"Jenna, please don't tell me you drank all those cups of coffee."
"Hey Sam, I guess I should plead the fifth then. Can we go soon?'
"The afternoon visitation is over in about half an hour. Mara decided to let you pick where we ate dinner. You have to make up your mind quickly though so the Secret Service can do a security sweep."
"Marathon."
"Let's go find Ron and you can tell him exactly where it is."
Jenna finished the last few sips of her coffee and followed Sam down the stairs. She avoided her two cousins Wendy and Crystal from her Dad's side of the family. She thought they were spoiled rotten dummies and never liked them, even though they were the closet in age to her at nine and fourteen. She spotted Abbey sitting on the couch and sat down in her lap, giving her a big hug.
"Hey Sweetie, I needed that hug."
"Me too, thank you again for dropping everything to be here. It means a lot to me."
"Jenna, when one of my girls needs me, I'm there. Don't you ever forget that. So where are we eating?"
Jenna spotted Ron standing at the door and waved him over.
"Hey kiddo, how are you holding up?" Ron asked.
"OK I guess, but I need food. I want to eat at Marathon."
"Can you tell me how to get there from here?"
"Yeah, if you have a map I can even show you the best route."
Jenna and Ron left for a few minutes just as Mara sat down between Abbey and Sam on the couch. Mara had been listening to Steve's youngest sister Diane who kept telling her that she was going to take care of Jenna and that Mara would have to come up to Montreal to see her because she didn't agree with Jenna hopping on planes all the time. Mara was happy for the first time that custody arrangements were iron clad. She also knew that Jenna couldn't stand Diane's kids. Mara finally had enough and told Diane that Jenna would be moving to Washington and she didn't give a shit if Diane liked it or not.
"I am so ready to leave this place and I'm famished. I hope I know what Jenna picked for dinner."
"She picked Marathon, I assume that is Greek." Abbey replied.
Sam licked his lips in anticipation which made Mara smile and roll her eyes. "Why don't you go get our coats Samuel so we can leave."
Sam noticed Jenna was quieter than usual over dinner. He figured she was remembering the last time she ate there with her parents. No one felt like dessert and as they were putting their coats on Jenna sat back down in her chair.
"I don't want to go back. If I hear one more person tell me how sorry they are, I'm going to explode. My Mom and Dad are dead so this whole day isn't for them. I've said my good byes and I don't want to be there anymore. I'm tired of everyone looking at me like I'm a poor little orphan girl. Please don't make me go back, haven't I suffered enough this week?"
"Jenna if you don't want to be treated like a poor little orphan girl, don't play the suffering orphan card. Don't manipulate me Jenna.. You don't have to go back to the Parlour. You can go back to the house with Sam."
"Thank you."
"And?"
"I'm sorry I tried to play on your sympathies."
"Apology accepted. Abbey you can go back to the hotel."
"I'll go back Mara, you'll need some moral support. I'll see you in the morning Jenna."
"Bye Aunty Abbey, night."
When they returned to the house Sam helped Jenna pack up all the photo albums. He convinced her it would be a good idea to make three lists. The first list contained everything she had to have. The second list was things she'd need in the next few months and the final list was things she'd need by the summer. Sam couldn't help smiling when she pointed to her bookcase and all the books surrounding it and said she had to have her books right away. After Jenna finished the lists she started yawning. Sam had left her to get a drink and found her asleep stretched across her bed. He took a blanket out of the cupboard, covered her, tucked Eyeore under her arm and closed her door. He sat down on the couch and caught up on his e-mail's until Mara returned.
"Hey, how did it go?" Sam asked.
Mara flopped down on the couch and took a large sip of the Jack Daniel's sitting on the coffee table. She let the deep amber liquid meander down her throat and positioned herself in Sam's arms.
"It was hard but it's over and done with. Jenna's teacher dropped by and she's amazing. She'd already given a great deal of thought to Jenna's situation so she came armed with information for me. Thanks for the drink by the way."
"You're welcome, I knew you'd need it. So what did the teacher say?"
"Miss Nelson suggested Jenna bring down all her text books as well as the grade six ones. They have a computer in the classroom so she said she'd set up a special chat room where Jenna could see what the class was working on and send any questions in real time if she had them. Alicia said she'd e-mail assignments and tests so Jenna could do them and send them back. She figured Jenna would be well ahead of her classmates after two weeks when she got used to a new rhythm and being able to go ahead instead of having to keep up with the class pace. We are going to try to get Jenna physically in class every five weeks. Alicia offered to either let Jenna stay with her for the week or she'd stay here with her."
"Wow, she's the perfect teacher for Jenna to have at this time. Jenna was showing me her French workbook, she's finished the entire years worth already."
"Yeah, Alicia also noticed Jenna had finished the extra math practice book. She's had the grade 6 book for a month now and she'd half way done."
"Holy crap, at this pace Jenna will be finished grade 8 next year."
"I know, Alicia suggested we only let her get so far ahead because she's still too young to be in grade 8. If she does the work they'll let her finish grade 6 by October. She can start grade seven then but by next June the furthest she can get is finishing grade 7. I agree, I think finishing grade 8 at 13 is young enough. "
"Me too, however I think we are going to have trouble with high school, Jenna won't be content being a year ahead. I can see the writing on the wall, she's going to want to finish high school in two years."
"I know, University at 16... is just bad on so many levels. Hell I was 18 instead of 19 because I skipped grade 6. I had no problems in the classroom but socially, I was a disaster until my third year. I was more comfortable with my professors than my classmates."
"You know I always knew life with you was going to be interesting and an adventure. I had no idea it would be...."
"Quite so extreme? Welcome to extreme sports, Mara style."
Sam chuckled, "Actually, I'm thinking we are going to become a model of the chaos theory."
Mara finished her drink and smiled, "Chaos keeps life interesting Sam. Let's get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be one long day."
The only time Jenna left Sam's side was at the cemetery. She sat in the car with Mara playing tick tack toe. A small reception was held at Mara's parents house and afterwards they dropped Abbey off at the airport to return home. Jenna spent Friday afternoon in class saying good bye to all her friends while Mara and Sam finalized the arrangements for her distance education. Mara had driven over to the Marche 440 to pick up a few of her favourite tomato pizzas to bring back home.
Sam had left Jenna in her room to pack while he caught up on some work. He was on his way to check on her when he heard her crying. He sat down on the end of her bed and waited to see what she'd do. After a few minutes she dried her eyes and looked up at Sam.
"Is this pain ever going to go away Sam?"
"Come over here Jenna." Sam picked up her hands and held them in his. "The pain will go away in time but you're always going to miss your Mom and Dad. I'd guess special occasions will be the worst, but as Mara said they'll always be there with you. You know Josh or Abbey would be good people to talk to since Abbey lost both of her parents and Josh lost his sister when he was little and his Dad during the first campaign."
"Uncle Josh actually sent me an e-mail yesterday. Do you want to read it?"
"Sure." Sam responded figuring Jenna wouldn't have mentioned it if she didn't want him to see it.
From: jlymanwhitehouse.gov
To: jbennayahoo.ca
Subject: Hey Jenna.
I've been thinking about you the last few days. I can remember what the last week has been like as though it was just weeks ago. It sucks loosing someone you love and don't let anyone give you that crap about time healing all wounds. It doesn't. You will always wish your parents were still alive, regardless of how much Sam and Bu love you. Time stops you from physically picking up the phone to share good news, you'll start having conversations with them in your head instead. Time tends to make you remember good times and smile instead of crying. One of the most important things to remember Jenna, is that you are not responsible for their death. You can't blame yourself or play the well if I hadn't.... game. You've been given a tremendous burden to bare for someone so young, but if anyone can handle it, it's you Jenna. I considered myself a pretty smart kid but I always had to work at it. You my dear, are a freak of nature, your intelligence is so remarkable it's almost frightening. I'm sure Sam and Bu are worried about the day you figure out that you are smarter than them both combined. As I tell Mara, just use your powers for good instead of evil for a change. If you ever want to talk with someone who knows what you're going through I'll always be here for you. Your life has forever changed Jenna but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy life. In fact you will be honoring your parents memory by being happy and finding your place in this world. I was suppose to order pizza an hour ago and Donna is calling me names so I better go rectify the situation. You're in my prayers and I'll see you soon.
Love Josh.
"Wow, Josh can be pretty nice when he wants to be. He's always had a very soft spot in his heart for you."
"Yeah, I'm pretty lucky even though my life sucks at the moment."
"You see Jenna that's what's good about a moment, it passes fairly quickly and will be replaced by a better moment that makes the next bad moment bearable."
"That was a very awkward sentence Sam. You've been away from speech writing for too long."
"Hey, don't give me sass Miss Thing or I'll withhold chocolate from you."
"I'll just make myself some icing. Why does Josh call Mara, Bu? I know it's a term of endearment now and that it was meant as an insult originally but what is Bu? Is it Bum?"
Sam smiled, "When Josh knew he was starting to like Mara but didn't want to admit it.... As you know they'd been hurling insults at each other for years so he kept telling her to keep her evil germs away from him because decontamination was a painful process..."
"Mara responded he was a painful process I'm sure, but I don't get.how....germs .... Germs! as in Bubonic Plague!. Bu for short!" Jenna announced with a triumphant grin.
"Yes, that's it exactly, you freak of nature." Sam said before leaning over and planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Do you think it's OK if I leave my comforter here. Mom was going to let me replace the Winnie the Pooh motif when Sears had their next white sale anyway. I need to leave some stuff here for when I spend my weeks, Isn't it nice of Miss Nelson to stay with me?"
"Very nice but you Grandma said she would come over too."
"Yeah but it's not a good idea to leave Grandpa alone for a week. I'm sure she is afraid he'd stop breathing or something. I promise Sam, I'll never ever smoke."
"Good girl, you have my permission to remind Toby how bad smoking is and you might want to work on Uncle Jed too."
"At least Uncle Jed doesn't smoke every day, but while less is better than more, it's still not very good."
"Exactly. You've made a great deal of progress here Jenna. We can go to Sears when Mara comes back."
"Just the two of us?" Jenna asked with a grin.
"Sure but Mara is better at interior design than me. I'm good at carrying awkward light bags."
"I'll pick, you can pay and carry. How's that for a great deal?"
"Great for you kiddo." Sam replied rolling his eyes.
Jenna started giggling and Sam started tickling her until she squirmed away from him. He was happy to see that she could still laugh like that. He was no longer overly worried about helping her through the grieving process, but he was still petrified about taking over the parenting role.
Mara hadn't even made it to the kitchen when Jenna came dashing down the stairs telling Sam they could leave now.
"Where do you think you're off to?" Mara asked Jenna while she gave Sam a look on the stairs.
"Sam said he'd take me to get a new comforter for my new bed when you returned Bu."
Mara did a double take and looked at Jenna as if she had three heads. "What did you just say?"
"I said, Sam would..."
"Yeah I got that part, what came after returned?"
"Bu." Jenna said with a straight face.
"Oh, I thought you said something else. Jenna only Josh gets to call me Bu , even Sam gets grief when he calls me that."
"That's true Jenna, I get the evil eye and Hey what are you doing calling me that." Sam confirmed.
"Kay, so can we go now Sam?"
"Yeah go put your coat and boots on and give me a minute to talk to Mara."
Jenna did as she was told while Sam gave Mara a kiss and held the fridge open while she put the pizza's in.
"What did you think she said?"
"D'uh, you know there is still packing to be done."
"Ah I see how that would have ticked you off. Go look at her room, she's been working hard. You want to come with us?"
"Nah, I want a nap. Have fun but remember we have to get on a plane with a bunch of stuff already. Just buy the comforter and maybe a few sheet sets."
Sam pulled Jenna away from the jewelry counter and brought her downstairs to the bedding department. After twenty minutes Jenna decided on a blue, green and deep purple quilt set. She found a white bathroom mat with scattered flowers around the edges and picked up six to turn them into an area rug. While Jenna was picking out the best mats Sam picked up blue, green and lavender sheets to match her bedding. Jenna would be going from a single to a queen bed so sheets were important and that thought had Sam going back to pick up one more of each colour.
When Jenna placed all her mats on the cash counter Sam rolled his eyes.
"I see you watch too much Trading Spaces like your Aunt."
"Trading Spaces rocks but I'd never let Doug or Hilde near anything I owned. I don't like Kia either."
"I don't know who any of them are, and I really don't care. I watch sports or work when Mara watches the show Saturday nights. What are you going to do with six mats?"
"Turn them into one large area rug. I can use carpet glue and backing and put them all together. I'm brilliant and crafty."
"Yet you don't comprehend the concept of humility." Sam chuckled.
Jenna merely rolled her eyes and picked up the bag with her new sheets in it. Sam carried the mats and quilt out of the car and allowed himself to be convince to stop for McDonalds's French fries.
Mara was still asleep when they returned so Sam ordered pizza and woke her up once they arrived. After dinner Jenna went upstairs to talk to her best friend and give her the number in Georgetown. Dinner on Sunday was take out from Lick's. Sam tucked Jenna under her new quilt in her new bedroom and returned to his room.
"The rugrat settled in?"
"Yeah Eyeore is under her arm and she'll be out like a light soon. We survived out first night back."
"Now we just need to make it through the next six years. I'm going to bring her into work tomorrow and set her up opposite Leslie."
"Isn't it going to be a little loud out there?"
"Please, it can't be any louder than a grade 5 classroom. I'm also going to go buy her a great laptop. She likes mine but I'm not giving up all my government programs."
"She likes the power and pinball game on yours." Sam corrected.
"You like the power and pinball game on mine too." Mara chuckled.
"Who wouldn't, hell the programs on that thing are so fast the practically anticipate your needs. My laptop is old clunky next to yours."
"Well you can't plan a war on yours. If the Secret Service knew how many times I've successfully had Canada invade and take over the US, I wouldn't have all access to the White House."
"What the hell are you invading us for?"
"To make sure the programs are working properly, to fend off boredom and face it, you'd all be better off as the 11th-61st province. "
Sam couldn't help laughing at the evil dictator grin on his wife's face. He tossed his pillow at her and started kissing her until Mara murmured that he had permission to invade her. Sam was glad Jenna was a deep sleeper because Mara still has not mastered the ability to have sex quietly. Not that he really minded, he liked hearing the effect he was having on his wife but he figured it would be embarrassing as hell for Jenna and them if they were overheard.
Nearly a month later, Sam found himself sitting in the Oval alone with the President. They'd just finished a meeting and Sam was asked to remain behind. Sam was expecting an assignment so he was unprepared when Jed sat down on the edge of the coffee table, clasped his hands together and smiled warmly at Sam.
"So how is non Father, Fatherhood treating you Sam?"
"It's interesting, I sort of feel like I've been dropped in to the forth quarter of a football game with two minutes to go and I'm expected to have a clue what I'm doing. I'm not trying to make a big play or score, I'm just trying not to make a fool of myself."
'I know that feeling. There is no play book especially with daughters. When you are having a hard time, remind yourself that she's twelve and be grateful she's not sixteen and wanting to stay out till midnight with some young ruffian you'd rather shoot than let date her."
Sam smiled as he raked his right hand through his hair. "Oh God, I don't even want to think about that. I'm suddenly very glad she's being home schooled, so to speak. Jenna will make it to sixteen, it's Mara and I that worries me."
"What do you mean Sam?"
"We all know Mara has issues with sharing and how much she loves being the center of attention, especially my attention. Now she's competing with Jenna for my time and frankly Jenna's not playing fair, but how do you come down on a 12 year old who's lost both parents barely a month ago? She's become my shadow and very possessive of me. If Mara asks her if she wants to do something, the first thing she asks is if I'm participating. If I ask her, the first thing she asks is if it can just be the two of us. Mara isn't alone with me long enough to say anything but I know it hurts her. When Mara was in Ottawa last week, Jenna didn't seem to care that she was gone. When I mentioned going to San Francisco and taking a few days extra to visit my Mom she freaked out as soon as I told her she was staying put. She told me five days was too long and couldn't my Mom come visit me instead. I swear sometimes, I feel like she is purposely trying to make Mara feel like the third wheel."
"How is Mara reacting?"
"She just gives up and wanders away, which is really freaking me out. I'd expect her to not only put up a fight but put Jenna in her place so fast her head spins. You know Mara, decapitate first, explain later but she's not. She pours herself a drink and says she's going to bed or has work to do. It's not a problem yet, but I swear I haven't walked in my front door once in the last month and not seen a glass of something in Mara's hand. Jenna leaves for Montreal Sunday morning and I'll have my wife back Sunday afternoon. I can hear the wheels spinning in Mara's head and Sunday can't come fast enough for her."
"You have good reason to worry Sam, you've got to talk to Mara about all of this. Maybe you should be the one to do the decapitating Mara is feeling too sorry for Jenna and the little rugrat is taking advantage of it. Send her over here for dinner tonight. Abbey and I will do a little light prying over pizza. Have a romantic dinner with your wife and let her know that you need to come up with a strategy to deal with Jenna on Sunday. Go back to your office and tell Jenna she's expected."
"Thank you Sir."
"Where's your shadow?" Mara asked as she walked in the front door and found Sam on the couch.
"She got called in for a Presidential pizza dinner. There is Thai in the oven and I got you three orders of spring rolls"
"Thanks, so she's really gone? How long do we have before your mistress comes back?"
"Mistress? Come on Mara that taking it a little far don't you......"
"The mistress you don't have sex with? Come on Sam if I'm wrong it's only because I've become the mistress you have sex with."
"You're right so what are we going to do about this? I don't think a glass is a good accessory for you and I can't handle you surrendering to a rugrat."
"I think we show Miss Thing that while she is welcomed and loved, this is our house and our marriage and she's the rugrat who doesn't sit in my place!"
"That could work. When she comes back I think a little demonstration is in order."
"I'll try anything once....and no that does not apply to having sex in your office." Mara said with a big grin before heading to the kitchen to plate dinner.
When Jenna returned she found Mara and Sam curled up on the couch together sharing a big bowl of ice cream.
"So how was dinner?" Mara asked.
"Really good, the chef made thin crust pizza from scratch for Aunty Abbey and a deep dish chicken pesto one for Uncle Jed and I. We all had grape soda to drink."
"Yum chicken pesto sounds good. You want some ice cream Jenna?"
"Sure can I have bubble gum?"
"Sorry I finished it already." Sam said.
"Oh, is there any Cherry Garcia left?"
"One Cherry Garcia coming up."
When Mara returned with the ice cream she found Jenna sitting in her seat telling Sam about the grammar lessons she did that day.
"Here's your ice cream and remove yourself from my spot Jenna Benna."
Jenna looked stunned to be asked to move but she recovered quickly. "I'm telling Uncle Sam something."
"He can hear you just as well over there, now move it." Mara gave Jenna her patented do it now or else look.
"Yup you're so hard done by." Sam remarked when Jenna sighed loudly. He followed his comment with his rarely used, I'm not amused look.
Jenna didn't finish her story, instead she ate her ice cream in silence wondering how she lost the balance of power so quickly. Mara's calmness was a bit disconcerting but she knew time had elapsed on relying on Mara's sympathies. She never counted on Sam and Mara presenting an united force so quickly.
"Jenna, I thought you had a story to finish?" Mara asked.
"I did five grammar lessons today, end of story."
"Ah, do you want to do your spelling test now instead of tomorrow?" Mara asked.
"Can I?"
"If you are ready yes. Did you study them?"
"I don't have to study those words they are so easy, even Carol could spell them properly."
Mara and Sam both chuckled while Jenna grabbed her spelling book out of her bag and gave it to Sam. Mara took the book off him and turned to unit 26.
"Detour, A road closure forced...."
"D-e-t-o-u-r, I don't need a sentence Aunty Mara."
"Fine, I want one after you spell each word so I know, you know the meaning of the word."
Jenna rolled her eyes at Mara who responded with her death glare which quickly put Jenna on her best behaviour.
"A perfect 22, do you want to try unit 27 sight unseen?"
"Sure, the words can't be that hard."
Mara continued quizzing Jenna until she finally made a mistake in unit 32. As soon as Mara told her she was wrong, she made the proper correction. Mara told her to put the book away and that she still had to do the exercises, but she'd let her teacher know that she'd scored perfect on unit 26-31.
"Do you have any homework?" Sam asked.
"No, I never have homework, I get more done in a day than my classmates do in two days."
"Then go read for at least half an hour."
"I read before falling asleep every night."
"Then go upstairs and do something because I want to kiss your Aunt."
"Yuck, adults have no impulse control." Jenna muttered before brining her ice cream bowl into the kitchen.
On the way back from the kitchen she was going to make a smart ass comment but decided not to when she noticed Sam was kissing Mara's neck. She dashed upstairs to her room and got on the computer. She was playing a game of pinball when her IM screen popped up.
JoshuaJoshJosh: Hi Rugrat
JellyBelly: Hi ya Uncle Josh how did you get my IM?
JoshuaJoshJosh: Sam gave it to me. U doing homework?
JellyBelly: Nah, I never have homework, I get it all done during school hours. I don't have to listen to my teacher's instruction I just dive right in to the Practice Your Skills. So in a 40 min Math class I get anywhere from 2-4 days of work done. Today I was in a slacking mood, I did 2 PYS then played pinball for 25 minutes. Tomorrow I have to let Miss Nelson know where I am so she can make up a test for me to take in class on Monday.
JoshuaJoshJosh: That's right you're in Montreal all next week. Are you looking forward to it?
JellyBelly: Yeah I've missed Sydney, Snow and Casey
JoshuaJoshJosh: U know someone named Snow?
JellyBelly: Yeah we call her Snowy, I love her to pieces, she's kind of quiet compared to me.
JoshuaJoshJosh: A gaggle of Canadian geese are quiet compared to you Rugrat G
JellyBelly: Ha ha like you'd know anything about the definition of quiet.
JoshuaJoshJosh: Brat, where are you staying?
JellyBelly :At home during the week, Miss Nelson is going to stay with me and I'm spending the weekend at Sydney's.
JoshuaJoshJosh: Ah well enter me into your buddy list and if you want to talk I'll keep my IM on while I'm at work.
JellyBelly: Josh it's 930 what are you still doing at work?
JoshuaJoshJosh: Trying to prove to Donna that I can finish something without her help.
JellyBelly: So you are failing miserably and avoiding work by talking to a 12 yr. old.
JoshuaJoshJosh: That about sums it up. So what are your Aunt and Uncle up too?
JellyBelly: Sucking face, I got banished to my room cause they don't have impulse control.
JoshuaJoshJosh: LOL! They are both into instant gratification especially Bu.
JellyBelly: Yeah they are like a bad movie I'm too young to be watching.
JoshuaJoshJosh: You make me laugh.
JellyBelly: I'm a charming and witty power player stuck in a 12 yr. olds body.
JoshuaJoshJosh: That may be true but being grown up isn't all it's cracked up to be Jenna. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up.
JellyBelly: If I had a $ for every time I heard that. No one seems to understand that
JoshuaJoshJosh: you have an old soul?
JellyBelly: Exactly!!!!!
JoshuaJoshJosh: Jenna I've heard about ten people describe you as ten going on 25 when I first met you and now it's 12 going on 30. We get it, but we still want you to be the kid you are.
JellyBelly: Yeah, yeah I know. So how is Buster Doing?"
JoshuaJoshJosh: He's fine, still sitting on his chair in my room. Donna moves him over to my bed every so often but he likes his chair better. He's an independent Donkey.
JellyBelly: Aww! I brought Tedzy over for a tea party yesterday and forgot to escort him home. Mara freaked when she didn't see him on her bed. She was all. "Oh thank God you're here Tedzy" and then she told me if I wasn't going to be responsible with Tedzy I couldn't play with him anymore.
JoshuaJoshJosh: Mara is a drama queen but I can see her freaking out over that. Tedzy is her best friend and baby. I've over heard her having conversations with the bear and tossing a blanket over Tedzy so he doesn't catch a chill. She's the biggest freak on the planet but you got to love her for it. Never forget how lucky you are that she loves you. Also don't forget that she reacts first and thinks later, you can't take her initial blow ups as her true feelings.
JellyBelly: I know and you should just give up for the night and admit to Donna in the morning that you are useless without her.
JoshuaJoshJosh: Hey I'm not completely useless! Take that back or I'm going to tell on you!
JellyBelly: What the truth hurts does it? You're too funny Josh.
JoshuaJoshJosh: You're evil just like your Aunt and I don't want to play with you anymore! So there! J/k
JellyBelly: As Mara would say, I know you love me, TTFN
JoshuaJoshJosh: TTFN Brat have fun in Montreal.
Josh packed up his computer and headed home to get some sleep. Jenna sent an e-mail to Sydney, finished her pinball game and decided to actually read her latest book. Twenty minutes later Sam poked his head in the door to tell her they were going to bed and she should too.
"Whatcha reading now?" He asked.
"Edith Wharton's The Glimpses of the Moon. It's good but not great Now I know why it's not one of Mara's favourites."
"Well lights out by 11 'kay?"
"All right, night."
Jenna was a little disappointed that Sam didn't come in to tuck her in. She put the book on her bedside table and took a bottle of water out of the mini fridge hidden under part of her desk. She'd just settled in to bed when Mara walked in and flicked off her light.
"Night Jenna, you can sleep in a little bit longer in the morning. I'm only going in for 11." Mara walked over to the bed, put Eyeore on her chest and left a kiss on her forehead. "Sweet dreams
my sweet."
"Night Mar."
Mara woke up suddenly in the middle of the night, she checked on Sam who was sleeping peacefully beside her. She put Tedzy on her pillow, went to the bathroom and crept down the hall to check on Jenna. She heard a sniffle, walked in to the room and knelt down beside Jenna's bed.
"What's wrong Jenna?"
"I must have been having a bad dream. All I remember is waking up all alone with two coffins in the room."
"I'm sorry Sweetie. You know if you aren't ready to go back to the house it's OK. You can stay at Miss Nelson's or even skip this week."
"It's not that I just miss them."
Mara's heart broke, there was nothing she could say to make it better . She picked Eyeore up from the side of the bed and placed him on the bed side table. She pulled Jenna's quilt back and gave her cousin a little shove. Jenna moved over and Mara crawled into bed and pulled Jenna into her arms. Jenna cried for a little bit until she finally dozed off. Mara followed her to sleep half an hour later.
When Sam woke up the next morning he knew something was up when he rolled over and felt plush instead of his wife. He stopped himself from asking Tedzy where Mara was and went to look for her. H wasn't planning on checking in Jenna's room but looked in the room on his way down the hall. He stopped when he noticed a larger than usual lump in the bed. He stepped in to the room and noticed Mara's hair first. He took a closer look and found Jenna wrapped up in her arms. He turned around to leave when he heard Jenna whisper to him.
"What time is it?"
"6:35, go back to sleep." Sam whispered back.
"Pour me a cup of coffee."
"It's too early, go back to sleep."
"I'm awake now, I won't be falling back asleep."
Sam knew there was no sense in arguing with Jenna over something stupid so he went back to take a shower. He got dressed and padded downstairs to enjoy his morning coffee. He found Jenna filling her mug with coffee and a toasted bagel with veggie light cream cheese sitting in front of his usual position at the counter.
"Thanks"
"You're welcome. I fed Killer and he ran off after an imaginary dust bunny."
"He's crouched under the coffee table in stalker position. Killer thinks he's 5 still not 23."
"Isn't 23 pretty old for a cat Sam?"
"Pretty old but knock on wood, he's still healthy."
"Josh IM'd me last night. He's so funny. He was trying to prove to Donna that he was capable of finishing something on his own and...."
"He couldn't, so he IM'd you instead?" Sam chuckled.
"Yeah, we talked for a little bit until I told him to give up and go home."
Sam finished his coffee and his bagel and gave Jenna a kiss on the cheek. "Well I'm out of here or I'm going to be late. See you later alligator."
"Yeah, yeah later gator."