A/N: Thank you all for the reviews. I'm glad you liked the first two chapters. This is more explanation and yes I had to throw in a little comfort moment. Not much else to say. I hope Alex's words and actions seem in character. This is how I thought she would react. I see Alex as a person who tries to stay strong... maybe even forgetting that she needs time to grieve also. This chapter may seem short because a lot is said by Alex, but it really isn't shorter. It's the same amount of words. Just so you know. Well... enjoy.. at least I hope so.
Chapter three
Bobby kept standing where he was, not wanting to interrupt the moment. At the same time they realized that Abby had fallen asleep. That's when Bobby joined Alex at the couch and carefully lifted the girl out of Alex's arms. Gently he placed the girl next to Alex on the couch. Looking around he found a blanket and covered the girl with it. Taking Alex's hand he led her to the kitchen. In the kitchen he did the one thing he knew she needed, but wouldn't ask for. Without any hesitation he pulled her into his arms and held her close. He heard her quiet sigh and felt how her arms tightened around him. He knew she wouldn't let herself cry yet, knew she wanted to be strong for Abby. The thought of how good she felt in his arms occurred to him, but he quickly pushed it away. He was here for her, to comfort her. She was his priority, his feelings didn't count. When he felt her relax, he let her go and led her to a chair. Quietly he made her a cup of tea and placed it on the table. Sitting down next to her he waited for her to start her story.
Sipping her tea she began to tell him what had happened. "I met Jenny in High School. We hit it off immediately. We were very much alike even though we looked so different. Jenny has dark brown hair and was much taller. But we liked the same things, always hung out together and even liked the same boys. But that never was a problem." Alex smiled as she remembered the good times. "After college we went our own ways, but never lost contact. We always met a couple of times a years, sometimes we'd even go away for the weekend. She was there at my wedding and I at hers. She was by my side after Jason's death. And I was there when her husband, Eric, passed away. I guess it was three years ago that she told me she was sick. She had breast cancer and the doctors were hopeful. She immediately made me promise I would take care of Abby if anything would happen to her."
Alex paused a moment, putting her empty cup of tea away from her. "I agreed more to ease her mind than I thought it would actually happen. Eric never knew his parents and Jenny's parents passed away years ago. I would never leave Abby alone, that was sure. Beside if it was the last thing I could do for Jenny, then I would. The treatment was working, but not as well as doctor's hoped. Last year she called me to tell me the cancer had spread and she would be getting extra chemo's. I was here about four months ago and she wasn't doing bad at all. On the days she had chemo, a mother of one of Abby's friends would take care of Abby."
Her throat tightened as she remembered that one call two days ago. "Two days ago, that same mother called me, telling me Jenny was really sick and asked me to come over. Yesterday… she was still alive when I arrived, as if she'd waited for me. She made me promise again that I would take care of Abby. Told me I would do just fine. I… I told her that I didn't know if I could do this, but she had faith in me. It was so hard to say goodbye to her. To know that I would never be able to see her again, that I couldn't call to hear her voice again and ask her advice. To realize I was losing my best friend."
She hiccupped even though there were still no tears. "I have to make the arrangements for her funeral. I started on it, but Abby's taking up a lot of my time. She kept my up most of the night, calling out for her mother and every time I had to tell her that her mother wasn't there anymore. I have several people to call and have to deal with Jenny's will. I just don't know how to do it and to top it off… what if I can't do it? What if I can't take care of Abby? I've taken care of my nephew and niece, but never for a long time! Jenny depended on me and trusted me to raise Abby. I don't want to disappoint her, but what if I fail?"
He saw the helplessness and anxiety in Alex's eyes. Something he'd never seen before. With Alex empty promises didn't work and so he did not offer one. Reaching out he covered his hand with hers and spoke softly. "You don't have to do it all at once. Let me help you, Alex. You're not alone. Show me the papers and tell what needs to be taken care of."
With a nod she showed her agreement and stood up to gather the papers. They read through different papers and Bobby started to make the arrangements for the funeral. Their silent work got broken up by a sudden scream for mommy by Abby. Bobby and Alex shared a look before Alex left the kitchen to go to Abby.
Minutes later Alex had calmed Abby down and was walking into the kitchen with the little girl at her hand. "Abby, I'd like you to meet my friend Bobby."
The girl, who was still a bit teary eyed gave Bobby a weak smile. With a soft voice she greeted him. "Hi."
"Hi, Abby." The little girl was adorable. "Want something to drink?" He wanted the girl to be at ease with him and decided to do that in small steps. Seeing Abby's small nod, Bobby went in search of something to drink.
Returning to the table Bobby gave Alex's another cup of tea, Abby some orange juice and a coffee for himself. To his own surprise the dark haired girl slid down Alex's lap and walked to him. For a moment she hesitated before climbing on Bobby's lap. She settled down with her head against his chest, slowly sipping her drink. She seemed to be content with her spot. Bobby quietly worked on some papers, occasionally looking at Alex and Abby. Abby didn't say anything at all, her eyes shifting from Alex to him. And Alex, she seemed to be far away, her thoughts probably with Jenny.
TBC...
