Another Chance - Chapter 2
"Mama, do you know Gail?"asked Maya
"Yes, sweetheart Gail and I used to be friends." Holly answered.
Gail flinched at the word "used" and Holly noticed her reaction.
"Mama, you mean you and Gail aren't friends anymore? So I can't call her Aunt Gail like I call your friends Aunt Traci and Aunt Chloe. And Uncle Oliver?"
"Ummm, sweetheart it's a long story."
"But Mama, I want her to be my Aunt Gail. She is so beautiful Mama. She is like Snow White except she has blonde hair. Can I please call her Aunt Gail?"
"If it's okay with Gail, you can call her Aunt Gail."
"May I call you Aunt Gail?"
"Of course Maya, you can call me anything you want."
"So are you visiting Toronto?" Gail asked Maya.
"No silly, we live here. We moved here. Mama is sad because Mom Jen passed away."
"Oh I'm sorry to hear that. Sorry to hear you lost your Mom Jen."
"Holly, I'm really sorry." Gail said Holly with sincerity.
"It's been a year and I needed a change. I think it would be good for Maya and I especially with my parents here and my sister."
"I thought your parents lived in Vancouver?"
"They moved here a few months ago. Zoe got a job here and my parents both got offers to teach here so they are here now. It's really what made me want to come back here plus you know having old friends here."
"Have you got a job?"
"Yes I do. Hey listen Gail, we have to go, I need to still cook. I will see you on Monday."
"What? Oh my God, you're the new Chief M.E. Oliver mentioned that we will meet the new one on Monday."
"Don't tell anybody okay? Just wait until Monday. Maya, let's go, munchkin. Say 'bye" to Gail."
"Bye Aunt Gail."
"Bye Maya. Ah, Holly I was just wondering, I mean if you don't mind, I'd like for us to catch up. I mean we will be working together a lot and I just want to clear the air. I want to tell my side," asked Gail nervously.
"I can't this weekend, maybe next weekend. It all depends on how busy my first week is."
"Can I get your number? I mean if that's okay with you."
"Sure."
"Mama let me do it."
Gail handed the phone to Maya.
"She can read? Isn't she like two?
"Yes she can read and she is way advance. I did read at the age of two, you know."
"Of course, she takes after you. I mean, she is a mini Holly."
"Here you go Aunt Gail. It is under Stewart Girls."
"Thanks Maya. You are not only adorable but so smart too."
"You're welcome Aunt Gail. Come on Mama, I'm hungry."
Monday came around and Holly was called in early morning when they found a body. It was Gail wo called and Holly told her that she needs to drop off Maya at her parents' house first. She asked Gail for the address where she needed to be..
Holly hated waking up Maya. She is cranky in the morning.
"Maya, baby wake up. Mama has to go to work."
"Mama it is still too early."
"I know baby but work called me. I'm taking you to Nana and Grandpa's house."
"Okay Mama."
"I'm so sorry baby for waking you up so early."
"It's okay Mama."
"You ready to go."
"Yes Mama."
After dropping off Maya at her parents' house, Holly drove straight to the crime scene.
She took her forensic kit out with her. She found Traci and Gail telling the other officers to clear the crowd.
"So what do we have detectives?"
Gail turned around first as soon as she heard Holly's voice. The voice she had missed for the past four years and my God, she still carries a lunchbox. It's not the same one from before but it still looked like a lunchbox.
"I see some things haven't changed Doc, you still carry a lunchbox?" Gail said jokingly.
"It's not a lunchbox Gail. Hey Traci."
"Holly! Oh my god, I wasn't expecting you. I thought it would be Rodney." Traci said excitedly almost feeling embarrassed to be showing so much excitement when they have a body in front of them.
"I was surprised too. And from the reporters and paparazzi that are starting to mill around, I take it that the victim or the body is someone known?" asked Holly.
"He is the mayor's son." Chloe answered.
"Oh shit. What a way to start my first day back here." Holly said.
"So Holly, are you the new Chief M.E.? asked Traci
"Yes, yes I am."
"Congratulations and welcome back Holly," Gail, Chloe and Traci said in unison.
"Thanks. Now let's get to work."