# 13 When one door closes and a window will open

Kevin and Lucy are standing in front of the twins who are sitting on a couch in the living room.

Kevin and Lucy: Kids we are adopting!

Kevin and Lucy are holding hands and looking at the twins with hopeful look.

Mercy: (looking confused) What is adopting?

Lucy walks over to Mercy and kneels before her.

Lucy: You will be getting a new sister or brother.

Mark: Why?

Lucy nods to Kevin. Kevin gives Lucy a half-smile and sits down. After a minute.

Kevin: Remember how Lorena wanted a baby sister or brother. Well, you mother and I thought about making Lorena's wish come true.

Mark: (faces brightens) I understand!

Lucy: (in relief voice) Oh good. Mercy, you understand?

Mercy: (nods) Though wouldn't it have been better if Lorena was here?

Lucy starts to cry and Kevin smiles at the thoughtful remark Mercy made.

Kevin: Sweetie, yes it would have been better but it's never too late. Your mother and I would love to have another child. This child and any other child we have will NEVER replace Lorena but we can always share the love we have.

Lucy: We love you guys and Lorena always.

Lucy, Kevin, Mark, and Mercy exchange hugs

3 WEEKS LATER

The Kinirks are busy cleaning and packing to move to Florida therefore the house is a mess with boxes, trash bags, etc. everywhere. They have decided to move to Florida and settle in first before filing for adoption paper.

It is just little past sundown and Kevin walks in the house with a big smile.

Kevin: (shouting) Lucy! Mark! Mercy!

Worried that something is wrong, Lucy runs in from the backyard.

Lucy: (with a worried expression) What's wrong?

Kevin picks up Lucy and swings her around then kisses her.

Kevin: (laughing) I found us a home in Florida

Lucy: (smiling) That's great

Kevin: I know. And it is close to the twin's school.

Lucy: eyes light up with joy Perfect.

Kevin: I love you

Kevin and Lucy exchange kiss.

Lucy: I love you. Do you know what will make this even more perfect?

Kevin: (put his arms Lucy and pulling her toward the couch) What?

Lucy: (sitting on the couch and leaning against Kevin) If Lorena was here with us.

Kevin: (closes his eyes and thinks about Lorena) I know. Sometimes I wake up at middle of night and wonder if Lorena's death is a nightmare. Then I walk to her room and just sit there as memories of Lorena run through my mind. Sometime I don't want to believe she is gone.

Lucy: (in a soft motherly voice) I never understood the pain of losing a child until now. There is a hole in my heart and it will always be there.

Kevin: (in understanding tone) I know.

Lucy starts to cry again and Kevin gently wipes them away and hugs her gently reminding her silently that everything will be ok. They still embraced for a while before Lucy speaks up.

Lucy: I can't believe that we will be leaving Hawaii soon.

Kevin: (smiling as remembers the past year) I know. I love Hawaii and this home. his voice breaking This place is so full of memories.

Now it is Lucy turn to comfort Kevin.

Lucy: (hugging Kevin) I know. I love this place and I am glad we are coming here every summer.

Kevin: I can never leave Lorena behind.

Kevin and Lucy sit on the couch for couple of minutes in each other arms thinking about Lorena.

About two minutes later Mark walks in.

Mark: showing Kevin the basketball Daddy can you help me with my free throws?

Kevin: (starts to get up) Sure

Lucy gently pulls Kevin back to sit down.

Lucy: Lets tell the kids your news first.

Kevin nods.

Lucy: (turns to Mark) Where is your sister? Your dad and I have something to tell you guys.

Mark: Attic. I will go get her.

Mark drops his basketball and runs to find Mercy.

Kevin: in a puzzled voice Attic?

Lucy: (thinks quick for second) To look at Lorena's stuff.

Kevin: (smiling) Our kids are so smart and resourceful.

Lucy: I know. They take it after you.

Kevin: (kissing Lucy) No. They take it after you.

Few seconds later Mercy and Mark walks in.

Lucy: Kids sit down.

Mark and Mercy sits on the floor in front of their parents.

Kevin: I have found our new home in Florida.

Mercy: When are we moving?

Kevin: Next week.

Mark: (in surprised voice) On our birthday?

Kevin: Two days before your birthday

Mercy: (in excited voice) Birthday in Florida?

Kevin: Yes.

Kevin: Let's go Mark and practice our free shots! Oh, Lucy I will be on duty tonight at the station.

Lucy: Ok.

Mercy: (asks Kevin) Can I join?

Kevin: Sure. Come on.

Kevin and the twins go outside to play basketball awhile Lucy gets up to go back to packing.

It is about two weeks later and the Kinkirks have successfully moved to Florida.

DESCRIPTION: their new home in Florida: White three story house with flowers surrounding the house. 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. One guest room outside. Basement and attic. One family room, library, kitchen, and living room. Huge backyard with a mini basketball court and swimming pool and a mini garden. Three car garage with a mini room for storage.

Its two days later after the Kinkirks have moved and it's the twins' birthday. So far the house is half settled and unpacked. There are still lots of pandemonium but things are starting to calm down. Also the Lucy and Kevin have filed for adoption paper two days ago.

The family is sitting in the family room talking and relaxing.

Kevin: We have filed the adoption paper two days ago and everything is fine.

Lucy's eyes get wide when Kevin tells the kids the news. Lucy bits her lips and looks worried.

Mercy: (jumps up with joy) Yay!

Mark: (in curious tone) Baby sister or brother?

Kevin: (shrugs his shoulders) I don't know.

Mark: Today?

Kevin: Oh no.

Mercy: When?

Kevin: (in a patient tone) It can take years before we can adopt. It takes a lot of time and patience.

Mercy: (in a disappointed voice) Oh.

Kevin: (laughing) Pray that they will find the perfect child for us soon.

Kevin looks at Lucy because she is not participating in the conversation. When Kevin and Lucy met eye to eye, Lucy changes the subject.

Lucy: (looks at the kids thoughtfully) Kids, are you sure you don't want a party because its not too late. I am sure we can figure something out.

Mercy: I don't want a party without Lorena.

Mark: (adding to Mercy's remark) And our friends.

Kevin: (nods with understanding) Ok but lets go get some pizza.

Just then the doorbell rings and Kevin goes to get the door. When Kevin opens the door there is a boy standing there.

Kevin: Hello?

Rick: Hi. My name is Rick and I am six years old. I live next door.

Rick and Kevin exchange handshake.

Kevin: Oh. Hello. Please come on in. I have met your parents yesterday. I am Kevin Kinkirk.

Description of Rick: Spiked, jet black hair, golden brown color skin, piercing gray eyes, athletic, dimpled, very light freckles across his nose, charming smile that looks like he is has a secret

Mercy walks in to see who was at the door

Mercy: (to herself) he is a very nice looking boy.

Mercy: (to Rick) I am Mercy. Want pizza with us?

Rick: Mr. Kinkirk, is that ok? (smiling at Mercy) By the way I am Rick.

Kevin: Sure.

Wondering what is taking so long Lucy walks in with Mark.

Lucy: (to Rick) Do I know you?

Rick: I am your next door neighbor. I am Rick.

Lucy: Oh. Nice to meet you. You must be Jemp and Evine's child. I am Lucy Kinkirk.

Mark: And I am Mark.

Rick: Nice to meet you Shakes hand with Lucy High fives with Mark Are you twin with Mercy because you look very alike?

Mark: (laughing) Yes.

Lucy: Mark, Mercy why don't you show Rick around the house while I talk to your father. Then we can go for pizza.

Rick: Can I call home first?

Kevin: Of course.

Mark: Come on we will show you where the phone is.

Mark, Mercy, and Rick walks out

Kevin: What's up?

Lucy: I have two pieces of news.

Kevin: What?

Lucy looks worried

Up next: What is Lucy's news and what is Kevin reaction to them? How will the family adjust to Florida? What other interesting people will they meet? More info on Rick next time. Is there anything going on between Mercy and Rick? Maybe puppy love or just genuine friendship?