Previously I do not own Molly of Denali, or any of the characters contained within this story. Molly of Denali is the property of Kathy Waugh and Dorothea Gillim.
I look forward to the reviews and criticisms (I know there will be some). I hope you enjoy the story, and just like the cartoon on PBS Kids, I am trying to stay true to the characters as shown each and every day. I am also including real elements like they've done on the show (racism, environmental, life, and death, etc..). I hope you like this when I start to repost the chapters.
Please review all of my stories. Feedback would give me ideas I can use for not only this story but for future ones. Thank you for your time and happy reading.
My story takes place in 2021 when Molly is twelve, Tooey is twelve and Trini is nine.
Parental Guidance or Intervention?
Molly set the dryer, placed their wet swim clothes in and started it up. She returned to the bedroom and found Tooey exactly where he was when she had left him a few minutes before.
As soon as he saw her, his smile broadened. "You really do like when I return don't you?" He nodded, "Yes I do." Molly walked over and sat herself on the bed before shimmying towards him so as not to jostle his legs.
She then scooted herself back and leaned on the wall. Seeing her move herself back, Tooey strained but managed to put himself right next to her. As he was trying to catch his breath, Molly reached over and lifted his left arm and brought it around body until it was alongside her left hip.
She leaned into him placing her hand and her head onto his chest. Looking down at Molly, she turned her head up and smiled at him before lowering her head and eyes.
"Is that comfortable Molly? He wondered aloud. Without looking up, "Yes, it is Teekkone?" She whispered. Hearing her say him name like that caused his heart to flutter. Molly smiled as she listened to his chest and the tell-tale sign of his twitterpation.
"Busted." Molly thought to herself as she snuggled up and reached around his waist with both her arms and pulled him closer. Feeling her pulling him he looked back down and was met in the middle as Molly kissed him again briefly, before lowering her head again.
As she looked down more tell-tale signs were evident, but not wanting to break the mood, she said nothing about it. Tooey feeling his excitement, was about to say something about it, when they both looked towards the door as Atsaq's bedroom door opened. A moment later, Atsaq was in the doorway looking in on them.
Seeing their posture and position, she walked into the room. Neither moved as Atsaq took a seat at Tooey's desk. "Molly, Tooey, are you both comfortable?" She asked eyeing them.
Seeing her expression Molly adopted a formal demeanor, but did not change position. "Yes, ma'am." Tooey not seeing anything wrong as he looked down at their position just answered normally, "Yes mom."
"Can I ask you two a few questions?" Not trusting her voice, she nodded. Tooey also nodded but tried to raise his arm from around Molly. He was stopped when Molly reached up and replaced his arm back around her and held him in place.
Seeing the motion, Atsaq raised an eyebrow. "I don't want to cause either of you any embarrassment but—" They both interrupted her by saying simultaneously, "You won't." Which caught her off-guard.
"Molly, Tooey, I saw you both earlier when you were sitting near the bed." Atsaq said pausing, "Now I see you are both sort of tangled up, in what I can imagine is a good way. Am I right?" Again, they both nodded.
Atsaq took a deep breath a couple of times watching the kids holding each other. Before she could formulate her next inquiry Molly stopped her dead. "Atsaq." She called.
"Yes Molly,?" Atsaq replied. "Are you concerned about my feelings for Teekkone?" Watching her demeanor, she canted her head but asked, "What are your feelings for Teekkone, if I may ask?"
"Of course, you can ask, he's your son and I would be worried about anything that could affect him." Molly stopped talking, looked down at the bed, Tooey's lap , and then their feet. She then raised her head and continuing. "Over the last few days, when we were stuck in the crevasse, not knowing where we were and not sure if we could get help. Teekkone and I worked together to help ourselves and Trini to get out of there safely." Molly stopped and turned up to Tooey, who nodded his head as well.
"As a result of the camaraderie we had for each other, Trini included. I have developed feelings for Teekkone." Stopping, she looked up at Tooey and saw that he was looking at her with a worried expression on his face.
Reaching up, she placed a soft kiss on his cheek, in front of his mother easing his worries. "We have known each other since we were babies and have done just about everything together since then. I think it is only natural that we become boyfriend and girlfriend. We made our relationship official yesterday morning, my mother knows about it."
Tooey placed a kiss on her head just above her right ear and pulled her closer trying not to move his legs in the process. "Molly." She turned her head up and looked at Tooey. "Mom, knows as well, she saw when I was hugging you earlier." A slight blush tinged her skin, as she listened to Tooey.
Turning back and facing Atsaq, she saw that she had a smile on her face. "Are you angry with us mom?" Tooey asked. Atsaq hesitated for a moment. They watched as she placed her hands on her knees and pushed herself into the standing position. She then leaned over and climbed into the bed avoiding his legs. She placed a kiss on Tooey's cheek and then lifted Molly's chin and placed a kiss on her cheek as well.
"No, I am not angry for you two being in a relationship, I kind of figured that part out earlier. My main concern is why am I always the last person to know?" Atsaq remarked smiling. Molly and Tooey looked from Atsaq to each other. "You're not the last one to know. Dad doesn't know yet, neither do John or Jay." Tooey pointed out.
Smiling more, "You're right, I can let them know when he calls me either later on tonight or tomorrow. If he doesn't, I'll call him." Atsaq said aloud.
Molly watched Tooey and saw his face take on the same expression he had when feeling dread or misery. "Do you think they'll try to tease you?" Molly asked. Tooey just nodded.
"I'll make sure that does not happen. Mark my words Little Wolf." Atsaq said with finality. He was surprised, since he thought Molly was going to say something first.
Now he just smiled and pulled Molly close and held her tight. "I'll talk to Layla in the morning after we both have rested. I am still exhausted. Have a good night kids."
"Good night, Atsaq." Molly said.
"Good night, Mom." Tooey said. They both just looked at each other and hugged instead of laughing.
They watched as Atsaq left the room and closed the door before going to her own room and closing the door as well. Once the door was closed Molly turned to Tooey and saw him thinking to himself. Leaning back onto his chest, she drew a few circles on his chest as he was thinking.
Seeing her, he stopped thinking and watched as she traced a few shapes into the material of his pajamas. "What are you thinking Molly?" He asked.
"What I am thinking is that I am wondering what you're thinking. I don't have brothers or a sister to tease me. You have brothers that tease you for everything and I have reason to think, this is going to be one they won't pass up on."
Tooey raised his head but then turned to the closed door. "I am not worried, mom said it won't happen, and I believe her. So will John and Jay." He said placing his head on her head as they reclined against the wall.
A few moments later their mood was disturbed when scratching could be heard at the door. They ignored it. Big mistake, the scratching was then accompanied by meowing, that escalated the longer they waited. "Should I let him in?" Molly asked.
Still against his chest with her ear pressed to it, she heard him sigh deeply, "Might as well, we can't enjoy this until he gets what he wants." Molly pulled her arms from around him. He groaned, "Awwww maaaan." Since he really liked being held like that.
Molly hearing and seeing this, leaned back and kissed his cheek, before shimmying back to the edge of the bed and standing up. She walked over to the door and opened it again.
Mouse walked into the room and briefly stretched before meowing again quietly. He then jumped onto the bed near Tooey. He watched as he walked right next to Tooey's left side, kneaded the area a moment before flopping down and placing his head on Tooey's hip.
Tooey looked from Mouse up to Molly. She had a smile on her face, but an evil look in her eyes. Looking down at the cat Tooey shook his head, "Mouse, you have a problem." Molly walked back over to the bed and entered in front of Tooey and then gave her attention to the cat.
"Mouse, I love you, but that's my spot." She declared, reaching over to lift him. instinctively he bared his claws and clung on to Tooey's sweatshirt and sweatpants, not touching his skin.
Once she saw that he had dug into his clothes, she dropped him back onto the bed. "I don't want to accidentally hurt Teekkone. Where is his helmet?" Molly asked.
Tooey pointed to the wardrobe next to the end of the bunk beds. She walked over, opened the closet, and saw the helmet on the bottom of the wooden floor.
As she searched for the helmet, Tooey tried to lift Mouse as well, and met with the same response. However, he didn't want to take no for an answer. He placed him back onto the bed. The second the cat tried to relax, Tooey tried to grab and lift him again, but this time very quickly.
As she picked up the hockey helmet, she heard a slight sound like Tooey screaming or grunting but barely. Peering around the door of the wardrobe she saw Tooey holding the cat above his legs. He had a look of shock on his eyes.
Walking closer, she approached him and saw he was holding the cat out to her. She relieved him of the cat and placed him into the hockey helmet and then placed it on the desk.
Returning to Tooey, she saw he was trying to lift himself using the wall as a brace. Extending her arms, she grabbed his arms and scooted him to the edge of the bed and helped him to stand up.
Once upright, he placed his arms on her shoulders. Looking at his face, she saw that he was in pain. "Did I hurt you pulling you up and helping you stand?" She asked as tears filled her eyes. Having his own tears, he spoke through gritted teeth, "He got my left leg right above the braces, it really hurts.
Helping him to turn, she helped him into his wheelchair. She then rolled it into the bathroom. While she was taking him to the bathroom, He undid the top straps of both legs.
Once she stopped moving he used the armrests to lift his body, "Please lower my pajamas until they are at my knees." He pleaded. Noting his determination, she lowered them and saw five scratches that ranged in length of two to about four inches and they were all bleeding.
He lowered himself and sat as calmly as he could despite the pain. "Where the first aid kit Tooey?" "The ones mom uses are downstairs, the one for the house is under the sink in the kitchen."
She ran out of the kitchen and looked under the sink, she found the kit and hurried back upstairs. Turning the chair, she sat on the toilet seat. She opened the kit and reached for the bottle of alcohol. "Oh no, that'll make it worse." Tooey told her in an alarmed voice.
Replacing it, she found the peroxide, some cotton balls, and a really big gauze that measured about four inches by four inches. She also removed an ace bandage.
A few moments later, Molly rolled Tooey back into the bedroom. He was dressed, and under his pajamas he had his leg wrapped in an ace bandage that kept the gauze she used to cover all of the scratches in place. She repeated her earlier motions and helped Tooey back into the bed. Lifting his legs she laid him down in his usual position when going to sleep.
Looking at the clock, she saw that it was almost 9:00pm. "I think we need to get some rest ourselves." Molly quietly stated. Tooey nodded his head in agreement. He watched as Molly placed the chair a few inches from the bed in case he needed it. She then walked to the end of the bed and reached for the ladder to the top bunk. "Molly." Tooey called out.
"Molly, lowering her head, she looked at Tooey, "Yes, Tooey, need something else?" Slightly smiling, "Yes, I do."
She released her grip on the ladder and walked back over to his side of the bed. She placed her arms on his bed and leaned forward. "What would that be Teekkone?"
Feeling brave, he opened his arms. Seeing him gesturing for a hug, she leaned forward also reaching for him. In one swift move he caught her around the waist and pulled her onto the bed and placed her on his left side next to the wall.
Caught off guard, she squealed when he pulled her in and placed her by his side. Relaxing he let her go and then turned slightly without moving his legs too much. He then faced her as she was over the covers, and he was now under them. "How would you feel if I asked you to join me." Tooey asked smiling at her.
Seeing her position, she smiled too. "I am not sure, I should join you, I might cause you more pain. I tend to shift when I sleep. I might accidentally hurt you, and I won't even know it happened until you screamed." Molly countered.
Tooey still smiling, "I have noticed that today has been an interesting day. I also notice that the things I love the most seem to hurt me at times. So, I figured, one more thing I love hurting me can't make things worse. Can't it?" Hearing his logic, Molly got a little more comfortable but didn't move an closer to him.
"How about a counter-proposal?" Molly softly asked him running her fingers over his chest again making circles. Tooey reached over and placed his arm on her hip and pulled her closer. Molly stiffened her arm, preventing him from pulling her. "What is the counter, Shaeeyaa?"
"Rather than explain, I'll show you instead." Molly told him. She scooted down the length of the bed to avoid hitting his legs. She climbed the ladder and came back down with her pillow and her blanket.
Retracing her steps she entered the bed from the end closest to the ladder and scooted along the wall until she was laying next to Tooey. She placed her pillow on the bed and draped her blanket over the both of them.
"I think joining you would be a great idea, but we can be in bed together, without actually being in bed together, since the sheet, blanket and this blanket will be between us. Is that a good counter, Teekkone?"
"Not wanting my mom to freak, I accept your counteroffer, but I might reach over and pull you closer while I sleep. Hopefully, my mind doesn't have my body do anything my mother would kill us for." Tooey said smiling.
Smiling herself she snuggled and turned away from Tooey and pulled the blanket covering her to her chin. She then felt Tooey scoot closer to her up against her back and he placed his arm over her hip. Reaching down she pulled his arm upward to just under her ribs and held him there.
Smiling she closed her eyes and imagined the morning when Atsaq would wake and find them together. While thinking she was surprised when the arm she had been holding lifted slightly and pulled her backwards a few inches. She felt him placing a kiss on the back of her head.
Even though she was comfortable, she released his arm and turned and quickly placed a kiss on his mouth before turning back around and resuming her previous position. This time she scooted back until she was pressed against his body. "Am I hurting you laying like this Teekkone?"
"No, Shaeeyaa, I could die like this and join the rest of the stars in sparkling and shining like you shine for me." Tooey emphasized by lifting his arm again and pulling her into a deeper hug.
Noticing where his arm was, she smiled but did nothing except place her hand on his hand and hold it tightly as they both closed their eyes and gave in to the slumber they both earned with the busy day they had.
* Mumford Residence *
Trini walked out the room thinking to herself and carrying the phone. Seeing her parents still in the living room. "Mom, Dad, can I ask you a question?" They stopped their talking and focused on Trini as she placed the phone back onto the charger.
"Sure thing, Trini Bear, What's on your mind?" Joy asked her.
"Sure Texas. Ho can we be of service to you?" He asked as well.
"I just got off the phone with Robbie. He asked me something, and I wanted to ask you the same question." They both waited since she hadn't asked her question yet.
They both nodded, letting her know she could continue. "Robbie asked if I could visit him this weekend or any weekend in Nenana. Are we able to visit him?" She asked sitting on the couch with Four-Spots walking over and sitting next to her, placing his head in her lap.
They both looked at her. "Trini, we can take a trip to Nenana, sure." Trini stood and almost jumped but couldn't because of her ribs. "However." Joy caused her to stop by raising her hand. Seeing the motion Trini's demeanor changed, "Uh, oh." She said quietly.
"We need to call and talk to Robbie's parents and plan for such a trip. We can't just show up. Do you understand Trini Bear?" Joy asked. "Oh, I understand. Are you going to call them right now?" She asked reaching for the phone.
"It's a little late honey, I'll call in the morning and you can help me with the call. Is that okay?" Joy asked again. "yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. That would be great mom." Thank you." She said running over and hugging her mother.
Daniel just sat there as the two girls in his life were hugging. When they stopped, they turned at looked at him. He just smiled and turned his head away from them and crossed his arms. "What Daniel?" Joy asked.
Without saying a word Trini walked over and hugged him too. He calmly returned the hug. "Nothing, it's just I could have called them too. Was just saying." He replied with a feeling of indignation. Joy scooted closer and wrapped him in a hug too.
"I know, but I thought you'd be tired of doing everything. Since I'm here, you can take a break and rest since you've had a really long week." Joy countered.
"Helping is what I do, and I can never get tired when it comes to helping the kids, you or anyone else in this village." Daniel told them still holding Trini.
"Tired Texas? It's getting late and even though there's no school for a while, you still have to get regular sleep, and not drug-induced comas." Trini released him from the hug, "True, but I still need to take the pain killers, so I don't feel this while I sleep right." Trini wondered.
"Actually Texas, I have two different medications I have to give you when you are sleeping. They help with the pain and help you to sleep at the same time. Just not like you felt earlier." Daniel told her smiling.
"Okay, I'll get ready for bed, but first I need to take care of the chickens and then Four-Spots, she mentioned petting her dog that was heeled right next to her.
"I've got the chickens Trini. I'll also walk Four-Spots for you since you have to get ready for bed. What you're wearing is not suitable for being outside. I'll be back in just a little bit." Joy said walking to the front door where her heavy jacket, scarf and mitten were.
She then walked back to her room, removed her bathrobe, pants, and shirt. She then took her nightgown and placed it over her head. The material draped over her, covering her from neck to just above her toes. She then replaced her slippers. Lifting her covers, she climbed into bed and covered herself up.
The air of the room was warm. Thanks to the space heater, Joy had placed next to the bed. It made her place under the blankets very cozy. Four-Spots jumped onto the bed and flopped down on the second pillow next to Trini.
She watched him, and each time she tried to pet his nose, he lifted his head and licked her hand. Unsuccessfully reaching for his nose three times she grabbed his snout and used her other hand to finally pet his head, without her hand being slobbered on.
Payback was on Four-Spots' mind because he then rose up and planted a couple of wet, and slobbery kisses only a dog can give onto her face and forehead. "Eeeeeeewwwwwwwww." I love you but eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww." I already took a bath earlier. Now because of that I might need another one." Trini squealed covering her face with the blanket.
Four-Spots just watched her cover her head after scolding him for the kisses. He just laid down facing her and waited for her to do something else. After a few minutes of her not doing anything he lost interest and closed his eyes. He was awoken a little while later when a leash was being placed onto his collar, and he was pulled from the bed onto the floor and out for his walk.
Trini never noticed when he had returned because her father had given her the pills he had told her about. A few moments later sleep claimed her..
The dog snuggled up and placed his head alongside hers, and licked her ears before stopping, yawning, and closing his own eyes and falling asleep next the most important person he knew. One he would love unconditionally, his dreams were filled with a thrown ball, a wrestling match, and endless kisses for the one he dreamt about constantly.
* Denali Trading Post *
Layla and Walter opened their eyes suddenly when They heard the phone ringing. Layla looked from the bed to the table and saw that it was barely 6:54 am. She reached for her robe as she turned to the side of the bed and put on her slippers. "Who could be calling so early in the morning?" Walter asked rubbing his eyes, and yawning.
Layla stood and donned her robe. Yawning herself, she tied her robe securely since the room temperature was kind of nippy. "I don't know, hopefully there isn't an emergency." She said walking out of the room and into the living room.
As she entered the living room, she listened for the phone, so she knew whether the phone for the Trading Post or the living area was ringing. Right on cue, the phone in the living area rang. "Now I am really curious. Who is calling?" She wondered reaching for the phone as it rang again.
"Hello?" She asked. "Hi Layla." She heard. "Oh, hey Atsaq, What's up? Are you rested enough? I could sure use a few more hours and maybe another day or so." Layla said before taking a breath.
"Sorry for calling so early, I know you're just as tired I am still feeling. I'm calling because I am almost angry with you." Atsaq started.
Layla immediately frowned, "What have I done to-" Layla began.
"How come you knew about the kids relationship before me? I would also like to know why was I never called to tell me about it when Molly told you about it?" Atsaq stated.
Layla changed expression and started laughing. "Are the roads clear so I can come over and we can talk, and then talk to the kids?" Atsaq thought for a moment, "I am not sure you should be included since I was not included in your earlier discussions with Molly." Layla heard, but didn't get angry about it since she heard laughing in the background.
"Sure, come over, we haven't had any time to really spend together. I'll put on a pot of coffee or some water for tea?" Atsaq asked. "I'll be there in about fifteen minutes, I just need to get dressed and walk over. See you then."
"Okay, see you in a few." Atsaq said before hanging up the phone.
* Mumford Residence *
"Sometimes I wish it still wasn't dark this time of year." Joy said aloud. "You'll get used to it." Both Trini and Daniel said smiling. "I assume you've been told that as well." Joy asked.
"Yep, a couple of years ago during my birthday right after I talked to you, when I turned 8." Trini reminded her. Joy thought back a sec. "I remember talking to you, but I never heard you talking to them. If I am remembering correctly, I hadn't met them yet." Joy recounted.
"No, you hadn't met them yet. That wouldn't happen until later when they went to climb Denali." Trini told her. Joy nodded since she remembered those days when she met everyone after getting off the plane behind the Trading Post.
"Are you going to eat something Trini Bear? Joy asked as her and Daniel were making pancakes. "Yes I am just getting something for afterwards." Joy turned and noticed Trini had picked up the phone and carried it over the table.
"Trini aren't you a little anxious about calling Robbie, to ask his parents about coming over. You do know it's Saturday right now, so the weekend is already have over." Trini placed the phone down and just smiled.
"I know, but there still next weekend, or the one after that or the one after that, or the-" She stopped when she saw the look her parents were giving her. "What?" She asked not knowing what they're thinking.
Daniel and Joy exchanged glances, "We get it. Go wash up for breakfast and then we'll plan for calling them. We can't be calling too early on a Saturday, now can we?" Joy admonished her.
"We're up, and we're not from here." Trini said while walking to the bathroom to wash her hands. Joy shook her head while turning to Daniel. "She's your child" Daniel said smiling.
"Oh so, when she's being smart, she's my child, and when she's an angel, she's your child." Joy said exasperatedly. Daniel laughed, "Yep, that sounds about right." He said, flipping the pancakes.
"I am fairly sure, I'm being set-up here. I'll figure this out eventually." As she walked over to the refrigerator and retrieved the bacon, syrup, and butter. Joy placed them onto the table and a few seconds later Trini returned from the bathroom.
She walked in with a toothy grin on her face, she was being paced by her dog. "I love you mom." Trini said, still grinning. "I love you too, Trini. You do know I'm going to get you for your earlier lip, you know that?" Trini still smiling walked over and hugged her mother.
"You would never cause harm your favorite child, that has a seventeen-inch tear in her chest that is currently stapled and is healing, now would you?" Trini asked hugging her left arm. Joy looked down at her daughter that was really pouring it on.
"Favorite daughter, is there another one around here that I don't know about." Trini just shrugged her shoulders while releasing her mother's arm. She quickly walked to the table and took her seat.
"If there is, I am still your favorite, dad told me so, and he would NEVER lie to me, would he?" She said turning towards Daniel. He just shook his head, "No, I would never lie to my little Texas girl." He reassured them. "Yes, someone's being set-up." Joy said again.
As Trini sat down, she reached over and picked up the phone she had placed onto the table earlier. "Trini!" Trini continued pocking up the phone, stood, walked over to the cradle, and replaced it so it could continue charging. "Yes mom." She said smiling.
Joy frowned, "You weren't going to charge that phone were you?" No longer smiling, she walked closer to her mother. "I was just making sure the phone would be working whenever we decide to call the Attwaloo, Awallto, whatever their names are," Trin said tripping over the names again.
"What are you going to do Texas, when we're in front of them?" Trini squinted her eyes, "I think I'll just say sir or ma'am, I can't be wrong calling them that right?" Daniel and Joy smirked as their daughter tried explaining how she'll talk her way out of butchering their names.
Daniel laughed, "Yes Trini, sir or ma'am is always acceptable." Joy turned back to the stove and started mixing the batter for the pancakes they were going to be having for breakfast.
Trini waited for them to finish their making breakfast. Which was blueberry pancakes, bacon (regular), hot chocolate, and scrambled eggs (Store bought).
Once prepared, they all sat down to eat. Trini in-between bites kept looking at the phone on the charger. She then looked at her mother and realized that she had been caught looking at it. She tried to focus on her breakfast, but every few seconds she glanced up.
Seeing Trini stealing glances at the phone Joy stood in the middle of eating and retrieved the phone and just like before placed it onto the table. "Does the cradle have a speaker Daniel?" Joy asked him. He nodded since his mouth was full.
Joy stood up again and returned with the cradle which she placed on the table. When she placed the cradle onto the table, she looked at Trini. Trini in the middle of eating a strip of bacon froze when her mother was watching her. She quickly chewed and swallowed, "Yes mom?" She asked.
"I just looked at the history on the display. Is this their number?" Joy asked indicating a number that began with (907). :Yes mom, that's the number Robbie had given me."
Once she verified that she had the right number, she pressed the redial button and then the speaker button. They all heard as the phone rang twice before being picked up. "Hello." They heard.
Hearing Robbie's voice Trini leaned forward about to say something, when her mother got her attention and placed her finger over her lips. "Hello, Robbie, this is Mrs. Mumford, Trini mother. Are you parents available?" She asked.
"Yes ma'am, they're in the kitchen. I'll let her know you're on the phone. Please hang on a moment." Robbie said placing the phone onto the table. They heard something being said but were not able to make out what was being said.
The receiver was picked up, "Hello, Mrs. Atalaw speaking." Joy looked up at Trini. "Hello, Mrs. Atalaw, this is Mrs. Mumford, Trini's mother. I hope this isn't too early to be calling on you."
"No, Mrs. Mumford, everything is okay." Mrs. Atalaw said. "Joy, if you don't mind." Joy corrected her. "Okay, Joy, my name is Sekani, it's nice to me you." "Likewise." Joy said.
"I am calling because Trini mentioned to me yesterday that Robbie, gave an open invitation for the kids to visit with each other." Joy began. "I am aware, Robbie, told me that he had invited her to come over on weekends, and on specific days during the week if available." Sekani said.
"is there any time for them to visit today, or is this weekend not a good time?" Joy asked giving Sekani the option of setting the time for visits. "Since the storms have passed, but the roads are not clear yet, this weekend won't be a good time. However, next weekend, we'll be home all weekend if you would like to come over then." Sekani offered.
"I think that'll be a good time for the kids to visit if my daughter jumping up and down at the table is any indication." Joy assured her. "I know the feeling, Robbie is currently peeking around the door frame. He heard you just now and he's smiling. So, I think it meets with his approval. We'll see you then. It was nice meeting you Joy, say hello to your husband and little Trini. Have a good weekend, Bye."
"Nice meeting you as well. Say hello to your husband and Robbie as well. We look forward to seeing you next week. Enjoy your weekend as well. Bye." Joy said pressing the speaker hanging up the phone.
Now that the phone call had ended, Trini stopped bouncing in her seat. "I believe next week is a good time for you, Trini Bear? Joy asked returning to her breakfast and coffee.
Trini picking up her fork, just smiled and began eating again. "I think our daughter has a date next week. What do you think Daniel?" Joy wondered drinking more coffee.
"I think you're right. Do you want to wear a dress or your regular jeans, Texas?" Daniel asked her. Trini just stared at her parents shaking her head as she reached for her cup of hot chocolate and drank it.
* Ookami Residence *
Hearing soft knocking, Atsaq walked from the kitchen to the front door and opened it. Thankfully, there was little wind as Layla walked into the house and removed her parka, gloves, and scarf. She placed them onto the hooks provided.
"Have you already had tea or coffee, or this your first cup?" Atsaq asked returning to the kitchen. "First, I came over as fast as I could." Layla told her. "Have a sit down then, we'll have a cup and then we'll talk to the kids." Atsaq mentioned offering her a cup of coffee.
"Are they awake?" Layla asked taking the cup and placing it on the dining room table. "No, not yet. When I looked in on them they were still out like a light. I fell asleep early last night, so I am guessing they were up later that I was," Atsaq relayed.
"How long have you known about them? I just found out, last night. I saw them when they were hugging, and the hug lasted longer than usual. Then I saw them kiss each other." Atsaq said smiling.
"Molly brought the subject up to me the day before yesterday. We talked about whether some things became uncomfortable or inappropriate. She told me she had everything under control, and if she had any issues, she would ask me about them." Layla asserted.
Atsaq shook her head taking a sip of her coffee, "Let's go wake them up, talk and make some breakfast." Atsaq offered. "Good idea, let's go." Layla said placing her mug back onto the table.
They both walked up the stairs. Since Layla removed her boots at the door, she was walking in slippers Atsaq had had in a basket by the door. Atsaq was already in slippers and preceded her to the bedroom where Molly and Tooey were.
Opening the door, they both peered into the room and turned on the light. Inside the room they saw that Molly and Tooey were both sleeping in the lower bunk. They were facing the wall. Tooey was behind Molly with his hand over her stomach. They noticed that Molly held his hand in place.
They each tiptoed to the desk, lifted a chair, and placed them next to the bed alongside the wheelchair. Once they were seated, Atsaq reached forward and tapped Tooey's shoulder.
He fidgeted momentarily then pulled Molly closer, burying his face in her hair. "Mmmmmm. Smells nice." Escaped Tooey mouth as he sighed quietly and remained asleep.
They both smiled, "Very cute." Atsaq said, with Layla nodding her head in agreement. At the same time, Atsaq tapped Tooey again, while Layla reached forward and tapped Molly's legs.
Tooey again moved turning over onto his back. Molly turned as well, and in the process placed her hand onto his chest and leaned against him, before moving her arm forward and pulling him closer. However, unlike Tooey, she opened her eyes and noticed that they were not alone, and their mothers were in the room.
Looking at her mother, she saw her place her finger over her lips signaling for Molly to be quiet. Atsaq again tapped Tooey on his shoulder a couple of times, but a little more forcefully. He yawned loudly and opened his eyes. "Yes, Molly, what's wrong?
He opened his eyes. Feeling her arm over his chest he reached down and grabbed her hand. At the same time, he looked up and saw Layla and Atsaq were in the room, sitting a few inches from them.
"Hey mom, what's up? Hi Layla." He said innocently. They both looked at each other and smiled again.
"Hello Tooey, hello Molly." Layla said.
"Hello Little Wolf, hello Molly." Atsaq said.
Molly tried removing her hand so she could pull herself up into a sitting position. Tooey however, maintained his grip on her hand. Not able to move one-handed. She turned her gaze to him as he turned his gaze to her.
"Teekkone, can I have my arm back? I need to sit up. Once I am up I'll help you." He just nodded and release her hand. She pushed herself into a sitting position against the headboard. She then reached over and allowed Tooey to use her arm to help him to pull himself to a sitting position without using his legs.
Atsaq and Layla waited until the kids were situated before saying something. "Why are you both in the same bed?" Atsaq asked. Molly looked at Tooey before answering.
"Atsaq, we are in the same bed, but I wasn't sure us being against each other would have been acceptable. So, I am actually on top of the covers, while Tooey is sleeping under them.
To demonstrate this, she pulled the covers over them and balled them up and pulled them to the side. When they moved she was exposed wearing her pajamas, and Tooey was still under the covers that his bed had been covered with when Atsaq had done the laundry.
"Is that okay? Mom? Atsaq?" Layla and Atsaq looked back to each other. They returned their attention to Molly and Tooey. "Is this okay with you, Layla?" Atsaq asked Layla. "I actually have no problem with it. I did give Molly the benefit of alerting me when she felt things were not right."
"Okay, I was just wondering since it seems they are moving fairly quickly. I was just concerned that there might be a few thing we may be needing to discuss or intervene on." Atsaq said standing up. Layla joined her.
"Molly, Tooey, you two can get up. We'll be making breakfast if you would like to join us." Layla offered. Molly immediately stopped her. "No, mom. We can make breakfast if you don't mind. I would like to do that for you. You have both been very busy helping us. I would love to return the favor, even in this small way." Molly counteroffered.
Tooey finally spoke, "We'll be down in a few minutes. I have to use the bathroom and then brush my teeth, I know Molly does too. We'll be finished in a few minutes. Okay?"
Layla and Atsaq looked at each other again. "Are you really up to making breakfast, Atsaq?" Layla asked. "Nope, I would love to not have to worry about it. You're on."
"Molly, does this have to do with the talk you and I had back at the Trading Post?" Layla asked. Molly nodded.
"We'll meet you downstairs." Layla said standing and going to the door. Atsaq joined her and they both exited the bedroom and walked downstairs to the lower level.
Molly and Tooey each released the breath they were not aware they had been holding. "I thought we were in trouble." Tooey said. "Me too," Molly said blowing her hair from her eyes.
"I was worried because the agreement I had with my mother, I didn't have with your mother. So, I played it safe by using the over and under method of sleeping. Just in case there was a problem." Molly said scooting lower on the bed and exiting near the ladder.
Tooey reached over and removed his covers and waited for Molly to bring the chair closer. "Good thinking. Was that why you joined me in the bath, and we were both wearing swim clothes." He asked.
Smiling Molly moved the chair closer. "Yes, so if your mother had walked in, nothing inappropriate was happening." Tooey smiled again listening to her. "Again, Good thinking Shaeeyaa."
A moment later the chair was close to him. "Braces, please." Tooey reminded her. "Oh, yeah." She said reaching for them and helping him to place them over his pajama-clad legs.
Once braced, she helped him to sit down. Tooey sighed heavily when he sat down and waited for her to push the chair to the bathroom. "What did your mother mean by conversation you and her had earlier?" Tooey asked looking up at her.
"I had watched her and my father making lunch." Molly said sitting at the desk after unlocking the wheelchair. "Oh." Tooey sighed. "Earlier, you and I had made breakfast the first day I was helping you. I enjoyed the time spent together, just like my parents enjoyed their time together." Molly finished.
"Was that when we decided to be boyfriend and girlfriend?" He asked smiling. "Yep." Molly said standing and getting behind the chair. He was surprised when she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek."
He looked up at her as she returned to her full height, "What was that for Molly?" He asked rubbing where she had kissed him. She just shrugged her shoulders. "I don't need a reason to kiss my boyfriend, you should know that." She told him smiling and leading him to the door.
Yupik Dictionary
Waquaa! – Hello
Aana – Mother
Tua-I-Ngunrituq – Goodbye
Tuntuvak – Moose
Quyana – Thank you
Gwich'in Dictionary
Shgguya – My grandchild
Ti'yaa – My father
Dak Niighit – "She rises into the air" Layla Mabray's Native name.
Shchada'a – My grandfather
Dinjik – Moose
Khoh t'án - Rose
Shahnyaa – One who informs us – Molly's native name
Shaeeyaa = Shimmering Stars, comic book hero created by Molly.