Why Blame When You Can Breathe?
DISCLAIMER: 'As Told by Ginger' is a creation of Emily Kapnek and is produced by Anivision, Klasky-Csupo, and is distributed by Nickelodeon/ViacomCBS. This author claims no properties herein and makes no monetary gain from its production. Please do not flame.
(Chapter 8- The Many Lives of Caterpillars)
The lights are off right now in Kai's room, but won't be for much longer. She's not asleep, but streaming music while in bed. Her mom and dad have been home for about an hour and Aaron has since gone back to his folk's home after babysitting her for the afternoon and evening.
While singing along to a particular bubblegum pop tune, she hears a knock on the door and the clear voice of her father asking "Kai? Are you decent?"
"Yes. Come in, Daddy."
As Kai turns off her phone app, Darren opens the door and turns on her bedroom light. As he walks towards Kai, he asks if she's ready for bed, to which she replies, "Yeah. Almost."
"Okay, it is still fairly early for a Saturday night. Look, I told you that I wanted to talk with you alone. Your mother told you and about Miss Courtney, right?"
"Yes. That's right."
"So, I wanted this time between the two of us to find out what you thought of her?"
Kai asks for clarification, saying, "You mean Miss Courtney?" Darren nods and Kai responds, "She seems like a nice lady. It's cool how she came from California to help mommy and that all of you went to school together."
"Well, I'm really glad to hear that from you," Darren says. "I'll be honest, none of us expected Courtney would be here. It was as much of a surprise for your mom as it was for me. In any case, I asked that because she'll be here with us a lot. She'll be working directly with mommy for a while. There will be some times that she will be with us when we go out to eat, have family get-togethers, especially since she's the Gripling's daughter, and will take some trips with mommy to make sure that she gets the best possible offer for her novel. Do you understand all of that and is that alright with you?
"Yes, daddy," Kai answers. "Anyone who's here to help mommy is here to help all of us. Even if it means some time without her, it's all for the best. I can't wait to see Miss Courtney again!"
"It shouldn't be too much longer," Darren admits. "If I know your mother, I imagine she'll be back next week. Listen, your mother and I are proud of you this past year. You've been a real trooper during these tough times and we appreciate your thoughtfulness and maturity. Believe me when I say mommy and I notice and...we thank you."
Confused, Kai asks her father, "Why are you thanking me?"
"Because even though there are times where you can be a major league pain in the butt," Darren says while tickling Kai on her belly, "You hold us together. You'll understand this more when you get older, but you're mommy and daddy's glue and we love you so very much."
He captures Kai in a warm but firm embrace. While in the hug, she says, "I love you too, daddy. You and mommy both."
"Always good to know, my princess," Darren says jovially. "I'm glad we had this talk. You may go back to what you're seeing. Mommy and I will see you at bedtime. Okay?"
"Yes, Daddy," Kai says as Darren leaves his daughter's room, closing the door behind him.
On this rather non-distinct and somewhat drab Sunday morning, a mother and son walk down the different aisles to take care of the weekly grocery shopping. Not having anything else better to do, Aaron Dave joined his mother Lois at the market.
After spending about ten minutes getting all the dry goods, Lois decides to make her son's trip worth his while. He hands him a piece of paper and tells him, "Hey, Aaron. If you get all of the produce items on this list, you can pick out two items for yourself. Is that a deal?"
Nodding he says, "No problem, Mom." Quickly scanning the list, he doesn't see anything obscure or out of the ordinary like durian or bamboo shoots. These are the fruits and vegetables their household has all of the time making it no chore. "It shouldn't take longer than ten minutes."
"Thanks, son," Lois says as the pair part ways; Aaron to the produce stands and Lois to the meat department. Lois gets a couple of prime cuts and chickens for this week's meals. As she leaves en route to the deli, her paths cross with a familiar face.
"Hey, Claire! Claire!" She waves and the Gripling matriarch stops her shopping to walk over to Lois with her cart in hand and greet her.
"It's good to see you, Lois!" Claire says. "Are you out on your own this morning?"
"Oh, no," Lois replies. "Aaron's with me. He's getting some items on the grocery list. So, how have things been going for you?"
Claire knew that the question was somewhat tongue-in-cheek as it's now been about 36 hours since Courtney came back home and because news travels quickly, she's certain that the family knows what's happened. Like the Pattersons, the Daves got invitations to her daughter's welcome home party. They couldn't attend due to a prior commitment and let the Griplings know that, but there can be no doubt where her friend is attempting to lead her.
"Well, same old same old," Claire says, playing up Lois's question to the hilt. "Blake's looking for business opportunities in Zimbabwe and happened to rope Carl and Jonas in to come and do some freelance journalism. Basic stuff."
"Yeah, all that sounds about right...because I already know about all of that." Lois sees that two can play that game of stating the obvious. "Is there anything else?"
"Oh, yeah. Courtney's back in town, but you already know that, too." Lois shrugs and the game is up, save for one question Claire has. "So you now know why we had the party, but I'm curious. Who told you about Courtney?"
"Ginger did," Lois answers. "She beat Aaron to it by about an hour. She was downright giddy and just couldn't stop talking about how easy Courtney will make things for her. I tell you if anyone's earned it after so much drama in her and her family's life it's Ginger." Claire nods as Lois continues, "I mean, things never got to the point that giving up ever seemed like an option but Ginger deserves a break. Who would've thought it would come through your daughter?"
"Well, even though I can't be objective," Claire says, "Courtney is most certainly the one for the job. Her boss did his best to make sure she didn't leave Los Angeles but also knew that to get the best, you need the best."
"There's just something about our children, don't you think?" Lois opines. "Blake hasn't lived in the United States in a few years, yet Carl finds a new opportunity with him and outside of vacation time, Courtney hasn't been in Connecticut since she left for college. I guess solid friendships can transcend any distance, you know?"
"I don't know what to say about it myself," Claire says. "Prescott and I just find ourselves happy and proud of the success of our kids and grandkids and also delighted that they can share in that and help people in ways that we may not have been able to."
"But, seriously, what are the odds? I don't know how you feel about destiny, but our kids seem to keep finding their way to one another. Carl and Blake are always, for lack of a better term, cooking up new schemes ever so often. I know Courtney's been out of the loop for a while, but I do believe that there's a reason that she's back here and working with Ginger. The Foutleys and the Griplings are...just meant to be together, you know?"
Claire knows what Lois is talking about. There's no ambiguity here and it is obvious what her counterpart is saying; Blake, Carl, Ginger, and Courtney either have or had well-established friendships and that each one is a better person for having the other in their lives. Internally, she can't shake her daughter's silent revelation from yesterday morning. For better or worse, Claire knows Courtney well. She'll never claim a nomination for best mother, but she has enough knowledge to understand her daughter despite her frank assurances.
Just thinking about it gives her chills. Claire nods unconsciously and says, "Yes, I agree." Then, in the hopes of entering something constructive into the universe, she declares, "Courtney connected with Ginger in a way that she didn't do with her other friends. It seemed very genuine and I'm glad they're reconnecting. I think they're meant to be great friends."
"Hey, Mom! There you are!"
Lois knows that voice like very few others. It's Aaron, who's come back to his mom with a shopping cart. It seems there was just too much to fit in one of the baskets. Aaron sees that his mom has company. "Oh, Mrs. Gripling! It's good to see you!"
Aaron extends his right hand and Claire obliges, replying, "Likewise, Master Aaron. Well, I should be on my way. This cart isn't going to fill itself and now with another mouth to feed in the house…"
"Say no more, Claire," Lois interjects. "But I'm quite certain we'll be speaking more often. Take care."
"Same to you Lois and Aaron." With this, the three go their separate ways. Claire still has some frozen foods she has to get before she's finished with her list.
God bless her daughter, but in the quest for a 'complete breakfast', Courtney seemed to neglect the other two meals of the day. And, no. Even though the cheesecake was delicious, dessert does not count.
That's the reason why Claire is here. It was worth it to cross paths with Aaron and Lois. Even though they are no strangers to one another, she's right. There will be much more interaction with the Daves. This is no issue. Try as she might, however, her mind is playing with her right now. It refuses to escape the remark from her friend about the Foutleys and the Griplings being together.
So she decides to focus on the other side of that coin and consider how Blake and Carl are doing in Zimbabwe.
A 'together' that she can get behind without worrying herself to the bone about her daughter's proclivities.
It's been a very long couple of days for Jonas and Carl Foutley. The father and son are just not used to this level of travel. They had the flight from LaGuardia to London and then another flight to Nairobi connecting them with Blake before going to Harare, Zimbabwe. They had a big meal before their last flight, even though upon returning to the airport another four hours were remaining until they would taxi off the runway. After waiting for their flight which was three hours in length, they had to deal with a massive baggage claim that took nearly another hour. During that time, the trio had to get the right rental vehicle for this assignment. A sedan simply wouldn't cut it given their cameras, personal luggage, and other equipment, so they needed to get an SUV.
The vehicle wasn't immediately available so Carl, Jonas, and Blake waited another two hours before the SUV became available allowing them to load up their gear and make their way out on the road. It is way too late to check in with the ministry of broadcasting so Blake is driving the two of them to the home of one of his mentors in the world of education, and where the trio will stay for the next several days in advance of the government rally protest, Dr. Royce Aluvado. While there were many people skeptical about he and Morowa's vision, the doctor was a bright light shining as they traveled through the tunnel of this unknown destination. He's one of a few people who gave him and his wife full support in their vision for a school through donations and, even more important, advice and counsel.
Briefly checking the rearview mirror, he sees both Foutley men sleeping in the back seat almost shoulder to shoulder. He chuckles. There's nothing in the world like seeing a father and son together. For these two it wasn't always the case, but that's of no consequence right now. He's glad that he'll be spending time with both of them for the next two weeks. As they get closer to Dr. Aluvado's, it reminds Blake that he needs to get in contact with the special ones in his life once the opportunity arrives.
The ride doesn't take much longer as Blake drives through a gate and continues for another minute before he arrives at his destination. It's a large and ornate residence near the outskirts of the city limits. This is one of the premier communities in one of the major cities of the Southern African region and even more prodigious than the house he grew up in as a youngster. Blake parks the SUV just behind the closed garage and turns off the vehicle. Turning behind, he tells his traveling partners, "Hey guys. Wake up. We're here." Jonas and Carl begin to stir. The father yawns while the son stretches as Blake gets out of the driver's seat and to the rear hatch to begin pulling out some of the personal luggage. All three gentlemen take their respective belongings to the doorway of the home with Blake leading the way to the door.
Blake rings the doorbell and the trio only has to wait about ten seconds before they see a light and then the door opens to reveal the head of the house.
He can't contain his grin as he sees his protege on the other side of the door. "Blake Gripling! How are you, my brother?"
As this man envelopes Blake into a grand embrace, the Foutleys presume that this is the Dr. Aluvado whom their friend has spoken so highly of before and since this trip began. "Manheru akanaka (Good evening), Doctor Aluvado. It is, as always, a pleasure to see you. I've been doing well, Morowa is well and the boys just seem to be growing and growing every day."
"Wonderful, Blake!" Releasing the hug, Dr. Aluvado casts his eyes towards Blake's companions. "Forgive me. While I am glad to see you once again, I am quite aware that you did not come for a social visit. Introduce me to your friends, Blake."
Getting his bearings back after a bone-crushing hug, Blake replies, "Ah, yes." Pointing first to Jonas, he says, "Doctor, this is Jonas Foutley. He will be taking care of the cinematography for the rally. Next to him is his son and my childhood friend Carl Foutley. He'll be handling the on-camera journalism."
"It's great to have you both here," Dr. Aluvado says while shaking both Foutley men's hands, first Jonas and then Carl. "Please come in. I'm sure you've had quite the journey, especially you two gentlemen."
"You can say that again, Dr. Aluvado," says Carl as the three enter the house of Blake's mentor.
"It was the most time I've spent doing nothing but traveling that I can remember," Jonas adds as they are led into a den area. Dr. Aluvado asks his guests to sit down and relax for a bit and they take seats on a large L-shaped sofa while the housekeeper takes their bags up to the guest bedrooms.
Dr. Aluvado sits down with Blake, Carl, and Jonas and explains, "My wife will be out of town for two more days so it's just us and the housekeepers for now. If you three are hungry, my wife cooks, so we may have to go out, but I'll be more than happy to treat."
The visiting trio knowingly looks towards each other and Blake decides to take up the baton as he's the bridge between the doctor and the Foutleys. "We appreciate the offer, doctor, but we're more tired than hungry. If you don't mind a rain check later in the week…"
"Say no more, Blake. If not tonight, there will be plenty of time for us to break bread." With no further talk about food, Dr. Aluvado wants to get to the meat and potatoes of the matter that brings these three into his home. "So Carl, I'm certain that you've had some time to research the reason why you're here and what this weekend's rally is all about, right?"
"Yes, sir. I think it's important to strike the right balance, though. I know this rally is designed to protest issues involving the reform government. None of that is lost on me at all. I just think it would be a good idea to get a perspective on what this means for the educational infrastructure. That's a matter that might get lost in all the other elements of the protest. So, I do know that there are subsections of citizens fighting for their piece of the pie. I'm looking to see what the educators want out of this rally and what it means for them."
"While always keeping an open mind, right?"
"Without question, Doctor," Carl confirms. "I'm under no delusions about coming here. I am only an observer who seeks to reflect this culture to other cultures."
"What? Not a stranger in a strange land?" Blake asks in a semi-teasing way.
"Well, that goes without saying but if I'm here long enough, I won't be that much of a stranger and the land won't be so strange." This is not Carl's first rodeo when it comes to covering political situations and controversial circumstances. If it hasn't fazed him before, why in the world would he let it faze him now for a matter of distance? "Honestly, I try not to think about that too much. It's real, but I don't have to lose any sleep or work over it. I know why I'm here. Most of my success will come through earning the trust of the locals so that they'll open up to me and not see me as some overly ambitious white boy trying to make a name for himself in the midst of political tumult."
"Well, I don't want to speak out of order," Blake interjects, "but I think you'll have no issues out there. I'm not saying you won't experience some ignorance, there's no escaping it, but you just have to be honest. What you said about earning the trust of the people is key to the success of this story. Never lose sight of that, my friend, and you will tell the story that needs to be told."
"And that's where I'd like to know if you, sir, are willing to help us out with securing some one-on-one interviews with teachers and administrators." Pointing his thumb towards his father a couple of times, Carl explains to Dr. Aluvado, "Aside from handling the technical aspects of production and working the camera, my dad keeps me apprised of any relevant names and numbers I need to call to make my work shine. He, along with Blake, helped secure interview time with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education that I'll conduct this Monday morning."
"Mr. Foutley-the elder Foutley is being quite humble, Doctor," Blake admits. "It was his idea to contact the education ministry. Carl and I talked about interviewing teachers and staff, but Jonas came up with that because he believed the piece should be as well-rounded as possible."
Jonas sees a pair of eyes cast his way; those of a fairly tall and older gentleman seated in the recliner positioned to see anything and everything that might happen in this den. Jonas feels a combination of embarrassment and nerves. As a coping mechanism, he shrugs and chuckles before saying, "Well, Doctor Aluvado...at the end of the day, this is a team effort. My son and I haven't had the chance to work on many projects since I got into video production. I'm glad to be a part of this story because it's not often that those behind the camera can contribute with their thoughts and ideas. They asked me for some input and I said that beyond talking to the educators, listening to the high-ranking government officials can only help present a clearer picture. It's not easy to strike the right balance between portraying the official position of the lawmakers versus raw and intimate opinions from those who have to execute any changes that might come down the line."
"Are you sure that you don't have a future as a program director or editor?" Dr. Aluvado asks Jonas. "You've given this story a lot of thought even though your son will likely get all of the credit. You could even have a future in front of the camera with that psychology."
Jonas shakes his head at the latter suggestion making it clear, "I'm deathly camera shy. And as far as being an editor is concerned, it's possible but it might take away from a lot of the freelancing projects I already do to make a living. Industry heads say they want a bit more higher education out of me and...that's something I have to weigh as far as if it's what I want to do. It's not just about the big bump in pay. I'm at the point where I have to love what I do to get satisfaction out of it, or I feel like I'm just wasting time. Trust me, I've done enough of that for three lifetimes. It's not worth it."
Dr. Royce Aluvado hears the words from Jonas and is taken by all of them. They seem to come from a unique place and he has no qualms about letting his guest know this. "Hmm…pardon me if it seems as if I'm speaking out of turn, but those sound like the words from someone who's seen life pass him by like a departing train and knows that he can't miss the next ride. Mr. Foutley, I have a saying that I've told some of my students who didn't come from the most immaculate of backgrounds and it goes like this. No one who has the best interests of the butterfly wastes their time focusing on their life as a caterpillar. Much like the caterpillar is no more after ascending from the cocoon, the past is no more when we decide to leave our cocoons." Jonas certainly didn't have much interest in getting too deep into the weeds of his life story. He is, nonetheless, struck by how the doctor had some sense of him not being the most reliable figure in his family's life. He takes it all in silent stride only because the elder educator made a great point with his analogy of the caterpillar and the butterfly.
"In any case," Dr. Aluvado continues, "you three do seem as if you're here for all the right reasons. I'm not saying I had any doubts. Blake has more than exceeded my expectations since he and Morowa came to Nairobi. I'm just saying that if you recognize what it takes to get this message out, it is for the best. We can set aside talking about business and the rally for now and break for tomorrow. You three should get acclimated to the city before the rally-well, as much as you can in a day. I'll show you to your rooms so you can get settled in and we can get a good start on the morning plans. Especially you, Carl."
The doctor is correct. Carl and Jonas will have to get credentialed to cover this protest march. Jonas only has to acknowledge that he's authorized to film the crowd while Carl must present himself to the journalism ministry and make several declarations to be objective and non-judgmental in his reporting. He never has to jump through this many hoops in America, but he's not in America right now. It's not a problem for him. As long as he can tell the story as it's supposed to be told, he'll jump through hoops like a trained seal. Such is his dedication to his craft.
Sitting by a city bench on a quiet and non-descript Saturday morning, a young man ponders and meditates on life during a time when it doesn't seem to be moving as quickly as the speed of sound. Reflection is something best done in private when no one is watching and no one is the wiser. You never know who you might encounter in these moments.
Looking to his right, he didn't notice a man about his age sitting next to him on the bench and holding two commuter cups of coffee. He's spooked for a split second but then settles down as this guy hands him one cup, which he accepts. The coffee giver begins the conversation. "I didn't know if you wanted cream or sugars, so I got some for you to go with your drink." He pulls them out of his shirt pocket and puts them down for his bench mate who grabs two each of cream and sugar packets.
While prepping his coffee, the young man first says, "Thank you," and then asks, "What do I owe this pleasure, though? I don't know of any strangers who would do this."
"Well, just so that we don't have to remain strangers, my name is Brandon." Extending his hand out to this former stranger, he accepts and says that his name is Allen. "I don't want you to take this the wrong way, Allen," Brandon continues, "but something led me here. I couldn't help but notice you sitting here across the street for the past few days." The man points to the next block and the church. "It's clear you've found a place to contemplate matters and I'm just curious what's on your mind. And, for your consideration, you should know that I will not judge. I just want to listen and, if possible, help."
Taking a few sips of his coffee, Allen ponders his next words and tells Brandon, "Life happens to all of us, Brandon. I think it might have really happened to me in the last few years. I...had a great career with the hospitality industry, but the recent recession led to layoffs. In searching for new employment, I found that there's been more of a shift to big data within the industry and that the need for middle management is not as important as it was even a decade ago.
"It's been a struggle this past year as a lot of the other organizations are going in the same direction, so I made a career change into information technology and my first interview is scheduled for this Monday."
"Allen, are you married?" Brandon asks, legitimately curious.
"Yes, and I'll be honest, if it hadn't been for Sabrina's support, I don't know if I would've made it through this."
"So...you come here to basically calm your nerves or find a quiet place?"
Alex nods and adds, "My head needs to be clear from everything that happened. We were homeless for a little bit. Thankfully, we have a place to go now, but...that had to have been the lowest point for me. My wife and I don't have any children...yet, but I still see it as my duty to take care of house and home."
"Well, it's always good for us to just have a moment to ponder matters-to meditate. As I see it, there's never been an issue of looking back from where you've come from to remind you of where you still have to go. However you might term it, it's good that we all have that time at least once every day to disconnect. It's difficult now, especially with all of our high-tech distractions, but it's very important. Not to mention, this is a brand new step for you. I presume that you may have doubts about whether you will make it in this new field, right?"
Brandon looks to Alex, who seems to be seriously pondering the answer to this question. "Yeah. I...don't want to admit it, but this is a brave new world for me. And no matter where I go, there's bound to be insecurity when it comes to anyone new coming up the ladder in a field. I just...I pray for a good transition and all the best for a brighter future."
"Take it from me, Alex," Brandon responds with the utmost care while making near direct eye contact, "while it is natural to be concerned and to wonder what will happen going forward, I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about. I can remember an example from my life. After graduating from seminary and learning underneath local bishops in my home state of Connecticut for a few years, the church put me in charge of a small parish in Montana. Let me be frank with you, it scared me to no end. I didn't know anyone in the state of Montana. I thought about asking the diocese to reconsider and then I just prayed about it and decided that there had to be a reason why this happened. I got my answer two weeks later. Their pastor passed away with no warning, which is something I only learned while going through the transfer files out of curiosity.
Alex is shocked to hear this. Not the passing of a clergyman out of nowhere, but that the diocese didn't let him know this immediately. "I can only speak from my perspective, but God called me to go to a place where I wasn't comfortable to minister to a people who needed comfort. You see, I've learned that God doesn't talk like you and I are doing right now. Many times, God will just...shake up everything in your life to get your attention. He did that for me in sending me to that parish with less than 100 people and I can tell he's doing that for you. I didn't realize it at the time, but that move was the best thing that happened for me. I got to know and learn from people more than at any other point in my journey. Remember, Alex. The opportunities are always open for those who open their hearts to them."
For the first time, Alex cracks a smile. He did consider that perhaps God was speaking to him when it came to the layoff or being without a home for a couple of months. While he thought it was life happening, he didn't stop to consider that there may have been a reason why he went through all of those stressful moments. Perhaps it was truly to prepare him for his next steps, but he just couldn't see it from that angle. "Thank you, Pastor Brandon. I feel a little better about this transition now."
Brandon smiles back and says, "I'm always glad to help. I just get...enjoyment in reaching out to people to help them with their needs, both large and small."
Some time passes and the two gentlemen continue to partake in their coffee. Alex has one more question before they part ways. "Okay, I'm curious. Aren't you gonna ask me?"
"Ask you what?"
"To visit the church or for prayer? Isn't that usually the next step of the clergy?"
The young pastor thinks about it and then shrugs his shoulders before admitting, "Usually, yes, but there are two things that told me that you were fine. One, you did pray for God's blessings before the interview, and two, you already know where the church is. I can't force you as much as you can force the interviewers to hire you. God, for better or worse, gives us all free will. But, I'll make you a deal. If you want prayer, you'll know where to find me tomorrow morning." Getting up from the bench, Brandon extends his hand, and the two shake. "Enjoy, Alex, and all the best to you in your interview on Monday." Brandon leaves Alex behind and makes the very short walk across the street and back towards the church to continue his work on this otherwise non-descript Saturday.
Non-descript, because that's just the way Brandon prefers it; not to make a big deal of reaching out to others, but to just do it because it is right. Not to expect anything in return for this except making these connections and working, in some small way, to affect the lives of those he comes in contact with. Also, not to get his name across as a rising voice in the Anglican and Episcopal expressions of faith, for he is still just a man. Not perfect or pious for its own sake, but genuine and gentle for the sake of others. Whether it's for the worshipers halfway around the world or the complete stranger sitting on a bench just a block away, it makes no difference to this young man who only wants to make a bit of difference in the lives of others.
Opening the door to his dressing room, Hoodsey just wrapped an episode of his satire series and his coming in to change back into his street clothes and head home. He's got a rather simple dressing room. A rack with hangers for his clothes, a mini-fridge, a desk and mirror off to the side, and an attached bathroom where he can clean up before he leaves the Washington D.C. studio.
None of that is the key focus on his mind, though. Obviously, while doing television, Hoodsey cannot have his cell phone on him. So he keeps it and other valuables in a safe just underneath the desk. Putting in a key combination, he opens the door of this safe and pulls out his wallet and cell phone. Checking the messages, he sees three in all. The first one from about four hours ago from Macie, reading, 'Come home if you can. I'm really in the mood.' Seeing this text puts a damper on the good feelings he had when entering the room after a positive taping. "Damn it," he exclaims. The saga continues for the Bishops to have a child. The doctor suggested timing intercourse on Macie's cycle and that's what the pair have been doing for the past two months with no success as of yet.
A further two texts talk of Macie's previous mood passing, her apologizing, and asking Hoodsey to pick up some ice cream on the way home. Well, that got him chuckling as his wife always knows how to make the best of a difficult situation.
Dialing her number on speed dial, Hoodsey doesn't have to wait that long to hear his favorite voice in the world say, "Good evening, Robbie."
"Hey, Mace," he responds. "I'm sorry that I missed your text."
"You have nothing to be sorry about."
"Oh, I don't want to interrupt, but you have nothing to be sorry for, either. It happens. You can't account for bad timing in these situations. Like you said when we first went to Dr. Holloway, we're a team. We fail or succeed together. By the way, misery still loves company. What flavor of ice cream do you want before I come home?"
"Mint chocolate chip if they have it."
"Sure thing, Macie. I'm pondering some cookie dough myself," he says while hearing a vibration from the phone. He pays it no mind as he says goodbye to his wife until he comes home. Hanging up the phone, he sees yet another text. This one is from his sister, Dodie, and it reads, 'Hey, Hoodsey. I hope this isn't too short of a notice, but would you and Macie be willing to babysit Dana and Cody for us in a few weekends? Chet and I would really appreciate it.'
He puts the phone down and makes his way to the shower. He'll have to speak with Macie on the matter, but he doesn't think there should be an issue with babysitting his niece and nephew. It's not too short of notice if it's happening next month and it's been a while since he's seen the kids. That and there's no such thing as too much practice when it comes to minding youngsters especially as he continues to pine for at least one for himself and Macie.
A/N: So I took on another project, but certainly didn't forget this. We'll go back to Ginger and Courtney in the next chapter as Ginger takes some initiative in getting to know her better outside of the professional confines.
Until next time…