nice enough for when the new baby comes.
"That's right! I totally forgot about our baby!" I felt so stupid, no one forgets about their child.
"Well you just found out about it a few weeks ago, you're not gaining belly." He yawned. "I'm going to bed, love you." He walked into the next room, I followed him.
I woke up late the next morning; I was hoping Josh picked Julie up.
"Josh! Did you get Julie?" I practically screamed.
"Yeah, I did. She's sleeping upstairs." He was reading.
"Sleeping?" I asked.
"Yep, she's young. Be thankful she's sleeping." He cracked his knuckles.
"Don't do that it's gross." I looked over and saw my dad coming.
"Morning dad." I whispered.
"Yeah, same to you." He was mad at me, I could tell.
"I'm sorry dad, about what happened the other day." I went to him and hugged him. "I should listen to you, you're right. Everything you said was right."
"Forgiven, Kim. Can you hand me the coffee pot?" I poured him some instead.
"Thank you. So how's Ronald's daughter?" he asked.
"Well she stays here for the day."
"Why?"
"Because Ron works."
"I see…" My dad got up and went into the living room.
"I'm never turning old." I sighed and sat down. "I wish I was 19 again,"
"Me too." Josh said.
"This whole responsibly thing is beginning to stink."
"You're telling me." Josh got up and put everything away.
"So Kim, do you think we should head back for New York in a few months?"
"How about we stay here? Until 4 months after the baby is born?"
"Why?" Josh asked.
"Because I want to enjoy my time here, get to see everyone again."
"Yeah, good point. We should drive out later tonight and find Bonnie or Tara, and you could talk to them. I'll look for my old buddies."
"It's so sad how we left everyone behind. We didn't get to see them change."
"Well that's what makes it fun on seeing them again. No one knew Bonnie would turn out like she did,"
"I thought she'd be somewhere along the lines of trailer trash." I joked.
"Maybe we all did." Josh and I laughed, most our jokes were about Bonnie.
"Yeah, though she apologized. I think she was just drunk or something."
"Who knows, Bonnie lies." Josh pointed out.
"She sure does." I smiled and hugged him.
"You know it'd be nice to see Mr. Barkin again." Josh laughed.
"Oh lord, he'd question us all. He probably died."
"Why would he die?" Josh asked.
"I don't know, stress maybe." I started to laugh… I couldn't imagine Mr. Barkin now.
"He probably turned into one of those really mean old men." Josh said.
"Probably, he's beyond mean. I bet at Halloween he doesn't give out candy to the kids." I just thought of how he probably did do that. "I don't think he was that mean, though." I added.
"Everyone gives candy to the kids."
"Yeah," I finished eating a muffin I grabbed and walked into the living room with my dad.
"Dad, did you ever hate having me as a daughter?" I asked.
"No Kim, you were the perfect kid, why?" He asked.
"Well I don't know, I was gone a lot and never really there for you guys. Including I just walked out on everyone when I went to college."
"That was college, you wanted to go away so you went away. Everyone does it. I was never mad that you were never home. You either had cheerleading events, school, friends houses, shopping, enjoying life or out saving the world. I understood that." He hugged me.
"I don't think I was the best daughter for you guys, though." I sighed.
"You were the best." He smiled. "Don't worry about it. It's all in the past."
"That's true, I guess." I hugged my dad.
"So do you like your life, Kim?" He asked.
"Yeah! I always have. It was stressful at times, but I loved it. I liked saving the world, but I don't know what happened to that."
"People change so maybe everyone gave up." My dad said. I reached over to the phone, I looked up Tara in the phone book and called her, no answer.
"Dad, I don't like how I left everyone behind. I could still have Brian now or something. I may still be in contact with people I met in my past. I don't know what happened to anyone, though."
"We all will loose contact." My dad put down his newspaper. "Kim stop worrying."
"I know, but this life is just so you know…." I rolled my eyes.
"Not really, but it's all apart of growing up, Kim. You need to understand that. People choose different paths. You have a great life ahead and behind you. And you can't deny that."
"That's right dad, I just wonder if I stayed here in Middleton what my life would be like today."
"Not any different I guess."
"Yeah, I know but. Never mind dad…" I walked out of the room; I needed to bathe or something before I got onto the topic of life with my dad. I thought maybe I could call Bonnie or something even though she was probably out. After the shower I looked into my old room, Julie was still sleeping she was talking in her dreams.
"I wish Brian was still alive…" I whispered. "Then maybe you two could get married."
I laughed at my idea.
"Yeah, marry…" I couldn't picture that. I walked downstairs and saw my brothers outside with the dog.
"So Josh, are you thinking about getting that cat early?" I asked.
"No, Kim. We need to save money, too, you know." He smiled and kissed me.
"It'll be the good thing to do." He kissed me.
I waved at him.
"Hey Ron." I sat down next to him, he was singing to Julie. It was funny.
"Hi Kim,"
Julie looked at me and hugged Ron, I guess she wasn't used to me.
"She's really shy, Kim. She won't even go around my parents. She likes kids her age, though." He pulled her up onto his lap.
"Oh, well most kids are that young."
"Yeah." Ron set Julie down. "I'm getting some breakfast food, do you want anything?"
"No, I'm fine. Just get me a coffee." Julie ran after Ron. I sighed and waited for them to come back.
"Here's your coffee, Kim." Ron handed it to me and I waited for it to cool down before I took a sip.
"So, how are you doing after you know…?" Ron asked.
"I'm doing pretty good, I mean as you said he's right there, isn't he?" I took a sip of my coffee. Julie was glaring at me. I just smiled at her.
"Yeah, he's not really gone. I was upset when Rufus died, and he was a pet."
"I thought he was family?" I joked.
"Yeah, he was both." Ron admitted. "I'm thinking about moving to an apartment or a small two story house that's for sale."
"That'd be great." I said.
"I have enough money and everything, but the thing is I don't know what'd I would do with Julie, she can't stay home alone."
"I could watch her. What about your parents?"
"I don't know, that might be a good idea. The thing is I just can't rely on them for everything. I want to be considered a real adult."
"Yeah, she's starting school soon so you could work school hours."
"What if I get promoted, Kim?"
"Well, like I said. I would watch her for free."
"If your willing to do that…"
"Sure, Ron. I love the girl. It wouldn't be that bad." I stood up to throw my coffee away.
"If you say so, Kim."
"Hey Ron? Do you think I could borrow Julie for the day?"
"I don't know, if she wants to spend the day with you. As I said she's shy."
Ron looked over to Julie, she smiled.
"Do you want to spend the day with Kim?"
"Ok." She smiled and walked over to me.
"I think we'll just go shopping for clothes and toys for her, if that's ok."
"Yeah, its fine. Have fun you guys. I'll be at home if you need to reach me."
"Come on, Julie." I grabbed her arm and held onto her hand. I didn't want to loose her in the mall. We went to tons of stores and bought lots of clothes for her. We soon called Ron; I wanted him to pick her up.
After a while of waiting he was there.
"It was fun, I got some clothes for her. I hope that's ok with you." I smiled and walked Julie out to the car. "I'll talk to you later today, Ron. I'm heading back home or something."
"Well, alright, Kim. Thanks for buying all this for her." Julie sat down and he drove away. I smiled and waved. I soon got into my car and headed home.
"Where's Josh?" I asked.
"He's sleeping, Kim. Have some coffee." My mother was up, her hair was turning gray. It was probably because my brothers were living with us.
"No thanks mom. I already had some this morning." I sat down. "So, mom how have you been doing?" I thought it would be great to get close to my mom because we really didn't get a chance to talk in my teenage years.
"I've been great, Kim. Why do you ask? I mean after all you're here, and you will probably stay here?" My mom asked in a question like tone.
"We probably will head back for New York next year, mom." I leaned over and grabbed the newspaper off the table. "We would come back, though, for visits." I couldn't leave my friends again; it was hard enough having to wait. "The reunion is next year." I wanted to see everyone again, everyone grew up so fast.
"Oh, well I was hoping you'd stay here." My mom always tried to get her way these days.
"Mom, I have friends in NY, too." I pointed that out.
"That's true I guess." My mom shrugged and walked to the dishwasher and put her cup back. "So Kim, any new events in your life I should know about?"
"Not really."
"Same as always?" My mom sat down near me.
"Yep," Someone woke up, I heard the footsteps clumping down the hall. I sighed. "I'm going to go take a nap on the couch. I'm tired." I walked over to the couch and slept, waking up around noon.
I smelled lunch; I saw Josh was making it. It was good to see him working around my house, but I felt bad that I hogged him from his family, even though I did let him go there whenever he wanted. We never got time together since we've been here.
"Josh, how about we go out for dinner tonight. Just the two of us?" I smiled.
"If you really want to we could, don't your parents want us to spend time with them, though?" He asked.
"They won't care." I hugged him for a while. "We need to get outta here anyways, you know? Just some time for us."
"Yeah, after that we could drive to the school or somewhere and see who else is still living."
"That would be fun." I turned away. "Hurry up with that food. I'm going out for a second." I grabbed my car keys; I wanted to buy a new dress and necklace for myself for tonight.
I drove back to the mall and ran into any store to get a dress. I found a nice black one and grabbed a silver necklace for it.
"Your total is $200." The girl looked like a big punk and not so friendly.
"Wow…" I grabbed my credit card out and handed it to the girl.
"Thank you, come again."
I walked out of the mall and drove home. I saw another car at my house and I ran inside.
"I thought that'd I'd invite your friend over, and his kid."
"Ron?" I asked.
"Yeah, he is your best friend and all so why not have the guy over?"
"Well, thank you." I smiled and sat down at the table, my mom brought some food out for us, both me and Josh took small food because we wanted to have empty bellies for our dinner tonight.
"I found a house, Kim, that I can afford. It's small. The one I told you about, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, living room, kitchen and dining room. It even has a pool."
"A pool?" I dropped my sandwich. "Are you sure you can afford all that?"
"Well yeah, Kim. With a job and I have about 1,000 dollars left from buying the house. My parents are donating furniture and everything including my grandparents left me tons of money for all that. I'll have enough to live."
"Wow, both me and Josh had to work full time in order to pay rent and everything like that." I sighed.
"I'll probably work full time for a few months. Money is becoming a big problem now that I have to earn it." He finished his food and drank some of his soda.
"Exactly, now that we have the money we don't want to waste it."
Josh joined into the conversation.
"No one ever wants to waste their own money, but kids run to their parents for money and everything, I'll admit I did and I still do," he was gathering the dishes and put them all in the dishwasher and started it. He didn't like having my mom doing all the work.
"Yeah" Ron and I said at the same time.
"How about we all watch a movie, with my brothers and stuff?" I asked.
"I better get going, I have to pick up something for Julie. Thanks for the meal everyone and for inviting me." He grabbed his coat and walked out the door.
"We'll watch the movie with you, Kim." Jim and Tim ran down the stairs and sat on the couch.
"We're not watching a stupid one. Nothing with sports or anything. An old one or something." I sat down next to them; Josh was in the bathroom, probably going to shower.
"Fine. Have it your way Kim. Like always." Tim rolled his eyes, I slapped him playfully.
"I just don't want to watch people having a stupid ending." I grumbled and sunk into the couch.
"How about Gaze of the Executioner?" Jim pushed it in with no anyone's concurrence.
"Since we had no choice, fine." I sighed. I didn't like this movie, no one wanted to see peoples head's being cut off or anything. After a while the movie was over with, Josh was outta the shower and I went out to the car and back into the house. I took a shower and put it on, by this time we were hungry and ready to go out.
"That's a nice dress, Kim."
"Thank you, Hun. Where do you want to go?"
"I thought about Sir Palace. They have French food there, but it's good food."
"Josh! That's expensive and hard to get into." I widened my eyes.
"My sister's husband owns it. We can get in for free and everything for free."
"Josh I hate doing that, but if you really can, lets go ahead." I wrote down a note for my parents and when I'd be back. "How about after that we go to a movie or out dancing?"
"We can go dancing." He put his arm around me and walked out the door.
Soon we arrived at the restaurant, it was dark inside and a few lights were lightened. Mostly candle's were the light, it was full of people wearing nice clothes, that looked much more expensive that what I bought. We took a seat.
"You see Kim, right over there is a dance stage. With karaoke and everything. It'll start about 15 minutes."
The waiter came, he looked bored on this job. He handed us the menus.
"Would you people like anything to drink?" He sighed and got out his pad of paper and pen.
"Why do you need that right now?" Josh asked.
"Because we believe in it." He responded with a tone in his voice.
"We'll have water." I answered for Josh while glaring at the waiter.
"It should be here shortly." He walked out of our sight.
"What crawled up his butt and died?" Josh asked.
"Josh!" I yelled at him quietly. He just laughed; the waiter came shortly after that with our water in champagne glasses.
Soon the night was over and we headed home. We were gone for 2 hours and my parents were upset.
"Kim, you worried us." My father lectured.
"Dad! I'm old enough to take care of myself."
"Kim, you're living under my roof so I make the rules. Including your still my baby girl." He sat down near me and took my hand. I pulled away.
"I'll move back to New York then, Dad. I'm not 15 anymore. I can make my own rules." I got up and went into the room where I slept and went to sleep.
Morning soon came and I woke up, I didn't want breakfast with my family. I was mad at my dad.
I didn't have anything to do so I called Ron.
"So Ron did you get your new house yet?" I asked.
"Yeah I did, it's not fully decorated or anything. We're buying the stuff tomorrow. Tonight we'll have to sleep in sleeping bags or something."
"Can I drive by and see it?" I asked.
"Sure." He gave me the address and I scribbled it down, I hopped into the shower and soon was on my way. The house was just normal sized, but just a little smaller. It was made of brick and the lawn was beautiful. I pulled it and knocked on the door.
"Hi Kim," Julie said, she opened the door all the way. I looked around it was really nice inside; I wished I could've bought it. I looked and I saw a dog.
"Ron you got a dog?" I looked at it, it was a golden retriever puppy.
"Yeah, it's Julies."
"Let me guess, his name is Rufus?" I rolled my eyes just a little bit.
"Yeah, it is." Ron laughed and picked the dog up. "It's a girl, though. She's getting her shots and everything next week." He set her down next to Julie who ran off with it.
"Nice place you have, Ron." I looked around again.
"Yeah, got a great deal on it. The neighbor's have kids of all different ages."
"Any Julie's age?" I asked, taking a seat on one of the steps on the stairs.
"About two, but their not the nicest kids. They pushed her down on a mud puddle already, and we just met them last night to check the area out." He looked towards her direction.
"That's sad," I whispered. "She's so sweet, why would anyone do that?" I asked.
"I'm not sure, mean kid I guess. So do you think you can watch her? I have to start work today, already."
"Of course, should I take the dog, too?" I asked.
"Yeah, that'd be good. I hope it's not to much trouble."
"It's fine, Ron. You're my best friend I'd do anything for you." I looked over to Julie. "Do you want me to take her now?"
"Yeah, I think you should. I have to leave for work anyways." He went into another room and came out Julie's end and picked her up and brought her to me.
"Hey Julie." I smiled.
"Hi Kim, are you going to be my babysitter?"
"Yeah." I smiled. "Lets go." I looked in my pocket, I though it'd be good if I helped them with their dog.
Julie grabbed the dog and walked to my car with me, she kept quiet the whole ride and the dog lay right on her lap.
"We're here," I smiled. "We're getting your dog some stuff."
I walked out and took Julie out of the car and locked the door, cracking the windows a bit so the dog could breathe.
When we were in the store we bought a cage for the dog, bowls, food, collar, leash, bed, toys and bones.
"Do you want to hold the bag?" I asked her, I was holding onto the cages' box.
"Ok, Kim." She smiled and grabbed the bag, I opened the trunk to the car and set the cage inside. We got into the car and she put on the collar and leash.
Soon we were home and I explained to Josh about everything, he didn't like dogs but was totally ok with the whole thing.
"So the girl, how old is she?" He asked.
"I think she's four, I'm not sure."
"Doesn't she have school?" Josh looked at Julie play with the dog.
"I don't know. Maybe she's skipping kindergarten. "I thought school didn't start for another month, though?"
"Who knows?" He sighed. "I'm making some breakfast, want anything?"
"No, get something for her, though."
"What would she want?" Josh asked.
"I have no idea, eggs maybe." I sighed and turned on the TV. I wanted today to be a lazy day.
Jim and Tim came downstairs and said they would talk the dog, I was happy they would. It would be nice for her to be housebroken.
"Julie, I made some eggs for you." Josh called her into the kitchen. She ran on over and sat at the table and ate them right up.
"Thank you." She ran off and sat by me, I put a movie in for her. I fell asleep on the couch during the movie.
"So, Julie do you like the dog and your new house?" I asked.
"I love the doggie, and my house." She smiled at me. She seemed to always have a smile on her face.
"I like your dog and your house, too. I'll be right back," I ran upstairs and grabbed some hair things; I thought it would be nice for her to know about hair products and such.
"Do you want me to do your hair?" I asked.
Julie just sat down in front of me and let me do her hair. She soon took a nap, I didn't blame her. I had been tired a lot to. Probably from waking up early and going to bed late.
Later a while after she fell asleep Ron came, he looked tired.
"She's sleeping." I whispered, Josh came into the room and held her. I went to go get the dog.
"Thanks guys for doing all this. I'll pay you tomorrow."
"No, you don't need to pay us. We're fine." I shut the door and headed upstairs to do some cleaning or to make sure Rufus didn't make any messes. I can't believe Ron named the dog Rufus.
"Kim why don't we get a dog?" Josh asked.
"I thought you didn't like them?"
"I don't know, they're not that bad. Just raising them is bad."
"I know but they're a lot of work, like you said. How about a cat?"
"Cats are good," He smiled. "In a few months we will, that way it'll be nice enough for when the new baby comes.
"That's right! I totally forgot about our baby!" I felt so stupid, no one forgets about their child.
"Well you just found out about it a few weeks ago, you're not gaining belly." He yawned. "I'm going to bed, love you." He walked into the next room, I followed him.
I woke up late the next morning; I was hoping Josh picked Julie up.
"Josh! Did you get Julie?" I practically screamed.
"Yeah, I did. She's sleeping upstairs." He was reading.
"Sleeping?" I asked.
"Yep, she's young. Be thankful she's sleeping." He cracked his knuckles.
"Don't do that it's gross." I looked over and saw my dad coming.
"Morning dad." I whispered.
"Yeah, same to you." He was mad at me, I could tell.
"I'm sorry dad, about what happened the other day." I went to him and hugged him. "I should listen to you, you're right. Everything you said was right."
"Forgiven, Kim. Can you hand me the coffee pot?" I poured him some instead.
"Thank you. So how's Ronald's daughter?" he asked.
"Well she stays here for the day."
"Why?"
"Because Ron works."
"I see…" My dad got up and went into the living room.
"I'm never turning old." I sighed and sat down. "I wish I was 19 again,"
"Me too." Josh said.
"This whole responsibly thing is beginning to stink."
"You're telling me." Josh got up and put everything away.
"So Kim, do you think we should head back for New York in a few months?"
"How about we stay here? Until 4 months after the baby is born?"
"Why?" Josh asked.
"Because I want to enjoy my time here, get to see everyone again."
"Yeah, good point. We should drive out later tonight and find Bonnie or Tara, and you could talk to them. I'll look for my old buddies."
"It's so sad how we left everyone behind. We didn't get to see them change."
"Well that's what makes it fun on seeing them again. No one knew Bonnie would turn out like she did,"
"I thought she'd be somewhere along the lines of trailer trash." I joked.
"Maybe we all did." Josh and I laughed, most our jokes were about Bonnie.
"Yeah, though she apologized. I think she was just drunk or something."
"Who knows, Bonnie lies." Josh pointed out.
"She sure does." I smiled and hugged him.
"You know it'd be nice to see Mr. Barkin again." Josh laughed.
"Oh lord, he'd question us all. He probably died."
"Why would he die?" Josh asked.
"I don't know, stress maybe." I started to laugh… I couldn't imagine Mr. Barkin now.
"He probably turned into one of those really mean old men." Josh said.
"Probably, he's beyond mean. I bet at Halloween he doesn't give out candy to the kids." I just thought of how he probably did do that. "I don't think he was that mean, though." I added.
"Everyone gives candy to the kids."
"Yeah," I finished eating a muffin I grabbed and walked into the living room with my dad.
"Dad, did you ever hate having me as a daughter?" I asked.
"No Kim, you were the perfect kid, why?" He asked.
"Well I don't know, I was gone a lot and never really there for you guys. Including I just walked out on everyone when I went to college."
"That was college, you wanted to go away so you went away. Everyone does it. I was never mad that you were never home. You either had cheerleading events, school, friends houses, shopping, enjoying life or out saving the world. I understood that." He hugged me.
"I don't think I was the best daughter for you guys, though." I sighed.
"You were the best." He smiled. "Don't worry about it. It's all in the past."
"That's true, I guess." I hugged my dad.
"So do you like your life, Kim?" He asked.
"Yeah! I always have. It was stressful at times, but I loved it. I liked saving the world, but I don't know what happened to that."
"People change so maybe everyone gave up." My dad said. I reached over to the phone, I looked up Tara in the phone book and called her, no answer.
"Dad, I don't like how I left everyone behind. I could still have Brian now or something. I may still be in contact with people I met in my past. I don't know what happened to anyone, though."
"We all will loose contact." My dad put down his newspaper. "Kim stop worrying."
"I know, but this life is just so you know…." I rolled my eyes.
"Not really, but it's all apart of growing up, Kim. You need to understand that. People choose different paths. You have a great life ahead and behind you. And you can't deny that."
"That's right dad, I just wonder if I stayed here in Middleton what my life would be like today."
"Not any different I guess."
"Yeah, I know but. Never mind dad…" I walked out of the room; I needed to bathe or something before I got onto the topic of life with my dad. I thought maybe I could call Bonnie or something even though she was probably out. After the shower I looked into my old room, Julie was still sleeping she was talking in her dreams.
"I wish Brian was still alive…" I whispered. "Then maybe you two could get married."
I laughed at my idea.
"Yeah, marry…" I couldn't picture that. I walked downstairs and saw my brothers outside with the dog.
"So Josh, are you thinking about getting that cat early?" I asked.
"No, Kim. We need to save money, too, you know." He smiled and kissed me.
"It'll be the good thing to do." He kissed me.