Chapter 45

Hi Sis

Yep still here sorry about long silence, guess Robert's been and gone … talk about saying the obvious – I know he's been and gone because he's been and robbed Mum of her cookies again – must be still a bit fuzzy from the flu – lol

Thanks for the photo of the waterfall and you with them. I notice you cheated thick coat hides any sign of the bump … Okay I know it's not really showing yet. (But I can dream) … You wait.

It was nice to see Robert's wife in it, brought back memories of Bette's wedding if I remember rightly those two got on like a house on fire.

Suppose work on your apartment must be in hand Robert said something about glass walls upstairs sounds really cool.

Yes … Cold/Flu has gone (I would not wish this one on my worst enemy … umm okay perhaps one) goodness knows how the twins or Casey did not get it. It would have been nice to appreciate all the room service I had and taste the food I tried to eat … I guess I did by getting better.

But now I'm back and with latest news, I know Mum or Casey have had words so you are up to date … but that will not stop me from going over things. (Any excuse for a long chat … even one way as this one is.)

Anyway great news about your New Year Dance must have really taken your breath away especially as he managed to keep it a secret from you AND to do it there … so romantic … Wow! Talk about telling the world he loves you and trusts you.

Casey gave me a CD of with the song on by the singer as a get well present and boy doesn't he sing the song well! the rest of the songs were great … love it when they are mixed artists on CD. Having said that there is one song I will not listen to again, the singer's voice grated.

Just a thought does John know about Casey and my escapade with a certain sinking cruise ship. Never could watch that and the other film afterwards … at least now when I hear the song I can think of you on the dance floor instead of water closing over us. Mind you the island we landed on was not bad, just the rescue was a bit too soon. LOL only kidding it showed us just how much you and Ben cared for us.

You know that's the only thing that is a shame at the moment … the loss of Casey's and Ben's friendship … but hey it might come back you never know at least we have some thing in common – the babies.

Talking of babies - as you know twins true to form let us know about New Year - feeding and diapers Yuck! Well Mum and Dad are having the treat of baths and yep! feeding and diapers too, evil aren't I. (They are the experts after all.)

Okay on with my story we (as in adult family) have come to a big conclusion I love the babies but I need Sunset Sisters so Mum is having the angels on a regular basis and I am going to plague all the customers (of course that is when I get up to strength! And in case you are worried it will only be part of a couple of days a week) and I think will double charge any who mention Babies!

Oh all right not all the time but you must admit it would be good for profits … Of course we could take them in for a couple of hours and get the sales that way. LOL

Hey surprising News … Dad and Tim are getting together work wise.

Tim is fed up with office work all the time, misses people so Dad is working on the idea that he can become the acting manager - share the job rather than acting I think - they will have to sort out who does the ordering and the books though. Tim wants 'baby time' as well and Dad wants to work between Shock Wave and Sunset Sister and the twins. … No don't ask me when he's going to sleep, because I haven't a clue. Mum and I will work things out as well so next couple of weeks or months will be interesting.

You know it must be an 'all change year this year' as Casey has also been thinking about something new … Oh don't get me wrong he likes the job at Lib. and they are good employers … gave him time off to look after me and babies without hesitation and no back-log to go back too. But like Tim he's been missing the people, the beach and the differences. Can understand it, same people in the office then come home and it's us or family. Perhaps I should not have made him change jobs … but he admits it is more dangerous now and with the babies he would have thought of a change anyway.

Thinking about it there must have been a certain thrill while he was a lifeguard; I mean he never quite knew what he would be doing on any given day. Even when training the others a rescue crew could be called out and he'd have to go … and to be honest no one really drowns in an office due to paper work … they just feel like it. Not that I want anyone to drown, but I think you understand my drift.

To cap it all, he's had to hand over the boys club to the dreaded town next door as the chief here has suddenly left and he, Casey, cannot spend enough time to become the chief and find a deputy or be acting Chief and find a Chief. So that means that outside interest has been taken away from him as well, friends are there but also have commitments.

Anyway, work wise he's decided to give it another couple of weeks then look through the advertisements in the papers and on the Internet and ponder ... it's not going to be a rushed thing. He's going to a conference here in Sunset in a couple of days time so perhaps he might find something there or get new ideas to help bring back the thrill in his working life.

I think he's thinking of looking into a roving rep for conservation in business or working with kids in someway, something that will give him a variety day to day. I've told him that if it means moving that will be fine as long as Mum and Dad can come too. I am sooooo bad.

Mum and Dad do know he's restless and told him to do what is right for him and me … that was really good of them considering our plans might up root them but then they did move from the farm on a sort of whim so I guess they know what they are doing.

Which leads me into this … if anything or before anything happens … perhaps you should get your thinking cap on about the apartment and Sunset Sisters. Just to point you in the right direction we would need money hint hint rather than a sleeping partnership with the idea of long-term profits.

To be honest I think Dad is also missing the farm … ever since he talked with Jack he's been reminiscing about those days, not every five minutes but once in a while and not in a sad way … I suppose it was a big part in his life and the family home not only ours but his. Mum's just happy to be where ever he is, which is good.

Oh yes outside News hot off the press … The Deep was raided.

As in POLICE RAID you know sirens, black clad figures breaking down doors and running amuck with the customers. The worse part is it was Ben's night on as the others were away for two nights and they had a special do in the restaurant side… At least they had finished the main part of the meal just coffee and speeches were interrupted. The Police didn't find any drugs or under age drinkers of course, but I bet Ben was hopping mad. (Loved to see the security camera film or been a fly on wall)

The reason for the raid … well our dear old Police Department has a small new drugs department and I think they were trying to make a point. Wrong person to try it on though … everyone knows Ben is hot on that kind of thing and so are the new people … it is known as a safe place to go single or not.

At least they had the decency to raid the Blue Fishes as well and got a couple of hits … I bet if they had not gone there would have been questions as to why not, after all it has a reputation of being a bad house.

I saw Gabi this morning she is fine by the way, said Ricardo got an ear full from Ben but they managed to sort things out. I asked if they both ducked at the right times she laughed and said it was done peacefully.

Otherwise, Ben and family are going from strength to strength Sammy is lovely … walks with support … guess that's what comes with having an older brother around as well as an attentive father. Mind you the whole family looks really good together, and with you being so happy and starting your own family I guess things worked out for the best.

Though on the wider family front things are quite strained between Carmen and Ricardo. We all thought once or just after the 'little one' came along she would relent … but no way. Maria and Gabi keep a distance between each other, there is no bad feeling as far as I can see just different personalities and I suppose the need to not feel as though one is spying or telling on the other. I suppose it also helps that Ben and Ricardo are not exactly pally just accept each other.

To be honest I think Gabi and Ricardo like the peace and quiet, it's not as though they don't have friends … Antonio is fine, must feel a bit like the one caught in the middle sometimes … it's surprising what a good listener he is. Guess he must know all the hot gossip but you know he'll never be spread around.

Onto other people … Michael and Vanessa send love still no baby news there, but Vanessa has been getting good stories lately and been over to Seattle a couple of times. Reckon there could be a move there if a paper shows interest after all Michael could get a good job in Seattle hospital or go private now he's got his qualifications and experience.

Annie … well what can I say … she seems to be quietening down and making a go of her part of the gallery. How do I know … well I was in the shop just checking up on an idea with the others and she came in I thought on the prowl for trouble. But no she wanted something and my advice! … I hate to say this but her ideas made sense so I helped her. … Do you think I could claim commission if it is a success.

She is still with Jude and has been seen sitting on the beach talking to Ben and Maria sometimes together sometimes alone (if you see what I mean) just as well we all know they are friends nothing more.

AJ and Bette are good but I guess you know that if you still read the paper on the Web.

Umm... an admission so don't get cross with us please!

Tyus flew in a couple of days ago … no not on his broomstick by plane … sorry sorry could not resist it.

He was attending some boring meeting had free time and came to see the twins, well we all know he's a softy at heart and brave as I had just got over the bug. (Of course there was no danger of him getting it as the bug had already said thanks and gone.) He was not alone he had his wife with him she is a real dark beauty with a wicked sense of humour and works at the same hospital as he does. She really brings the best out in him but we left him with Mum and the twins and I showed her round Sunset Sisters, we bumped into Vanessa and they got on famously and of course she bought lots of goodies, they both did actually.

I must try that on other friends. Wicked I know umm guess I'd have to drum up strangers introduce them to said friends. Don't know have to think on that.

Anyway, the point which I am getting round to (slowly) is they got talking (Mum and Tyus that is) and things came round to John. She described what little you have told us and bits she got from Mandy, … no don't get cross, … it's not good for baby remember … and it's not that bad really.

Long and short of it is we now know what is wrong with John and understand why you are being so careful (cagey) … we also know the name but as it is long, unpronounceable and unspellable (okay so the computer does not like that word nor does the dictionary but it looks nice and this between sisters right … oh okay you can show John as well if you like) anyway we forgot it.

WELL … big sigh (grab a tissue you might need it) … What we really want to say is we are with you all the way no more pointed questions or anything else. Tyus explained you both need space, support and the condition is for life as far as anyone knows … don't want to put you off but the doctors are still learning about it. … But I guess you know that already.

We know John will never travel to us. … Horses don't fly no matter how drunk you are. Had a lovely picture of you and he on horseback jumping from cloud to cloud … never going to happen I know ... and he most probably didn't like you travelling either certainly not now … so we don't expect it either.

So … wish him love from us and tell him to rest and take all the time he needs to get his strength back and not to feel guilty (though saying that will most probably make him feel guilty - one of those no win situations).

Family love by email and odd phone call is fine … just remember … we are here for you at any time good or bad and that includes him should he ever want to contact us and we understand that will be his decision as well.

Mum said that when the baby is due if you want her with you let us know and she will come out and we will not track her to find out where you are … no doubt Robert can act as go between. It's good to know he is around and no doubt a friend to both of you. How you happened to find him was amazing bit of good luck when you think about it and we will accept the information he gives us and not question him too much.

We know Mandy is around and she will be a good stand-in mother if the baby comes unexpectedly. Nothing will be said to anyone I promise... we want you to be happy! Tell John that includes him as well!

I was thinking (yes I do do it and good ideas come occasionally) when the kids can travel perhaps you and child can come on holiday with us meet there or at an airport on route. We could take videos so John can see what fun they are having; no doubt he and you will have lots of laughs when played back at home. It will bring him into the family and let you be with us. He will know you are safe and not feel anchored to one spot because of things and hopefully he'll not be ill through stress. And yes we know you love him to bits.

(Can I have the tissue back a second. …. Thanks)

But that is for the future. You have yet to go through that thing called pregnancy and I'm green that you have so far escaped morning sickness … they do say it can strike later … Oh so bad I know … I hope you sail through it.

Mum thought you might like family medical history and will have word with doctors and see if we can send joint notes through us not hospital. She also said homebirth might work if you can't get to hospital. … She said I quote "She dropped us at home." … Should we be worried I wonder? … Oh just remembered she really meant we came easily … will not say Dad's comment though.

You know it must be quite something to see you and John in a horse and carriage going along the road or do you still travel by car and eventually meet up. Last question honest? Who am I kidding?

Screams of laughter are coming from the bathroom so I guess Mum and Dad are being bathed by the twins … must go and rescue someone but don't know who!

Casey sends love of course being a sensible lad he is out at a Lifeguard celebration. (He might not work there anymore but still manages to go to the 'dos')

Told you it was a long chat and done in one go!

Love and wet kisses all round (and of course from the rest of the family)

Sara.

Meg felt tears start to come as she finished reading her mail, the love in it was nearly too much, especially as she could feel John's hand on her shoulder as they read the e-mail together. She turned so she could read his expression and smiled as he handed her a tissue, and could see how deeply it was affecting him.

She took the tissue and wiped her eyes then said gently feeling the need to talk. "See I told you everything will work out all right … it's a shame about the club though. But if he is thinking of moving … the conference should work out well. She didn't say he was speaking at the do so I guess we will have to use the advertisement route and hope he follows it through. … January seems to have flown by in spite of the snow."

John gave a slow smile, his voice just emotionally as hers. "Yes your right they will be fine … I was a bit worried when Mandy said she chatted to your mother and I'm glad Tyus sounds settled." He gave a gentle sigh as he carried on. "You know Casey will feel it even more now he's lost the club … he always loved the thrill of being with people, kids … never really knowing what was going to happen next. She's right no one's drowned in paperwork but Casey might be the one feeling like it."

Meg smiled as he carried on with a gentle almost sympathetic laugh in his voice. "I bet my brother was hoping mad, at least he didn't actually hit out at Ricardo, guess we'll read about it on the web … … Do you fancy a walk while you think of a reply … we can take Shep through the garden and I'll watch you from the gate if you want to go further."

"No just round the garden will be fine and Shep can exercise himself." She got up and kissed him and got their jackets. Then with his arm resting on her shoulder for token support they walked slowly through the apartment and out into the garden.

Shep bounded in front of them with only a brief stop at the gateway as if to make sure they were not going to follow him before disappearing into the evening darkness.

As they walked in their comfortable silence round the garden Meg felt the steadiness of him beside her, and let him chose which paths he wanted to take and how long he wanted to stay out. Her mind was a buzz and flitted into the future of Spring and them walking through the garden into the sunken garden her other favourite place, with echoes of family laughter and presence in the air. Just as quickly her mind came back to here and now, and she knew tonight they would sit in front of the fire with a drink and music in the background and talk about friends and family and her sister's amazing email.

John's gentle voice broke into her thoughts. "Tea inside."

She nodded wondering if he could read her mind and by his gentle smile she saw guessed he could or perhaps he just wanted to talk and knew talking and walking still led to tangles. Either way tea sounded good and walked with him inside knowing Shep would come back in his own good time.