May 1st 2001

The large sun set sending beautiful colours into the Nairobi skies. A mother lion cuddled with her cub as she nuzzled close to sleep. The night creatures started to come out. Judith Fronczak turned on the front light to their farm to scare off any approaching animals. She leaned against the doorframe seeing their farm boy, Kazemde, running down the pathway to the farm.

"Mrs. Fronczak you receive letter from America." He said waving the letter in the air. Judith smiled.

"From America?" She smiled walking down to meet him.

"Yes ma'am." He said handing it to her. Judith looked at it. The postmark said Chicago.

"It's from my daughter." Judith whispered. Kazemde smiled.

"Good news yes?" He asked.

"We'll see." She smiled; "I will see you tomorrow." Judith walked back into the house. "Thomas, Miranda wrote us." Thomas looked up form his desk where he was working.

"What does that disappointment want?" He asked. Judith frowned slightly.

"I don't know." She said opening the letter. Judith read it. "Oh my!"

"What?" He asked. Judith looked dup at him.

"She had a baby." She said.

"Of course she did. She's a little whore." Thomas hissed.

"She got married on April 1st." Judith said getting up; "She had the baby on February 1st. This letter is post dated February 16th. It took awhile to get here."

"Married the guy who knocked her up. That's typical of Miranda." Thomas said.

"Jesus Christ, Thomas! She's our daughter for god's sake." Judith cried. "You should be a little more supportive."

"I don't have to be Judith. I wanted her to go to college and be successful, but she isn't. She's failure." He said.

"God!" Judith threw up her arms. She stalked into their bedroom and sat on the bed. Her eyes stared the letter. She couldn't believe it. Her baby had a baby and got married. Judith got up and grabbed the telephone. She dialed the long number to Randi's apartment.

Randi groaned as the phone rang. Her eyes opened. It was 5:30 AM. She rolled over and picked dup the phone.

"It's 5:30." She groaned into the phone.

"Oh Miranda, I forgot about the time difference." Judith said. Randi rubbed her eyes.

"Mom?" Randi sat up.

"Yeah...Hello, Sweetheart." Judith said, "I just got your letter."

"Just? I took awhile." She said.

"I know." Judith sighed. "Ireland...She's three months now."

"Yes she is." Miranda said curtly, "What do you want mother?"

"I want to talk to you. You just had a baby." Judith said.

"No I didn't. You missed the first three months of her life, when I wanted you there. Grandma was there." Randi said. Judith sighed deeply.

"She was always there for you when I wasn't right?" Judith asked.

"Of course." Randi's aid, "How's Africa?"

'Do you really care?" Judith asked.

"Not really." Randi said.

"Is our relationship ever going to be normal?" Judith asked, Randi sighed deeply.

"I want Ireland to have grandparents." Randi said, "Hell, I want parents myself. It's just too late. I'm almost thirty years old."

"It's never too late, Sweetheart." Judith said, "I...I want to be in your life even if its through letters."

"What about dad?" Randi asked. Judith was silent.

"You know your father." She said. Randi closed her eyes and nodded.

"Yeah. Unfortunately I do." She said, "Dave is a really terrific guy. He's a doctor. He's a great father and husband."

"I trust you found a wonderful man to keep you happy Randi." Judith said softly.

"It's been hard." Randi whispered.

"What has?"

"N-not having you here." She said, "When I was pregnant, I wanted you here. I was pregnant with twins, but I miscarried one. I really needed you here."

"Oh Miranda..." Judith whispered. Randi covered her eyes and cried softly. Judith's heart was breaking.

"It's b-been ten years since I've seen you." She whispered

"I know, Baby, I know." Judith said.

"You were a horrible mother." Randi said, "I hope I don't ever turn out to be like you." Judith closed her eyes.

"Miranda..."

"I'm happy. I don't want to be like you. I don't want to be an English teacher. I don't want to be like Dad. I don't want to be a field researcher." Randi said, "I'm happy. I'm happy being a receptionist at my husband's work. I'm happy being the mother to the most gorgeous baby. I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life and I don't care what you and dad do or say anymore." She slammed the phone down.

"Miranda! Wait!" Judith sighed as she heard the dial tone. She knew she had screwed up in raising Randi, but she didn't know she felt that way. She looked out the window and sighed. Maybe someday I will be able to mend the broken ties between us.

Note to readers: I know this is a short chapter but I just wanted to introduce the strained relationship between Randi and her parents. If there is something you'd like to see, a storyline idea, or anything e-mail me at ozspice04@yahoo.com. I'm open to any ideas. All credit will be given.