Here be part ten.... Hope you enjoy! I've only got one more chapter to go before it's over.... But don't worry, there's a sequel....
Family Reunion
Part IX
Jeffery and I gathered the dishes from the girls. Then my wife headed back to care for our youngest and Jack followed the three other children to wash up. (Not that he knew he was going to wash up....) I smiled to myself at the thought of my brother's response to having to wash up again. After all, he just did, no more than an hour ago.
Jeffery and I were the last ones there. Lily and Ana were curled up to Jack, Erin at the corner of the couch, reading (what's new?). Jill was in her usual seat; baby Earl, resting in her arms. But there was someone else there, as well. A dark skinned woman, wearing grimy men's clothing, a size or two too big. She was seated between Lily and Erin, who had lifted her face from her book, staring wide eyed at something the stranger had just said.
Jeffery tugged at my arm, pointing at the unknown woman. "Who's she?" He whispered shyly when I kneeled to eye level with him.
"I'm guessing she's a friend of your uncle. Perhaps his first mate." His face held the same shock mine did the night before, when I found out the news. "Yes, she's a woman, but a good friend of your Uncle Jack's, so be nice to her, alright?" He just nodded and I stood and together we entered the room.
So.... For what reason has Anamaria interrupted Jack's little visit? You'll just have to read on and find out.