"Welcome back!" the gang cheered as Laney walked into the break room. She
was followed by Sara.
The gang stood round with balloons, party poppers, a welcome back sign and a cake. It was Laney's first day back. Everyone had missed her a lot. The doctor and Sara had ordered her to stop dance, give up her job at the coffee house and to stay refined to the lab if she wanted to come back to work experience. Overall she had to take it easy. All the tests had been carried out a week and a half ago and now there were 3 and half weeks to wait for the results. Every since Laney had come out of hospital Sara had been constantly passing Laney fluids and healthy foods to eat - and today was no exception (to Laney's embarrassment).
This was the first shift Sara and Catherine had been on together since Sara's counselling session. Catherine was desperate to know how it went but she knew she'd have to wait till Sara and her were alone. The opportunity arose when Sara and Catherine were the only two in the lab analysing together.
"So how did it go?" Catherine whispered.
"How did what go?" Sara pretended to be ignorant but was secretly peeved off.
"You know perfectly well - the counsellor!" Catherine whispered.
"Painfully!. I really could have done with not dealing with hat rubbish at this point in time. I enough in the present and future to worry about! - and now you've added that rubbish on top too!. Going to the counsellor and talking about it didn't help much at all!. It just created more for me to remember and worry about!. I have enough on my mind already, Catherine!" Sara replied bluntly and angrily.
"Sorry. I just thought it might help. Sorry for caring!" Catherine gestured.
"I know you care and thank you for that. But it's just not worth it!. I feel worse than I did when I didn't deal with it. Anyway, I wasn't entirely denying it - sometimes I'd suddenly breakdown crying out the blue sometimes - and that really helped!. But that comes at an appropiate time - like when I'm alone" Sara responded.
"Didn't talking help to get it off your chest?. Face up to your past?" Catherine asked.
"Facing up to my past, did that help? - Nope!. It made me feel worse! - Denial was working real well!. Getting off chest, did that help? - Yes, a little bit. It was helpful to let go of some of that burden. But it balanced out as me being worse off" Sara exclaimed.
"Oh well. Maybe it works differently for differently people" Catherine replied disappointedly.
Sara sighed.
"Sorry Catherine. But I think I've just got too much to deal with at the moment with Laney's health to worry about and all. It's not a good time to face up to my past" Sara said quite calmly.
Sara sat down and felt glum. Suddenly it hit her!. She felt glum!. Sara's mouth dropped and her eyes elated.
"Oh my goodness!" Sara muttered.
"What's wrong? What's happened?" Catherine asked.
"In my whole entire life! - despite all the pain and rejection I've endured! - I have never felt depressed. Stressed! - yes!. I've had panic attacks, I've collapsed from stress, I've had near nervous breakdowns and I've had non stop crying fits. But never in my 32 years of life have I felt glum! - I've never felt depressed!. Until now!. I was fine until I went to your stupid counsellor!. Gees thanks Catherine!" Sara exclaimed angrily.
"No, you don't know it's that!. He's helped you, Sara!" Catherine insisted.
Sara looked at Catherine and just didn't know what to do anymore. So Sara sat down and just began to cry.
"Look Sara. Take the day off. Nick and I can deal with this fine. I'll talk to Grissom. He'll understand. I think you need to go away and take a break. It's a good job we're going to your parents this weekend isn't it?" Catherine said.
"A good job?!?. You know your right! - the depression will go away! - it will be a fight between stress and tranquillity that will stop me being depressed!" Sara said glumly.
Sara got up, took her lab coat off and left.
Catherine looked worried.
The next day, Catherine received a call. It was from Sara.
"Do you know what I realised after going home yesterday?" Sara said off the cuff.
"No" Catherine said confused and lost.
"I realised that every since I told you about Laney I've been subconsciously pushing her away!. I don't mean that I've been rejecting her again. She still knows I love her. No, the problem is I've been so pre- occupied with worrying about her father and her health that I haven't had time to - to - to goodness knows what!. Do you know what I mean?. I've been too pre-occupied to notice she's there!. That's part of the reason I'm so unhappy. She makes me happy. I've got so used to relying on her to make me happy!. Do you reckon me relying on her is good or bad?" Sara released.
"I have no idea!" Catherine said astounded.
"You o.k?. You wanna come round and talk?" Catherine asked.
"No I'm fine. I'm really gonna be fine. I've just got to do what I preach - forget where Laney came from and love her for who she is" Sara said excitedly.
"Good" Catherine said pleased.
"Right, umm, Tamales. I'll pick up you at nine o'clock on Friday morning. Our plane is at eleven thirty. O.k?" Sara said.
"O.k" Catherine said slightly astounded.
"Right Bye" Sara said happier than Catherine had heard her in a few weeks.
Catherine didn't know whether to be relieved or happy. But all she knew was Sara had been really scarying her with her behaviour of late. Yet it hadn't affected Sara's being good at her job.
Catherine was relieved to find Sara back to her normal self after that. The next day at work she was modestly happy considering her daughter's life was in the balance. Catherine noticed that Sara was more mothering to Laney ever since Laney had been in hospital. Catherine didn't know whether it was because Laney's health needed more care now or whether Catherine noticed it now because she now knew Sara was her mother. When Friday came around, Sara picked them all up and they headed to Las Vegas airport. At San Fransico airport, Sara rented a car to drive them to Tamales Bay. Throughout the entire journey, Catherine and Laney kept everyone talking. Grissom was quite quiet but as per usual Catherine and Laney were able to work their magic. On the way between San Fransico and Tamales Bay they all stopped for a drink and rest for Laney in a rest stop on the highway. While there Grissom and Laney were analysing insects in the forest - Leaving Catherine and Sara alone to talk on the bench and watch them.
"I keep wanting to call you her mom. I've had to bite my tongue many a time!. I've got so used to you being it now. At first, it took a day or two for it to sink in - but now it seems almost logical" Catherine said in passing conversation.
Sara just smiled relaxed. She was much calmer now.
After a short while, Sara called Laney and Grissom back over. Sara had made drinks and snacks for everyone.
"Your turning into your mother!" Laney laughed.
"Your turning into everyone's mother!" Grissom laughed.
"No I'm not!" Sara reacted, not knowing whether to be offended or laugh.
"Wait till you meet Libby!. No wait you've met her! - I don't mean that! - I mean wait until you're her guest!. She's one of those people who makes sure everyone's well fed and comfort - like she's competing for hostess of the year or something!" Laney commented.
"Shut up" Sara said not knowing whether to laugh or be offended - but knowing it's true!.
"And I'm not turning into my mother!. I'm a separate entity!" Sara defended playfully.
"So tell us about camp cuckoo. Why do you dislike it?" Catherine asked.
"I don't nessacerily dislike it. I had a wonderful childhood growing up. And Camp cuckoo isn't as dangerous or unhappy as other hippy places were. The people are a lot nicer than a lot of other hippies. Everyone thinks of hippies as lovey dovey peaceful people and that's not nessacerily true. But in camp cuckoo only a few aren't nice. It was a nice fun place to grow up. It's just if you don't grow up there it may seem strange. Imagine taking Southern trailer trash and planting them smack bang in the middle of a Northern state excluded from the rest of the Northern town. Then add some new age or hippy practices and your halfway there to understanding camp cuckoo!" Sara explained.
"Sara!. Don't be so racist!" Laney exclaimed ashamed.
"Your dad's not Southern though. Are the rest of camp cuckoo?" Catherine asked amused.
"No not really. That's what makes it so strange. Most of them aren't actually Southern. I mean it's not southern exactly - it's just a bit like that - but it's more like it equates to it. My mom and her siblings are southern and they have a big influence on the place - they're all like 'the founders' - so they do add that touch of Southern upbringing in there" Sara explained.
"Sara, doesn't mean to say there's anything wrong with the South. She just means it's strange plonked in the middle of the North. She's not good at being senistive with people, sorry" Alaney defended.
"Oh no!. I don't mean all Southerns - I mean you know like that Southern trailer trash stereotype" Sara defended.
"Sara, stop it!. You can't use words like 'trailer trash' especially not about the South!. You should know as well as anyone how it feels to be discriminated against!" Alaney declared.
"But they didn't live in trailers till they came to the North right?. So their not Southern trailer trash?" Catherine commented curious.
"As Grissom said - ever since they broke away from my grandparents - well, their in a class of their own!. I just mean my mom sometimes has that kind of pride you usually only see in a 'Southern with a low income' - even though she's not poor and wasn't poor when she lived in the south!. She was a millionaire. But I suppose she did always branch away from her parent's money. She made friends with the riff raff. Much to my grandparents displeasure. You really wouldn't have a clue that my parents used to be the children of millionaires - they just don't show it!. My mom didn't used to be so much like a Southern mom though!. It didn't begin until they started up that B&B and started up camp cuckoo" Sara explained.
Sara paused for thought.
"The irony is that in the end she did turn into the stereotype of a Southern girl. She ended up nineteen and pregnant and kind of turned into a housewife. I was her life and she can't let go now!" Sara commented.
"I can't see her conforming!. She's a hippy!" Catherine declared.
"She's a hypocrite" Sara muttered to herself sadly.
"And they're not hippies anymore - their 'happiness seekers'. It's different - it excludes the meaningless sex, drugs and means you can actually get a job" Sara explained.
"Your mom has loads of friends though. She's not alone - she has your dad" Laney corrected Sara.
Laney paused, looked at Sara and put her hand on Sara's in a gesture.
"You know you could never turn into your mom, Sara. Married and/or pregnant. You're a separate person and her life was a concidence" Laney comforted.
Sara turned and smiled at Laney. If only she knew she had already had a child.
Sara snapped out of her sad streak.
"Camp cuckoo isn't too bad to me. It just isn't really me. That's the only reason I detach myself from it. The only shaming thing is outsider's reaction - it can seem strange if your not used to. They don't live in the real world! - they're this secluded community who live in a time trap" Sara explained.
"Well wait, It's changed a lot. They're not hippies anymore. More like 'new age' " Alaney defended.
"All I'm saying is keep an open mind!" Sara suggested.
"Sara, I used to be a coke addicted stripper. Plus I was born in the South. I'm not exactly going to judge am I?. And I'll kick Grissom's ass if he does!. Promise." Catherine replied.
Grissom laughed.
Sara smiled.
"I still think you need to prepare yourself. But my parents are fine - Southern at worse!. Nothing too bad there. I'll introduce you to the others in a few days - ease you in. Anyway, there's lots of things I love about the place. I had some great fun as a child thanks to that place. Plus I'm technically really close to my mom - and that's because of the way she brought me up - the southern mom part and the hippie mom part. I felt very loved. It wouldn't have been the same any other way. It's just there are some things I don't agree with in the community's lifestyle. Plus it can be embarrassing when outsiders make comments!" Sara commented.
After their break it only took thirty five minutes to get to enter Tamales Bay. As soon as they entered Grissom and Catherine noticed how relaxed and happy everyone seemed. As they drove past the seafront they noticed how happy all the people on the beach seemed. There was surfers, sunbathers and children building sandcastles. Grissom and Catherine had never pictured Sara or Laney as growing up next to the beach until now. Grissom wondered whether Sara or Laney went to the beach a lot as children. Surprisingly enough, the Sidle's B & B wasn't next to the beachfront. It wasn't too far though. It was a five minute drive before Sara drove them to this forest opening. The opening was right next to a quiet main road and Sara had to turn into it. It was fenced off and there was a sign saying 'PRIVATE PROPERTY'. Next to the sign was another sign saying "Serenity forest B & B - 300 yards" and there was a little painting of a forest to brighten up the sign. Sara drove into the forest opening road. It wasn't like a dirt track. It was actually a proper little road. Grissom and Catherine were struck by how serene and tranquil the place seemed. Even Tamales Bay seemed tranquil. Everyone seemed so relaxed and tranquil. Catherine was glad Sara had come here because Catherine thought this tranquillity should be quite the ticket. It was definitely in stark contrast to Las Vegas. They went up the road about 100 yards and they all noticed four little girls. The girls seemed aged about five to seven and were playing by the roadside. They looked so happy. Two were playing tag and two were sitting on the grass making chains of flowers.
"Stupid things!. They better not run out in front of my car!. Someone needs to tell those kids they can't play next to the road!. There's acres of land and they choose next to the road!" Sara commented.
"Oh leave them alone. Their probably waiting for you!. You might not like the little kids but they still love you. Everyone misses you" Laney declared.
Sure enough when the kids noticed Sara's car they stopped what their were doing and starting frantically waving with massive grins across their faces. As they passed them by Catherine and Grissom noticed all the girls had these beautiful headdresses, necklaces, bracelets and even anklelets made of real flowers. Not just tacky flowers like daisys or dandelions but some really big, beautiful and colourful flowers. It took Catherine's breath away. After another 100 yards, Grissom and Catherine noticed the road split in two. There was a signposting for the B&B pointing down one of the roads.
"What's down the other road?" Grissom asked.
"Camp Cuckoo" Laney answered.
"So you don't actually live in Camp cuckoo?. After all that fuss!" Grissom laughed.
"It would scare all the visitors" Sara replied amused.
"No, Princess Sara lives in the palace" Laney laughed.
"What do you mean?. Are Sara's parents richer?. I would have thought all your aunts and uncles would all get the same amount of money from their parents" Catherine asked.
"She's joking!" Sara said amused.
"Well! - no other family gets quite as much as Sara's!. But that's only because Lenny married an Asian woman and Miranda is a lesbian. So, the Lintons don't have much to do with Miranda and Lenny and don't give them as much money. The Sidle grandaprents never really gave too much money away except for blackmail. They're not bad people they just believe Boby and his brother need their independence. But nah! - it isn't that Queen Libby & King Boby are richer. They don't really use their money anyway. No, I simply refer to the palace because Sara's parents are the ce-" Laney said.
But before Laney could finish the sentence Sara had suddenly stopped the car and put a hand over Laney's mouth in a split second.
"Don't!" Sara demanded.
This sudden stop shocked everyone, especially Laney. Laney couldn't work out what she'd done wrong. Sara took a deep breath and then began driving again like nothing had happened.
Before they knew it they were pulling up to the B&B. It wasn't as Grissom had expected though. It was actually a large family style home and behind it was the B&B part. It was a two storey building of purely rooms. It wasn't as tacky as a motel but it reminded him of that.
Sara's mom had been waiting anxiously on the porch for them to arrive. As soon as she saw Sara's car pull up she got up excitedly and called out,
"Boby! They're here!".
Boby came down and stood next to an excited Libby. He did show some interest but not much and he was awkward. Not shy awkward but not entirely sure how Sara felt about him this week. Libby ran over to Sara as she approached the house.
"My baby girl!" Sara's Mom exclaimed excitedly as she came over to hug her.
"Hi Mom" Sara said.
Libby looked Sara over.
"Your still nothing but skin and bones!. Have you been eating properly?" Libby declared.
"Yes mom. I've eating pretty well. I'm fine" Sara replied.
"Your looking much better than when I saw you at Alaney's bedside" Libby commented.
Libby and Sara smiled at each other.
Libby turned to Grissom and shook his hand.
"Mr Grissom" Libby greeted him.
Suddenly Libby changed her mind and her dignified behaviour soon became the opposite.
"Oh!. We're old buddies now, Gil. Come and give me a hug!" Libby declared.
Suddenly, before Grissom had time to think Libby slapped a hug round him. He was quite startled. Sara looked ashamed. Laney quietly found it hiliarious and Catherine was slightly amused. Libby turned to Catherine and held out her hand to shake.
"I'm sorry sweetie. I've forgotten your name. I know my Sara mentions it and she introduced us at the hospital - but I can't for the life of me remember what it is!. I know it begins with a K!. Let me try. Kate?. Katrina?. Karen?. Now you look like a Karen to me!" Libby commented friendily.
"Catherine" Catherine replied happy to obilge.
Libby turned and saw Laney. Her breath seemed taken away.
"Laney!", Libby marvelled, "As beautiful as ever!".
Libby went over and gave Laney the biggest hug. Laney was quite surprised. Libby had never shown Laney such love. Usually Libby avoided her.
"Leave your stuff there and Boby will take it to your rooms. Sara, will you be in your room or the B&B?. Laney, you wanna be in Daven's room?" asked Libby.
Laney was surprised but then scared.
"No!. She can go in the B&B. And as for me - I don't know" Sara said.
"Yeah, I'd prefer the B&B. I'm sorry but just in case, you know" Laney replied.
Libby paused and then her mood changed to excited again.
"Come in everyone!. Come in. You all must be so tired. We can all go have some afternoon tea. Then you can settle in your rooms afterwards. O.k.?. I've made cakes!" Libby announced to everyone.
"Oh gees. Mom, how many?" Sara asked ashamed.
"Don't take that tone with me young lady. I will make as many as I like!" Libby replied.
Thy all went into the house. As they past Boby, who was still standing on the porch, everyone shook his hand. Sara was the last to pass him. He was about to hug her - but she snubbed him.
"Stuck up bitch!" Boby muttered as he went inside.
As he approached the lounge where the others were having tea he found Libby trying to offer everyone a piece of her five cakes.
"Go on. Despite what Sara's said I don't, for the hundredth time. put anything dodgy in my tea or cakes anymore!. I promise. I really wish you'd drop that, Sara. Anyway, I'm not exactly going to offer drugs to police officers am I?" Libby said.
"Mom! I've told you a million times I'm not a police officer!" Sara exclaimed.
Boby came in and grunted like he didn't believe her.
"I'm not!" she pleaded to her dad.
"I know your not. Even though you have a gun and a badge may I mention! - it's very confusing! - but we won't go there!. But your friends might be" Libby explained.
"None of us are" Grissom laughed.
"What I don't get is why you have guns then?. It's all very confusing. But I'm glad your not a police officer dear - I wouldn't want to have to disown you!. That was a joke! - I was joking!" Libby laughed.
"Anyway mom, I don't just mean drugs. It's all reputable stores you've bought the ingredients from isn't it?. Remember that rash I got when I was seven from your dodgy antidode?" Sara explained.
"Sara, if you mean a major corporation store - then of course not!. However, I got it from a reputable village store and I don't play, with anything that people could have allergies to, anymore after that tie you blew up - you know that!. I only buy from reputable sources!" Libby defended.
"Libby darling, can have a word please?" Boby smiled sweetly.
Libby looked confused.
"Kitchen now Libby!" he shouted.
Libby gave Sara the tray and went to the kitchen. Sara gave the tray to Grissom and soon followed.
"Her name is Alaney!. Not Laney but A - laney!" Boby said angrily.
"Your point is?" Libby asked mildly peeved off.
"My point is! - you have to stop looking at her that way!. She's going to know!. She's not part of this family! - and she never will be!" Boby shouted.
Grissom, Catherine and Alaney could hear shouting but not the content. Sara entered the kitchen where her parents were. She said nothing. She just sat down.
"Oh look who it is!. Little miss nosey!. This has nothing to do with you, madame! - just go!" Boby demanded.
"No dad, this has everything to do with me!. And I'm staying right where I am thank you!" Sara insisted angrily.
Boby came towards Sara to turf her out. But Sara suddenly took her gun out her trousers and pulled it on him.
"Wow! Calm down!" Boby panicked.
"Oh gees Sara don't be so dramatic!. Put that down!. There's no need for that!. Are you trying to kill your father?. Give it here!" Libby insisted angrily.
"No" Sara replied stubbornly.
Sara put the gun back in her trousers. Libby went to get it from her but Sara just looked her straight in the eyes unimpressed. Libby gave it pause for thought and then nodded. Sara smiled but Boby wasn't happy.
"Libby!. She's a psycho with that thing!. Your unbelievable!. You know what Sara - do stay!. Because you're the worst culprit!. The way you both look at Alaney - your both mad!. For two people who don't want her to know your as good as telling her!. Your mad your both mad!" Boby declared before storming upstairs.
Libby sat down on a kitchen chair. She looked really worried and stressed. Sara came over and put an arm around her in support. After a few minutes, Libby suddenly got up. She went back over to her guests and pretended to be a beam of sunshine again.
The rest of the tea went like this. They all sat and had a civilised tea. Asked civilised questions, answered civillaly and behaved civially. Sara and Catherine noticed Libby and Grissom were getting along very well and were chatting away constantly. However Catherine was worried. She knew that goo goo look in Grissom's eye. Grissom seemed to have a soft spot for a married woman!. An amusing highlight of the tea was when Libby got Sara's childhood photographs out - to the embarrassment of Sara. Catherine and Grissom noticed that before the age was ten Sara wore hippie like clothes, bright colours and flowery dresses. But after the age of ten, her clothes were much more conservative and straight laced. Neither types of clothing were like the clothes her peers wore - but after the age of ten Sara needed to gain her independence. Catherine and Grissom noticed the pictures of tents and trailers before the age of five, but Camp cuckoo there after. There were a lot of pictures of Sara with her family including her and Daven growing up. They noticed that Daven and Sara seemed a lot closer after she was five years old. Daven just seemed to love her more into house photographs. Grissom noticed how young Libby was when she had Sara. She was nineteen and Boby was twenty five. Grissom thought to himself how beautiful she looked and how beautiful she was now. He also observed how much she looked like Sara. But most curious of all to Grissom and Catherine was how happy Boby and Sara looked in her childhood photos in stark contrast to now. He seemed a loving and fun father. In most of her pictures Sara looked like such a happy child. Grissom and Catherine were glad Sara had had a happy childhood.
After afternoon tea, Sara showed everyone to their rooms and Libby made dinner.
"Need some help?" Sara asked when she returned.
"No. You go put your feet up. You never rest! - you just work, work, work!. You've always been a workaholic - it's not healthy!" Libby declared.
Libby then took Sara's hand and pulled her into the lounge.
"Miss Sidle, I'd like to introduce you to something your not very familiar with!. It's called a chair!. Use it!" Libby said and finally slammed Sara down into it.
"Mom!. I'm not tired!. I wanna help!" Sara insisted.
Libby suddenly smiled. Sara looked confused. Suddenly Sara felt a pair of hands come over her face. A massive smile wiped across her face too. She knew immediately who it was.
"Daven?" Sara asked excitedly.
He let go of her eyes.
"The one and only!" Daven replied.
Sara got up and they hugged. Then Daven gently pushed Sara and Libby down onto the sofa. He then put his arms around both their shoulders.
"How are my two favourite ladies?" Daven asked cheekily.
"I should hope your fiance and the baby girl she's carrying and indeed your own mother are also your favourite ladies!" Libby commented jokily.
"You know you've always be like a momma to me Libby. You're my favourite stepmother!" Daven replied cheekily.
"And your only one!" Libby joked.
"Unless your mother becomes a lesbian!" Sara joked.
"Well, now you mention it, I have seen Miranda giving my Mom dodgy looks!" Daven joked.
"Is Aunt Miranda here?" Sara asked seriously
"No dear. He was just joking. Haven't you spoken to her?" Libby said.
"Only twice since Laney came. She didn't come down the hospital I noticed" Sara commented.
"That's because no one told her. She loved that kid too - it would break her heart if she knew she was ill. Anyway, it would be a slim chance that Miranda would be a match. We'll ask her if no one else is" Libby replied.
"Anyway!. Where was I?. Oh yes, how are two of my favourite ladies?" Daven asked cheekily.
"What do you want?" Libby asked.
"Nothing!" Daven laughed.
"Your early" Libby commented.
"Thought I'd help. Anyway, so is she!" Daven said.
"Your so silly, Daven!. When you gonna grow up hey?. You've got a baby on the way and all!" Sara said laughing.
Daven suddenly launched on top of Sara and started tickling her. She was in fits of laughter.
"Stop it you two!" Libby tutted.
"What happened to that help you promised me both, hey?" Libby said as she got up.
Sara and Daven got up and followed Libby to the kitchen. Daven peeled potatoes and Sara carrots.
"Hey Daven, Is Siobhan still coming?. Where is she?. Why didn't she come with you?" Libby asked.
"Calm down. She's hasn't finished work yet. She'll be along in enough time though. She's still coming" Daven laughed.
"Do you know what we need? - some music. What would you like?. Let's see - Panpipe music or the rolling stones?. Oh, fine - I get it! - you want something less us. How about Joni Mitchell?" Libby commented.
"That's not too bad" Sara replied.
"Ah Sara!. Remember this?" Libby asked when she noticed a cd in her collection.
Libby put the cd on. It was 'Wild Wild world' by Cat Stevens. Libby soon started to give a dramatic performance and mime the words along directly to Sara. Sara was embarrassed but soon laughed. Daven soon joined in with Libby. Libby soon started singing it to Daven because she wasn't getting much of a response from Sara.
"Come on, Sara, sing along" Libby urged.
"No, don't be silly I'm not six anymore!. I'm not like you guys" Sara replied.
"No, no. Let's listen to this. I brought some music of my own. You'll both love it" Daven commented.
He pulled a c.d. out from his jeans and put it on. It was 'Waves' by Majorgie Fair. After a short while he begun miming alone to the words and soon it became a dramatic performance.
"Don't give up the day job, Daven" Libby joked.
Soon Daven grabbed Sara and started to make her dance with her. A couple of minutes later, he grabbed Libby and danced with her instead. Alaney entered soon after.
"Sorry Laney, age before beauty" Daven joked.
Libby hit him. Then he offered his hand to Laney and they danced.
"Daven Sidle I've caught you messing around behind my back yet again!" a mystery female voice said.
"Siobhan!" Daven declared delighted.
Everyone smiled and laughed. Daven went over and kissed her. It had all been a joke. Libby came over and greeted Siobhan with a kiss on the cheek.
"Siobhan dear!. How are you?. How's the baby?" Libby asked concerned.
"Just as well as when you asked me two days ago, Libby. But thank you for your support. You and Daven's mother have been like second mothers to me" Siobhan laughed.
"Well, welcome to our strange but loving family!. Linda and I are all but a phone call away 24/7" Libby said.
"Mom won't thank you for saying that!" Daven joked.
"Of course she will. We're a team Linda and me. We've brought up many a child together" Libby commented.
"Linda's like a second mom to me" Sara commented.
"That's so sweet" Siobhan commented.
Sara smiled.
An hour later, everyone was sitting down to dinner. Libby is such a talkative person and had so many fascinating stories to tell. So Grissom and Catherine found her really interesting to talk to. Especially Grissom. She talked away quite proudly about her life and about her daughter Sara. Libby yet again embarrassed Sara with many a story of her childhood and of Daven's. Libby and Daven explained how Sara and Daven only became closer after his mother Linda grounded him for smoking weed. It turned out that Sara had been the only person Daven was allowed to see outside school for that whole year. So even though at first he resented Sara they soon became even closer because she was all he had. Also it was because she apparentally was adorable as a child. Daven explained that Sara was now one of his best friends. Sara and Boby remained quite quiet during the meal. This didn't seem unusual for Boby but was quite unusual for even Sara. Though Sara was not a talkative person she looked depressed, worried and quieter than usual. Libby spoke at length about her life - but left out her feelings about the Catholic church after Sara warned her not to discuss it with Grissom as it may hurt his feelings. Instead Libby explained how she'd met Boby at Berkeley when he was twenty four and she was eighteen. They'd immediately hit it off went them met at the 'non conformist movement' meetings. Libby mentioned how she'd been studying English and Boby had been studying to become a doctor. It greatly surprised Grissom and Catherine that Boby a non comformist was studying a subject such as medicine. But then Catherine realised,
"So that's where Sara gets her science head from" Catherine commented and laughed.
"Well, Libby used to love to help Sara with her science too. Remember those experiments we used to do. Exploding stuff in the backyard and making this react with that. All household stuff mind you. It's amazing the science you've got in your own house" Boby explained.
"It was mainly me and mom" Sara snapped.
Boby sighed.
Libby and Boby then explained how when Libby got pregnant it all seemed perfect timing because neither of them wanted to be stuck down with degrees or jobs. They wanted to be free from the chains of capitalism and work demands. So they left college and travelled America with their baby in tow. Boby explained that Libby is the love of his life and he knew the moment he met her. Even though Linda had got pregnant he explained that he didn't love her so they never set up home together. Libby then told how Boby and her finally married when Sara was six. She showed them the picture and Grissom thought to himself as adorable Sara looked as their bridesmaid and indeed as a child. Libby and Boby explained how their parents had forced them really into marriage. They had been cautious of the commitment and the 'chains of marriage' but in the end they found 'it was the perfect way to cement their love' and they didn't regret a second of it. Grissom's heart sank and he felt quite guilty listening to this because secretly he suspected he might have strong feelings for Libby. He knew they could never be requited because she was married and in love with Boby. But Grissom couldn't help but feel down when he had it reaffirmed. Grissom thought he'd never met such a perfect woman - she was funny, smart and so loving. She was beautiful and yet suprisingly she was around his age. He usually went for younger women. But what he feel most attracted to was her spirit. She just had such an amazing spirit. It felt like a knife in his stomach because he knew the woman of his dreams was very unavailable. And what's more he knew she could never love a boring science nerd, with the social and wooing skills of a wombat, like him.
After dinner, Libby suggested they play scrabble but Boby decided to opt out. Libby and Grissom were the clear winners throughout. Finally Libby won. They all had a wonderful laugh.
After all that excitement everyone, except Sara, went to bed around half ten. Sara didn't even attempt to sleep. Libby found Sara outside swinging on the porch swing just after midnight. Libby had gone down to the kitchen to get herself some water. Sara was sitting there with a cup of hot cocoa and a big sweater over pyjamas in tow as the winter months were approaching.
"Baby girl?. What ya doing up?. This is the first opportunity you have had to have some real sleep in months and you don't take it!" Libby said.
"I'm not tired" Sara replied.
"Course you are, baby girl. Don't lie to ME baby girl! - I know every single thing about you" Libby told her.
"Momma, stop calling me baby girl. I'm not six anymore" Sara replied.
"And in answer to your comment. Well funnily enough Mom, people don't tend to feel sleepy when their daughter is staying within a hundred yards of the person trying to kill them" Sara said sarcastically.
"Sara, your father is not going to try and kill Laney!. He's decided not to for now" Libby responded.
"You make that sound so reasonable!. Anyway, what if he changes his mind?" Sara suggested.
"Do you really think I'd put Laney in that much danger?" Libby urged.
Sara paused.
"Sadly I do" Sara replied.
"Is that really what you think?" Libby asked hurt.
"I know you don't mean to, Momma. You have good intentions but you just don't realise what your doing. You don't realise what danger you put people in. Denial isn't the answer" Sara explained honestly.
"No, that is not true!. I know exactly what I'm doing. I do!"
"What you like the several times Linda found me all alone as a baby and she had to look after me because you were too high on hallucigens to remember I exsisted. Everyone says a decent mother would never have got in that state"
"Life isn't that straightforward, Sara!. There's peer pressure and I didn't realise it would leave me in that state. And I always knew there was someone to look after you!. I would never put you in danger!"
"Well you did mom - over and over!" Sara replied.
"Anyway, getting back to Laney. You know what to do. I can't just go break your heart by doing something, Sara. It's your choice - not mine" Libby insisted.
"Yeah well some say that's a cop out" Sara replied.
"What do you say though?" Libby asked.
"I just don't know, Momma. I love you so much and I know you love me. But I just don't know anymore!. I don't have a clue what your thinking half the time" Sara replied and began crying.
Libby comforted Sara and wiped away Sara's tears.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, baby girl" Libby gestured.
"Mom!" Sara pleaded.
"So what's your plan exactly, Sa - ra?. You gonna sit up all night to catch your father knife in hand?. Get no sleep!. And what exactly are you planning to do if he does come down?. How you planning to stop him?. No wait, I forgot you've got a gun!. So great - not only are you going to lose your job but you'll go to jail for life too!" Libby commented sarcastically.
"Laney's worth it" Sara insisted.
"What happened to you saying he could never imagine killing anyone?" Libby asked.
"Now I've got Laney back in my life it's different. She's my daughter I'd die for her" Sara commented.
"I know. It's natural and I'd do the same. It's just - it's just strange to hear you say that" Libby replied.
There was silence for a few seconds as they both thought to themselves.
"What if he sneaks out the back door?" Libby asked.
Sara reached into her pocket and brought out a key.
Libby couldn't help but laugh.
"Sara, I'll make sure he doesn't go" Libby insisted.
"What you gonna do, momma?. Stay up all night?" Sara asked.
"It's better than you staying up!. You need sleep!" Libby insisted.
Sara didn't reply and they sat in silence for a bit.
"You know what you need?. It's a bit late now but remind to do it for you tomorrow. You need a nice relaxing bath. Aromatherapy essences, bubbles, candles, incense and wine!. How does that sound?. You've been so stressed lately and you don't get enough rest as it is" Libby commented.
"It's sounds great, momma. Thanks" Sara replied and then went silent again.
There a short silence again.
"It's a beautiful night" Libby commented.
"Yeah" Sara replied.
"You remember how we used to sit out and see what animals we could make out?. You wanna do that?" Libby suggested.
"No" Sara replied quiet bluntly.
"That's a shame. I swear I can make out a bee and a butterfly already" Libby commented.
The silence recommenced. In the midst of the silence Libby suddenly blurted out,
"I'm sorry" Libby confessed.
"What for?" Sara asked confused.
"I've been such a cow lately and I didn't mean to be a bad mother. I love you - I just was too young to know some things about looking after a baby. Here I got you this. Well, I made it! - To say sorry for trying to buy you with that diamond necklace. Also because I just simply love you baby" Libby said getting a handmade hippy like necklace from the house.
Sara smiled.
"I love it" Sara gestured.
"Really?. I never know with you. Sometimes your just so unlike us and sometimes you - well you nearly are!" Libby commented.
"Mom, I love it because you made for me or you bought it with thought" Sara said holding her mom's hand.
"Oh I have something else!" Libby exclaimed before re entering the house.
Libby came out with a wind chime.
"I bought this for you too" Libby gestured.
Sara smiled.
"And as for the issue of taking your daddy's side. Well it's not like that!. Your daddy's kind of right - but don't tell him I said that. You see we do have to decide what side we're going to choose - we can't just dither in-between. Either we do something or we don't. So unless we do something I've got to keep your father happy and that's all I'm doing. I'm also doing this for you baby girl! - cos you don't want your daddy to get in trouble" Libby explained.
"I know" Sara admitted.
"And he's offered Laney a kidney hasn't he?. That's gotta mean something. It definitely shows he doesn't want her dead" Libby insisted.
"He hasn't given it yet. Anyway, he may not be a match - and he knows it. And frankly mom, I don't think he'll be of any use. You can't be a donor if you're a substance abuser. That rules out half the prospective donors, including daddy and probably you" Sara suggested.
"Your daddy isn't a substance abuser!. He hardly ever touches alcohol or grass anymore. And neither do I. I told you this!" Libby insisted.
"Momma, this is serious. Are telling me that that was the truth?" Sara asked.
"Yes!" Libby insisted.
"I thought you were lying" Sara answered.
"Your daddy's only got drunk twice in six months" Libby insisted.
Sara sighed.
"Don't worry momma, I'll get some sleep. I've got a plan!" Sara reported.
"Yeah?. You gonna let me in on it?" Libby asked.
"I'm gonna sleep with Laney. If he wants to hurt her - he'll have to get through me first!" Sara said
Libby got up, smiled and kissed Sara on the forehead before going back into the house.
"Goodnight baby girl. You'll always been my baby girl!" Libby gestured.
"Mom!" Sara called out.
Libby turned and faced Sara.
"I had some really happy times as a child. And most of the time you are and always have been a fantastic mother. I think you did really well considering you were young. I think all things considered you're a really good mom. You just made some bad decision among the good ones - but no one's perfect" Sara gestured.
Libby was overcome and nearly cried. Instead she just smiled.
"That means a lot. You know sometimes I wonder to myself if you were happy as a child. I know there were some rough times but I always wondered whether they discounted the good times or not. I just was too scared to ask you though in case you told me what I dreaded to hear" Libby replied.
Libby and Sara hugged and then Libby kissed Sara's forehead one last time before going back into the house. Sara went behind the house and over to the B&B section. She approached Laney's room and used her personal set of keys to open the door. As the door opened, Alaney sat up with a jump. She was so relieved to see it was Sara.
"Why aren't you asleep?" Sara asked.
"Would you be able to sleep if a crazed killer, who's making you their No 1 target, was living in the house next to you?" Laney asked.
"I couldn't sleep either. I've had an idea. You wanna hear it?" Sara said.
"Sure" Laney replied.
"When I was younger, whether I was scared or my momma was upset, I used to sleep in bed with mom. We could try that?. It's up to you. It's normal to me but strange to some" Sara suggested.
"I'd be honoured and grateful" Laney replied.
Sara smiled and got in bed with Laney and they lay there hugging. Sara turned off the lamp and they tried to sleep there. Suddenly Sara had a thought and turned the lamp back on.
"Wait!. I nearly forgot. We need to set something up to alert us if someone's coming through the door. That's it!. My mom gave me a wind-chime. I can rig something up" Sara exclaimed.
Sara got out of bed and attached the wind-chime behind the door so that it would alert her if someone opened the door. Then she got back into the bed, hugged Laney again and they slept. They both felt so loved and so happy sleeping in each other's arms.
Around three am, Sara was awoken by the chimes going off. Laney did not awake. Sara had only slept lightly, but Laney felt so protected now Sara was there that she was deep in sleep. Sara heard Boby's voice,
"Sssh! Stupid thing!" Boby said.
Boby had a torch to guide him from the door to the bed. He didn't even check who was in the bed. As he approached he finally shone the torch over to who was in the bed and he was startled by Sara's angry face staring right at him. He jumped back in surprise.
"Gees! What are you doing here?. Shouldn't you be asleep at least?" Boby said startled.
"I could ask you the same thing" Sara whispered angrily..
"I should have guessed you'd be here. I came to check on dearest Alaney. She is my granddaughter after all" Boby sarcastically.
"Sssh! - she might hear you. You don't give a stuff about her!. Just turn around, go back to the rock you crawl out from under and don't bother coming back here any night of our stay. In fact, I think it would be better if Alaney went to stay at Miranda's from tomorrow night onwards. You obviously can't be trusted" Sara demanded.
"Can't I try to love her?" Boby asked.
"I wish you were telling the truth. But you don't fool me" Sara replied.
Boby turned around and left. When he'd finally gone, Sara returned back to sleep.
The gang stood round with balloons, party poppers, a welcome back sign and a cake. It was Laney's first day back. Everyone had missed her a lot. The doctor and Sara had ordered her to stop dance, give up her job at the coffee house and to stay refined to the lab if she wanted to come back to work experience. Overall she had to take it easy. All the tests had been carried out a week and a half ago and now there were 3 and half weeks to wait for the results. Every since Laney had come out of hospital Sara had been constantly passing Laney fluids and healthy foods to eat - and today was no exception (to Laney's embarrassment).
This was the first shift Sara and Catherine had been on together since Sara's counselling session. Catherine was desperate to know how it went but she knew she'd have to wait till Sara and her were alone. The opportunity arose when Sara and Catherine were the only two in the lab analysing together.
"So how did it go?" Catherine whispered.
"How did what go?" Sara pretended to be ignorant but was secretly peeved off.
"You know perfectly well - the counsellor!" Catherine whispered.
"Painfully!. I really could have done with not dealing with hat rubbish at this point in time. I enough in the present and future to worry about! - and now you've added that rubbish on top too!. Going to the counsellor and talking about it didn't help much at all!. It just created more for me to remember and worry about!. I have enough on my mind already, Catherine!" Sara replied bluntly and angrily.
"Sorry. I just thought it might help. Sorry for caring!" Catherine gestured.
"I know you care and thank you for that. But it's just not worth it!. I feel worse than I did when I didn't deal with it. Anyway, I wasn't entirely denying it - sometimes I'd suddenly breakdown crying out the blue sometimes - and that really helped!. But that comes at an appropiate time - like when I'm alone" Sara responded.
"Didn't talking help to get it off your chest?. Face up to your past?" Catherine asked.
"Facing up to my past, did that help? - Nope!. It made me feel worse! - Denial was working real well!. Getting off chest, did that help? - Yes, a little bit. It was helpful to let go of some of that burden. But it balanced out as me being worse off" Sara exclaimed.
"Oh well. Maybe it works differently for differently people" Catherine replied disappointedly.
Sara sighed.
"Sorry Catherine. But I think I've just got too much to deal with at the moment with Laney's health to worry about and all. It's not a good time to face up to my past" Sara said quite calmly.
Sara sat down and felt glum. Suddenly it hit her!. She felt glum!. Sara's mouth dropped and her eyes elated.
"Oh my goodness!" Sara muttered.
"What's wrong? What's happened?" Catherine asked.
"In my whole entire life! - despite all the pain and rejection I've endured! - I have never felt depressed. Stressed! - yes!. I've had panic attacks, I've collapsed from stress, I've had near nervous breakdowns and I've had non stop crying fits. But never in my 32 years of life have I felt glum! - I've never felt depressed!. Until now!. I was fine until I went to your stupid counsellor!. Gees thanks Catherine!" Sara exclaimed angrily.
"No, you don't know it's that!. He's helped you, Sara!" Catherine insisted.
Sara looked at Catherine and just didn't know what to do anymore. So Sara sat down and just began to cry.
"Look Sara. Take the day off. Nick and I can deal with this fine. I'll talk to Grissom. He'll understand. I think you need to go away and take a break. It's a good job we're going to your parents this weekend isn't it?" Catherine said.
"A good job?!?. You know your right! - the depression will go away! - it will be a fight between stress and tranquillity that will stop me being depressed!" Sara said glumly.
Sara got up, took her lab coat off and left.
Catherine looked worried.
The next day, Catherine received a call. It was from Sara.
"Do you know what I realised after going home yesterday?" Sara said off the cuff.
"No" Catherine said confused and lost.
"I realised that every since I told you about Laney I've been subconsciously pushing her away!. I don't mean that I've been rejecting her again. She still knows I love her. No, the problem is I've been so pre- occupied with worrying about her father and her health that I haven't had time to - to - to goodness knows what!. Do you know what I mean?. I've been too pre-occupied to notice she's there!. That's part of the reason I'm so unhappy. She makes me happy. I've got so used to relying on her to make me happy!. Do you reckon me relying on her is good or bad?" Sara released.
"I have no idea!" Catherine said astounded.
"You o.k?. You wanna come round and talk?" Catherine asked.
"No I'm fine. I'm really gonna be fine. I've just got to do what I preach - forget where Laney came from and love her for who she is" Sara said excitedly.
"Good" Catherine said pleased.
"Right, umm, Tamales. I'll pick up you at nine o'clock on Friday morning. Our plane is at eleven thirty. O.k?" Sara said.
"O.k" Catherine said slightly astounded.
"Right Bye" Sara said happier than Catherine had heard her in a few weeks.
Catherine didn't know whether to be relieved or happy. But all she knew was Sara had been really scarying her with her behaviour of late. Yet it hadn't affected Sara's being good at her job.
Catherine was relieved to find Sara back to her normal self after that. The next day at work she was modestly happy considering her daughter's life was in the balance. Catherine noticed that Sara was more mothering to Laney ever since Laney had been in hospital. Catherine didn't know whether it was because Laney's health needed more care now or whether Catherine noticed it now because she now knew Sara was her mother. When Friday came around, Sara picked them all up and they headed to Las Vegas airport. At San Fransico airport, Sara rented a car to drive them to Tamales Bay. Throughout the entire journey, Catherine and Laney kept everyone talking. Grissom was quite quiet but as per usual Catherine and Laney were able to work their magic. On the way between San Fransico and Tamales Bay they all stopped for a drink and rest for Laney in a rest stop on the highway. While there Grissom and Laney were analysing insects in the forest - Leaving Catherine and Sara alone to talk on the bench and watch them.
"I keep wanting to call you her mom. I've had to bite my tongue many a time!. I've got so used to you being it now. At first, it took a day or two for it to sink in - but now it seems almost logical" Catherine said in passing conversation.
Sara just smiled relaxed. She was much calmer now.
After a short while, Sara called Laney and Grissom back over. Sara had made drinks and snacks for everyone.
"Your turning into your mother!" Laney laughed.
"Your turning into everyone's mother!" Grissom laughed.
"No I'm not!" Sara reacted, not knowing whether to be offended or laugh.
"Wait till you meet Libby!. No wait you've met her! - I don't mean that! - I mean wait until you're her guest!. She's one of those people who makes sure everyone's well fed and comfort - like she's competing for hostess of the year or something!" Laney commented.
"Shut up" Sara said not knowing whether to laugh or be offended - but knowing it's true!.
"And I'm not turning into my mother!. I'm a separate entity!" Sara defended playfully.
"So tell us about camp cuckoo. Why do you dislike it?" Catherine asked.
"I don't nessacerily dislike it. I had a wonderful childhood growing up. And Camp cuckoo isn't as dangerous or unhappy as other hippy places were. The people are a lot nicer than a lot of other hippies. Everyone thinks of hippies as lovey dovey peaceful people and that's not nessacerily true. But in camp cuckoo only a few aren't nice. It was a nice fun place to grow up. It's just if you don't grow up there it may seem strange. Imagine taking Southern trailer trash and planting them smack bang in the middle of a Northern state excluded from the rest of the Northern town. Then add some new age or hippy practices and your halfway there to understanding camp cuckoo!" Sara explained.
"Sara!. Don't be so racist!" Laney exclaimed ashamed.
"Your dad's not Southern though. Are the rest of camp cuckoo?" Catherine asked amused.
"No not really. That's what makes it so strange. Most of them aren't actually Southern. I mean it's not southern exactly - it's just a bit like that - but it's more like it equates to it. My mom and her siblings are southern and they have a big influence on the place - they're all like 'the founders' - so they do add that touch of Southern upbringing in there" Sara explained.
"Sara, doesn't mean to say there's anything wrong with the South. She just means it's strange plonked in the middle of the North. She's not good at being senistive with people, sorry" Alaney defended.
"Oh no!. I don't mean all Southerns - I mean you know like that Southern trailer trash stereotype" Sara defended.
"Sara, stop it!. You can't use words like 'trailer trash' especially not about the South!. You should know as well as anyone how it feels to be discriminated against!" Alaney declared.
"But they didn't live in trailers till they came to the North right?. So their not Southern trailer trash?" Catherine commented curious.
"As Grissom said - ever since they broke away from my grandparents - well, their in a class of their own!. I just mean my mom sometimes has that kind of pride you usually only see in a 'Southern with a low income' - even though she's not poor and wasn't poor when she lived in the south!. She was a millionaire. But I suppose she did always branch away from her parent's money. She made friends with the riff raff. Much to my grandparents displeasure. You really wouldn't have a clue that my parents used to be the children of millionaires - they just don't show it!. My mom didn't used to be so much like a Southern mom though!. It didn't begin until they started up that B&B and started up camp cuckoo" Sara explained.
Sara paused for thought.
"The irony is that in the end she did turn into the stereotype of a Southern girl. She ended up nineteen and pregnant and kind of turned into a housewife. I was her life and she can't let go now!" Sara commented.
"I can't see her conforming!. She's a hippy!" Catherine declared.
"She's a hypocrite" Sara muttered to herself sadly.
"And they're not hippies anymore - their 'happiness seekers'. It's different - it excludes the meaningless sex, drugs and means you can actually get a job" Sara explained.
"Your mom has loads of friends though. She's not alone - she has your dad" Laney corrected Sara.
Laney paused, looked at Sara and put her hand on Sara's in a gesture.
"You know you could never turn into your mom, Sara. Married and/or pregnant. You're a separate person and her life was a concidence" Laney comforted.
Sara turned and smiled at Laney. If only she knew she had already had a child.
Sara snapped out of her sad streak.
"Camp cuckoo isn't too bad to me. It just isn't really me. That's the only reason I detach myself from it. The only shaming thing is outsider's reaction - it can seem strange if your not used to. They don't live in the real world! - they're this secluded community who live in a time trap" Sara explained.
"Well wait, It's changed a lot. They're not hippies anymore. More like 'new age' " Alaney defended.
"All I'm saying is keep an open mind!" Sara suggested.
"Sara, I used to be a coke addicted stripper. Plus I was born in the South. I'm not exactly going to judge am I?. And I'll kick Grissom's ass if he does!. Promise." Catherine replied.
Grissom laughed.
Sara smiled.
"I still think you need to prepare yourself. But my parents are fine - Southern at worse!. Nothing too bad there. I'll introduce you to the others in a few days - ease you in. Anyway, there's lots of things I love about the place. I had some great fun as a child thanks to that place. Plus I'm technically really close to my mom - and that's because of the way she brought me up - the southern mom part and the hippie mom part. I felt very loved. It wouldn't have been the same any other way. It's just there are some things I don't agree with in the community's lifestyle. Plus it can be embarrassing when outsiders make comments!" Sara commented.
After their break it only took thirty five minutes to get to enter Tamales Bay. As soon as they entered Grissom and Catherine noticed how relaxed and happy everyone seemed. As they drove past the seafront they noticed how happy all the people on the beach seemed. There was surfers, sunbathers and children building sandcastles. Grissom and Catherine had never pictured Sara or Laney as growing up next to the beach until now. Grissom wondered whether Sara or Laney went to the beach a lot as children. Surprisingly enough, the Sidle's B & B wasn't next to the beachfront. It wasn't too far though. It was a five minute drive before Sara drove them to this forest opening. The opening was right next to a quiet main road and Sara had to turn into it. It was fenced off and there was a sign saying 'PRIVATE PROPERTY'. Next to the sign was another sign saying "Serenity forest B & B - 300 yards" and there was a little painting of a forest to brighten up the sign. Sara drove into the forest opening road. It wasn't like a dirt track. It was actually a proper little road. Grissom and Catherine were struck by how serene and tranquil the place seemed. Even Tamales Bay seemed tranquil. Everyone seemed so relaxed and tranquil. Catherine was glad Sara had come here because Catherine thought this tranquillity should be quite the ticket. It was definitely in stark contrast to Las Vegas. They went up the road about 100 yards and they all noticed four little girls. The girls seemed aged about five to seven and were playing by the roadside. They looked so happy. Two were playing tag and two were sitting on the grass making chains of flowers.
"Stupid things!. They better not run out in front of my car!. Someone needs to tell those kids they can't play next to the road!. There's acres of land and they choose next to the road!" Sara commented.
"Oh leave them alone. Their probably waiting for you!. You might not like the little kids but they still love you. Everyone misses you" Laney declared.
Sure enough when the kids noticed Sara's car they stopped what their were doing and starting frantically waving with massive grins across their faces. As they passed them by Catherine and Grissom noticed all the girls had these beautiful headdresses, necklaces, bracelets and even anklelets made of real flowers. Not just tacky flowers like daisys or dandelions but some really big, beautiful and colourful flowers. It took Catherine's breath away. After another 100 yards, Grissom and Catherine noticed the road split in two. There was a signposting for the B&B pointing down one of the roads.
"What's down the other road?" Grissom asked.
"Camp Cuckoo" Laney answered.
"So you don't actually live in Camp cuckoo?. After all that fuss!" Grissom laughed.
"It would scare all the visitors" Sara replied amused.
"No, Princess Sara lives in the palace" Laney laughed.
"What do you mean?. Are Sara's parents richer?. I would have thought all your aunts and uncles would all get the same amount of money from their parents" Catherine asked.
"She's joking!" Sara said amused.
"Well! - no other family gets quite as much as Sara's!. But that's only because Lenny married an Asian woman and Miranda is a lesbian. So, the Lintons don't have much to do with Miranda and Lenny and don't give them as much money. The Sidle grandaprents never really gave too much money away except for blackmail. They're not bad people they just believe Boby and his brother need their independence. But nah! - it isn't that Queen Libby & King Boby are richer. They don't really use their money anyway. No, I simply refer to the palace because Sara's parents are the ce-" Laney said.
But before Laney could finish the sentence Sara had suddenly stopped the car and put a hand over Laney's mouth in a split second.
"Don't!" Sara demanded.
This sudden stop shocked everyone, especially Laney. Laney couldn't work out what she'd done wrong. Sara took a deep breath and then began driving again like nothing had happened.
Before they knew it they were pulling up to the B&B. It wasn't as Grissom had expected though. It was actually a large family style home and behind it was the B&B part. It was a two storey building of purely rooms. It wasn't as tacky as a motel but it reminded him of that.
Sara's mom had been waiting anxiously on the porch for them to arrive. As soon as she saw Sara's car pull up she got up excitedly and called out,
"Boby! They're here!".
Boby came down and stood next to an excited Libby. He did show some interest but not much and he was awkward. Not shy awkward but not entirely sure how Sara felt about him this week. Libby ran over to Sara as she approached the house.
"My baby girl!" Sara's Mom exclaimed excitedly as she came over to hug her.
"Hi Mom" Sara said.
Libby looked Sara over.
"Your still nothing but skin and bones!. Have you been eating properly?" Libby declared.
"Yes mom. I've eating pretty well. I'm fine" Sara replied.
"Your looking much better than when I saw you at Alaney's bedside" Libby commented.
Libby and Sara smiled at each other.
Libby turned to Grissom and shook his hand.
"Mr Grissom" Libby greeted him.
Suddenly Libby changed her mind and her dignified behaviour soon became the opposite.
"Oh!. We're old buddies now, Gil. Come and give me a hug!" Libby declared.
Suddenly, before Grissom had time to think Libby slapped a hug round him. He was quite startled. Sara looked ashamed. Laney quietly found it hiliarious and Catherine was slightly amused. Libby turned to Catherine and held out her hand to shake.
"I'm sorry sweetie. I've forgotten your name. I know my Sara mentions it and she introduced us at the hospital - but I can't for the life of me remember what it is!. I know it begins with a K!. Let me try. Kate?. Katrina?. Karen?. Now you look like a Karen to me!" Libby commented friendily.
"Catherine" Catherine replied happy to obilge.
Libby turned and saw Laney. Her breath seemed taken away.
"Laney!", Libby marvelled, "As beautiful as ever!".
Libby went over and gave Laney the biggest hug. Laney was quite surprised. Libby had never shown Laney such love. Usually Libby avoided her.
"Leave your stuff there and Boby will take it to your rooms. Sara, will you be in your room or the B&B?. Laney, you wanna be in Daven's room?" asked Libby.
Laney was surprised but then scared.
"No!. She can go in the B&B. And as for me - I don't know" Sara said.
"Yeah, I'd prefer the B&B. I'm sorry but just in case, you know" Laney replied.
Libby paused and then her mood changed to excited again.
"Come in everyone!. Come in. You all must be so tired. We can all go have some afternoon tea. Then you can settle in your rooms afterwards. O.k.?. I've made cakes!" Libby announced to everyone.
"Oh gees. Mom, how many?" Sara asked ashamed.
"Don't take that tone with me young lady. I will make as many as I like!" Libby replied.
Thy all went into the house. As they past Boby, who was still standing on the porch, everyone shook his hand. Sara was the last to pass him. He was about to hug her - but she snubbed him.
"Stuck up bitch!" Boby muttered as he went inside.
As he approached the lounge where the others were having tea he found Libby trying to offer everyone a piece of her five cakes.
"Go on. Despite what Sara's said I don't, for the hundredth time. put anything dodgy in my tea or cakes anymore!. I promise. I really wish you'd drop that, Sara. Anyway, I'm not exactly going to offer drugs to police officers am I?" Libby said.
"Mom! I've told you a million times I'm not a police officer!" Sara exclaimed.
Boby came in and grunted like he didn't believe her.
"I'm not!" she pleaded to her dad.
"I know your not. Even though you have a gun and a badge may I mention! - it's very confusing! - but we won't go there!. But your friends might be" Libby explained.
"None of us are" Grissom laughed.
"What I don't get is why you have guns then?. It's all very confusing. But I'm glad your not a police officer dear - I wouldn't want to have to disown you!. That was a joke! - I was joking!" Libby laughed.
"Anyway mom, I don't just mean drugs. It's all reputable stores you've bought the ingredients from isn't it?. Remember that rash I got when I was seven from your dodgy antidode?" Sara explained.
"Sara, if you mean a major corporation store - then of course not!. However, I got it from a reputable village store and I don't play, with anything that people could have allergies to, anymore after that tie you blew up - you know that!. I only buy from reputable sources!" Libby defended.
"Libby darling, can have a word please?" Boby smiled sweetly.
Libby looked confused.
"Kitchen now Libby!" he shouted.
Libby gave Sara the tray and went to the kitchen. Sara gave the tray to Grissom and soon followed.
"Her name is Alaney!. Not Laney but A - laney!" Boby said angrily.
"Your point is?" Libby asked mildly peeved off.
"My point is! - you have to stop looking at her that way!. She's going to know!. She's not part of this family! - and she never will be!" Boby shouted.
Grissom, Catherine and Alaney could hear shouting but not the content. Sara entered the kitchen where her parents were. She said nothing. She just sat down.
"Oh look who it is!. Little miss nosey!. This has nothing to do with you, madame! - just go!" Boby demanded.
"No dad, this has everything to do with me!. And I'm staying right where I am thank you!" Sara insisted angrily.
Boby came towards Sara to turf her out. But Sara suddenly took her gun out her trousers and pulled it on him.
"Wow! Calm down!" Boby panicked.
"Oh gees Sara don't be so dramatic!. Put that down!. There's no need for that!. Are you trying to kill your father?. Give it here!" Libby insisted angrily.
"No" Sara replied stubbornly.
Sara put the gun back in her trousers. Libby went to get it from her but Sara just looked her straight in the eyes unimpressed. Libby gave it pause for thought and then nodded. Sara smiled but Boby wasn't happy.
"Libby!. She's a psycho with that thing!. Your unbelievable!. You know what Sara - do stay!. Because you're the worst culprit!. The way you both look at Alaney - your both mad!. For two people who don't want her to know your as good as telling her!. Your mad your both mad!" Boby declared before storming upstairs.
Libby sat down on a kitchen chair. She looked really worried and stressed. Sara came over and put an arm around her in support. After a few minutes, Libby suddenly got up. She went back over to her guests and pretended to be a beam of sunshine again.
The rest of the tea went like this. They all sat and had a civilised tea. Asked civilised questions, answered civillaly and behaved civially. Sara and Catherine noticed Libby and Grissom were getting along very well and were chatting away constantly. However Catherine was worried. She knew that goo goo look in Grissom's eye. Grissom seemed to have a soft spot for a married woman!. An amusing highlight of the tea was when Libby got Sara's childhood photographs out - to the embarrassment of Sara. Catherine and Grissom noticed that before the age was ten Sara wore hippie like clothes, bright colours and flowery dresses. But after the age of ten, her clothes were much more conservative and straight laced. Neither types of clothing were like the clothes her peers wore - but after the age of ten Sara needed to gain her independence. Catherine and Grissom noticed the pictures of tents and trailers before the age of five, but Camp cuckoo there after. There were a lot of pictures of Sara with her family including her and Daven growing up. They noticed that Daven and Sara seemed a lot closer after she was five years old. Daven just seemed to love her more into house photographs. Grissom noticed how young Libby was when she had Sara. She was nineteen and Boby was twenty five. Grissom thought to himself how beautiful she looked and how beautiful she was now. He also observed how much she looked like Sara. But most curious of all to Grissom and Catherine was how happy Boby and Sara looked in her childhood photos in stark contrast to now. He seemed a loving and fun father. In most of her pictures Sara looked like such a happy child. Grissom and Catherine were glad Sara had had a happy childhood.
After afternoon tea, Sara showed everyone to their rooms and Libby made dinner.
"Need some help?" Sara asked when she returned.
"No. You go put your feet up. You never rest! - you just work, work, work!. You've always been a workaholic - it's not healthy!" Libby declared.
Libby then took Sara's hand and pulled her into the lounge.
"Miss Sidle, I'd like to introduce you to something your not very familiar with!. It's called a chair!. Use it!" Libby said and finally slammed Sara down into it.
"Mom!. I'm not tired!. I wanna help!" Sara insisted.
Libby suddenly smiled. Sara looked confused. Suddenly Sara felt a pair of hands come over her face. A massive smile wiped across her face too. She knew immediately who it was.
"Daven?" Sara asked excitedly.
He let go of her eyes.
"The one and only!" Daven replied.
Sara got up and they hugged. Then Daven gently pushed Sara and Libby down onto the sofa. He then put his arms around both their shoulders.
"How are my two favourite ladies?" Daven asked cheekily.
"I should hope your fiance and the baby girl she's carrying and indeed your own mother are also your favourite ladies!" Libby commented jokily.
"You know you've always be like a momma to me Libby. You're my favourite stepmother!" Daven replied cheekily.
"And your only one!" Libby joked.
"Unless your mother becomes a lesbian!" Sara joked.
"Well, now you mention it, I have seen Miranda giving my Mom dodgy looks!" Daven joked.
"Is Aunt Miranda here?" Sara asked seriously
"No dear. He was just joking. Haven't you spoken to her?" Libby said.
"Only twice since Laney came. She didn't come down the hospital I noticed" Sara commented.
"That's because no one told her. She loved that kid too - it would break her heart if she knew she was ill. Anyway, it would be a slim chance that Miranda would be a match. We'll ask her if no one else is" Libby replied.
"Anyway!. Where was I?. Oh yes, how are two of my favourite ladies?" Daven asked cheekily.
"What do you want?" Libby asked.
"Nothing!" Daven laughed.
"Your early" Libby commented.
"Thought I'd help. Anyway, so is she!" Daven said.
"Your so silly, Daven!. When you gonna grow up hey?. You've got a baby on the way and all!" Sara said laughing.
Daven suddenly launched on top of Sara and started tickling her. She was in fits of laughter.
"Stop it you two!" Libby tutted.
"What happened to that help you promised me both, hey?" Libby said as she got up.
Sara and Daven got up and followed Libby to the kitchen. Daven peeled potatoes and Sara carrots.
"Hey Daven, Is Siobhan still coming?. Where is she?. Why didn't she come with you?" Libby asked.
"Calm down. She's hasn't finished work yet. She'll be along in enough time though. She's still coming" Daven laughed.
"Do you know what we need? - some music. What would you like?. Let's see - Panpipe music or the rolling stones?. Oh, fine - I get it! - you want something less us. How about Joni Mitchell?" Libby commented.
"That's not too bad" Sara replied.
"Ah Sara!. Remember this?" Libby asked when she noticed a cd in her collection.
Libby put the cd on. It was 'Wild Wild world' by Cat Stevens. Libby soon started to give a dramatic performance and mime the words along directly to Sara. Sara was embarrassed but soon laughed. Daven soon joined in with Libby. Libby soon started singing it to Daven because she wasn't getting much of a response from Sara.
"Come on, Sara, sing along" Libby urged.
"No, don't be silly I'm not six anymore!. I'm not like you guys" Sara replied.
"No, no. Let's listen to this. I brought some music of my own. You'll both love it" Daven commented.
He pulled a c.d. out from his jeans and put it on. It was 'Waves' by Majorgie Fair. After a short while he begun miming alone to the words and soon it became a dramatic performance.
"Don't give up the day job, Daven" Libby joked.
Soon Daven grabbed Sara and started to make her dance with her. A couple of minutes later, he grabbed Libby and danced with her instead. Alaney entered soon after.
"Sorry Laney, age before beauty" Daven joked.
Libby hit him. Then he offered his hand to Laney and they danced.
"Daven Sidle I've caught you messing around behind my back yet again!" a mystery female voice said.
"Siobhan!" Daven declared delighted.
Everyone smiled and laughed. Daven went over and kissed her. It had all been a joke. Libby came over and greeted Siobhan with a kiss on the cheek.
"Siobhan dear!. How are you?. How's the baby?" Libby asked concerned.
"Just as well as when you asked me two days ago, Libby. But thank you for your support. You and Daven's mother have been like second mothers to me" Siobhan laughed.
"Well, welcome to our strange but loving family!. Linda and I are all but a phone call away 24/7" Libby said.
"Mom won't thank you for saying that!" Daven joked.
"Of course she will. We're a team Linda and me. We've brought up many a child together" Libby commented.
"Linda's like a second mom to me" Sara commented.
"That's so sweet" Siobhan commented.
Sara smiled.
An hour later, everyone was sitting down to dinner. Libby is such a talkative person and had so many fascinating stories to tell. So Grissom and Catherine found her really interesting to talk to. Especially Grissom. She talked away quite proudly about her life and about her daughter Sara. Libby yet again embarrassed Sara with many a story of her childhood and of Daven's. Libby and Daven explained how Sara and Daven only became closer after his mother Linda grounded him for smoking weed. It turned out that Sara had been the only person Daven was allowed to see outside school for that whole year. So even though at first he resented Sara they soon became even closer because she was all he had. Also it was because she apparentally was adorable as a child. Daven explained that Sara was now one of his best friends. Sara and Boby remained quite quiet during the meal. This didn't seem unusual for Boby but was quite unusual for even Sara. Though Sara was not a talkative person she looked depressed, worried and quieter than usual. Libby spoke at length about her life - but left out her feelings about the Catholic church after Sara warned her not to discuss it with Grissom as it may hurt his feelings. Instead Libby explained how she'd met Boby at Berkeley when he was twenty four and she was eighteen. They'd immediately hit it off went them met at the 'non conformist movement' meetings. Libby mentioned how she'd been studying English and Boby had been studying to become a doctor. It greatly surprised Grissom and Catherine that Boby a non comformist was studying a subject such as medicine. But then Catherine realised,
"So that's where Sara gets her science head from" Catherine commented and laughed.
"Well, Libby used to love to help Sara with her science too. Remember those experiments we used to do. Exploding stuff in the backyard and making this react with that. All household stuff mind you. It's amazing the science you've got in your own house" Boby explained.
"It was mainly me and mom" Sara snapped.
Boby sighed.
Libby and Boby then explained how when Libby got pregnant it all seemed perfect timing because neither of them wanted to be stuck down with degrees or jobs. They wanted to be free from the chains of capitalism and work demands. So they left college and travelled America with their baby in tow. Boby explained that Libby is the love of his life and he knew the moment he met her. Even though Linda had got pregnant he explained that he didn't love her so they never set up home together. Libby then told how Boby and her finally married when Sara was six. She showed them the picture and Grissom thought to himself as adorable Sara looked as their bridesmaid and indeed as a child. Libby and Boby explained how their parents had forced them really into marriage. They had been cautious of the commitment and the 'chains of marriage' but in the end they found 'it was the perfect way to cement their love' and they didn't regret a second of it. Grissom's heart sank and he felt quite guilty listening to this because secretly he suspected he might have strong feelings for Libby. He knew they could never be requited because she was married and in love with Boby. But Grissom couldn't help but feel down when he had it reaffirmed. Grissom thought he'd never met such a perfect woman - she was funny, smart and so loving. She was beautiful and yet suprisingly she was around his age. He usually went for younger women. But what he feel most attracted to was her spirit. She just had such an amazing spirit. It felt like a knife in his stomach because he knew the woman of his dreams was very unavailable. And what's more he knew she could never love a boring science nerd, with the social and wooing skills of a wombat, like him.
After dinner, Libby suggested they play scrabble but Boby decided to opt out. Libby and Grissom were the clear winners throughout. Finally Libby won. They all had a wonderful laugh.
After all that excitement everyone, except Sara, went to bed around half ten. Sara didn't even attempt to sleep. Libby found Sara outside swinging on the porch swing just after midnight. Libby had gone down to the kitchen to get herself some water. Sara was sitting there with a cup of hot cocoa and a big sweater over pyjamas in tow as the winter months were approaching.
"Baby girl?. What ya doing up?. This is the first opportunity you have had to have some real sleep in months and you don't take it!" Libby said.
"I'm not tired" Sara replied.
"Course you are, baby girl. Don't lie to ME baby girl! - I know every single thing about you" Libby told her.
"Momma, stop calling me baby girl. I'm not six anymore" Sara replied.
"And in answer to your comment. Well funnily enough Mom, people don't tend to feel sleepy when their daughter is staying within a hundred yards of the person trying to kill them" Sara said sarcastically.
"Sara, your father is not going to try and kill Laney!. He's decided not to for now" Libby responded.
"You make that sound so reasonable!. Anyway, what if he changes his mind?" Sara suggested.
"Do you really think I'd put Laney in that much danger?" Libby urged.
Sara paused.
"Sadly I do" Sara replied.
"Is that really what you think?" Libby asked hurt.
"I know you don't mean to, Momma. You have good intentions but you just don't realise what your doing. You don't realise what danger you put people in. Denial isn't the answer" Sara explained honestly.
"No, that is not true!. I know exactly what I'm doing. I do!"
"What you like the several times Linda found me all alone as a baby and she had to look after me because you were too high on hallucigens to remember I exsisted. Everyone says a decent mother would never have got in that state"
"Life isn't that straightforward, Sara!. There's peer pressure and I didn't realise it would leave me in that state. And I always knew there was someone to look after you!. I would never put you in danger!"
"Well you did mom - over and over!" Sara replied.
"Anyway, getting back to Laney. You know what to do. I can't just go break your heart by doing something, Sara. It's your choice - not mine" Libby insisted.
"Yeah well some say that's a cop out" Sara replied.
"What do you say though?" Libby asked.
"I just don't know, Momma. I love you so much and I know you love me. But I just don't know anymore!. I don't have a clue what your thinking half the time" Sara replied and began crying.
Libby comforted Sara and wiped away Sara's tears.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, baby girl" Libby gestured.
"Mom!" Sara pleaded.
"So what's your plan exactly, Sa - ra?. You gonna sit up all night to catch your father knife in hand?. Get no sleep!. And what exactly are you planning to do if he does come down?. How you planning to stop him?. No wait, I forgot you've got a gun!. So great - not only are you going to lose your job but you'll go to jail for life too!" Libby commented sarcastically.
"Laney's worth it" Sara insisted.
"What happened to you saying he could never imagine killing anyone?" Libby asked.
"Now I've got Laney back in my life it's different. She's my daughter I'd die for her" Sara commented.
"I know. It's natural and I'd do the same. It's just - it's just strange to hear you say that" Libby replied.
There was silence for a few seconds as they both thought to themselves.
"What if he sneaks out the back door?" Libby asked.
Sara reached into her pocket and brought out a key.
Libby couldn't help but laugh.
"Sara, I'll make sure he doesn't go" Libby insisted.
"What you gonna do, momma?. Stay up all night?" Sara asked.
"It's better than you staying up!. You need sleep!" Libby insisted.
Sara didn't reply and they sat in silence for a bit.
"You know what you need?. It's a bit late now but remind to do it for you tomorrow. You need a nice relaxing bath. Aromatherapy essences, bubbles, candles, incense and wine!. How does that sound?. You've been so stressed lately and you don't get enough rest as it is" Libby commented.
"It's sounds great, momma. Thanks" Sara replied and then went silent again.
There a short silence again.
"It's a beautiful night" Libby commented.
"Yeah" Sara replied.
"You remember how we used to sit out and see what animals we could make out?. You wanna do that?" Libby suggested.
"No" Sara replied quiet bluntly.
"That's a shame. I swear I can make out a bee and a butterfly already" Libby commented.
The silence recommenced. In the midst of the silence Libby suddenly blurted out,
"I'm sorry" Libby confessed.
"What for?" Sara asked confused.
"I've been such a cow lately and I didn't mean to be a bad mother. I love you - I just was too young to know some things about looking after a baby. Here I got you this. Well, I made it! - To say sorry for trying to buy you with that diamond necklace. Also because I just simply love you baby" Libby said getting a handmade hippy like necklace from the house.
Sara smiled.
"I love it" Sara gestured.
"Really?. I never know with you. Sometimes your just so unlike us and sometimes you - well you nearly are!" Libby commented.
"Mom, I love it because you made for me or you bought it with thought" Sara said holding her mom's hand.
"Oh I have something else!" Libby exclaimed before re entering the house.
Libby came out with a wind chime.
"I bought this for you too" Libby gestured.
Sara smiled.
"And as for the issue of taking your daddy's side. Well it's not like that!. Your daddy's kind of right - but don't tell him I said that. You see we do have to decide what side we're going to choose - we can't just dither in-between. Either we do something or we don't. So unless we do something I've got to keep your father happy and that's all I'm doing. I'm also doing this for you baby girl! - cos you don't want your daddy to get in trouble" Libby explained.
"I know" Sara admitted.
"And he's offered Laney a kidney hasn't he?. That's gotta mean something. It definitely shows he doesn't want her dead" Libby insisted.
"He hasn't given it yet. Anyway, he may not be a match - and he knows it. And frankly mom, I don't think he'll be of any use. You can't be a donor if you're a substance abuser. That rules out half the prospective donors, including daddy and probably you" Sara suggested.
"Your daddy isn't a substance abuser!. He hardly ever touches alcohol or grass anymore. And neither do I. I told you this!" Libby insisted.
"Momma, this is serious. Are telling me that that was the truth?" Sara asked.
"Yes!" Libby insisted.
"I thought you were lying" Sara answered.
"Your daddy's only got drunk twice in six months" Libby insisted.
Sara sighed.
"Don't worry momma, I'll get some sleep. I've got a plan!" Sara reported.
"Yeah?. You gonna let me in on it?" Libby asked.
"I'm gonna sleep with Laney. If he wants to hurt her - he'll have to get through me first!" Sara said
Libby got up, smiled and kissed Sara on the forehead before going back into the house.
"Goodnight baby girl. You'll always been my baby girl!" Libby gestured.
"Mom!" Sara called out.
Libby turned and faced Sara.
"I had some really happy times as a child. And most of the time you are and always have been a fantastic mother. I think you did really well considering you were young. I think all things considered you're a really good mom. You just made some bad decision among the good ones - but no one's perfect" Sara gestured.
Libby was overcome and nearly cried. Instead she just smiled.
"That means a lot. You know sometimes I wonder to myself if you were happy as a child. I know there were some rough times but I always wondered whether they discounted the good times or not. I just was too scared to ask you though in case you told me what I dreaded to hear" Libby replied.
Libby and Sara hugged and then Libby kissed Sara's forehead one last time before going back into the house. Sara went behind the house and over to the B&B section. She approached Laney's room and used her personal set of keys to open the door. As the door opened, Alaney sat up with a jump. She was so relieved to see it was Sara.
"Why aren't you asleep?" Sara asked.
"Would you be able to sleep if a crazed killer, who's making you their No 1 target, was living in the house next to you?" Laney asked.
"I couldn't sleep either. I've had an idea. You wanna hear it?" Sara said.
"Sure" Laney replied.
"When I was younger, whether I was scared or my momma was upset, I used to sleep in bed with mom. We could try that?. It's up to you. It's normal to me but strange to some" Sara suggested.
"I'd be honoured and grateful" Laney replied.
Sara smiled and got in bed with Laney and they lay there hugging. Sara turned off the lamp and they tried to sleep there. Suddenly Sara had a thought and turned the lamp back on.
"Wait!. I nearly forgot. We need to set something up to alert us if someone's coming through the door. That's it!. My mom gave me a wind-chime. I can rig something up" Sara exclaimed.
Sara got out of bed and attached the wind-chime behind the door so that it would alert her if someone opened the door. Then she got back into the bed, hugged Laney again and they slept. They both felt so loved and so happy sleeping in each other's arms.
Around three am, Sara was awoken by the chimes going off. Laney did not awake. Sara had only slept lightly, but Laney felt so protected now Sara was there that she was deep in sleep. Sara heard Boby's voice,
"Sssh! Stupid thing!" Boby said.
Boby had a torch to guide him from the door to the bed. He didn't even check who was in the bed. As he approached he finally shone the torch over to who was in the bed and he was startled by Sara's angry face staring right at him. He jumped back in surprise.
"Gees! What are you doing here?. Shouldn't you be asleep at least?" Boby said startled.
"I could ask you the same thing" Sara whispered angrily..
"I should have guessed you'd be here. I came to check on dearest Alaney. She is my granddaughter after all" Boby sarcastically.
"Sssh! - she might hear you. You don't give a stuff about her!. Just turn around, go back to the rock you crawl out from under and don't bother coming back here any night of our stay. In fact, I think it would be better if Alaney went to stay at Miranda's from tomorrow night onwards. You obviously can't be trusted" Sara demanded.
"Can't I try to love her?" Boby asked.
"I wish you were telling the truth. But you don't fool me" Sara replied.
Boby turned around and left. When he'd finally gone, Sara returned back to sleep.