Chapter 134

"Albert, darling, shut your mouth, of a fly might get inside," giggled Krista, who had been somewhat prepared for Amie's family. Still how did the woman handle all of them, feeding them and clothing them and seeing that they were taken care of, while she went about her job as a mid-wife? Oh, well she and the children certainly seemed to be happy and the rest was really none of her business.

"You have quite a family here Amie," Krista said patting Ava's tush. "I bet you're proud of them."

"Yes, honey, I am. They all stay out of trouble and mind what their mama tells them," smiled Amie at her large brood.

"Excuse me for being so blunt, Amie, but how do you make it without your husband?" AJ asked looking at the large family eating as fast as they could shovel it in.

"It's not as hard as you'd think. Gregg here graduated high school last year with a partial scholarship to the local college. He works for one of his professors to earn money for what he needs and that the scholarship doesn't cover. Ressa graduates this year and has been working hard to come up with the extra money to cover what her scholarship doesn't. We're still hoping for a full scholarship, but we've learned not to count on anything. Everyone else does odd jobs from working at fast food restaurants to mowing yards. The younger ones take turns cleaning the house, cooking and watching over baby Ava when I can't be home," Amie explained extremely proud of her children. "I assure you, Albert, I have no lazy children in this bunch."

"Has any of them given any thought of joining the Navy to get their education?" he asked reaching for his coffee brewed just the way he liked.

"Honestly, no. I'd rather they be as close to home as possible. You never know if something were to happen to me, one of them would need to step into my shoes and care for the rest."

After lunch was over a few of the younger children where put to bed for a nap. The rest wanted to play baseball. AJ sat back and watched for a while not wanting to leave Krista's side. Seeing the way he shouted instructions to the children Krista said, "Albert, why don't you go out on the field and enjoy yourself?"

"You really wouldn't mind, Darlin'? I wouldn't be gone long, just want to give them a few pointers," he replied standing as he spoke.

"Just go and enjoy yourself. I may go inside in a bit and talk with Amie," she smiled knowing he wanted on the field, but would never let her alone.

Running out to where the children were playing he yelled, "Someone have a glove I can borrow?"

"Sure, here's one," yelled Tom pitching him an old battered glove. Picking up the glove, AJ headed toward the field.

After AJ had been hauled off to play baseball with nine of the children, one of the older girls approached Krista, "Mrs. Chegwidden?"

Krista smiled at her, "Actually, you can call me Krista. Anna, is it?"

"No, I'm Amber. Mom was telling us that you belly danced to stay in shape and she even brought home that CD that you made for her, but I was wondering how hard it was to learn, and if you might teach me…" all that came out in one breath and Krista tried to keep from smiling.

"I would be glad to teach you, Amber. I could show you a few moves now and then if you like you could come to the shop on Friday afternoons."

"That would be great! I could pay you for lessons. I have a job."

"Do you work on Saturdays?"

"No."

"Then I have a deal for you. On Saturday I was going to have to start closing the shop because of the treatments I need to take. If you could shop sit from noon until four I'll call that even for the lessons."

"Would you care if I brought my school work to do between customers?"

"Not at all! Deal?"

"Deal! Let me get my boom box." Amber ran off and came back with a cheap looking boom box, and Krista's favorite belly dancing CD was in the player. Plugging it in and moving one of the picnic tables, Krista began to show her some basic steps. After about twenty-five minutes Krista asked, "Now would you like to see how they all fit together?"

To be continued…