A/N Ihope you liked the last chapter and were satisfied with the reunion. But wait there's more.
A Heart Torn
A Charah Tale
By Lord Rapier
Edited and guided by CliffM
Chapter 29: Chicago: Taking Care of Family Part II
Chuck opens the door, "Holy crap. MOM! You made it." Chuck steps out and hugs his mother.
Mary Elizabeth Bartowski hugs her son. She thinks, I never did this enough. I guess a twenty-year absence can limit hug time. I'm amazed at what a good man he's grown to be. "Hello Chuck, It's good to see you. Would you mind if we get off the street?"
Chuck steps back into the house, Mary close behind.
Devon gets up, "Grandma Mimi, you made it. Awesome!"
Mary waves to him across the room, "Hi Devon, good to see you. Where's your sister and my granddaughter?" Devon gives her a hug.
Chuck looks Mary in the eyes, "Mom what's going on? I can tell something's up. What's outside that you're worried about?"
Mary shakes her head and laughs, "Charles, you didn't have a chance. Between me and your father you were going to be a spy. It's in your genes." Mary takes a deep breath, "You're right something is up. I was in deep. With some terrorists. I think my cover may have gotten blown. I don't know for sure, but something feels off. You know that feeling when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up."
Chuck shakes his head, "Devon, why don't you get my mom a drink."
Devon heads to the kitchen, "What can I get you Mary?"
Mary pats Chuck's cheek, "My son the mind reader. A glass of wine would be great. Is anybody going to tell me where my girls are?"
Chuck leads her to the couch. Mary puts her small bag on the floor, next to her. "Sit Mom, relax. Why are you constantly in these deep undercover assignments? Are you telling me there are no other agents they can send into these situations. Mom, you did more than your share, with Volkoff. Why are you worried about being seen on the street? Would you feel more comfortable if I put a couple of men on the perimeter?"
Mary sits, "Slow down. One question at a time. I do these assignments because I'm good at them. I don't know that I'm worried about being seen. I'm being cautious, maybe even a little paranoid. I think we're okay. I don't think an armed guard is called for. Thank you for worrying about me, son. Okay, Chuck my turn. Why are you deflecting? Where are my girls?"
Chuck sits next to her, "Mom, I'm not deflecting. The girls are fine, all three of them. They went shopping, and to pick up dinner. Now, are you sure we don't need security on the house?"
Mary looks at him weird. Taking the glass of wine from Devon. "Three? Devon, did you have another daughter and not tell me?"
Devon shakes his head, "Well, it's not like we can call you easily. But no. No new granddaughters."
Mary nods, "Uh huh. Chuck is there something you want to tell me?"
Chuck looks at the carpet, "Well, yes and no. I don't suppose you'd like to enjoy your wine while we wait for dinner to arrive?"
Mary scowls at Chuck, "Out with-it Charles. What are you not telling me?"
Chuck open his mouth to answer, his cell phone rings. He takes it out and looks at the screen. "Excuse me Mom, this is important. I have to take it."
Mary looks at her son as he walks out the door. She mumbles under her breath, "Born spy."
Chuck steps outside talking into his phone. "Did you get it done?"
Morgan Grimes answers, "We did the best we could Chuck. To be honest with you, I'm not sure how to evaluate the whole Volkoff thing. Everything else is smooth as silk."
Chuck smiles when he sees the minivan pull into the driveway. "Thanks Buddy, I appreciate you working on the weekend. Your timing is perfect. I want my mom out of the field. Beckman knows about the Volkoff stuff. She can make her own determination on that. My mom is here now. Look, we're going to be arriving later Sunday night than we thought. Do you think you and Alex would mind putting Gretchen up one more night?"
Morgan reassures him, "We're getting along great. The twins love her. She's already Aunt Gretchen. Chuck, even Dad has mellowed towards her. I really think you got her attention. We'll bring her to work with us on Monday. But you need to make time to see the twins soon. They keep asking for you. You have fun with your family. Give them all a hug for me. Give Clara an extra squeeze from Uncle Morgan. Have a safe flight home."
Chuck waves at the girls walking towards him. They're loaded with packages and what looks like enough food to feed a small army. "Thanks Buddy, you're still the best. Send my hugs your way. Make sure you give Gretchen one from me too. See you Monday. Bye.
Chuck sticks his phone in his pocket. Sarah walks up to him, holding the packages aside, she offers her lips for a kiss. He leans down and kisses her. "Hon, do you remember asking me if I realized that my troubles may be connected to the women in my life?"
Sarah nods with a concerned look on her face, "I remember. Why"?
Chuck smiles, "Just hold that thought." He takes the packages from her hands, "After you. But you should let Clara go in first. You don't want to get knocked over."
Ellies' hands are full. Sarah opens the door and steps aside.
Clara walks in two steps and lets out a shrill scream, "GRANDMA! Grandma is here." Clara runs to the couch and jumps in Mary's lap.
Mary hugs her tight and kisses her. "There's my Clara. Oh Sweetie, Mimi missed you so much."
Clara hugs her back, "I missed you too Mimi. You and Uncle Chuck are here together. I must be dreaming. This is beauty, she came to live with me." The adults laugh.
Ellie walks towards the kitchen, "Hi Mom, glad you could make it. Let me put these groceries down and I'll give you a hug. Chuck, you can put the food on the table. Sarah, would you get some plates and utensils?"
Mary turns her head quickly to the open door, "Sarah?"
Sarah smiles an awkward smile, "Hi Mary. Nice to see you again." Sarah steps in and closes the door."
Mary looks over her shoulder, "Charles Irving?"
Oh great, she's using my middle name. I'd better make this good. Chuck puts the pizzas, and other food packages on the table. Walking over to Sarah, he puts his arm around her waist. Taking a deep breath, he blurts it out. "Mrs. Mary Bartowski, I'd like you to meet Mrs. Sarah Bartowski."
Mary looks at Sarah, then at Chuck. She turns her gaze back over to Sarah. "Are you going to just stand there or are you going to give your mother-in-law a kiss?"
There is an audible sound as the room lets out a sigh of relief. Except for Clara. She looks around the room and shrugs. "Are you Auntie Sarah's Mommy now?"
Mary smiles, "Yes Baby, I am. Would it be okay if I stand up and give Auntie Sarah a hug?" Clara moves over to sit on the couch.
Mary walks over to Sarah. She reaches up and brushes a tear off Sarah's cheek. She hugs her. Kisses her on the cheek. "Welcome to the family Sweetheart. I've been waiting for you."
Sarah starts to cry. Mary rubs her back. Speaking softly. "Shhhh, it's okay. Nothing to cry about. You have a wonderful husband, and he has a fantastic wife."
Sarah nods her head barely able to speak. She whispers, "Thank you, thank you."
so much."
Mary calls Chuck over with her finger. He joins the hug. They hug for a few minutes. Then they feel Devon's arms around them. Ellie picks up Clara and joins the group. Mary sighs, "I'm an incredibly lucky woman to have so much love in my life. Congratulations you two. You know as much as I love all my kids. I'm much shorter than everyone. I'm tired of looking at chests, and I swear I smell pizza."
Chuck shouts out, "Wait, Morgan and Alex sent a hug for everyone, and a special squeeze for Clara. Okay, Pizza time."
The group laughs as they separate. Chuck takes Sarah in his arms, he kisses her. "How ya doing new Bartowski?"
Sarah smiles, "I'm doing great, original Bartowski. Let's eat, I'm starving."
Chuck kisses her again, "Don't yell at me. I have to take care of some business. It really can't wait."
Sarah looks at him crossly, "Chuck we talked about this. You promised me that this weekend is for family."
Chuck takes her hand. He turns to the dining room where everybody is getting the table ready to eat. "Folks, I have to make an urgent phone call. Please start without us. We'll be back shortly."
Devon waves, a chicken wing in his hand, "No problem, Bro. But I'm not promising to leave you any pizza."
Chuck leads Sarah outside by her hand. "This is about family. My mother has been undercover. She thinks she may have been compromised. I want to bring her in from the cold." Sarah nods as Chuck pushes the speed dial on his phone. It's ringing when he puts it on speaker.
The voice is loud and commanding, "Bartowski, didn't we say good-bye on Air Force One? I'm starting to feel like I should make up the couch for you. How's the good Bartowski? You know, the smart beautiful one?"
Chuck laughs, "I'm fine Diane thanks for asking, How are you?"
Sarah is laughing, "I'm great Diane. We're having a nice time visiting with Chuck's family. How are you doing?"
Beckman moans, "I'm up to my General's stars in politicians. How do you think I'm doing? Look if you're calling with more trouble…"
Chuck interrupts, "Nope, I have good news."
You can hear the surprise in her voice, "Really, Good news from you? I'm going to remain skeptical until I hear it. Speak."
Chuck clears his throat, "I have the perfect candidate for the Director's chair."
Beckman sounds interested, "Go on I'm listening."
"This woman has close to forty years' experience as an agent. Has done extensive undercover work and has my highest recommendation. Morgan went over her background with a fine-tooth comb. There was only one grey area. An area you know all about."
Beckman is impatient, "Chuck by the time I hear a name I'll be putting in for Social Security. Who the hell are you talking about?"
"Mary Elizabeth Bartowski."
The phone goes silent. Ten, twenty, thirty, forty seconds pass. "You want me to give your Mommy a job?"
Chuck laughs, "I'm not sure I would phrase it that way, but yes. She's highly qualified. You won't find anyone better. She doesn't know about me. I want to keep it that way,"
The phone goes quiet again… "Understood Chuck. Sarah, what do you think? Would you want her for your boss?"
Sarah shrugs, "Chuck is right. You won't find anyone more qualified. She has extensive experience as an agent. I've worked with her. She is likely your best undercover operative. Diane, she did twenty years wrangling Volkoff and came out alive. That proves her tact, diplomacy, and ability to think on her feet. She ran his huge operation for two decades. Shows her leadership and administrative skills. She has no political ties. I know she would take care of her agents because she's one of them. Like Chuck said, the only grey area is Volkoff. The time may be grey, but the outcome was brilliant. I might also add she makes great sons."
Beckman is quiet again. Then, "Sarah, I thought you were trying to talk me into this." Chuck and Sarah laugh. "Hmmmm, You say Grimes vetted her?"
"He's had his team checking into her 24/7 since the day we got back. You're going to love the bill."
Beckman is quiet again as she thinks. "Tell Grimes to send me the paperwork. I'll run it past POTUS. I'll get back to you." The line goes dead.
Sarah leans up and kisses Chuck. "Have I mentioned that my husband is brilliant?"
Chuck thinks a moment, "I don't think so. I may have missed it. All I hear is my heart telling me how much I love you."
Sarah kisses him again, "Thank you for loving me, Chuck. Now feed me, I'm starving. I want pizza."
Chuck kisses her, "You go in Hon, I want to call Morgan and keep the ball rolling."
Sarah hugs him, "Okay Baby, I'll make sure Devon leaves you some food." When Sarah opens the door Chuck hears the sound of talking and laughter.
The door closes and he gets back on the phone. He hits the speed dial, "Hi Pal, miss me already?"
Chuck smiles, "Always Pal, whenever I'm not looking at your greasy beard. Sorry, I have to make you work again."
Morgan takes offense, "My beard is not greasy, it's glossy. No problem, what do you need Boss?"
"I need you to transmit the digital paperwork on my mom to Beckman… yesterday."
Chuck can hear computer keys being pressed, "Working the problem now. I've got it covered. Enjoy your evening. Oh, one more thing. Gretchen said thank you for the hug and she sent one back. I think she may work out. Catch you later." Chuck hangs up.
Chuck walks into the house. The party is in full swing. Everyone is laughing, Clara is dancing with Beauty. Sarah, Ellie, and Mary are talking up a storm. Devon is stuffing his face. Clara sees Chuck walk in, "Uncle Chuck." She runs over and puts her arms up begging to be picked up. "You better hurry Uncle Chuck. Daddy said if you don't come in quick, he's gonna eat all the pizza." He picks her up.
Chuck walks quickly to the table, "Well we better get there quick, I'm hungry." Chuck gets to the table and sits with Clara on his lap.
Sarah brings him a plate of food. "I have no idea how Awesome looks like that, he eats like three men."
Devon responds, "I heard that. I also work out like three men. Gotta stay fit for my honey." He grabs Ellie and gives her a kiss.
Everyone is having a good time when Chuck's phone rings. He looks at the caller ID and his eyebrows go up. He answers. "Chuck Bartowski. Yes, she's here. He wants me to put you on speaker. Okay." Chuck talks to the room. Shhhh, this is an important call." Chuck pushes the speaker button, "Okay, you're on speaker."
The voice at the other end speaks to the room. "Thank you, Sir. Is Mrs. Mary Bartowski there?"
Mary looks at Chuck questioning him with her face, "I'm Mary Bartowski."
"Yes Ma'am, I'm Liam Robinson, special assistant to the President of the United States. Please hold for the President."
Everyone in the room turns their eyes to Chuck. He shrugs. The President's voice come out of the small speaker. "Chuck you there, it's Frank."
All the eyes in the room open wide. Sarah walks over and stands behind Chuck, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Hi Frank, how're you doing? How's Joyce?"
"I'm fine, she's fine." She wants me to tell you that the wedding plans are moving ahead. As soon as Congress gets off their dead behinds and approves John's medal, we can give you a date. Now my sources tell me you're at a family gathering, how about you introduce me."
Sarah looks at Ellie and sticks her tongue out. Ellie shakes her head and puts her hands up.
Sarah speaks up, "Hi Frank, it's Sarah. Tell Joyce I'll give her a call on Monday when we get home. In the meantime, let me introduce you Mr. President. Across the table from me is Dr. Devon Woodcomb, our Brother-in-law."
Devon waves at the phone, "It's awesome to meet you Sir. You're doing an awesome job."
"Thank you Dr. Woodcomb, I hear you're doing good things as well. Helping lots of people."
"Sitting next to him is Dr. Ellie Woodcomb, Chuck's sister."
"Good evening. Mr. President, it's an honor. When Chuck and Sarah told me they knew you, I thought they were pulling my leg."
"Funny, I thought the same thing when they told me they were related to such a distinguished and brilliant doctor. I thoroughly enjoyed your papers on brain physiology."
Ellie is shocked, "You've read my papers Sir?"
"I have. Part of my job is knowing how I can help the people of our country. I'm trying hard to get you some funding. I want to see more people benefit from your genius."
Sarah smiles wide at Ellie, "Sitting on Chuck's lap is Clara Woodcomb our niece."
Clara yells out, "And Beauty, don't forget Beauty."
Sarah smiles, "Oh yes of course. On Clara's lap is Beauty, her unicorn. To their left is Mary Bartowski their mom, and grandmother."
"Hi everyone, it's nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to meeting you all at the wedding. Especially Clara and Beauty. Let me get to the point of this call. Mary… may I call you Mary."
Mary nods, "Of course Mr. President."
"Thank you. Okay Mary… wait first let me say you have got one hell of a son and daughter-in-law. They've been doing some work for me. Now I can't explain it over the phone, but we've been having some difficulty in our intelligence offices. Your name has come up to fill one of those positions."
Mary looks shocked, "Me Sir? How can I help?"
"Mary, I'd like you to come to Washington and be my Director of Central Intelligence. I've been made to believe you would be great at the job. Now the position will be interim. That's until we can get the stonewallers in Congress to approve you. But with your record that shouldn't be a problem."
Mary shakes her head, "Me Sir? Are you sure you have the right Mary Bartowski? I'm just an agent."
Frank's asks, "Is she the one Chuck?"
Chuck smiles, "The one and only Sir."
Frank sounds excited, "Good, good. The local FBI office is sending a car to give you a ride to the airport Mary. Your plane leaves for DC in two hours. It's near impossible to get through those airport lines quickly nowadays. I'm hoping I can pull a few strings."
Mary is in shock, "But Mr. President, what about my present assignment?"
"You can work that out with General Beckman when you get here. Now you better say yes. I'm getting a little tired of Bartowskis telling me no."
Mary stands up, "Yes Mr. President, Of course Sir. I'll help in any way I can. I'm honored that you would ask me."
"Are you listening Chuck? That's how it's done, Yes Mr. President. All right I'll let you get back to your party. Sorry to cut your family time short Mary. I know you missed a lot of that. The good news, you'll be right here in DC where you can visit any time. All right folks gotta go. It was nice meeting you. Clara, you take good care of Beauty, I look forward to meeting both of you soon. Bye."
The phone and room goes quiet. They all stare at Chuck and Sarah. Chuck shrugs, "Congratulations Mom. I know you're gonna be great."
Mary opens her mouth to speak, but Ellie cuts her off. "Chuck, you told me that you and Sarah were out of the spy business. What kind of work are you doing for the President?"
Chuck holds his hands up, "Relax Ellie, our old Commanding Officer General Beckman hired CI to screen candidates for government positions. Mom was our first assignment. To be honest, I can't think of a better person for the job. Sarah agreed. Beckman looked at our work and took it to the President. That's it. Sarah and I no longer do field work, period. We're looking forward to starting our family. Clara needs more cousins."
Clara bounces on Chuck's lap, "That's right Mommy, I need more cousins to have unicorn tea parties."
Mary looks at Chuck. She knows that he's not saying something. "You did this? When did you say no to the President?"
Sarah answers, "When he asked us to continue working in the agency. He wasn't happy, but Chuck and I agreed. A spy family is not the best way to raise children."
There's a knock at the door, Devon goes over to answer it. Mary walks over and kisses Ellie, Clara, and Chuck. When she gets to Sarah, she hugs her and kisses her on the cheek. "Chuck, I'm glad you found a woman smarter than me. I regret all the time I lost with you and Ellie. I'll call you when I can."
The man at the door shows his FBI badge and ID, "We're here to escort DCI Bartowski to the airport."
Mary heads towards the door. Clara jumps off Chuck's lap and runs to her. She wraps her arms around Mary's legs. "Grandma Mimi don't go. We didn't have our tea party yet. Also, tomorrow we're going to see the horses and the knights."
Mary sighs, "Oh! My little Clara. Mimi doesn't have a choice. Sweetheart, some women are born to be mommies and grandmas. Mimi was born to do this job. I work for an especially important man, and I have to do what he asks of me.
That doesn't mean I won't miss you. I was hoping to read you the story about the Frost Queen when I tucked you in. That was Uncle Chuck's favorite. I'm going to come back as soon as I can. I'll read it to you then.
For sure we'll see each other when Uncle Chuck and Auntie Sarah get married. How that came about, I'm dying to hear. I guess that story will have to wait for another day. Be good my little sweetheart. Take good care of Beauty. Also, Mommy and Daddy. She kisses Clara picks up her bag, "Good thing I travel light. Okay guys let's go." On the way out the door she kisses Devon.
Mary walks out the door. Devon closes it behind her. There's a sadness in the room. Chuck and Ellie can't help but feel a sense of déjà vu when they look at Clara's sad face. Chuck breaks the silence. "Ellie, Mom is out of the field. She'll be safe. She'll have bodyguards. She'll be working in an office. We can call or visit her whenever we want."
Ellie nods, "Thanks for doing that, guys." She shrugs, "Still…" Sarah walks around the table and puts her arms around Ellie.
"I get it Sis, bitter-sweet."
Ellie nods, "I guess. It just feels too familiar." She leans into Sarah's hug and enjoys the warm closeness. She reaches up and wipes a tear from her eye, "At least I got my sister back."
Devon walks over and Sarah moves so he can hug her. "Ellie, Chuck offered us jobs in his company. We can discuss it later, but I like the idea of being closer to family."
Chuck picks Clara up, "You know, I'm thinking Auntie Sarah and I could use some unicorn tea."
Sarah smiles and joins them, "You know Hon you're right; I am a little thirsty. Clara, I hope you have some magic cakes for dessert."
Clara's sad face changes. She gets excited, "I do, I have lots, but they're invisible so you have to find them."
Chuck and Sarah laugh as the three of them head into Clara's room.
Ellie puts her hands on Devon's arms that are around her neck. "Devon, my brother is friends with the President of the United States. He pulled some strings and got Mom out of a dangerous job. He got her one of the most important jobs in the world. When did he stop being my little brother and become a powerful man?"
Devon smiles and kisses the top of her head, "It happened when you let go of him so he could use the things you taught him. El, you don't have to worry about Chuck anymore. He'll be all right. Don't get upset, but It's Sarah's job to worry about him now.
Ellie laughs ironically. "You know something Hon, you just said something particularly poignant. I think part of the reason I was so pissed at Sarah was because I was jealous. I guess it bugs me that she's his main girl now. That used to be me."
Devon laughs, "Do you really think he's done with you? You'll always be his big sister. Who do you think he's going to come to when he and Sarah fight? Or when they have kids and need parenting advice. Besides you're my main girl. I wouldn't worry, neither Chuck nor Sarah will be too far away from us. Speaking of distance, let's talk about Burbank."
Sarah, Chuck, and Clara go into her room. They're sitting in the small chairs at Clara's table. Clara picks up her unicorn teapot and pretends to pour tea into their cups. She's pouring into Chuck's cup. "Uncle Chuck, how come Mimi left? Doesn't she love me?"
Sarah looks across the table she sees the tears welling up in her husband's eyes. The teacup in his hands start to rattle when his hands tremble. Putting the cup down he shakes his head, fighting to hold the emotions in. He tries to answer and the only thing that comes out of his mouth is a croaking sound. Standing up quickly he turns his back to the girls.
Sarah puts her arms out, "Clara come, sit on Auntie Sarah's lap. I think Uncle Chuck has a magic cookie stuck in his throat. He should go in the kitchen and get a glass of water." Chuck walks out of the room, clearly shaken.
Devon and Ellie are still sitting at the table discussing the pros and cons of moving to Burbank. "Devon you're making great points. Trust me I won't miss the winters here…" Ellie looks up at Chuck rushing into the room, tears streaming down his face.
He walks over, "Ellie I screwed up. Clara just asked me if Mom loves her. I screwed up. I was trying to help Mom, and I hurt Clara." He starts to hyperventilate. "I… I… I can't breathe."
He falls to his knees and Ellie pulls his head to her lap. "Shhhh, it's okay little brother."
Devon whispers in Ellie's ear, "I told you. I'm gonna go check on Clara." Ellie nods and Devon walks back to the bedroom.
Chuck is fighting to catch his breath, "I don't know what to do. I hurt Clara. She thinks Mom doesn't love her."
Ellie's voice is firm, "Chuck you're not nine years old. This is not happening to us. Clara has parents. She has you and Sarah."
Chuck's breathing starts to slow. Ellie continues, "Chuck you're a grown man. You're friends with the President. You're not a little kid alone and unloved. Neither is Clara. We have each other, like always. Now you have Sarah too. We're surrounded by people who love us.
This time it's hugely different. You may have saved Mom's life. Devon told me what she said to you. That she may be in trouble. This means she'll be around for us to visit. She'll be able to read to Clara and your children. You did the right thing."
When Chuck rushes out of the room Clara climbs into Sarah's lap. "Auntie Sarah is Uncle Chuck, okay?"
Sarah hugs Clara, "He's fine, nothing to worry about. We don't get many magic cookies at home. He's not used to them." Devon arrives at the room and stands outside the door listening.
Clara snuggles into Sarah, "Auntie Sarah, you know that magic cookies aren't real, right? They're just make believe."
Sarah throws her head back and laughs. She kisses Clara repeatedly, "Oh you are the smartest little niece in the whole world." Clara giggles.
They settle down, Clara looks up at Sarah, "Did I make Uncle Chuck upset?"
Sarah shakes her head, "Absolutely not. Never. He loves his Clara Doll. I'm going to tell you the truth. When Uncle Chuck was little, just like you, Mimi, his Mommy, went to work too. He was remembering that, and it made him sad. Like it made you sad. He also thought that she went away because maybe she didn't love him. Do you know what he found out?" Clara shakes her head. "Well, what he found out was that he was wrong. His mommy just had to go to work. It had nothing to do with not loving him. Just like it has nothing to do with not loving you."
Clara looks up at Sarah, "Does Mimi love me?"
Sarah smiles and with an excited voice, "You bet she does. Do you know she had to come a long, long way to be here today. She left behind some important business to come and see her Clara. She wanted it to be longer. But Mimi does important work and had to go sooner than she wanted. It had nothing to do with not loving you."
There's a knock at the door, Clara looks up, "Hi Daddy. Is Uncle Chuck, okay?"
Devon walks in and sits in one of the chairs. "Uncle Chuck is fine. He's going to talk to Mommy for a little while. I heard there's some tea and magic cookies at this party. Clara, how do you feel about Auntie Sarah?"
Clara shrugs as she pretends to pour tea for her father. She very nonchalantly says "I love her." A statement of fact, no surprises here.
Devon looks over. Sarah has her hand at her throat. She's smiling a sweet smile. Devon returns her smile, "Thank you Auntie Sarah for being here, for loving us. We need you in our lives."
Tears roll down Sarah's cheeks, her mouth opens in a circle and a soft "Oh," comes out. She nods her head, "Thank you for letting me love you."
Clara goes about serving her tea party. Making sure Beauty gets all the tea and magic cookies she wants. The three of them laugh when Clara chides her for being such a pig.
Chuck sits up and takes a napkin off the table to wipe his face. "Ellie, I don't know how I'll ever thank you for taking care of me. I'm sorry we got married without you. When Sarah and I made up, I couldn't wait. For two long years all I could think about was her. I couldn't understand why she left me. Left me like Mom and Dad. When Clara asked, 'doesn't Mimi love me?' It all came rushing back.
Ellie, she loves me. She made mistakes. She loves you too. I'm glad you worked things out. I couldn't stand the thought that I might lose one of you. You'll always be my big sister, but Sarah is my wife. I'm rambling now. Inside I'm bouncing around between, happiness, joy, sadness, and a little fear. The one thing that's clear and solid is how much I love my family."
Ellie leans over and kisses Chuck's cheek. "You don't owe me anything. The only thing I want from you is to let me enjoy your happiness. That, and I want you to come into my office with me. It's been a while since the upload. I'd like to give you a quick look."
Chuck sighs, "Sis I'm fine."
Ellie stands up, "I'm sorry Chuck. Did you think that was a request? How many times have you flashed in the last year?"
Chuck stands up and follows her towards her home office, "I dunno, less than a dozen times. Mostly for languages."
Ellie opens the door and Chuck walks in. She closes the door behind her. "Tell me how the flashes are. Hard? Soft? In the middle?"
Ellie gets out her stethoscope and listens to his chest in various places. Last year you told me you were flashing all the time, what changed?" She checks his blood pressure.
"That was for training. Once I learned I didn't need the intersect as much. The flashes have been easy."
"Okay good. I'm going to tell you five things. When I'm done, I want you to repeat them back to me. Duck, fish, cup, bowl, rain."
Chuck repeats, "Duck, fish, cup, bowl, rain."
Ellie nods, "Good now tell me those items backwards."
Chuck recites, "Rain, bowl, cup, fish, duck."
She gives him various other mental acuity tests. She's pleased with all his responses.
Without warning Ellie takes a swing at Chuck. He blocks it. She smiles, "Good."
She opens a book and starts to make notes. She looks at him. "No changes since last time. Your cognitive functions are good, reflexes excellent, your heart is strong. Little Brother, I'm happy. You seem healthy and happy. Somehow, I think Sarah had something to do with the happy part." She looks at her watch, "Crap, look at the time. Your niece should have been in bed an hour ago. No wonder she wants you here so much. She gets spoiled rotten."
Chuck's eyebrows go up, "Hey don't blame me, I've been with you for well over an hour. It's Sarah's fault not mine."
Ellie laughs as she walks towards Clara's room, "Not even married a month and already you're throwing her under the bus."
Approaching Clara's room, the sound of laughter hits them. Ellie smiles. She looks at Chuck and winks. She walks in the room and demands, "What exactly is going on in here? Do you have any idea what time it is young lady?"
Clara looks at Ellie, "But Mommy, Daddy said I could."
Ellie looks cross, "You could what?... Have fun without Mommy and Uncle Chuck. Daddy you're in big trouble." Clara screams as Ellie gets down and hugs her.
Chuck walks around and sits on the floor next to Sarah. He stretches his neck for a kiss. Sarah leans down and kisses him. She whispers, "Baby, are you okay?"
Chuck looks up and smiles, "I'm okay. We'll talk later."
The play goes on for about a half hour. Clara climbs into Sarah's lap and falls asleep.
Ellie looks over, "Well Sarah, I guess you have the Clara seal of approval. What time will you be fixing breakfast? I want you to teach me how to make a souffle… Sis. I also want to hear the story of why I didn't get to eat the last one."
Chuck and Sarah laugh. Chuck says, "I think I'll sleep in tomorrow and let the little woman do her thing."
Sarah looks at Chuck shocked, "Little woman? You are so lucky I have a sleeping child in my lap."
Chuck smiles as he stands up, "Luck had nothing to do with it. It's all about the smarts. See you upstairs Hon. Guest room is first one on the right."
Sarah looks at Ellie, "He does know I'll get him for this doesn't he?"
Ellie nods, "Oh he knows. He also knows he'll enjoy being gotten. Now if you'll give me my daughter, I'll let you get some sleep."
Sarah laughs as Ellie picks Clara up, "See you around seven."
Ellie puts Clara on her bed and starts to undress her. Sarah stops at the door. "Ellie, Devon…thank you for loving me." She's smiling as she heads upstairs to sleep with her husband in her sister's house.
