Sorry for so many updates at once but I have been without an internet connection for over a week. We moved into this old house I bought and had to wait for everything to be hooked up. I had a little too much time on my hands and decided to write as a form of entertaining myself. I am getting my final HP book today so I may not update again for a little while because I want to read the final book without being spoiled. Anyway, thanks for the feedback... These updates are dedicated to Suz (Addison24) because she's an amazing writer and I truly appreciate all of her advice :)

Chapter 13

The days that followed were nothing but a haze. Between the funeral arrangements and getting all of the legal documents taken care of, Addison felt like she had been sleep walking for weeks. As a doctor, she was used to staying awake for days at a time with little rest but this was completely different. Physical exhaustion was nothing compared to emotional exhaustion. The lawyers had been able to grant Addison full custody because of Greg's prison sentence and he ended up signing over all of his parental rights. Addison decided not to say anything to Molly mainly because she was much better off without him.

The silence in the house was as devastating as their loss. It was perhaps the hardest thing to adjust to after having Abigail around for the last few months. Her infectious laughter still echoed through the walls and deepened the heartache even more. The laughter of someone we love is usually a comforting thing but after their gone, the memory has the opposite effect. Every little memory can bring back a smile but the hurt still lies dormant and surfaces when least expected.

"Aunt Addison, I can't find my favorite book anywhere."

Addison reached down and pulled Molly into her arms. She had been quiet and withdrawn since her mom's death but the child psychologist Violet recommended assured Addison that it was a normal reaction. "When was the last time you saw it sweetie?"

Molly opened her mouth to answer and then stopped short. Her eyes started to fill with tears and Addison knew exactly what she was going to say, "Your mom?"

Molly just nodded and wiped her face.

"Well let's go and look around in your room. Maybe she accidentally dropped it somewhere." They headed down the hallway to Molly's room. Moaning Myrtle was sitting in Molly's rocking chair wrapped tight in a blanket. The two of them searched the room in silence. The book was nowhere to be found. Addison walked over to the bookshelf and looked up. She noticed the corner of a book barely peeking its way over the very top. She pulled the book down and grinned, "Look what I've found." As she tilted the book over, something fell out of it. It was a note in Abigail's handwriting wrapped around what looked like a c.d. Addison's heart stopped for a moment. She looked over at Molly who was staring at her curiously. "Is that from mommy?"

Addison nodded and walked over to the bed, sitting next to her. She took a deep breath and started to read the note, "My two beautiful angels on Earth, I figured if I'd write down what I wanted to say to the both of you, it wouldn't be as special as taping it. The DVD that came with this note is a compilation of videos from our lives together. Addison, I was able to get my hands on some tapes of us when we were growing up and most of Molly's as well. Pete played a big part in helping me to get it all together on one DVD for the two of you. I asked him not to tell you so please don't be mad at him. I figured you'd find this when it was time for you to find it. At the end of the DVD there is a message from me to the both of you. I want the two of you to watch it together when you feel strong enough. I love you both and am watching you from above." Addison closed the note and looked down at Molly. Her face registered a mixture of emotions. "When you are ready to watch this, you let me know okay?" Molly just nodded and held up the book, "Can you read to me and Myrtle?" Addison took the book from her and they settled back comfortably on the bed. There was an unspoken understanding between the two of them that it was still too early to watch the DVD but not too late to continue strengthening the bond created by the beautiful person watching over them.