AND LOVE CHAP 110

The old country & new friends

Abdul household

"Mohammed, how can you do this?"

"My brother needs my help. By the way, our 1st born son has already returned home!"

"But you mut know that Ibrahim was blinded by love. He was making a decision with his heart, not his head."

"I have had enough! I have decided; we are going home! You have no longer any say in this!"

SLAP

Sarah Abdul flees to her separate bedroom. She cries herself to sleep.

"Father?" A soft voice interrupts Mohammed's prayers. He looks up, it is Eli. "Yes, son?"

"May I speak with you, father?"

Mohammed sits back on his haunches; he motions for his 2nd son to approach and kneel. He motions for Eli to speak.

"Father, may mother and I stay in America?"

His father bows his head, how can he satisfy all parts of his family? He doesn't know.

"Going back to Iraq is very dangerous. You know that. I am not a fighter, like my brother. Please."

Mohammed looks at his 2nd son. A peaceful young man. How can he drag him back to a land full of strife, violence and bloodshed. 'If American culture were like Iraq, Eli and Cassie could already be promised to each other. And married in 2-3 years. They are such a lovely young couple. Why cannot Jameson see it?'

If he could convince Jameson, he could leave Sarah and Eli behind, with a lighter heart. What to do?

"Mother used to be a seamstress. She could do it again. If you left us a little money, and promised to send more. Father?"

"I will think on it, my son."

"Thank you, father."

'I cannot leave my heart, part of my family behind. I cannot!'

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Tuesday afternoon, 5 PM

Eddie's phone rings, just as she is wrapping up her day in the home office. She doesn't recognize the caller ID.

"Eddie Reagan, who is calling, please?"

"Eddie, it's Annie, er Syd. Sorry about that-

"No, no, you go by Annie now. I'll get used to it," they both chuckle. "What's up with you and Gregg?"

"I was wondering if you guys still do those famous Sunday dinners?"

"Well, since we relocated to the island, we don't go in to Bay Ridge often. Once in a while, why?"

"Well, Gregg and I were talking and we would like to invite your family over to a Sunday dinner – here at our place on the shore?"

"I don't see why we wouldn't do that. Jamie isn't home yet; may we call back after he gets in?"

"Certainly, may I suggest 7:30 or so?"

"That works, we will call. I assume this is your cell number?"

"Yes, we will expect your call. Bye Eddie."

"Bye, Annie."

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ON THE ISLAND – 7:30 PM

"Gregg here, Eddie?"

"Jamie here, I'll get Ed on speaker."

When all 4 are listening, the invite is repeated.

"I wanted to add something," Gregg voices. "We have 2 duo sea kayaks, and can rent 2 more. The sea forecast is for mild seas this Sunday, should be a good day for the family on the water."

"Interesting," Jamie responds. He looks to Eddie, she shrugs, "Why not?"

"What time is dinner?" Jamie asks.

"How about 4:30?" Annie suggests. "Then if you come on over noonish, we can have time for the kayaks and visiting. What say you?"

Jamie and Eddie nod, "That works. We'll see you then."

Jamie and Eddie look at each other, "Well, friends indeed," Eddie says. Hopefully.

The sentiment is duplicated at Gregg & Annie's.

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Wednesday after school

"Mommy, something is wrong with Cassie. She cried all the way home on the bus. She won't tell us anything." Mal tells Eddie as she bursts into the home office.

"Did Cass get some bad news? About Eli perhaps?"

"I don't know, she won't talk."

"Did she go upstairs?"

"Yes, and locked the door."

Eddie gets up and motions for Mal to follow. Eddie has a master key to all doors.

They climb the stairs, stop and knock. "Cassie, may Mal and mommy come in, please?"

They wait a couple of minutes. Finally, the door is unlocked and opened a tad. They peek in and see Cassie sitting on her bed – her back to the wall.

Mom and Mal join her, one on each side. "Can we help you with something, Cass?" Mom speaks.

"Eli's father is moving back to Iraq," Cassie whispers.

"Eli?" Mom whispers back.

"Eli and his mother are pleading to stay in America."

"And?" Mal whispers, squeezing her sisters' hand.

"He doesn't know."

'Does his mother have a trade? Something she can do for a living?" Mom asks softly.

"She was a seamstress, when they lived in Iraq."

"Well, that's something."

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Thursday after school

Mary Rose bursts into the foyer, "look what I found for AJ?" She holds up a harmonica and a ukulele! "These were in the lost & found box at school. My teacher said that they have been in the box over a year – and that I could have them! You know how he loves music, maybe he can learn to play? Where is he?"

TXT

ER: Office with me, quiet please.

MR: K, sorry.

Mary Rose tip toes into the office. AJ is playing with some Lego blocks. A favorite activity. She sits down beside him, holds the ukulele up to her chest and strums the strings twice. He pauses what he is doing and looks at his sister. He reaches out and touches the instrument. "Music," he whispers. He looks at his sister, "AJ make music?"

Mary Rose nods; she positions the ukulele on his lap, close to his little chest. She positions his hands, then helps him to strum twice. His eyes light up and he smiles brightly.

"AJ make music . . . thank you, sissy." He reaches out for a hug, which Mary Rose gives him.

Eddie puts down her phone, she had been recording. A tear trickles down both cheeks. To see her little one gain so much joy from such a simple act . . . broke her up.

AJ stayed at Eddie's feet for almost an hour. Softly strumming his new ukulele and humming along. She had finished the work she planned for the day; but she could not break the spell. So, she did some mental planning while AJ was lost in another world. She was content to be close to her little one.

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FRIDAY EVENING

Jamie's phone rings, "Dad? What's up?"

"Hi son, we here were wondering if we might see you all at Sunday dinner?" Erin and Jack are listening in, intently.

"No, sorry. We have an invite this week. Some new friends out here on the island." Eddie's on speaker.

"Oh, anyone we know?"

"No, the guy is Eddie's new Porsche mechanic. He did a great job with her baby. The gal . . . you may know."

Eddie collapses in a fit of silent laughter.

"Oh. Could we meet them?" Dad probes.

"Yeah, I think so. If this Sunday goes well, may I invite them to a dinner?"

"Surely, just give us a heads up." Erin and Jack, listening, agree.

"Will do, bye all."

"Good-bye, son."

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SUNDAY

The 2 families have a great time. Jamie and Annie (Sydney) are reaching a comfort level that neither thought was possible. Gregg isn't surprised, Eddie is.

Jamie has told her enough about Syd's backing out of the engagement that she thought the hard feelings were irrevocable. Apparently not. She is pleased with that. The families, though very different, seem quite compatible. Gregg and Annie have no children, yet, but you never know.

The time in the kayaks was a blast. Kids always rode with an adult. Annie sets Jamie up for a surprise. The kayaks were self-righting; they had a lead center to the keel. With Eddie and Gregg in a kayak close by, Annie leaned way over - "WHOA, watch out", she screamed. Jamie flailed with his paddle as he went under. He came up on the other side sputtering. "What in hell was that, Syd?" He screamed as Annie, Eddie and Gregg all laughed their heads off.

"Who are you talking to, counselor?" Annie slyly asked.

Jamie looked around; he saw everyone was amused. He grinned and joined in the mirth.

LATER: "That joke we pulled off at karaoke, gives me an idea," Jamie looks at the others.

Eddie rises an eyebrow. "What, Jamie?"

"Well, next Sunday-

BAY RIDGE

Jamie has timed it so Annie and Gregg will walk in and sit down as everyone is just sitting.

He sends a TXT signal; Eddie mans the front door and Gregg and Annie slip into their seats. With Annie's new look, deliberately not the high-powered professional, she is not immediately recognized. She raises her head, looks around, "Hello, everyone. It has been a long time!"

Erin looks at the guest . . . her jaw drops. "Sydney?" She whispers. She grasps for Jacks hand in support.

Frank chokes.

Danny snorts, "No shit!" Linda elbows him.

"It's Annie now," she smirks.

"You, ah, changed your-

"No, I have always been Sydney Ann Davenport."

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TBC