Shaken but Strong

The Daughter I Never Had Chapter 11

The School Shooting from Mrs. Pugh's Perspective

Notes: Events of my story Keep Your Kids Close from Mrs. Pugh's perspective. The Abramson and Samuels families as well as Joanne and Frederick Warbucks are my original characters. I own no rights to any Annie characters. Please be gentle with your criticism of this particular chapter. I have always had issues with writing about suicide because I've never known anyone who has committed such a terrible act. I try as hard as I can to make things as realistic as possible for my readers while being sensitive to people I know who either attempted to commit suicide or know someone who has committed suicide. Thank you!

Tuesday October 5th started as any normal Tuesday would in our household. Grace walked Frederick and Joanne to the bus stop at 6:45 and then headed off to work at 7:30. Little did we know that life as we knew it would change forever that day.

Around 10:30 the phone rang. It was the assistant principal of the middle school. Oliver answered. The phone call didn't take very long. Oliver hung up the phone and then turned to me with a solemn expression on his face.

"What's the problem? I asked

"The middle school is currently on lockdown. A shooter is on the loose in the school."

The color drained from my face. " Are the children all right?"

Oliver nodded. "I'm heading over there at 12:30 to dismiss them. "Would you mind calling Grace at work to let her know what has happened?"

"Not a problem."

I got on the phone right away and called North Side Elementary School.

"Good morning Northside Elementary School."

"Good Morning, my name is Helen Pugh. Can I be connected to my daughter's classroom please?"

"What's your daughter's name m'am?"

"Grace Warbucks."

"Certainly please hold."

"Hello."

"Grace, sweetheart. I'm so sorry to call you at work."

"What's wrong Mama? It's rare that you call me at work unless something's wrong with Frederick and Joanne. Are they all right?"

"The assistant principal at the middle school just telephoned us. The school is on lock down because a shooter is on the loose."

Silence.

"Sweetie pie, are you there?"

"Yes Mama, I'm just trying to collect my thoughts. The children are all right?"

"As far as I know they are safe in their classrooms. Oliver plans to dismiss them at 12:15."

"Thanks for calling Mama. I'll see you when I get home this afternoon."

Oliver came home with Frederick and Joanne around 12:30. Joanne was in hysterical tears.

"Grandma Helen, I've never felt so afraid."

I took my surrogate granddaughter from Oliver's arms and kissed her forehead. "Don't fret dear. You're home safe now and I'm glad for that. Your mother will be happy about that too."

We went to the kitchen and had lunch. Grace came home at 3:15. Joanne ran to greet her.

"Oh Mama, today was so scary."

I stood in the doorway of the apartment.

"I know sweetheart. I've been worried about you and your brother all day. Come on. Let's go inside."

Later that night after the children were in bed Grace knocked on my door.

"Come in darling."

Grace looked like a frightened child. I had never seen her look so scared.

"Oh Mama, Joanne just came into our room and told us all about the shooting today. She's frightened to go back to school tomorrow."

"Is she sleeping now?"

Grace nodded. "I can't fall asleep at all though. I hate knowing that such a horrible thing had to happen today. At the same time I'm happy that both of our children were unharmed in the incident."

I pulled the covers back and patted the bed next to me. "Come here my beautiful girl."

Grace climbed into bed and curled into my side.

"Do they know who the shooter is?" I asked

Grace nodded. "Yes, Darryl Abramson."

My jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"

"Frederick said he came on the bus very angry this morning. He got in a fight with his mother last night about having to end his relationship with Anna Samuels."

"What on earth would possess him to bring a gun to school?"

Grace shrugged. "The police and Mr. Peters are still looking into that. Oliver said Darryl hangs out with a rough crowd of kids so I wouldn't be surprised if this shooting is drug related."

"When are we going to know more information?"

"Hopefully by the end of the week or beginning of next week."

"Did you want to sleep with me tonight darling?"

Grace nodded.

I clicked the light off and kissed Grace's forehead. "I love you Gracie Liz. Good night."

"I love you too Mama. Good night. ."

At 3:30 in the morning my door creaked opened.

"Mama, are you in here?" I heard Joanne whisper.

"Hi baby girl. Your mom is right here with me. Did you have a bad dream?"

Joanne nodded.

"Come on. We'll make some room for you."

"Okay.

Joanne climbed under the covers and snuggled in on Grace's left side. She kissed Grace's cheek and her eyes opened.

"Hi sweetheart. Did you have a bad dream?"

Joanne nodded. " I didn't know where you were Mama."

"I'm sorry my love, I meant to come check on you. Be still now and go back to sleep." Grace kissed Joanne's forehead softly and both of them were asleep with in seconds.

Two weeks later were parent teacher conferences. Grace arrived home looking incredibly distraught. I recognized these as the same set of emotions she'd had several years before when Molly was diagnosed with dyslexia. I patted her shoulder.

"Would you like some tea?"

Grace nodded and followed me numbly to the kitchen.. once she sat down at the table she put her head down in the crook of her arm and started to cry.

"How were the parent teacher conferences?"

Grace composed herself. "Joanne and Frederick have not been dealing with the after math of the shooting very well. Their teachers told us that their grades have slipped. Apparently things are the same for their friends Jasmine and Casey."

"How much have their grades declined?"

"Not very drastically but I'm worried it could get worse as time goes on."

"What details have been released about the shooting?"

"No one was seriously hurt and two students and two teachers were transported to the hospital. Anna Samuels was one of those students."

"Is she alright?"

"Yes."

"Any idea on what the motive for the shooting was?"

Grace nodded. " Oliver was right. It was drug related. Many bags of marijuana were found in not only Darryl's locker but lockers of his friends."

"Is Darryl out of school?"

"Yes. He's suspended indefinitely. Valerie and Rich are taking him to a psychologist tomorrow to get him tested. He might have a mental illness."

"Do you suppose you might consider home schooling the children?"

Grace shrugged. "We'll see if their grades improve if not then that's something we're definitely consider. I believe Oliver still has the contact information for Molly's old home school teacher somewhere."

Two days after parent teacher conferences Jasmine Casey and their parents came over for dinner.

After dinner we went into the study.

"Kids, as you know parent teacher conferences were Monday night. Your teachers expressed some concern that you've been having some academic struggles due to the aftermath of the shooting. Is this true?" Oliver asked.

All four children nodded their heads. Joanne and Jasmine were crying. Grace went over to where they were sitting.

"Darlings, please tell us what's wrong. We want to help."

"I don't know if anyone really understands how we feel about this." Joanne whispered.

"Yeah, it's so hard to talk about this with our friends." Jasmine agreed.

"What makes it so hard?" Erica Samuels asked.

" None of us understand why Darryl would shoot Anna if he claims he loved her ." Jasmine said nodding her head toward Casey and Frederick

"Jasmine you know how Dad and I feel about Anna and Darryl's relationship. They're too young to date." Erica Samuels said.

Jasmine nodded. "I know that Mama. I hate how people are making Anna so isolated. No one seems to want to talk to her because of her relationship with Darryl."

Erica Samuels nodded. "I know sweetheart. I feel the same way."

"Boys how do you feel about this?" Oliver asked

Frederick shrugged " I don't know."

"You must have some kind of emotion."

"Nope."

Grace Oliver and I exchanged a worried glance between us.

"How about you Case?" Rich Abramson asked

"I've just felt so alone at school. I hate being referred to as ' The Brother of the shooter.' I wish people would stop being so mean and judgmental."

Frederick nodded. "Yeah Darryl didn't mean to shoot Anna or any of those other people. It was an accident."

"Do you feel angry at your brother sweetheart?" Valerie Abramson asked.

Casey nodded. "Yeah. I don't know what to think of him anymore. I used to look up to him so much."

I looked at Valerie Abramson. "Grace told me your son is into drugs."

She nodded. "That's correct Helen. He's been smoking marijuana since late March."

"" He hasn't smoked around the kids has he?"

Valerie Abramson shook her head. "No. We don't allow him or any of his friends to smoke in the house."

"I understand the shooting was drug related.

Valerie nodded again. "Unfortunately it was. Anna was very heroic because she was trying to protect other people from getting to the locker the drugs were hidden in. The police later found a total of 8 three pound bags of marijuana in both Darryl's locker and the locker of his two drug dealer friends."

Oliver's jaw dropped. "Has Darryl been dealing drugs too?"

"We're beginning to suspect that he has been."

Grace turned to face Joanne, Frederick Casey and Jasmine. "What can we do to help the four of you?

"Our friends don't listen to us when we tell them how we feel about the shooting. " Frederick said.
Casey nodded in agreement. " You should talk to our teachers and tell them that they shouldn't judge Darryl or Anna without knowing the whole story."

" Darryl's been so angry and violent lately." Casey said.

"Has he hit any of you kids? Tim Samuels asked

Jasmine shook her head. "He has hit Anna once though."

"He has hit me on a few occasions" Valerie said.

"Has he always been violent?" Oliver asked

"No. This only just started recently. We don't know what the problem is. We're thinking of taking him to a professional to get him evaluated for mental illness." Rich Abramson said.

"I don't like knowing my sister got hurt and I hate seeing her in pain." Jasmine said.

"Come here honey." Erica Samuels sat down on the couch and pulled Jasmine into her lap kissing her gently on the forehead.

Oliver cleared his throat.

""This has certainly been a traumatic situation for all of you but we don't want this to affect your studies. Do you understand?"

The children nodded. "Yes sir." Frederick said.

"We love all of you very much and you should never be afraid to talk to us about anything alright?" Valerie Abramson said.

All four children nodded. "Okay Mom." Casey said.

"Do you all feel better now that we had this talk?" Grace asked.

Casey nodded. "Yeah, we do. Thanks a lot Mrs. Warbucks."

After the Samuels and Abramsons left Grace patted Frederick's shoulder.

"Sweetheart can we talk to you?"'

"Sure Mom." Joanne headed upstairs to go do her homework once she left the room Oliver closed the door behind her.

"Frederick. we've been very concerned about you." Oliver said.

"Why?"

Grace patted her son's shoulder. "Your sister has been up front about how issues related to the shooting have been bothering her. You haven't talked to us at all."

"We're worried that you're not processing things very well my love." I said.

Frederick sighed. "Joanne Casey and Jasmine have been so sad. I want to be there for them but I want to be upbeat and happy. Deep down I'm really angry and upset too."

Grace sat down on the couch and pulled Frederick into her lap. " We love you so much for being incredibly brave Frederick. You have to realize it's perfectly alright to be angry or sad."

Frederick buried his face into Grace's shoulder and burst into gut wrenching sobs.

Grace rubbed her hands up and down Frederick's back. "It's okay to cry my precious boy.

"Why would Darryl bring a gun to school and hurt so many people including Anna?"

"No one really knows son." Oliver said.

"Are you afraid to go to school dearest?" I asked.

Frederick hesitated before answering. "Sometimes." he whispered.

"What makes you the most afraid?"

"That someone else from Darryl's group could bring a gun to school and hurt more people."

"Do you feel better now that we talked with your sister and your friends about the shooting?" Grace asked.

Frederick nodded and kissed Grace's cheek softly. "I love you Mom."

Grace titled her son's chin upward and wiped the last of his tears away with the tips of her fingers.

"Your father Grandma Helen and I love you and your sister very much. Never be afraid to come to us with concerns you have about the shooting alright?

"Okay. Can I go do my homework now?"

Oliver nodded. "You're excused."

Frederick left the room and once he did Grace started to cry.

"Why did something like this have to happen? Our children are afraid to go to school. Things shouldn't be like this."

Oliver sat next to Grace on one side of the sofa and I sat on the other side.

"The police are working hard to curb the violence darling." Oliver said.

"They need to work harder. All of Darryl's friends who are involved with the drug dealing should be expelled."

I pulled a handkerchief from my apron pocket. "It appears to look like Darryl needs more therapy. He seems like he's very angry a lot of the time."

Grace took the handkerchief from me and dabbed at her eyes. "Valerie told me on her way out that they had Darryl evaluated by psychologists last week. They're still waiting on the results."

"Are they thinking he could be mentally ill?" Oliver said.

Grace shrugged. "I'm not completely sure. That's why they had him evaluated."

"Do they know how he even got the gun?" I asked.

Oliver shook his head. "The police are still investigating that Helen. Tim Samuels's brother is the police chief and he said he'd keep us informed on any developments in the investigation."

"I feel like I'm living in a nightmare... I really wish this was just a bad dream that we could wake up from and it would all be over." Grace said.

I kissed her cheek. "Don't fret darling. Things will look brighter sooner or later."

At the beginning of November Oliver Grace the Samuels and the Abramsons had a meeting with Joanne Frederick Casey and Joanne's teachers. They unanimously decided that home schooling would be the best route to go until the children felt safe in school. Oliver had been wise to keep the contact information for Molly's old home school teacher. Surprisingly she still lived in the area in the next town over from us. Grace was delighted to be working with her again.

The Friday night after the first week of home schooling Grace came into my room after tucking Joanne and Frederick into bed.

"How did the children do with the first week of being home schooled darling?"

Grace sat down on the bed and sighed. "I think it's going to be a rough adjustment. They both really seem to miss their friends.

"It was the same way with Molly when we home schooled her because of dyslexia."

"The situation here is a little bit different because we had to take to Frederick and Joanne out of school because the school environment was not safe for them to be in. Hopefully this will be temporary."

"Are Jasmine and Casey enjoying being home schooled?

Grace shrugged. "They seem to be. I think like Jo and Freddie they really miss all their friends."

"Is it my understanding that Anna is going to private school in Brooklyn in January?"

Grace nodded. "Yes Mama. Erica told me that it's quite possible that Jasmine may be going there as well."

My jaw dropped. "This will devastate Joanne."

Grace nodded. "It certainly will. It's for the best though. Jasmine and Anna have been teased relentlessly since the shooting. That social situation in that school is not the best for them."

"Casey plans to move too?"

"Yes, but not till after school gets out. We'll be moving to Boston around the same time to be closer to Annie and the baby."

"Timing couldn't be more impeccable for that."

Grace smiled. " I know Mama. Aren't you so excited? You're going to be a great grandmother!"

I kissed her forehead softly. "I'm just as excited as you are my love. We're going to spoil that baby rotten."

Grace was silent.

"Do you remember when Molly was diagnosed with dyslexia my love?"

Grace nodded. "Yes I do. That was one of the roughest times emotionally for me."

"Well this family endured that situation well. I think it will take a lot of time for the children to deal with the aftermath of the shooting but with time they will heal and so will you Oliver, Erica Tim Valerie and Rich."

Grace nodded again. "I think the best thing our family can do right now is be a support system for Valerie and Rich. They are really struggling a lot right now."

I stroked Grace's hair back from her forehead and kissed it softly. "We'll certainly do that dear. The Abramsons are the nicest people that we've ever known. They don't deserve to be going through any of this."

Grace looked at me and new tears were filling her eyes. "Oh Mama, I just can't believe that Darryl was diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia. Casey looked so upset when he was over here last week. I would be absolutely beside myself if one of our children was diagnosed with a mental illness."

"I know Gracie Liz. Do Rich and Valerie suspect that the Paranoid Schizophrenia had anything to do with what led up to the shooting last month?"

"In addition to the issue with the drugs.. yes they do believe that's part of it. They think he had some sort of dream about cops chasing him down an alley for drugs and they suspect that he had a mental breakdown in the hallway and just started to shoot people. He wasn't even thinking clearly about how his actions could affect other people."

"What a shame. Darryl was such a bright boy too. It seems he has thrown his life away all because of one senseless act."

Grace nodded. Her body was shaking with sobs.

"There there angel. Please don't cry. Mama's here."

Grace's head nestled into my chest. I rubbed my hand up and down her back and bent down to kiss her forehead again.

"I love you sweetheart." I whispered.

"I love you too Mama." Grace fell asleep in my arms.

In May we went up to SUNY Buffalo for Molly and Isabella's graduation. I was so excited to meet my great grandson for the first time. We arrived in Buffalo late Wednesday evening and spent a few days there before the graduation.

"Grandma Helen, meet your great grandson." Annie beamed with delight.

"Oh my darling, he's a doll! Congratulations! I couldn't be happier for you!" I kissed Annie's forehead softly.

"Can you even believe Molly and Isabella are graduating on Saturday?" Annie asked

Grace shook her head with tears in her eyes. "It seems like it was just yesterday when we came here to move Molly into her dorm. You girls are growing up way too fast for my liking."

Annie kissed Grace's cheek. "She's accomplished so much Mom and has come a long way since she was diagnosed with dyslexia. Now like me she'll be a special education teacher helping to make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities."

Grace squeezed Annie's hand tightly. "Your father and I couldn't be prouder of the wonderful young women you and your sister have become. You're wonderful role models for your brother and sister. We love you both so much."

"We love you two so much Mom." Annie returned Grace' squeeze.

The weather for the graduation was perfect. Not a cloud was in the sky. I squeezed Grace's hand tightly as Molly's name was called.

"There's our gorgeous girl Gracie Liz." I whispered.

Grace was choked up with emotion. "If my parents were still alive they would be so happy with how our family has grown and how their two oldest grandchildren have become such successful young women."

I smiled. "They certainly would be. You've done an impeccable job with raising them."

After the ceremony we went out to dinner at a restaurant in down town Buffalo. Gene raised a toast to Molly and Isabella.

"To our beautiful girls, we can't fathom how fast the past four years have flown by. We are so proud of you and all your success. We love you and wish nothing but the best for you in the years to come."

Isabella leaned over and kissed her father's cheek softly. "I love you and Mom so much Daddy."

School ended on Thursday June 10th. We moved to Cambridge the following Monday. We had a four bed room apartment in the same building as Jennifer. Jennifer lived in the apartment directly upstairs from us.

At dinner the day we moved in to the new apartment I noticed Joanne was very quiet. After we finished eating I patted her shoulder.

"Did you want to talk to Grandma sweetheart?"

Joanne nodded.

"Come on, let's go to my room."

When we got to my room I shut the door behind us. Joanne threw herself on the bed and started to sob.

"Jo Bear, tell Grandma Helen what's wrong."

"I'm just so mad that Jasmine had to go to private school. Now that we live in Massachusetts I'll never see her again."

I gathered her in my arms and rocked her back and forth,

"Darling, that's simply not true. We may be 3 or 4 hours away from New York but doesn't mean you won't get to see Jasmine."

"What if she forgets about me?"

I took out my handkerchief and dabbed at her cheeks. "I promise you that won't happen. The two of you have been friends for a long time. While both of you will make new friends this year it's unlikely she'll forget about you.

"Molly told me the same thing earlier, I guess I have a hard time believing it."

"Believe it my dear.. it couldn't be truer."

Joanne kissed my cheek softly. "I love you Grandma."

I wrapped my surrogate granddaughter into a warm hug. "I love you too Joanne Rachel."

The new school year started on September 8th. Frederick and Joanne had a rough adjustment at first but once they got involved in after school activities things seemed to go smoother.

Grace was planning a party for Joanne and Frederick's 12th birthday which was on September 27th. The Tuesday before the party we got news that turned our lives upside down.

I had just arrived home from shopping to cook dinner. I entered the kitchen to see Grace with her head down on the table sobbing.

" Gracie Liz, whatever is the matter?"

"Oh Mama I just got the most horrible news."

I rubbed my hands up and down her back comfortingly waiting for her tears to slow before she continued to speak.

"What's happened?"

"That was Valerie Abramson on the phone. Darryl committed suicide this morning."

"I thought he was doing so well with his recovery."

"So did I. I guess I was wrong."

"What led up to this?"

Grace shrugged. "Valerie said he left a note on his bed that simply said. 'I'm sorry for causing everyone so much pain. I think it's better this way. I love you.' They don't really know what led up to it."

"Do you suppose it could be related to the shooting?"

"I'm certainly not ruling it out but I'm not definitely sure."

I pulled Grace to her feet and into my arms.

"Everything will be okay darling."

"I hope you're right Mama. The Abramsons have been through so much pain and hardship already. This just puts the icing on the cake."

"Is there anything we can do to help them?"

"Their daughter Megan is sleeping over on Friday night. Casey requested that you make a batch of your chocolate chip cookies for the reception after the services."

I smiled. "I'd be delighted to. I can make any special meals for them I'd be more than happy to do that as well."

At the dinner table Joanne took immediate notice that Grace looked upset.

"Mama what's wrong? Why are you sad?"

"Kids we're having a guest stay with us this weekend."

Joanne and Frederick glanced at each other. They couldn't figure out why Grace was so upset. "Who is it?" Joanne asked.

"Casey's sister Megan."

"Casey's not coming over too? Frederick asked.

Grace shook her head. "No sweetheart. "

"Why not?"

Grace looked at me and then looked at Oliver. She took a deep breath. She didn't like being the bearer of bad news

"Frederick, Joanne Casey's brother Darryl is not with us any longer."

"What?!" both children explained.

Grace choked back a sob and I reached out and patted her shoulder.

"Darryl committed suicide early this morning. A jogger found his body hanging by a tree branch at 8:30 am."

Oliver cleared his throat. "Megan is staying over on Friday night while her parents and Casey go shopping for stuff they need to buy for the wake and funeral services."

"Why would Darryl do something like that? All his parents were trying to do was helping him to get better." Frederick asked.

'My sweet boy... there was so much tension in that household since the shooting last year. I think he just couldn't handle all the emotions he was feeling." I said.

"That sounds really selfish to me. Did he not realize how many people cared about him?" Joanne asked.

Oliver sighed. "I'm sure he did darling. I think on top of his paranoid schizophrenia he was also depressed about issues related to the shooting. He wasn't forthcoming about admitting he was depressed. If he had been he could have been treated for that. That probably would have saved his life."

"Did he feel really bad for hurting all those people?" Frederick asked

Grace nodded. "Mrs. Abramson said there was a note on his bed that simply read "I'm sorry for causing everyone so much pain. I love you."

"When are the services?" Joanne asked.

"The wake is Monday night from 6-8 and the funeral is Tuesday at 9am. You two will go to school late that day." Oliver said.

The children nodded.

"I can't believe this happened." Joanne whispered.

Grace squeezed her hand under the table. " None of us can my darling girl."

Tuesday morning we were up at 7:45 to get ready to go to Darryl's services. The Samuels family had come in from New York the night before and were staying with the Abramsons. When we got to the church Grace reached out and hugged Erica Samuels. "How are you all holding up?"

"As good as we can given the circumstances. I think the girls are still in shock." Erica replied.

Grace pulled Anna and Jasmine in a hug and kissed each of them on the forehead. "Hello darlings."

"Hi Mrs. Warbucks. " Anna whispered.

"We love you." Jasmine said.

"We love you all too sweetheart. We'll all get through this rough spot together." Mom said.

I squeezed Erica's shoulder tightly. "I'm so sorry for everything Erica. I know how hard this has been on Anna and Jasmine."

Erica smiled. "We appreciate that very much Helen. We honestly could not ask for better friends than Grace and Oliver. They've been wonderful to Tim the girls and I and Val, Rich, Casey and Megan."

"We care about you all very deeply." I whispered.

Erica kissed my cheek. "We love you guys too."

The usher led us to our seats.

Megan was sitting on Valerie Abramson's lap. Her head was nuzzled deep into her shoulder. She was crying. Valerie Abramson looked like she hadn't slept well in several days.

Rich Abramson got up to speak at the microphone.

"This has been a rough year for our family and this adds extra hurt to our lives. Today we are here to reflect on Darryl's short life and the impact it had on us all. We'd like to thank our family and friends especially Grace and Oliver Warbucks and Erica and Tim Samuels for all the support they have shown us in the past year. We couldn't be more grateful for your support. We love you all very much."

The funeral service lasted for about an hour. Afterwards we went to Valerie and Rich's house for a little while before going back to school. All the kids gathered by one of the refreshment tables. Anna reached into her purse for a tissue. "I can't believe Darryl's gone. I'm going to miss him a lot." Fresh tears were starting to from at the edges of her eyes.

Joanne reached out to hug Anna. "This is a shock to all of us I think. Despite the fact Darryl was nasty to us sometimes I am going to miss him."

Anna put her arm around Joanne and Jasmine and pulled them into a hug. "Always remember that I'm here for you guys. The same thing for you and Casey Freddie."

Frederick nodded. "Okay."

I wrapped my arms around Anna and Jasmine. "If you girls ever need anyone to talk to you have our number. Grace and I are always here for you."

Anna smiled through her tears. "Thanks Mrs. Pugh. Your cookies are delicious."

I returned the smile "Thank you my dear. If you'd like I can teach you how to make them someday."

Anna's smile grew wider. "I'd really like that Mrs. Pugh. You're such a good cook and baker!"

Grace came over to us.

"Okay kids. Say your goodbyes. It's time to go back to school."

Anna pulled Joanne and Frederick in to a strong hug.

"This had such horrible timing. How about we make it up to you guys next week? We'll go out to lunch at a restaurant near our private school for your birthday? It will be our treat."

Joanne smiled. "That sounds awesome. Thanks Anna!"

"No problem Jo. We love you guys so much!"

Joanne kissed Anna's cheek softly. "We love you too Anna."