#19 Pulling together as a family

Fifteen minutes later

They drive into the driveway

They get out of the car and walk to the front door.

Kevin is opening the door.

Lucy: Mercy would you like to play with Crisona while I fix some snack.

Mercy: NO!

Mercy runs away

Lucy: yelling in a scared voice Mercy!

Kevin starts to run after Mercy.

Kevin: running after Mercy Mercy, stop running.

Kevin overtakes Mercy and scoops her into his arms.

Lucy: in a panic voice Mercy you scared me to death.

Kevin: in a stern voice And me too. Don't you do that again.

Lucy: Yes. I think we need to talk.

They walk into the house

Lucy: to Mercy and Mark in very stern voice Into the kitchen

Mark: in a whisper to Mercy sarcastically Thanks for getting me into trouble.

Mercy: whispers back to Mark Whatever.

Lucy walks to the refrigerator and grabs cheese, apples, and a cartoon of milk. Then walks toward the pantry and grabs stacks of crackers.

Kevin puts Crisona inside her playpen. Mercy and Mark finds their seats around the table.

Lucy: while cutting cheese into small slabs and apples into small slices Kevin, can you get the plates and cups out and then pour in milk.

Kevin gets the plates out and puts one in front of Mercy and Mark. Then pours milk into Mercy and Mark's cup. Kevin then puts the milk back into the refrigerator and grabs two bottle of water for himself and Lucy.

Lucy puts two crackers, 4 small slabs of cheese, 2 slices of apples on Mercy and Mark's plate.

Lucy then puts crackers, slabs of cheese, and apples on another plate for her and Kevin.

Kevin sits down and starts to bite into his cheese.

Lucy grabs Crisona from the playpen before sitting down.

Lucy: Now lets talk.

Kevin: I want your opinion on Crisona and how you are doing and how our family is doing. Mark why don't you go first.

Mark: taking a bite of his slice of apple I am doing great. I miss Hawaii and Lorena but I am happy. I love our family and Crisona. Crisona is so small. I want our next baby to a boy!

Lucy: smiling So you are happy?

Mark: Yes.

Kevin: grabs a cracker and puts his cheese on top of it I love you son and you can always talk to me and Mom. Now Mercy your turn.

Mercy: looks scared I am ok.

Lucy: No you are not. Why did you yell when I asked if you want to play with Crisona and why did you run away?

Mercy: hesitates Umm…um...

Kevin: Go ahead, sweetie.

Mercy: takes a deep breath I don't want Crisona, I want Lorena. Crisona is like Lorena. I want to go home. I don't want Crisona.

Lucy: in a shocked and sad voice Oh.

Kevin: in a gently and fatherly voice Why didn't you tell us this before?

Mercy: You so happy and Mommy happy and Mark happy.

Kevin: sigh But we want you happy too.

Lucy: Sweetie, this is home. Crisona will not replace Lorena. Lorena has a special spot in our heart. But you can always make room for Crisona and maybe for our new baby too. Everything will be alright. It will be tough for awhile but it will get better. You can always talk to your daddy and me.

Kevin: gives Mercy a huge hug Feel better?

Mercy: Yes daddy.

Late that night

The kids are asleep

Rick and his family asleep in the guest house by the pool

Lucy: I wish I knew ahead of time what was bothering Mercy.

Kevin: kissing his wife I know. I forgot that she is very sensitive and how attached she was to Lorena.

Lucy: sighing We have very interesting months coming up.

Kevin: laughing I know. Mercy getting used Crisona and Crisona getting used to us won't be easy.

Lucy: I love you Kevin.

Kevin: I love you Lucy.

They fall asleep in each other arms.

The alarms in the house go off