-- CHAPTER SEVEN: Below the Surface --
Disclaimers: Refer to Chapter One: Breathe
~*~
- Eight Months Later -
"Guilty!" The foreman condemned. The courtroom was sterile, and the judge's gavel pounding intensely against the heavy wood, each strike echoing the sound of justice. Together, the night shift sat looking on as the bailiff escorted the guilty man out of the room. Together, they remembered the cold night in March when an accident influenced their lives. The driver was young, careless, and under the influence. But in the end, after facing the evidence, his mind betrayed him. He drove the car that claimed the life of Jessie's mother, he was the idiot who left the scene, and now, he was the man going behind bars.
~*~
- Four Months Later -
It was a late Sunday afternoon, and although it was already March, the weather was still gloomy. They all wore dark clothing as they stood, surrounded by the silence of the dead, each of them holding a white lily. Amongst the rows of old stones, they looked intently at the cold granite tombstone before them. Jessie was the first to kneel on the ground and place the flower atop the stone, while Sara and Nick lit two white candles. It was a year ago that they buried Jessie's mother; among those in attendance were Nick and
Sara's coworkers and although they had hoped for someone from Jessica's past to attend, nobody arrived. Currently, she was living with Nick and Sara as their foster child, while the courts sorted out the details of her adoption. Together, they stood under the dark clouds, watching as the candle's flame flickered.
"Come on Jessie, it's getting cold. We should head home before it rains," Nick said quietly. "We'll stay back here, and wait for you." Both he and Sara moved several steps away from the child, and watched her say a few words.
"Hi, Mom. It's me, Jessica," she began. "That's Nick and Sara. You remember them right? Don't worry; they've been taking good care of me while you're up there with the angels. They really love me and I really love them too, but I still miss you. I hope that every night you hear me when I talk to you, because Nick says that praying is like calling you over the phone. I just wanted to tell you that I'm okay, and that I love you." The girl sobbed quietly as she knelt. In the distance, she looked at Nick and Sara, watching them watching her. She heard a loud crash in the background and she knew that rain would pour any minute now.
"Bye, Mommy, I love you. I have to go but I hope you are getting all my phone calls." Jessica jumped up and ran towards where Nick and Sara were standing. Together they headed home.
At home, while rain poured heavily outside their home, Jessica, Nick, and Sara settled themselves on the couch accompanied by a bucket of popcorn. With a blanket over them, they put their feet up on the table and waited while the opening scene of 'The Lion King' came into view. Jessica squeezed herself between Sara and Nick, as she clutched the bowl of popcorn. Leaning into Nick, she struggled to reach for the coffee table's edge. Finally, after much squirming, she found a comfortable position and commenced to munch on the popcorn. As the movie continued, Jessica began singing to Timon and Pumbaa's 'Hakuna Matata'.
"Daddy, that tickles," she giggled, a soft kiss on her forehead interrupting the song.
Both Sara and Nick paused and looked at each other, surprise in their faces. "Jessie, what did you say?" Nick asked.
"I said, that tickles," she replied.
Sara was dumbfounded. "No, the part before that."
Jessica hesitated to reply, and looked around before repeating herself, "Daddy, that tickles?" Feeling uneasy under Sara and Nick's gaze, she shifted nervously in her seat. "Is that okay? I mean, calling you mom and dad?" she asked shyly.
"Uh, well, it's your choice. If you want to call me Dad, then yeah," Nick replied, his tone shaky. "Don't feel that you have to, but if you want to, sure. Dad sounds good." He smiled nervously.
Jessica then looked up at Sara, waiting for a response. "Mom?" she whispered.
Sara's heart soared, her smile communicating what her mouth could not say. "If you want," she finally replied. Aghast, Sara looked over at Nick, who was still speechless." Both were in a state of shock, but the smiles on their faces were a more genuine indication.
"Mom, Dad, you're missing the best part," Jessica insisted.
~*~
- Nine Months Later -
It was already Christmas and the air was dreadfully cold. The year had come and gone, and the Christmas cheer was adding more to the buzz around the lab. It was almost a year since Sara and Nick filed to adopt Jessica, and this Christmas marked her official admittance into their family. They waited anxiously during the adoption process; both worried that at any day they could lose her to a relative. However, as time passed, nobody came forward to claim guardianship over the child. With help from Nancy and support from their family and friends they came to raise Jessica as their foster child.
They had committed much time to providing for Jessica. They enrolled her in a school not too far from the lab and made sure that they were always there for her. After much discussion, the couple decided to make some changes to their schedule: Sara now worked during the day while Nick still worked the usual graveyard shift. Prompted by Nick's experience as a child and Sara's similar insecurities with babysitters, the adjustment was something that they both were willing to make. Nonetheless, this long emotional journey was something that Nick and Sara ventured into full-heartedly, both wanting to fulfill the void in their lives.
It was the holidays, and Sara -- after much pressure from her parents -- agreed to spend Christmas in San Francisco. She was particularly sympathetic since her parents were spending Christmas by themselves. Sara's brother was spending Christmas with his in-laws, and she felt it wasn't right for anyone to be alone during the holidays. Jessica, or Jessie as everyone had come to call her, made a great impression on everyone, especially her ecstatic grandparents. They loved her great energy, positive attitude, and sense of fun, as well as the great joy that she appeared to have given Nick and Sara.
~*~
"Stokes," he said, pausing momentarily to answer his cell phone.
"Hi. Are you on your way home?" It was Sara.
"I'm busy right now, but I'll be home soon."
"Nick, remember that we're leaving for San Francisco tomorrow morning." She sounded annoyed.
"I know. I'll be home long before then. But listen, I have to go, can you put Jessie on the phone?" There was a pause and Nick listened to the sound of soft shuffling in the background.
"Dad?" Jessie's voice questioned.
"Hi sweetie, you ready for bed?" Nick asked in a softened tone. "Brush your teeth? Call the angels?"
"Yup. We're still going to visit grandma, right? And you're coming, right?"
"Of course I am. I wouldn't miss Christmas with you." He smiled, somewhat caught off guard by her comment.
"Well, It's just that you're always busy catching the bad guys - and you always look so tired - and you're always-" Jessie began to explain.
"Jessie, I know that I'm always busy, but I'm coming with you. I can't imagine spending Christmas any other way." He closed his eyes in distress as he processed Jessie words - he was tired.
"Promise?" Jessie asked hopefully.
"Promise. Goodnight my dear meerkat," he replied, referring to Timon, Jessie's favorite character from 'The Lion King.'
"Night Pumbaa," she giggled, kissing the phone receiver. Nick laughed and did the same.
~*~
After a one and a half hour nonstop flight, thirty minutes at the baggage claim and twenty minutes stuck in traffic, they finally arrived at the Bay Bed & Breakfast. The house was nestled in a quiet bayside neighborhood, surrounded by tall trees and quaint houses. They parked their rental car in front of the cottage style house with a stone walkway leading to a small porch. Tress lined the winding street, while a prominent large oak tree sat on the left-hand side of the house. This was certainly a picturesque place to visit, and many people often came over the summer. However, the neighborhood did not feel aged. Rather, the old styled homes stood with an air of youthful life; young families with young children mixed with the calmer presence of an older generation.
"Hello?" Sara called out. As they walked through the unlocked doorway, they welcomed by the house's warmth and the heavenly smell of apple cider.
"Nick? Sara?" Her mother's voice answered back from upstairs.
"Merry Christmas!" Nick greeted, cheerily. He placed their bags by the door as he curiously inspected the home.
"Frank, the kids are here!" Sara's mother called out.
"That must be Jessica," Frank whispered. They looked at the small child who was wandering around the living room.
"Oh Sara, she's an angel," Maggie continued.
They all looked towards the living room and watched Jessica take in her surroundings.
Jessie looked around the softly lit living room; a tall Christmas tree stood by the fireplace with a bright shining star at its highest point. The room was meticulous with each having its own place; a neatness that very much mirrored Sara's organized fashion. The surrounding area was lit and warmed by a fire in the fireplace.
"Jessie, can you come here for a second?" Nick asked. The girl turned around and saw that she had drawn an audience; both grandparents standing side by side, watching her carefully. She smiled as she shyly walked over by Nick's side and quickly hid behind him. All the while, she inspected the grandparents who she had only spoken to over the phone. Sara's mother bent down to greet Jessie while Frank tried to catch the child's attention. Nervous, Jessie remained behind Nick and smiled politely at them.
"Jessie, come on, don't you want to greet grandpa and grandma a Merry Christmas?" Nick asked, still trying to lighten Jessie's grasp around his leg.
"Merry Christmas," Jessie whispered. She looked up for her father's approval, but upon meeting his gaze, she realized that she should probably step forward and smile. She did so shortly, before taking refuge behind Sara.
"Oh it's alright; we have the holidays to get to know each other." Maggie grinned. "Are you hungry?"
Discussing the lighter side of their lives, together, they enjoyed a quiet evening dinner.
~*~
The following morning looked promising, and it seemed like a nice day to go out into the country. The city at this time of year was packed with eager shoppers, tourists, and frenzied families. The temperature was cool, but it was sunny and the sky was crystal clear. They drove south of the city, to Francis Beach, near Half Moon Bay where Sara and her family often visited.
The beach was empty, the nippy air driving away the usual crowds. The view from the rocky mountain that overlooked the ocean was spectacular. Hues of blue washed across the sandy beach below while the water stretched far into the horizon.
"Dad, the sand's cold," Jessie complained.
"Are you sure you it's not because you want to break my back?" Nick asked.
"Nope!" she giggled.
"Alright, come here," he answered, with a mock sigh. She jumped up and hopped on Nick's lowered shoulders. He winced at the extra weight.
"Easy there, Jessie," Sara chided.
"Hi, Mom. Look what I can do! No hands!" Jessica called out. She waved and wiggled in her seat as she let go of her grip around Nick.
"Jessie!" Sara scolded.
Nick laughed at Sara's expression while Jessie stabilized herself.
"I don't know why you let her do this, your back is going to bother you for the rest of the holidays," Sara laughed.
"Well I was hoping that I could get a massage," he teased.
"Aha, you sneak! Well, fat chance. You brought this onto yourself," Sara said, matter-of-factly.
"Really?"
Sara arched an eyebrow. Nick placed a lingering kiss upon Sara's lips and pulled back. "Okay…fine…maybe," she replied, leaning up to kiss him.
"Does this mean I get a kiss too?" Jessie giggled.
~*~
They walked along the seashore until they could no longer bear the chilly winds. The day trip was fun, and they very much looked forward to the quiet dinner at the B&B. However, before hopping into the rented vehicle, Nick insisted to taking a snapshot of Sara and Jessie. With much reluctance, they finally posed in front of a large boulder, sitting atop the cliff overlooking the ocean. It was a reminder of their day on the beach - as a family.
~*~
- Christmas Day -
"Stokes." He answered his phone reluctantly. "What? What do you mean? Today? It's Christmas morning! Fine, I'll try get there as soon as I can," he replied through clenched teeth. He strolled back to the living room, where Jessie, Sara and her parents assembled. Together, they sat around the Christmas tree, sipping hot chocolate in their pajamas.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Sara asked. She continued to stare at Nick, while Jessie ripped through various colored presents.
"Yeah, absolutely," he answered. "How about we get to the rest of those presents? Here Jessie, you can open the present that Warrick gave you." He was obviously trying to avoid the situation, which earned him a fixed stare from his wife.
"Nick, can I talk to you for a second?" Sara interrupted.
Nick looked up at the sound of her voice and noticed the icy glare from Sara's fiery eyes.
"Excuse us," Sara said. Together, they walked into the kitchen. "What's going on? Who called?" she asked without hesitation.
"It doesn't matter," he replied cryptically. She looked into his eyes, moments passing, waiting for him to continue. "They want me back at the lab," he confessed.
"It's Christmas morning!" she exclaimed, before realizing where she was. Inhaling deeply, she paused and looked over at her parents, who were now curiously staring at both of them.
"They want me there as soon as possible. Tomorrow. The serial case is heating up, and the lab needs me," he protested.
"Tomorrow? Yeah, that makes it a lot better," Sara dismissed sarcastically. "You know, the lab isn't the only one that needs you."
"It's--"
"Hey, Mom! Wanna guess what grandma gave me?" Jessie interrupted. She held up a striped red and white sweater, and smiled.
"That's nice sweetie, how about you come with me? I have to talk to you."
Sara smiled. "We'll leave Daddy alone for now; he needs to think some things through." She reached for the child's hand while she led her back towards the living room. "You better start packing," she urged Nick, her angry stare quite possibly lethal.
He could do nothing but stand by the kitchen sink, numb and soaked with bitterness.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*
A/N – Ack, some parts were corny/fluffy. If you think the whole Timon & Pumbaa thing was absurd; in my defense, all I have to say is – 'they are awesome and funny.' Come on!
I don't' own 'The Lion King' or anything associated with the product. I simply borrowed them for the sake of listening to 'Hakuna Matata'.
Disclaimers: Refer to Chapter One: Breathe
~*~
- Eight Months Later -
"Guilty!" The foreman condemned. The courtroom was sterile, and the judge's gavel pounding intensely against the heavy wood, each strike echoing the sound of justice. Together, the night shift sat looking on as the bailiff escorted the guilty man out of the room. Together, they remembered the cold night in March when an accident influenced their lives. The driver was young, careless, and under the influence. But in the end, after facing the evidence, his mind betrayed him. He drove the car that claimed the life of Jessie's mother, he was the idiot who left the scene, and now, he was the man going behind bars.
~*~
- Four Months Later -
It was a late Sunday afternoon, and although it was already March, the weather was still gloomy. They all wore dark clothing as they stood, surrounded by the silence of the dead, each of them holding a white lily. Amongst the rows of old stones, they looked intently at the cold granite tombstone before them. Jessie was the first to kneel on the ground and place the flower atop the stone, while Sara and Nick lit two white candles. It was a year ago that they buried Jessie's mother; among those in attendance were Nick and
Sara's coworkers and although they had hoped for someone from Jessica's past to attend, nobody arrived. Currently, she was living with Nick and Sara as their foster child, while the courts sorted out the details of her adoption. Together, they stood under the dark clouds, watching as the candle's flame flickered.
"Come on Jessie, it's getting cold. We should head home before it rains," Nick said quietly. "We'll stay back here, and wait for you." Both he and Sara moved several steps away from the child, and watched her say a few words.
"Hi, Mom. It's me, Jessica," she began. "That's Nick and Sara. You remember them right? Don't worry; they've been taking good care of me while you're up there with the angels. They really love me and I really love them too, but I still miss you. I hope that every night you hear me when I talk to you, because Nick says that praying is like calling you over the phone. I just wanted to tell you that I'm okay, and that I love you." The girl sobbed quietly as she knelt. In the distance, she looked at Nick and Sara, watching them watching her. She heard a loud crash in the background and she knew that rain would pour any minute now.
"Bye, Mommy, I love you. I have to go but I hope you are getting all my phone calls." Jessica jumped up and ran towards where Nick and Sara were standing. Together they headed home.
At home, while rain poured heavily outside their home, Jessica, Nick, and Sara settled themselves on the couch accompanied by a bucket of popcorn. With a blanket over them, they put their feet up on the table and waited while the opening scene of 'The Lion King' came into view. Jessica squeezed herself between Sara and Nick, as she clutched the bowl of popcorn. Leaning into Nick, she struggled to reach for the coffee table's edge. Finally, after much squirming, she found a comfortable position and commenced to munch on the popcorn. As the movie continued, Jessica began singing to Timon and Pumbaa's 'Hakuna Matata'.
"Daddy, that tickles," she giggled, a soft kiss on her forehead interrupting the song.
Both Sara and Nick paused and looked at each other, surprise in their faces. "Jessie, what did you say?" Nick asked.
"I said, that tickles," she replied.
Sara was dumbfounded. "No, the part before that."
Jessica hesitated to reply, and looked around before repeating herself, "Daddy, that tickles?" Feeling uneasy under Sara and Nick's gaze, she shifted nervously in her seat. "Is that okay? I mean, calling you mom and dad?" she asked shyly.
"Uh, well, it's your choice. If you want to call me Dad, then yeah," Nick replied, his tone shaky. "Don't feel that you have to, but if you want to, sure. Dad sounds good." He smiled nervously.
Jessica then looked up at Sara, waiting for a response. "Mom?" she whispered.
Sara's heart soared, her smile communicating what her mouth could not say. "If you want," she finally replied. Aghast, Sara looked over at Nick, who was still speechless." Both were in a state of shock, but the smiles on their faces were a more genuine indication.
"Mom, Dad, you're missing the best part," Jessica insisted.
~*~
- Nine Months Later -
It was already Christmas and the air was dreadfully cold. The year had come and gone, and the Christmas cheer was adding more to the buzz around the lab. It was almost a year since Sara and Nick filed to adopt Jessica, and this Christmas marked her official admittance into their family. They waited anxiously during the adoption process; both worried that at any day they could lose her to a relative. However, as time passed, nobody came forward to claim guardianship over the child. With help from Nancy and support from their family and friends they came to raise Jessica as their foster child.
They had committed much time to providing for Jessica. They enrolled her in a school not too far from the lab and made sure that they were always there for her. After much discussion, the couple decided to make some changes to their schedule: Sara now worked during the day while Nick still worked the usual graveyard shift. Prompted by Nick's experience as a child and Sara's similar insecurities with babysitters, the adjustment was something that they both were willing to make. Nonetheless, this long emotional journey was something that Nick and Sara ventured into full-heartedly, both wanting to fulfill the void in their lives.
It was the holidays, and Sara -- after much pressure from her parents -- agreed to spend Christmas in San Francisco. She was particularly sympathetic since her parents were spending Christmas by themselves. Sara's brother was spending Christmas with his in-laws, and she felt it wasn't right for anyone to be alone during the holidays. Jessica, or Jessie as everyone had come to call her, made a great impression on everyone, especially her ecstatic grandparents. They loved her great energy, positive attitude, and sense of fun, as well as the great joy that she appeared to have given Nick and Sara.
~*~
"Stokes," he said, pausing momentarily to answer his cell phone.
"Hi. Are you on your way home?" It was Sara.
"I'm busy right now, but I'll be home soon."
"Nick, remember that we're leaving for San Francisco tomorrow morning." She sounded annoyed.
"I know. I'll be home long before then. But listen, I have to go, can you put Jessie on the phone?" There was a pause and Nick listened to the sound of soft shuffling in the background.
"Dad?" Jessie's voice questioned.
"Hi sweetie, you ready for bed?" Nick asked in a softened tone. "Brush your teeth? Call the angels?"
"Yup. We're still going to visit grandma, right? And you're coming, right?"
"Of course I am. I wouldn't miss Christmas with you." He smiled, somewhat caught off guard by her comment.
"Well, It's just that you're always busy catching the bad guys - and you always look so tired - and you're always-" Jessie began to explain.
"Jessie, I know that I'm always busy, but I'm coming with you. I can't imagine spending Christmas any other way." He closed his eyes in distress as he processed Jessie words - he was tired.
"Promise?" Jessie asked hopefully.
"Promise. Goodnight my dear meerkat," he replied, referring to Timon, Jessie's favorite character from 'The Lion King.'
"Night Pumbaa," she giggled, kissing the phone receiver. Nick laughed and did the same.
~*~
After a one and a half hour nonstop flight, thirty minutes at the baggage claim and twenty minutes stuck in traffic, they finally arrived at the Bay Bed & Breakfast. The house was nestled in a quiet bayside neighborhood, surrounded by tall trees and quaint houses. They parked their rental car in front of the cottage style house with a stone walkway leading to a small porch. Tress lined the winding street, while a prominent large oak tree sat on the left-hand side of the house. This was certainly a picturesque place to visit, and many people often came over the summer. However, the neighborhood did not feel aged. Rather, the old styled homes stood with an air of youthful life; young families with young children mixed with the calmer presence of an older generation.
"Hello?" Sara called out. As they walked through the unlocked doorway, they welcomed by the house's warmth and the heavenly smell of apple cider.
"Nick? Sara?" Her mother's voice answered back from upstairs.
"Merry Christmas!" Nick greeted, cheerily. He placed their bags by the door as he curiously inspected the home.
"Frank, the kids are here!" Sara's mother called out.
"That must be Jessica," Frank whispered. They looked at the small child who was wandering around the living room.
"Oh Sara, she's an angel," Maggie continued.
They all looked towards the living room and watched Jessica take in her surroundings.
Jessie looked around the softly lit living room; a tall Christmas tree stood by the fireplace with a bright shining star at its highest point. The room was meticulous with each having its own place; a neatness that very much mirrored Sara's organized fashion. The surrounding area was lit and warmed by a fire in the fireplace.
"Jessie, can you come here for a second?" Nick asked. The girl turned around and saw that she had drawn an audience; both grandparents standing side by side, watching her carefully. She smiled as she shyly walked over by Nick's side and quickly hid behind him. All the while, she inspected the grandparents who she had only spoken to over the phone. Sara's mother bent down to greet Jessie while Frank tried to catch the child's attention. Nervous, Jessie remained behind Nick and smiled politely at them.
"Jessie, come on, don't you want to greet grandpa and grandma a Merry Christmas?" Nick asked, still trying to lighten Jessie's grasp around his leg.
"Merry Christmas," Jessie whispered. She looked up for her father's approval, but upon meeting his gaze, she realized that she should probably step forward and smile. She did so shortly, before taking refuge behind Sara.
"Oh it's alright; we have the holidays to get to know each other." Maggie grinned. "Are you hungry?"
Discussing the lighter side of their lives, together, they enjoyed a quiet evening dinner.
~*~
The following morning looked promising, and it seemed like a nice day to go out into the country. The city at this time of year was packed with eager shoppers, tourists, and frenzied families. The temperature was cool, but it was sunny and the sky was crystal clear. They drove south of the city, to Francis Beach, near Half Moon Bay where Sara and her family often visited.
The beach was empty, the nippy air driving away the usual crowds. The view from the rocky mountain that overlooked the ocean was spectacular. Hues of blue washed across the sandy beach below while the water stretched far into the horizon.
"Dad, the sand's cold," Jessie complained.
"Are you sure you it's not because you want to break my back?" Nick asked.
"Nope!" she giggled.
"Alright, come here," he answered, with a mock sigh. She jumped up and hopped on Nick's lowered shoulders. He winced at the extra weight.
"Easy there, Jessie," Sara chided.
"Hi, Mom. Look what I can do! No hands!" Jessica called out. She waved and wiggled in her seat as she let go of her grip around Nick.
"Jessie!" Sara scolded.
Nick laughed at Sara's expression while Jessie stabilized herself.
"I don't know why you let her do this, your back is going to bother you for the rest of the holidays," Sara laughed.
"Well I was hoping that I could get a massage," he teased.
"Aha, you sneak! Well, fat chance. You brought this onto yourself," Sara said, matter-of-factly.
"Really?"
Sara arched an eyebrow. Nick placed a lingering kiss upon Sara's lips and pulled back. "Okay…fine…maybe," she replied, leaning up to kiss him.
"Does this mean I get a kiss too?" Jessie giggled.
~*~
They walked along the seashore until they could no longer bear the chilly winds. The day trip was fun, and they very much looked forward to the quiet dinner at the B&B. However, before hopping into the rented vehicle, Nick insisted to taking a snapshot of Sara and Jessie. With much reluctance, they finally posed in front of a large boulder, sitting atop the cliff overlooking the ocean. It was a reminder of their day on the beach - as a family.
~*~
- Christmas Day -
"Stokes." He answered his phone reluctantly. "What? What do you mean? Today? It's Christmas morning! Fine, I'll try get there as soon as I can," he replied through clenched teeth. He strolled back to the living room, where Jessie, Sara and her parents assembled. Together, they sat around the Christmas tree, sipping hot chocolate in their pajamas.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Sara asked. She continued to stare at Nick, while Jessie ripped through various colored presents.
"Yeah, absolutely," he answered. "How about we get to the rest of those presents? Here Jessie, you can open the present that Warrick gave you." He was obviously trying to avoid the situation, which earned him a fixed stare from his wife.
"Nick, can I talk to you for a second?" Sara interrupted.
Nick looked up at the sound of her voice and noticed the icy glare from Sara's fiery eyes.
"Excuse us," Sara said. Together, they walked into the kitchen. "What's going on? Who called?" she asked without hesitation.
"It doesn't matter," he replied cryptically. She looked into his eyes, moments passing, waiting for him to continue. "They want me back at the lab," he confessed.
"It's Christmas morning!" she exclaimed, before realizing where she was. Inhaling deeply, she paused and looked over at her parents, who were now curiously staring at both of them.
"They want me there as soon as possible. Tomorrow. The serial case is heating up, and the lab needs me," he protested.
"Tomorrow? Yeah, that makes it a lot better," Sara dismissed sarcastically. "You know, the lab isn't the only one that needs you."
"It's--"
"Hey, Mom! Wanna guess what grandma gave me?" Jessie interrupted. She held up a striped red and white sweater, and smiled.
"That's nice sweetie, how about you come with me? I have to talk to you."
Sara smiled. "We'll leave Daddy alone for now; he needs to think some things through." She reached for the child's hand while she led her back towards the living room. "You better start packing," she urged Nick, her angry stare quite possibly lethal.
He could do nothing but stand by the kitchen sink, numb and soaked with bitterness.
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*
A/N – Ack, some parts were corny/fluffy. If you think the whole Timon & Pumbaa thing was absurd; in my defense, all I have to say is – 'they are awesome and funny.' Come on!
I don't' own 'The Lion King' or anything associated with the product. I simply borrowed them for the sake of listening to 'Hakuna Matata'.
