A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. I apologize for the delay in updating. Life and work have gotten in the way of writing along with a minor bout of writer's block. I checked the calendar and saw that this story is almost 8 years old! It's hard to believe! I want to thank you all for staying with me! This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
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Jessica carefully made her way upstairs and into the kitchen. She sat Lexie on the floor while she secured Bri in a highchair. Jessica turned her attention back to Lexie and looked up when she heard a soft knock on the patio door. A smile spread across her face as she walked to the door and opened it after she picked up Lexie.
"Good morning, Sam. This is a nice surprise."
"Morning, Jessica. Miranda texted me last night and told me you were having some overnight guests. I thought you might need some help."
"Well, I will certainly take it. Would you mind getting Danny? He's down in the spare bedroom I usually stay in."
"I'm on it!"
"Oh, watch out for the bodies. Everyone stayed down there, and they're still asleep."
"You didn't stay down there, did you?"
"No, I didn't. Miranda convinced me to stay in her room. Judging by what I saw, I'm glad I took her up on it."
Sam laughed. "Smart. I'll be right back. I'll see you two cuties in a couple of minutes." She winked at Bri and Lexie before she carefully made her way downstairs.
The teen returned as promised, holding a very happy Danny. Sam was definitely one of his favorite people. "It looks like a battlefield down there. Judging by how they're sleeping, I'm pretty sure Zach and Ryan are going to have sore backs and necks."
"I think you're right, and that's at the very least." Jessica nodded towards the toddlers. "Well, since I have an extra pair of hands now, why don't we change their diapers before I start on breakfast?"
"That sounds like a good plan. Let me just send this real quick." Sam had taken a couple of pictures of the scene downstairs because she knew without a doubt that Kendall, Greenlee, Bianca, and Marissa would want to see it.
Jessica chuckled knowing what Sam was doing and why.
/
After they returned to the kitchen, Jessica started on breakfast while Sam got sippy cups ready for the little ones. Bianca had made a breakfast casserole for them before she left. Since the number of people having breakfast that morning at Minx Manor had increased, Jessica had whipped up an additional casserole the night before. Once both were in the oven, she started on some oatmeal for Danny, Bri, and Lexie.
"Are you ready for school?"
"Yeah, I think so. I can't believe this is my last year at Pine Valley High."
"Yes, it is hard to believe you're going to be a senior. How are Carol, Gail, and Alex handling it?"
"About like you would expect. Grandma is actually doing better with it than Mom and Dad."
"How's the college search going?"
"Pretty good. We checked out a few while Mom and Dad were on vacation. We made a whole thing of it."
"Have you come to a decision?"
"Well, I have scholarship offers for some of the places we checked out, including PVU, and honestly, I'm really leaning towards staying here and going there. Yeah, it might be exciting to go someplace else, but I don't know that I want to leave home yet. I spent a few years not really having one, and now, that I do, I'm not quite ready to leave it yet. Does that sound lame?"
Jessica shook her head and motioned for Sam to take a seat. She handed her a glass of orange juice before joining her with a mug of coffee. "I don't think so. It makes sense to me. What do they say?"
"They want me to be sure that that's what I want. It really is. Besides, PVU has a really good social work program."
"That's what you want to study?"
Sam nodded. "Yeah, it is. I've been talking to Bianca, and she said the Miranda Center has plans to set up an internship program with PVU next year. You would get the experience and college credit. She said given the experience I have already, I would have an inside track to getting one."
"And rightfully so. And before you ask, Bianca isn't showing any favoritism. You know that's not her style. If she says you deserve it, you do."
"Marissa said the same thing when I talked to her about it."
"Well, there you have it. Marissa would know better than anyone else. Okay?"
Sam smiled and nodded. "Okay. Grandma was pretty happy that I'm leaning towards PVU, and she said that Mom and Dad are too. They just don't want me to feel pressured to stay home. They don't want me to feel like I've missed out on something by not going away. I don't feel that way at all. If I go to PVU, I can either stay at home or in the dorms. So, I can get the whole college experience but still be close to home."
"Well, it sounds to me like you've have pretty much made up your mind. You should talk to them and tell them how you feel. They'll understand and support you."
"I know, and you're right. I'll talk to them later today." Sam smiled. "Marissa's right."
"About?" Jessica asked.
"You. She said you were a great listener and gave great advice."
"Well …" Jessica was flustered by the compliment.
Sam decided to give her an out. "So, what do you think happened downstairs last night?"
Jessica took the lifeline and ran with it. "I'm not exactly sure. Zach and Ryan insisted that they could handle everything, and I slept in Miranda's room per her suggestion. Judging from what I saw, remind me to thank her for that."
"I will. Miranda said there was a problem on Zach and Ryan's street."
"Yes, there was a water main break, and the water wasn't going to be back on until today."
"Ah, and you told them to stay here."
"Well, they're family."
"Yes, they are. Do Kendall and Greenlee know what's going on?"
"They do. They all talked last night, before they went out to celebrate for the evening."
"How's Jo?"
"Much better, thanks to some very good friends. The wedding details are back on track."
"I'm really happy to hear that. Marissa said she's going to sing at the reception."
Jessica nodded. "Yes, she is going to sing something for Jo and Greg's first dance. I'm not sure what the song is though. They're keeping it all hush-hush."
"You know that Marissa will do a great job though."
"Oh, yes, I know she will do a wonderful job. She wants the day to be perfect for Jo and Greg and will do everything in her power to ensure that it is. Bianca is doing everything to help with that as well." Jessica paused for a moment and smiled sadly. "I wish that Roy and Lydia could have met Bianca. They would've loved her. Not just for how much she loves their daughter but because of who she is. She is special."
Sam nodded. "She really is. If it wasn't for Bianca stepping in and offering her help, I don't know where I would be right now. She was the one who got Marissa to represent me."
"Well, Bianca saw something special in you that made her have faith in you. If you ask me, you proved her right. You worked hard to turn things around. Be proud of yourself. It goes without saying that Bianca and Marissa are both very proud of you. As for Carol, Gail, and Alex, well, I don't have to tell you how they feel about you, do I?"
"No, you don't." Sam smiled thoughtfully. "It's just that sometimes it's … hard."
"I understand, more than you know. It's when you go through those tough times, the ones that are as dark as night, that's when you find out what you're made of and when you find the people that you can really count on. You know, the ones that offer you that glimmer of light, of hope."
"Like Bianca and Marissa. Because of them, I found my new family."
"Exactly. Just like Bianca and Marissa were that for you, Marissa's mother was that for me."
Sam studied Jessica for a moment and knew that was all she would say at that time and decided not to press her further. "I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without them. I'm lucky."
"Well, I know for a fact that if you ask them, they would say they were lucky to know you. I also know that Carol, Alex, and Gail would say the exact same thing. Don't let this go to your head, but Carol brags about you all the time to anyone who will listen and also to anyone who won't. It doesn't matter."
"Yeah?" Sam grinned. "Thanks! I'll do my best, and I won't tell her I know."
"Morning." Miranda mumbled as she stumbled into the kitchen.
Jessica chuckled. "Good morning. Did you have fun last night torturing Zach and Ryan?"
Miranda's eyes opened at the question followed by a grin. "Maybe. Hi, Sam! Have you been here long?"
"Hi, Miranda. Not too long. Do you want some juice or milk?"
"I can get it."
"Nah, I got it. Your little brother wants your attention."
Miranda smiled when she saw Danny grinning and jabbering at her. "Thanks."
"Is anyone else awake downstairs? Breakfast should be ready soon." Jessica asked.
"Yeah, all the kids were starting to wake up. AJ's and Spike's stomachs were grumbling pretty loud. Uncle Zach and Ryan were still sound asleep though."
Jessica hummed knowingly. "I'm sure. I have a feeling they were up late. Oh, thank you for suggesting I sleep in your room. Something tells me that I wouldn't have slept nearly as well as I did if I had been downstairs."
Miranda thought for a moment and shook her head. "No, I don't think we would've been up as late."
Sam laughed. "I think you're right there. Jessica would've had had more control over things, huh?"
"Yeah, probably." Miranda joined the teen in laughing. "Have you heard from my Moms yet?"
As if on cue, Jessica's cellphone chimed letting her know she just received a text. She pulled up the message and read it. "Well, speak of the devils. It seems they survived last night as well. They'll be back by dinner." Jessica didn't relay the part of Marissa's text telling her that something came up that she needed to take care of in Shamokin before they headed home. It was followed by a request not to say anything about it to anyone else.
"Did they have a good time?"
"Marissa says they did, but they missed you, your brothers and sister. They want to know if the house is still standing."
"Well, the house is, but I'm not so sure about Zach and Ryan." Sam smirked.
"You took the words right out of my mouth." Jessica responded to the text and then glanced at Miranda. "Would you mind setting the dining room table for me? We won't have enough room in here when the others start making their way in here."
"Okay. Should we wake up Uncle Zach and Ryan?"
"No, let's let them sleep in. I think they need it. We'll keep something warm for them."
Miranda nodded and headed to a cabinet to retrieve some plates.
"I'll help you. You can tell me about last night while we set the table. More specifically, what happened to Zach and Ryan." Sam smirked.
A grin spread across Miranda's face. "Okay. Thanks for helping. We had a really good time. I don't think we were too rough on them."
Jessica simply smiled and shook her head as she listened to Miranda and Sam as they headed to the dining room.
/
By the time Zach and Ryan stumbled into the dining room, the others were finishing up their breakfast. Both men were limping and looking a little worse for wear.
Jessica bit back a smile as she greeted them. She could clearly see that they were in a little pain. "Good morning. Would you like some coffee?"
"Yes, I would love some coffee." Zach said as he carefully lowered himself into a chair.
Ryan winced as he sat next to Emma. "So would I."
"I'll get it." Jessica turned to the kids. "Would one of you go get some ibuprofen for Zach and Ryan? I think they could use some for their backs and necks."
AJ popped off his chair. "I'll go get it, Nana J."
"Thank you, AJ."
"I'll get you something to eat, Dad." Emma said to Ryan.
"Thank you."
"I'll get your breakfast, Dad."
"Thanks, Spike. I appreciate it." Zach turned and smiled tiredly at Lexie and Ian.
"Lexie and Bri have been changed and fed and so has Danny." Sam said.
"You and Jessica?"
"Yeah. She went downstairs to check on everyone and found those three awake and talking to each other. Jessica figured they needed a change and that everyone else could use some more sleep. I got here right after that and helped out as best I could."
"I really appreciate it, Sam. Thank you."
Ryan nodded. "I agree with Zach. Thanks. You've definitely helped make the morning easier."
Sam simply shrugged. To her, what she did wasn't a big deal. It was simply what you did for friends, for family. "You're welcome."
Jessica returned with two large mugs of coffee followed by Emma and Spike who carefully handed their Dads plates filled with breakfast casserole.
AJ made his way back to the dining room with the ibuprofen and handed the bottle to his uncle.
"Thanks, AJ."
"You're welcome, Uncle Zach."
After taking the recommended dosage out, Zach handed the bottle to a grateful Ryan.
"Thanks, Zach, and thank you, AJ."
"You're welcome."
"Oh, I heard from Marissa. She said they will be returning a little later than they had originally planned today."
Jessica's statement got Zach's attention. "Did she say why?"
"No, just that something came up. She did say that no one needed to be bailed out however." Jessica added with a smile.
"Well, that's good to hear." Even though he chuckled, Zach couldn't shake the feeling that something happened, and he would definitely have to check it out. For now, he decided to let it go, but there would be a conversation with Kendall when she got home. Zach glanced down at his empty mug and knew he needed more coffee. He stood and began to slowly make his way to the kitchen after picking up Jessica's mug to get her a refill, with a noticeable limp.
"What did you do, Zach?" Sam asked.
Zach stopped and pondered that question. "I honestly don't know. Whatever I did though, I did it to my shoulder too."
"I'll come with you, Zach. I really need some more coffee." Ryan got up and immediately winced. His backed spasmed and caused him to remain bent over for a few moments.
"You okay, Ryan?" Zach asked.
"Yeah, I think I tweaked something from how I slept last night."
"That did not look like the most comfortable position you were in this morning." Jessica noted. "How did you get in that position?"
"You got me. I don't have a clue. I think I'll be okay once I get it stretched out." It was when Ryan was stretching the Jessica noticed something on his arm.
"Oh, nice tattoo. Mickey Mouse is a classic."
"I really like how your fingernails match your toenails." Sam smirked.
Ryan shook his head and smiled. "Yeah, it kept everyone occupied. I have to admit that I'm a little bit jealous of Zach's tattoo."
Zach pulled up one of the sleeves of his t-shirt and flexed arm to show off the Thor tattoo he had been given. "What can I say? I mean, who am I to argue when they said I reminded them of Thor?"
Jessica and Sam both had to stifle their laughter when Zach limped towards the kitchen with Ryan slowly shuffling after him.
"I don't think either one of them would be mistaken for a superhero right now." Sam smirked.
"I agree." Jessica chuckled as she pulled out her phone and recorded the men slowly making their way to the kitchen. She knew of several people who would want to see this. With the recording done, Jessica excused herself to make a quick trip to the master bathroom. When she returned, Ryan and Zach were just taking their seats. "I just remembered that Bianca and Marissa had some ointment that I think will help with your shoulder and back."
"Thanks. I'm willing to try anything at this point." Ryan said gratefully as he took the ointment.
"Is there any update on the water main break, Zach?" Jessica asked.
"They expect the water to be back on in another hour or so, and then, they can start on the clean-up. Everything should be wrapped up by this evening."
Jessica nodded. "It's settled then. You're staying here until then. In fact, why don't you just stay until the ladies get home?"
"Are you sure, Jessica? We really don't want to get in the way."
"Oh please. You're not in the way. Besides, I think it might be best for you and Ryan. It will give you both time to recover from whatever the kids put you through last night."
"That's an awful lot to ask from you." Ryan said.
"She's not alone. I can stick around. In fact, I can ask Grandma if she wants to come over and help. She's been saying that she hasn't gotten a lot of time with this crew lately anyway. I have no doubt Grandma will jump at the chance."
"There you go. We'll have another set of more than capable hands to help. Go ahead and call Carol, Sam."
The teen nodded and did as asked.
Zach chuckled. "Okay, you win. I give."
"Yeah, me too. It's pretty much fighting a lose battle." Ryan shook his head, amused and grateful.
"I knew you'd see it my way. Now, let's see what we can do about lunch and possibly dinner. Oh, I can call Greg and see if he can pick up a few things for us. He had mentioned that he wanted to talk to you about something."
Sam looked up from her cellphone. "Is it okay if Mom and Dad come over? They want to help."
No one saw a reason why the Walkers could come over, but Jessica wanted to clear it with Bianca and Marissa first, so she made a quick call to the couple. As they talked Bianca suggested having an impromptu cookout with a few others invited. Besides Greg, Jessica would contact Erica and Jack as well as Caleb. Sam would let the Walkers to come on over. Those in Shamokin would contact their significant others in Pine Valley and let them know what was going on and when to meet up at Minx Manor for an end of summer cookout and pool party. Obviously, the contingent currently in Pine Valley would do most of the prep work, but there was one thing that Marissa insisted on taking care of with a small assist from Sam. She wanted to take care of the cake. In fact, Marissa had actually ordered a cake for everyone who happened to be at Minx Manor when their group returned. She and Sam had a quick conversation, and the teen agreed to pick it up from the bakery for the last-minute celebration.
With plans in place, the call was disconnected. Jessica turned to everyone that was now assembled in the family room.
"We're having a cookout and pool party, and we have some work to do."