Hello fan fiction readers, it's been a while since the last update for this story. Hopefully this installment finds you all well, and you're still interested in this story. Let's check back in to the unfolding drama that is Terry. :o)
It's another beautiful day in LA. As Kerry hears, "and that's a wrap for the first half of the season peeps." She and her counterparts all clap as they finish the last episode to be shot before the summer break of season 4.
After saying good bye to everyone. Kerry notices Tony isn't standing by behind the scenes any longer. She's not sure if that's because he was irritated with yet another one of his scene being cut at the last minute; so he's somewhere cooling off. Or if there's another reason for his absence. Realizing her phone is in her trailer; she quickly makes her way there.
When she makes it to her trailer she sees her phone sitting on the counter. She grabs it and just as she thought, there's a text from him.
"Our two youngest girls are with me LOL. Had to run home to get Josie's stuffed animal. You know she can't sleep without it, and she'll need it for the plane ride. Love you."
She shakes her head smiling, as she sits down on the couch. What that man won't do for his girls, human or otherwise.
She then texts in response, "That's why Josie's spoiled rotten, you know."
Surprisingly, quickly he replies back, "You're all spoiled, as you should be. It's my pleasure to take care of my special ladies."
She grins at his response and chuckles knowing he's right. He spoils all of the girls in his life. Sweetly she responds, "The pleasure is all ours babe, and we appreciate it. I miss you. Hurry back." He replies, "I will. Love you." She responds, "Love you too."
Deciding to take advantage of the quiet she has before they return, and they begin their travel plans for a much needed vacation. She releases a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
As she sits back on her couch, she relaxes and takes in the stillness of the moment.
While she rests, she thinks about the last four months of their lives on and off set. Personally, things have been good overall. But, there has been some stress with her make believe husband Nnamdi's child support woes hitting low level blogs.
The news of him being in court was a surprise that she didn't see coming. Luckily, Judy was able to make sure the story didn't make major press. And, after having words with Nnamdi. she found out that there was much more to this winding story, he'd conveniently left out. After taking him to task, and letting him know that it was in his best interest to be honest with her, or he'd regret it. He agreed to fall in line, and do as she asked.
Upon taking care of Nnamdi's situation. She then assured both Kerry and Tony, this still can work to their advantage in the long run. Since the marriage is simply buying them time, until they can go public. Despite being somewhat concerned about the new findings. Both Tony and Kerry were impressed with how quickly and easily the story faded to the background, just as Judy said it would. With the change in narrative, it was apparent that the public relations push was real, and it was working.
After settling with that drama to some degree. The surprising, and sad news of Tony's father's health taking a downturn was another stresser they were dealing with.
Although Tony and his siblings always spend quite a bit of time with their dad. His health scare has made everyone more aware of his mortality. So, they all have been spending more time with him collectively as of late. And, it's the reason this year's family trip was Sam's choice.
She smiles thinking to herself, he did a great job with the selection too. She too would've chosen a private island in Hawaii. Momentarily she contemplates all of the fun in the sun activities she knows they'll all enjoy, and the excitement he showed when they told him everyone loved the idea. This will be the first full family trip they've all taken together.
Kerry beams at the thought of both of their families descending upon a private, tropical local for a glorious 2 week getaway.
Her grin settles as her mind shifts. Because despite how joyful she feels right now, she can't help but think of how the trip almost didn't happen.
She recalls how Jane tried to throw a monkey wrench into the plans. By asking the Anna and Tess to come to her birthday party, knowing it conflicted with the family trip dates.
While this may not seem vindictive on the surface. It proved to be the case, since the girls had already asked her about her birthday plans in advance, and she said she'd be working.
Ergo, when Liz was planning the trip originally. It didn't matter that her birthday would fall in the middle of the vacation. Oddly enough, it wasn't until after Jane learned of the trip, that suddenly she was having a big birthday party. And of course, she wanted her daughters, and her public husband to be present.
This move infuriated Tony. Like everyone else, he knew she was doing this purposely to upstage the trip. Kerry was also upset, but after confiding in her mom about it. She managed to contain herself, and keep Tony calm too.
Her mother helped her to see that this was Jane's only ploy. So, instead of responding in anger, she needs to respond in kindness, and don't let her antics ruin her joy.
Kerry didn't like her mother's reserved approach at first. But, the more she thought about it. She knew it was the right thing to do. Why fight with her? She thought to herself. It's pointless. Kerry agreed to follow her mother's advice. And after she spoke to Liz about it. Liz agreed with her mother's perspective, but for a different reason.
She told Kerry that playing nice will do one of two things. It will force Jane to reciprocate in kind. Or it will expose her for who she is, so her children can see her manipulative behavior first hand.
Kerry had to admit, she was right. This is the prime time for Anna and Tess to see their mother's ways up close and personal.
While Liz was on board, it took some persistence on her end with Tony. He made it known that he was tired of them capitulating to Jane's antics. However, Kerry advised him it wasn't about giving in to Jane, as much as it was about the reason for being more flexible. She reminded him that this was a compromise they needed to make for the good of the family as a whole. As well as for the sake of the vacation they all want to go on to enjoy spending time together.
He wanted to continue to be angry, but he couldn't. Her argument made sense. The big picture was about both sides of their families spending time together, and his father being there to witness it. Her persistence in getting him to see the importance of compromise made him appreciate her even more. He gave in willingly and thanked her repeatedly, one orgasm at a time.
Later that evening she was on double duty as she calmed both Anna and Tess' minds too about the trip. While having dinner. Kerry assured the girls they didn't have to choose between their mother's party, and the family vacation. This of course eased their minds, and they appreciated Kerry's kindness and understanding. They thanked Kerry repeatedly, and Tony beamed with pride at how brightly Kerry smiled. The night was special and one that Kerry will never forget.
As time went on, Liz being ever so helpful, changed the trip dates, and it worked out perfectly with everyone's schedule.
After the plans changed, it appeared making this accommodation did exactly what Liz said it would. It forced Jane's hand for certain.
With the trip dates being moved until after the party, so Tony and the girls could attend. Her woe is me sob story, was dead in the water. And, to add insult to injury; Kerry was accredited the recognition for helping settle everyone's concern about the scheduling conflict. Something Anna and Tess both told Jane, backing up Tony's account he'd shared with her too.
While Kerry was satisfied that the travel plans were back on track. She never thought she'd get the satisfaction of Jane thanking her.
She vividly recalls how the interaction unfolded. She and the girls were out shopping for dresses for Jane's party. And, Jane called Tess on face time.
While Anna and Kerry were talking about possible accessories, for their dresses. Kerry heard Tess say, "Here she is mom. You can thank her face to face." Next thing Kerry knew, Tess' phone was in her face, and Jane was on the screen.
Kerry looked at both girls, and could see the smiles on their faces. She knew, this was a pivotal moment. They'd never seen her and their mother in the same space at the same time for good reason. Let alone seen them or heard them having a conversation.
With her mother's advice in her head; she managed to keep her wits about her. And she brightly said, "Hello Jane. Good to see you. Was there something you needed?"
Kerry could see the struggle was real for her. The smile she once wore, when she was looking at Tess had faded.
Looking at Kerry, Jane knew she was on the proverbial hot seat; knowing her girls could hear her response loud and clear, was unbelievably stressful for her.
Seeing her try to keep a scowl from forming on her face, almost made Kerry chuckle. But, she held it together, and allowed Jane to struggle for a few more seconds. Until, she finally found a way to say, "Hello Kerry. I just wanted to thank you for ensuring that the girls and Tony could attend the party."
It was clear to Kerry that despite the tamed look in Jane's eye, as she spoke. Those words she spat out hurt her to her core.
Taking mercy on her, Kerry decided to put her out of her misery, as she said, "You're very welcome Jane. It was no problem at all. Glad to be able to do it. Here's Tess back. Take care."
Tess then turned the phone back to herself as she said, "Isn't she great mom?" And Anna added, "Yeah. Isn't she the best?"
Kerry again wanted to chuckle; knowing Jane's insides were a flame hearing her daughters gush over her. Luckily, she was able to hide her grin discreetly, with her hand. That will be a memorable occasion forever and always.