A/N: You know, it's sad when we have to start deleting discriminating and inconsiderate reviews. kursk: You've waited so long for this event, so I'm dedicating this chapter to you! Chrios: Well, once you do see it, I'm sure that you'll absolutely love it! colorado2: LOL That line was awesome! Sorry for the late update. As with my other story, I had planned to update on Thanksgiving, but my parakeet passed away and I hadn't really been online since then.
4.21 To Have And To Harold
----June 15, 2005 (Graduation Day)----
"Amy Abbott!" The Principle called, as he held up a small roll of paper.
Amy made her way onto the stage, smiling broadly. She graciously took the paper and held up it up proudly, as the crowd of graduating students cheered wildly, then she made her way off the stage over to Clara Abara, who had been the first to get her diploma.
"Congratulations." Clara said, as she shook Amy's hand.
"Thank you." Amy smiled.
"You're really something, Amy. I mean, a baby and school...wow!"
Amy blushed. "Well, I couldn't have done it without my family and everyone else in my life. I can't take all the credit."
"Well, you're inspiring just the same." Clara nodded, as Sharlene Abrams joined her and Amy.
"Congrats Clara, Amy." Sharlene greeted.
"Congratulations yourself." Amy said.
Sharlene exchanged hugs with Amy and Clara.
"Daniel Arson!" The Principle called, then watched a young man begin to ascend the stage.
Amy clasped her hands together. This is so exciting! She thought, as she anxiously waited for Ephram's name to be called. "Congrats Danny!" She called, as Daniel approached the small group.
"Thanks, Amy! I guess your English help back in elementary school really paid off, 'eh?" Daniel said, with a winning grin.
Amy rolled her eyes, as she gave Daniel a hug. "Hey, anything for a friend, right?"
Daniel nodded. "You sure are a tough one, Ames."
A few more people began to join the steadily forming group, breaking off into smaller groups, and forming other conversations.
Before Amy could respond to Daniel, the Principle was talking again. "Richard Bernamere!"
"They're in the 'B' names Andy!" Nina squealed with excitement. "Ephram's not far away!" She lightly rocked Julia in her arms. "Aren't you the excited one, Miss Julia?" She asked, as she tickled the palm of Julia's small hand.
Julia let out a coo and wiggled her fingers, twisting them into Nina's long blonde hair.
Andy laughed at his grandchild. "I think it's safe to say that she really likes you. You know, Nina, you'd make a great grandmother." He placed his arm around Nina's shoulders.
Nina blushed. "Well, not that I want to yet.." She replied, as she felt a tingle run up her spine, when she felt Andy's arm around her shoulders. "Sam's only eight."
"Have they called his name yet?" Madison asked, as she made her way over to the row of chairs where Ephram and Amy's families were seated. She held Kelly in her arms.
"No, but it looks like he'll be called any moment. They're already in the 'br' names!" Delia exclaimed, as she pulled her coat out of the chair that Madison had been sitting in earlier, before Kelly needed a diaper change. "They just called 'Brose'!"
Madison seated herself between Delia and Nina.
"I think he's next! I think he's next!" Delia said, as she waved her hand wildly at the stage. "Shh!"
Andy and Nina exchanged amused looks, then directed their attention at the stage.
The Principle picked up the next diploma and looked ahead. "Ephram Brown!"
Ephram crossed the stage, over to the school Principle, and proudly accepted his diploma. Here it is! He thought, as he held up his prize and heard the crowd give him a round of applause. "Thank you!" He told his Principle.
"It was a pleasure having you here, Mr. Brown." The Principle said, quietly.
Ephram made his way off the stage, over to Amy and the rest of the people who had gone before him.
Amy threw her arms around the lover of her life, showering his face with kisses. "I'm so proud of you!"
"And I, you!" Ephram laughed, as he pulled away from his beautiful fiance and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"Hey man, congrats!" Paul Blitheman said, as he gave Ephram a reassuring pat on the back.
"You too, Paul!" Ephram said, as he exchanged a handshake with Paul.
----1 Hour Later----
"And lastly, I'd just like to say....Good luck in the years ahead, class of two-thousand-four to two-thousand-five!" Lana Kiko, the valedictorian, announced as she finished her speech.
The entire 2004-2005 class cheered, as well as the audience, and then all of their graduation hats went flying into the air.
Amy and Ephram pressed their lips together, sharing a moment in the middle of all the excitement. They had made it through high school and now they were about to step into the real world; there were so many new challenges ahead, but they knew that they were going to face them head on!
----July 4, 2005----
Amy stood in front of a full mirror. A soft yellow glow, from the lamp, illuminated the room. She ran a hand across her soft, white satin dress, that billowed out from the waist on down. The ends of the dress just barely hung above the ground and were trimmed in frilly, white lace. The top of the dress hung just right; not too low, but it did show just enough of Amy's bare neck, which was perfect for a necklace to hang. The top of the dress went down to Amy's waist, meeting the skirt at a 'v' type waist. The sleeves were long and went all the way down to her wrists, then there was a slip of fabric formed into a 'v' shape and extended to the middle finger on each of Amy's hands. The dress is so beautiful! She thought, as she did a little spin in front of the mirror. The dress had been Rose's, when she was married to Harold. Since Rose had only been 19-years-old when she and Harold were married, because not only did she know Harold was 'the one', but she was also pregnant with Bright, the dress had been perfect for Amy; it had not needed any adjusting. Rose had given it to her as her, 'something old'.
"You look beautiful, dear!" Rose's voice floated through the room.
Amy spun around, rushing into her Mother's arms. "Oh Mom!"
Rose wrapped her arms tightly around her daughter. She wore a slightly professional looking baby blue skirt and matching long sleeved jacket, with a white blouse under the jacket. Her heels had been colored to match her suit and she wore simple pearl earrings.
"I'm so nervous!" Amy said, as she buried her head into her Mother's shoulder.
"I know, I know." Rose whispered, as she gently rubbed her daughter's back. "I was too, when I married your Father. Just be thankful that you aren't pregnant at the same time." Rose said, with a light tone. "You'll be fine."
Amy lead her Mother over to a couple of chairs and sat down. "Do you really believe that?"
"Of course!" Rose replied. "Once everything is said and done, you'll think that you're the happiest woman alive."
Amy chuckled. "'Mrs. Amy Brown'." Amy said, trying to get a feel for her upcoming title. "I'm really going to be married! I'm going to be Ephram's wife....A wife, Mom! A wife! Can you believe it?"
Rose shook her head. "Nope." Rose said. "I'll always think of you as my baby." Rose said, as she blinked back a few joyful tears.
Amy hugged her Mother again. "I will always be your baby, Mom." Then a light knocking filled her ears.
"Yes?" Rose asked, as she looked at the closed door.
----
"Amy? Mrs. Abbott?" Madison asked, from the other side of the door. She held a medium sized box in one hand. She was beautifully dressed in a knee length peach colored dress, that had a little flowing skirt at the bottom. The dressed wasn't too tight or too loose, but rather perfect fitting. They were short sleeves, that flowed over Madison's shoulders and she wore colored heels to match the dress. "It's Madison!"
----
"Come in!" Amy called.
----
Madison opened the door and stepped in, shutting the door behind her. "Wow, Amy, you look amazing!"
Amy blushed. "Thank you."
"I really love the dress." Madison complimented.
"Thanks. It was my Mom's."
"You have really nice taste, Mrs. Abbott."
"Well, thank you, Madison. That's very sweet of you." Rose replied, cheerfully.
"I have the shoes." Madison said, as she pulled the top off the box in her hands and pulled out a pair of satin white heels, covered with a layer of fine white lace.
"They're beautiful!" Amy gushed, as she stared at the heels. "How can I ever thank you for letting me use them as my, 'something borrowed'?"
Madison shook her head and handed the shoes to her roommate. "Don't worry about it. Just have a good time, okay?"
"Thank you so much, Madison!" Amy exclaimed, as she slipped Madison's shoes onto her feet. Then she stood up, with the dress just a little bit higher above the ground.
"I feel like a princess." Amy said, with a roll of her eyes. "Wow, that sounds so corny."
Madison laughed. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, you look like one too."
"Thanks." Amy's eyes glanced Madison up and down. "You look really nice too."
Madison shrugged. "Well, you were the one who picked out the bridesmaids' dresses. Which, by the way, are really pretty as well. I love this peach color! I think Delia does too."
"Where is Delia?" Amy asked, suddenly thinking about her fiance's little sister.
"Oh, she should be here...." Madison's voice was cut off by a loud series of knocks on the door.
"Right now." All three women finished, in unison.
"Come in, Delia!" Amy called.
The door swung open and the 12-year-old skipped inside. "Whoa! Amy, you look so cool!" Delia exclaimed, as she pushed the door shut, behind her.
"Thank you so much, Delia!" Amy said, as she seated herself. She twitched her fingers at her soon to be sister-in-law. "You look really nice too."
Delia spun around, showing off her dress; it was exactly like Madison's, but made to fit a 12-year-old. Delia, however, wore a pair of dainty white shoes with little heels, instead of colored high heels. "Thanks, Amy!" She proudly held up a small, white purse and pulled out a little red box. "Open it." She said, as she handed the box to Amy.
Amy carefully flipped open the red box and a smile quickly spread across her lips. "Oh, Delia! This is so sweet of you!"
"I want you to keep it." Delia said.
"Are you sure?" Amy asked. She pulled a small silver clip, encrusted with little sapphires, from the box.
"One-hundred percent." Delia answered, sincerely.
"It's beautiful, Delia. Where ever did you get it?" Rose asked.
"I saved up my allowance and then Dad helped me with the rest." Delia stated, proudly.
"Delia, you didn't have to." Amy said, as she admired the gift.
"But I wanted to!" Delia exclaimed. She walked over to an opened box, containing Amy's veil. She picked it up, walked over to the woman that would be her sister-in-law in a matter of hours, and took the clip. She attached the clip to the veil. "Can I put it in your hair?"
Amy exchanged looks with her Mother and Madison, then she nodded. "Of course."
Delia happily walked behind Amy and carefully clipped the veil in Amy's hair, with the clip that she had worked so hard to get. Then she brushed her hands together. "Now you've got, 'something blue'! And you look so pretty!"
Amy gave Delia a hug. "You're going to be a great sister-in-law!"
"So are you." Delia said, as she hugged Amy.
Another knock swept through the room and all four ladies turned their heads towards the door. "Yes?"
----
"Amy? Is it okay if I come in?" Harold asked.
----
Amy and Rose exchanged looks.
"I think we should probably go make sure everything is going smoothly downstairs." Madison whispered. "After all, the guys do have the kids."
"Good idea." Rose agreed.
Delia, understanding that Amy needed time along with her Dad, nodded in agreement. "Bye Amy, see you in a while."
"Bye Delia." Amy said. She stood up, getting one last hug from her Mother, as unmarried woman. "See you guys in a while."
"Good luck." Madison replied.
"Thanks."
Rose opened the door, smiling at her husband. "Hello dear." She leaned in, giving him a quick kiss. "You're right on time, we were just leaving."
"I see.." Harold replied in a skeptical tone, as his eyebrow raised.
"We'll see you in a while." Rose stated, as she moved past her husband, followed by Delia and Madison. Then she and the two younger ladies disappeared down the hall.
Harold walked into the room, shutting the door. His crisp black tux and perfectly polished black shoes made him look all the more professional. "Well, look at you." Harold stated, as he admired his daughter. "You've gone all out today, haven't you?"
Amy laughed. "Dad, it's my wedding day."
Harold nodded. "Yes, I know." He took a seat next to Amy. "And if I wasn't witnessing it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it."
"Come on.." Amy giggled.
Harold wrapped an arm around his daughter. "I just can't believe that my baby girl is all grown up."
"Neither can I." Amy sighed. "It doesn't feel like I am, though."
Harold pulled his only daughter into a hug. "I brought you something."
"Hmm?" Amy mumbled, curiously, as her Father released her.
Harold pulled a small, blue velvet box from his pocket. He opened it up and pulled out a dainty, silver necklace.
"A heart shaped necklace?" Amy asked, as she stared at the beautiful item.
"Actually, it's a locket." Harold replied, as he let the chain fall over his hand, so he was holding the heart shaped locket between his fingers.
"Dad, you..."
"I wanted to, Amy." Harold replied. "Besides, you needed 'something new', anyway." He held out the locket to Amy. "Look.." He opened the locket and inside was a tiny picture of a 5-year-old Amy, in her Father's arms.
"Oh my gosh!" Amy gasped. "I remember that day! It was taken just minutes before my first day of Kindergarten!"
Harold smiled, as the same memory played in his mind too. "Yes. It was taken just minutes before the terror began."
Amy playfully slapped her Father's arm. "Dad!"
"Well, it's true. Once you began school, you really started to 'grow up'. There was that boy that you kept talking about, as soon as your Mother and I picked you up...M-M..."
"Mark Hoppkins." Amy finished.
"Yes, that was it." Harold said, with a frown.
"I'll never forget how you went to school with me the next day and gave him that huge explanation about how boys and girls aren't supposed to play together in Kindergarten. You scared the livin' daylights out of him."
Harold grinned in satisfaction.
"He wouldn't even look at me, for the rest of the year." Amy said, as her mind wandered back to her Kindergarten days.
"I'm glad you got a good one." Harold said. "It unfortunate that he has to have such an irritable Father."
Amy rolled her eyes. "Oh, you know you love Mr. Brown's company."
"Yes, just as much as I love it when insecure adolescents toilet paper the trees on Halloween." Harold's infamous sarcasm hung on every word.
Amy gathered her hair up and pulled it away from the back of her neck. "Will you do the honors, please?" She asked, ignoring her Father's previous comment.
Harold draped the locket around Amy's neck and clipped it, behind her.
Amy let down her hair and smoothed it out, then she adjusted the locket just above the edge of the top of her dress. "Perfect."
"As it should be." Harold replied.
Amy hugged her Father. "Thank you so much, Dad! I love you!"
"I love you too." Harold responded, as he closed his eyes and hugged his baby girl.
----
"Dude, you look so jumpy!" Bright commented, as he fiddled with his tie. "Damn, how do guys put these things on?"
"I can show you." Delia replied, from the doorway.
Bright's face flushed crimson, as he turned to the preteen. "Oh really?" He asked, regaining his composure.
"Mhmm." Delia walked over to Bright and motioned for him to kneel down.
Bright felt slightly uncomfortable, but shrugged it off, to please the young girl. So he bent down to Delia's level. "Show me, Miss."
Delia giggled, a girlish noise that none in the room had ever heard before.
Andy quickly tossed Bright a warning glance, just in case.
Within second, Delia had fixed Bright's tie so that it looked perfect.
Bright stood up, examining himself in a small mirror. "How'd you do that?"
"I live with two guys, what'd you expect?" Delia asked, sassily.
Bright wrinkled his nose. "Right. So uh....what'd you come in here for?"
"To get my nieces. Madison and Mrs. Abbott think Dad and Ephram need some 'alone time'."
"Oh..." Bright replied. "I see. Well...." He quickly picked up the two carriers. "Let's go see everyone else then, shall we?" He glanced down at the babies. "You two are so cute."
Kelly and Julia happily sucked their little thumbs, in unison. There was no doubt about it, they were sisters through and through.
Bright, carrying the girls, and Delia quickly left.
Andy turned to his only son and did a nervous raise of his brows. "Well..."
"Well..."
"So?"
"So what?"
"Are you just going to keep mimicking me?" Andy asked, taking a seat on a lone chair.
Ephram shrugged. "What did you want?"
"I..I wanted to wish you good luck. You're a good ki....man. You're a good man, Ephram. I can see that. I was so wrong before, about everything. And I know that I've never really been a good Father, but I just wanted to let you know that I love you."
Ephram looked slightly phased, but quickly shook his head. "Yeah, fine.."
Andy quickly grabbed Ephram's arm, turning his son to face him. "I mean it, Ephram."
Ephram locked eyes with his Father, taking in the words. "I know." There was another long paused, then he wrested his arm free. "But I've got a wedding to get to." He quickly left.
Hurt was evident in Andy's eyes and for a moment, it looked as if a tear was about to fall. But Andy blinked and no wet drops came. Then he quickly left the room as well.
----20 Minutes Later----
Ephram's heart was pounding. He was standing at altar, with his hands at his sides, as the music began to fill the room. He looked down the isle, at the doors, waiting for them to open.
----
Amy and her Father stood just outside the closed doors. Amy's hands held a full bouquet of red, pink, and peach roses. Her veil hung gently over her beautiful face and she looked gorgeous. She could feel her heart thud wildly in her chest. Then the soft melody of the wedding music floated into her ears.
Harold turned to his only daughter, admiring her beauty and grace. He looped his arm around Amy's.
"It's time." Amy whispered, not really sure if she was actually believing her own words.
"Yes, it's time." Harold replied, as he gently pushed the double doors opened and the two began to walk gracefully down the isle.
As Amy took steps down the rose petal covered isle, she memorized the faces that were looking on at her, with amazement. A soft smile crept across her lips, then she looked forward, to see the love of her life. He looks so handsome! She thought, as she approached the altar and faced her one true love.
Harold, hesitating for a brief second, slid his arm out of Amy's, then took a seat in the front row.
The Priestess smiled, as she opened her mouth to begin the ceremony. "We gather here today, to join two kindred spirits in a union of heart and soul. Surrounded by the family and friends of Amy Abbott and Ephram Brown, this couple shall be joined as one. I have been informed that both the bride and groom have created their own vows and would like to read them to each other." She nodded towards Ephram, to begin.
"Amy, since the first day I laid eyes on you, I knew you were different. My beats a little faster when I'm near you and I love you even more, every moment that I'm with you. My love for you will last an eternity! I promise to always be there for you and our family. My heart is in your hands, Amy Abbott. It always has been and always will be." Ephram said. Each word had come directly from his heart.
"We've had our hard times, and it seemed to take us forever to get to this point. But my love for you has never faltered. You've always been the one, since the day I saw you. When I'm with you, everything and everyone else seems to stop, and it's just you and I. I love you, Ephram Brown. I will always love you!" Amy said, letting the words easily flow from her mouth. All the nervousness had melted away and it was just her and Ephram.
The Priestess continued on for several minutes, before finally reaching the high point of the ceremony. She looked out upon the crowd. "Who gives this woman away?"
Harold forced himself to his feet. "I'm giving my daughter away, today. To a very wonderful young man."
The Priestess nodded, then she turned back to Amy and Ephram. "Then with the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride."
Ephram lifted Amy's veil, letting a breath catch in his throat at the sight of her beauty.
The lovers leaned in, letting their lips press together in a long, passionate kiss. When they pulled away, they faced the crowd.
"I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Brown!"
Loud pops and crackles echoed through the room; everyone instantly knew what it was.
Amy and Ephram made their way out of the main room, through the front doors, and stopped at row of steps. They stared into the dark sky and watched as beautiful fireworks burst into the air.
----
The guests made their way out of the main room, to the front of the building. It was there that they spotted two dark figures, through the clear windows. They watched silently as the dark figures leaned in, sharing another passionate kiss, and in the distance a bright array of sparkler fireworks glittered in the sky.
----August 31, 2005----
Tears streamed down the faces of a small group of women: Madison, Amy, May, and Rose. They were all hugging, sniffling, and sharing heart felt goodbyes.
"I j-just can't believe you're really leaving!" Rose sniffed. "My little girl is all grown up and she's finally leaving!"
Amy clung to her Mother. "I'm gonna miss you so much, Mom!"
"Me too, honey. Me too!" Rose whispered.
May wrapped her arms around Madison. "I'm really go-going to miss you, Maddy.." She choked.
Madison stroked her Mother's hair. "I promise to call every day, Mom. And send letters and pictures..."
"And e-mails?" May asked, hopefully. "I told you that your Father and I recently got the internet, right?"
"Yes Mom.." Madison replied, stifiling a laugh. "Only about a hundred times."
"And our e-mail address " Madison finished.
"I'm just gonna miss you so much!"
"And I you." Madison replied. "So is Kelly."
May released her daughter and bent down to the double carriers, where Rose was all ready kneeling. "I'm just gonna miss the two of you little princesses!" She said, as she gave a little stroke to each hand on the tiny babies.
"You promise to send us as many pictures as you can of them, right?" Rose asked, as she let the sisters pull of her fingers.
"Of course, Mrs. Abbott." Madison said.
"We promise!" Amy cried, in unison with Madison.
----
"And you have everything in order?" Harold asked, again.
"Yes, Mr. Abbott." Ephram assured.
"I seemed to of lost count of how many times you've asked now, Dr. Abbott." Andy quipped.
"I'm just trying to make sure they've got everything under control.." Harold snapped. "Besides, I wasn't the one who brought everything except the kids to my house!"
Andy's face flushed red. "That was not my fault!"
Harold raised his eyebrows. "Oh really? Was it Delia's then?" He placed his thumb and index finger to his chin, as if considering the concept. "Oh wait....It seems that you had left her as well."
Ephram quickly made his way between his Father and his Father-in-law. "Well..heh..yes. Everything's fine now. Amy and Madison have the girls and they're with Mrs. Abbott and Mrs. Kellner."
"Ephram!" Nina called, as she approached the men. Robert was to her left, Delia and Sam were to her right.
"Nina!" Ephram said, as he walked over and gave his faithful neighbor a hug. "Thank you so much for picking up Delia and the girls."
"No problem." Nina grinned. She enveloped Ephram in a bear hug. "They're like family to me."
"You are family." Ephram replied. He glanced at his Father, who had a distant glimmer in his eyes, as he watched Nina. Mhmm. He thought. He bent down, scooping Delia and Sam into his arms. "Hey guys! I'm glad you're all here."
Delia wiggled in her brother's arms, forcing Ephram to set her down. "Geez, you so suck at good-byes." She rolled her brown eyes. "Anyway....Sam wanted to make you a good-bye card....I helped him with it." She nudged Sam. "Go on."
Sam looked down, as he pulled a small and slightly wrinkled piece of folded paper from his pocket, then handed it to Ephram.
Ephram unfolded the paper and read to silently. Then he bent down to Sam's level and held out his hand. "Thanks man, you're pretty cool."
Sam grinned. "Thanks! I mean, you're welcome..."
Ephram gave Sam a light hearted pat on the back and winked at Delia. "Thanks guys. It's really nice. I'll keep it on display in my new apartment!"
Sam beamed with pride.
"Hey, sorry to cut the party short, but I'm going to go say bye to Amy and Madison." Nina said. She turned to Robert. "Good talking to you."
"Likewise." Robert replied, shaking Nina's hand.
"Well, let's go guys!" Nina said, as she took the hands of Delia and Sam, then lead them off to find the women.
Ephram stood up and faced Robert. "It's good to see you again, Mr. Kellner."
"It's good to see you again, son." Robert said. He gave Ephram a nice pat on the back. "I just wanted to wish you all good luck in New York."
"Thank you."
"And please, make sure you take care of them."
"I swear I will." Ephram said, meaning every word.
"I know." Robert replied. He glanced over at Andy and Harold. "You know, I think you should go speak with your Father."
"Mr. Ke.."
"Really." Robert walked Ephram back over to the men. "Mr. Abbott. Mr. Brown." He exchanged handshakes with both men.
"Mr. Kellner." Both Doctors replied, in unison.
"I was going to go wish the ladies a good-bye. Care to join me, Mr. Abbott?"
Harold, sensing the tension between Father and son, took Robert up on his offer. The two joined in conversation, as they disappeared into the noisy crowd.
"So, here we are, again.." Ephram replied, as his eyes scanned the crowds of people around him.
"Yeah, again." Andy replied. He took his son by the shoulder and pulled him closer. "And this time you're going to hear me out. I know I haven't been a good Father, but I'm trying Ephram! I know I've done some terrible things, that I can't change. But at the time, I thought I was doing what was best for you. I love you, son. More than you'll ever know!" Andy looked into his son's eyes, waiting for some sort of response.
Ephram stood staring at his Father, displaying no emotion. Is he serious? He mentally asked himself. He noticed a wet drip slip from his Father's eye. He is! He thought. Without so much as a warning, he leaned into his Father, giving him a hug that he hadn't given his Father since he was 5-years-old. "I love you too, Dad."
----20 Minutes Later----
"I love you Maddy, be safe!" Robert said, as he exchanged hugs with his daughter.
"I love you too, Dad." Madison replied. She handed her daughter to Robert.
Robert rocked his granddaughter lovingly. "You be good now, okay Miss Kelly?" He said. He kissed his granddaughter on the top of her head, then handed Kelly back to Madison. "You all take care now!"
"We will, Mr. Kellner!" Ephram assured.
Harold tickled Julia's tummy, before reluctantly handing her over to Amy. "You all stay safe now." He warned, while waving his index fingers. "You know how much crime goes on in New York..."
"We know, Dad!" Amy laughed, as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You've told me a million times all ready!" She carefully locked Julia in her carrier. "I love you Mom! I love you Dad!" She hugged them both and then walked over to Ephram, Madison, and Kelly. "But the plane's gonna depart any minute now!"
"Bye Madison! Bye Amy!" Delia called. She waved her hands wildly. "Bye Kelly! Bye Julia! Bye Ephram!"
"Bye Delia!" The threesome called. They waved until they reached the gate and then disappeared into the line of people. They were finally setting out on their own.
----September 1, 2005----
Ephram, Amy, and Madison made their out the front doors of the airport onto the busy sidewalk. A chilly breeze rushed passed them.
"Hey guys! Over here!" A familiar voice called out, coming from a parked car just a few feet away.
Amy's heart jumped as she spun around and she let out a joyful squeal. "Bright!" She rushed into her elder brother's arms and hugged him.
"It's good to see you too, sis." Bright commented. "Or should I say, Mrs. Brown?"
Amy playfully slapped Bright, as they made their way back to the remaining people. "Hey Madison, nice seeing ya again." He looked at Ephram. "Dude, you look good."
"Thanks." Ephram laughed.
Bright bent down to the carriers and tickled Julia and Kelly, simotaniously. The girls giggled wildly. Then he stood up. "Welcome home."
"Home." Ephram repeated, as the sun slowly poked through the sky, casting beautiful waves of color to wash through the New York sky.