Steve was restless at home. He was worried about his daughter and felt her and Catherine's absence at home. He then decided to go to headquarters to see how the team was dealing with work in his absence. He needed to keep his mind occupied.
He found Doris and James in the living room, playing dominoes.
Steve smiled.
James already convinced you to play with him, Mother?
Yes, Steve. But you know I like to play. I've played a lot with you when you were a kid, remember?
Yes I remember. Steve said.
And James is cute. It's your thumbnail, Steve.
Steve just smiled.
I think Jimmy didn't like me very much. Said Doris.
He liked you, Grandma. Jimmy is like that. He likes to be alone sometimes. James said, as he chose the domino piece for the next move.
It's true, Mother. Jimmy has a lot of problems. I'll talk to him. Steve said.
So go, Steve. Said Doris, concentrating on the game.
Steve saw Jimmy sitting on the sand, on the edge of the beach. Steve approached to talk to him.
Catherine was always better at talking to Jimmy than he was. But in her absence, he needed to know what was happening to his son.
He came over and sat on the sand next to Jimmy.
Why are you out here alone, son? Your grandmother thinks you didn't like her.
Jimmy was surprised by that.
No, father. Is not true. I liked her. I'm just thinking a little.
And you want to share those thoughts with me? Steve asked.
You're worried about Annye, you don't have to worry about me. I'm not thinking of running away again.
Yes, I'm worried about your sister. But I also have time for you and your brother.
Tonight I felt like I was going to have a seizure, Dad. And I managed to control it. I got up and took my medicine because I didn't want to wake Mom. She was very tired. Jimmy said.
That's great, Jimmy. Very good, my son. Steve said, hugging Jimmy and kissing his head.
Jimmy smiled. He gathered the courage to talk to Steve about a subject that afflicted him.
Do you think I'll ever be able to have a girlfriend? Jimmy asked Steve.
Steve smiled.
Of course, Jimmy. Why not? Are you enjoying someone already? Steve asked Jimmy.
I'm not sure, Dad. How do I know I'm enjoying someone? How was it with Mom?
Steve smiled at the thought of the time he met Catherine in the Navy.
Well, I'll try to summarize for you, Jimmy. When you're liking someone, you think about the person a lot. When I met Catherine, I couldn't stop thinking about her and that smile in the days that followed. I thought this would pass, that I would forget, but that didn't happen.
And what else? Jimmy asked.
Well, I felt my heart beat stronger when I saw her and I wanted to always be close to her, talk to her.
So I think I'm liking someone, Dad. Jimmy said in shame.
And I can know who she is? Steve asked.
Lizzie. Jimmy said.
Hmm. Lizzie. It's no surprise to me. Lizzie's a good girl, but don't you think it's too early for this, Jimmy? You two are only 14 years old.
We're going to be 15 in two months, Dad.
And how do you deal with her disability? Steve asked.
I don't care about that, Dad. I also have problems and she accepts me as I am. Why shouldn't I accept her as she is?
Pretty much what you said son.
But I don't think your mother will agree to this right now. Wait a little bit more.
Do you think Mom will be angry?
I don't think that anger is the right word. She likes Lizzie. But you're too young, you need to study to have a future, Jimmy.
All right, Dad.
Now go near your grandmother and your brother. I go to the headquarters and then I'll see your sister at the hospital. Steve said, getting up.
Tell Annye that I love her. And tell Mom that I'm really missing her. Jimmy said, getting up too.
I'll tell them, Jimmy.
Steve and Jimmy entered the house.
Mom, I'm going to work, and then I'm going to the hospital. Steve said to Doris.
Don't you want to wait for lunch, Steve? I'll prepare the food now. Doris said, getting up.
Not, Mom. I'm not hungry. Steve said.
Can I help you make lunch, Grandma? Asked Jimmy.
Of course, Jimmy. It will be great. Doris said, smiling.
I want to help too. James said.
You're too jealous, kid! Jimmy said, smiling.
Bye, Family! I'll see you guys later. Said Steve, leaving to go to work.
A week later Annye was released by the doctor to go home. The boys were missing their sister and mother, since Catherine stayed in the hospital all these days.
The boys decorated the house with the help of Doris and put a banner saying, Welcome Annye.
Steve went to pick them up at the hospital. He was anxious to have Catherine and Annye at home again.
Steve arrived in the hospital room and Annye was ready to go home.
Dad!
Hey honey. Let's go home? Steve said, catching Annye on his lap.
Yes Daddy. I want to meet Grandma.
Grandma wants to meet you, too. Steve said.
Come on, Cath? I can't stand that house without you. Said Steve, hugging Catherine with another arm.
Come on, Steve. I missed you, too. And I missed my kids so much. Catherine said, wrapping her arm around his waist.
Let's go! No more hospital, little princess. Steve said to Annye.
Annye was very happy when she saw the room of his house adorned with colored balloons.
She smiled non-stop.
James ran to hug her.
Hi James! Annye said.
Hi Annye! Glad you're back!
James, honey, don't squeeze your sister too much. Catherine said.
It hurt, James. Annye said, putting her hand on the Surgery site.
Sorry, Annye. James said, worried.
I did not want to hurt her, Mom. James said to Catherine, looking at her with sad eyes.
Catherine hugged him.
I know my son. It's okay, just be more careful. How are you? I missed you so much! Catherine said, stroking his hair.
I'm fine, Mom. I played dominoes with Grandma many times and won.
Seriously? Doris lost to you? Wow! You're a great player. Catherine said smiling.
Catherine kissed James' cheeks and let him go.
Annye was hugging Jimmy, who was sitting on the couch.
I missed you so much, Annye. Jimmy said, being careful with her.
I missed you too, Jimmy. No one in the hospital told me stories. Annye said.
I'll tell you a story later, okay? said Jimmy.
It's ok! said Annye cheerfully.
Steve wrapped his arm around Catherine's shoulder and pulled her closer.
It's so beautiful the way they care about her, is not it? Steve said, proud of his family.
Yes, it's very beautiful! Catherine said smiling.
Jimmy, will not you give me a hug? Catherine said, opening her arms.
Jimmy got up and hugged her.
I missed you so much, Mom! Jimmy said, hugging her tightly.
I missed you too. Are you alright? Catherine asked, looking into his eyes.
Yes mom. I'm fine.
Great. Catherine said kissing Jimmy's forehead.
Where's your grandmother, Jimmy? Steve asked.
She left to buy a present for Annye. Jimmy said, letting go of Catherine.
Annye will be happy. She's in great anxiety to meet her grandmother. Catherine said, looking at Annye who had been lying on the couch.
Doris could have gone to the hospital to meet her, but she didn't want to go. Steve said.
Annye heard what Steve said and was sad.
Grandma doesn't want to meet me, Daddy? Annye asked.
Of course she wants to meet you, Annye. She just didn't want to go to the hospital. Steve said.
And where is she?
She left but will be back soon, daughter. Keep calm. Catherine said.
The doorbell rang and Jimmy was anxious to open the door.
It was Lizzie. Jimmy had called her saying Annye was coming home.
Hey, Lizzie!
Hey, Jimmy. Has Annye arrived?
Yes. Come in, Lizzie. Please.
Jimmy opened the door wide so Lizzie could come in.
Hello Mr. and Mrs. McGarrett!
Lizzie! What a surprise! Catherine said, hugging the girl.
I came to see Annye.
Of course, feel free. Catherine said.
Steve and Jimmy looked at each other and Catherine was intrigued.
Which is? She asked Steve.
What? Steve said, pretending not to know what she was asking.
What were those looks between you and Jimmy?
We'll talk later. Steve said.
Annye was happy with Lizzie's visit. Both was friends.
Lizzie, I'll serv you a snack later. I'm just waiting for my mother-in-law to arrive. All right? Catherine asked.
It's all right. Lizzie said smiling.
Lizzie, now I have a grandma. Annye said happily.
That's good, Annye. I also love my grandma. Lizzie said.
Jimmy sat down next to Lizzie and looked at her admiringly.
Steve noticed this and smiled.
As time goes by fast! My little boy is already a teenager. Steve thought.
Doris came with a present to Annye.
Hello! Said Doris excitedly.
She looked at Annye, who was still lying on the couch.
You must be Annye! I'm Grandma.
Annye stood up.
Hi Grandma. I'm Annye.
Hi Annye. This gift is for you. Doris said, hugging the girl.
Thank you, Grandma.
Annye opened the box and saw a doll.
Grandma, my doll is beautiful!
Glad you liked it, my love. Doris said with a smile.
While everyone was in the living room, happy about Annye's return, James was in the backyard.
James was joking, when someone put the hand in his mouth, preventing him from screaming.
James struggled and bit the man's hand.
The man released James because of the bite.
James ran off, calling for Steve.
Dad! Help!
James? Steve and Catherine said, running to the yard.
They found James
entering through the kitchen door.
What happened, James? Steve asked, startled.
A man wanted to take me away, Daddy. He put his hand in my mouth and I bit him. Then he released me and I ran.
Stay here with your mother. Steve said, going into the yard.
Catherine hugged James. He was shaking.
Did you see his face, son?
Not, Mom.
Steve searched the yard and saw no one. He came back into the house.
Did you see him, Steve? Catherine asked.
I didn't see anyone, Cath. I'm not liking this. There is something very wrong going on.