The girls came in. They were all talking at once.

"Slow down," Trudy said laughing, "I can't hear a word you just said."

"We put on a play mommy," Annie said, "Our friends are in it too."

"You did?" Trudy asked, amazed.

"Uh-huh," Hope exclaimed, "Come into the backyard. That's where we're doing the play."

They handed out play bills to the 'audience' which mainly was their family, their friends' family and the people from the orphanage. They had literally put on the show, Wicked.

"Your girls are really talented," Thomas Marker (one of the children's father) said to Trudy and Marsha.

"Don't I know it," Marsha said while Trudy said, "thank you".

"Your oldest 2 are starting second grade soon right?"

"Yes," Trudy said, "Next year."

"I run a school called Learning Through Living," Thomas said, "It's an unschooling program where you use the world as your classroom. It starts with children from second grade to sixth grade and I feel your children would benefit from this program."

Trudy said "Thank you. I'll talk to my husband about it."

Later that evening once the girls had had supper, bath, story time and were sleeping, Trudy took the opportunity to talk with Adrian.

They were tidying the kitchen for the night. First they had put away the clean dishes from the did the silverware and the pots while Trudy handled the plates and cups.

"I had a conversation with Thomas Marker, he's the dad of William and Olivia who were here earlier and they live a few doors down. He runs his own school and thought our girls might do well there."

Adrian commented. "I wonder why. Not that any teacher wouldn't love to have our daughters, but I guess I'm surprised."

"I was too. But he said he'd noticed how creative they are and how his school allows the students to explore and learn from and in the world. He called it unschooling."

Adrian thought for a moment. "I've heard about that. Maybe that would be hard for me."

"Yes I know. You're a structured person."

Adrian as a student had much preferred to know the expectations his teachers had and knowing they had a clear goal in sight of what he needed to know. Even if it was just how to survive in dodgeball so that you at least get the gym credit.

"Well we can talk with the girls and see what they think. Before we do that thoughI'd like to see how feasible the commute to the school is and we should make a list of questions for Thomas."

Trudy nodded. She saw it was a wise idea.

"What did they do that was so creative," Adrian asked.

"They put on a play," Trudy said, "It was amazing."

"That's great. What play was it," Adrian asked.

"Wicked," Trudy said, "I have the video tape if you want to see it."

Adrian widened his eyes.

"They put on Wicked?"

"Yes. It was their first performance. They're going to do it five more times so all of them have a chance to play the leads. Want to see the tape?"

"Of course I do," Adrian said.

They went into the living room and Trudy put on the tape. Adrian knew it would be good but he had no idea it was almost professionally good. The first time Hope had played Elphaba and Bella played Glinda. When Bella floated in the bubble it was incredible. They had all the songs memorized. When Annie came in as Madame Morrible she crushed her part. Adrian nearly cheered when Hope as Elphaba was flying. Their friends did the gymnastic acts. It was perfect. Adrian sat there agape. He knew he would have to get a permit for them since they were doing more then one show. That way there wouldn't be any problems. This was nothing like he had ever seen.

"So," Trudy asked, "What do you think?"

"I think we should encourage them as much as possible. I can make sure they have all the paperwork so they don't have any trouble."

Trudy smiled. She agreed completely.

The next few moths were busy preparing for the new baby. The girls were all excited about their little sister and argued about who would hold her and look after her. One Saturday she was serving them grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup when Hope said that she was the oldest and would be the baby's special helper. Bella got upset and pointed out she wasn't that much younger than Hope. All the other girls clamored.

Trudy made a loud whistle.

The girls stopped and all looked at her.

" Hey. I promise the baby is going to be friends with each of you and that she'll need all of you to help her. Okay?"

The girls nodded and quietly continued to eat lunch.

Trudy smiled inwardly to herself and considered her point had been well made.

Marsha was 3 ½ month pregnant at the time. Adrian and Trudy talked about it and they decided that when it came to the baby, Faith (the youngest) should be the first to hold her. They'd each have 10 minutes to hold her the first time.

"So Faith will go first," Trudy explained, "Annie's next. Ella is after that, followed by Ava. Bella goes after Ava and finally Hope."

"Did I do something wrong," Hope asked.

"Of course not honey," Trudy said, "It's just as the oldest you have a lot of privileges your younger sisters don't get. Daddy and I want your little sisters to have their turn to shine."

Hope thought about that and nodded. It made sense to her.

Marsha's third ultrasound was scheduled. The girls wanted to be there and Adrian and Trudy agreed happily.

"Okay," Dr. Richard said, "Let's take a look see here."

He started by listening to the heartbeat.

"Hm," he said.

After that he put the wand on Marsha's belly. She was starting to show just a little.

"I have some news," Dr. Richard said, "The egg split in half."

"What does that mean," Hope asked.

"What it means is that instead of just having one baby there are two. You're having identical twins."

Trudy's jaw dropped.

"Well that explains my morning sickness," Marsha said laughing.

The girls cheered.

"We're going to need a bigger house," Adrian whispered to Trudy.

Later, as everyone went out to dinner Marsha and Dwight announced they heard what Adrian said.

"He's right," Marsha added, "As you know your father and I live in a mansion. The mortgage is all paid off and it's really fit for children. So, we decided that we'll trade homes. Before the twins are born you all will move into our home. We'll stay with you all for awhile to help with the twins and the girls and then we'll move into your home."

Trudy's eyes widened.

"Are you serious," Adrian asked.

"Absolutely," Dwight said.

"That means so much to us mom," Trudy said, "and dad"

"You have no idea how much you mean to us," Marsha said.

"This will really make a difference next year," Adrian said, "Hope and Bella are going to Learning Through Living. All the girls are going when they turn seven."

"We already wrote out the check for Hope and Bella to go to that school," Marsha said.

That night, while the girls were in bed Trudy and Adrian couldn't sleep.

"What my parents are doing for us is amazing," Trudy said.

Trudy, Adrian and the girls settled into their spacious home. It certainly was a relief. He realized he had 8 reasons to worry now. It felt somewhat overwhelming. He was folding and putting away some of the girls' clothes as he thought. Trudy brought over another pile .

"These are some of Hope's summer things from last year that I think will fit Ava and Ella by the time the weather warms up again."

"Okay. I'll get one of the bins and make a label." He said distractedly, dropping the t-shirt he was holding and looking out the window.

"Thanks. Adrian… are you all right?"

"Yes I mean I think so. It's just our family is so precious to me and making sure everyone is okay I was just thinking…"

"That's why I love you Adrian. I guess that's the main thing. We have a lot of love and that will help us through anything that happens."

In the present Adrian thought that was why he needed Trudy. She had to come back to them.