“Good, because I plan on keeping her around for quite a while.  I have made enough mistakes with our relationship because of my fears, and I don’t plan on making anymore.”

Dana hugged her mother, feeling love and relief, and most important, an acceptance that wasn’t there before.

As they made their way downstairs, to eat their wonderful breakfast, they heard the doorbell.

“Who could that be?  It isn’t even 8 yet.”  Dana seemed a bit annoyed that her morning with her two favorite people was being interrupted.

“Maybe it is the paperboy honey, why don’t you get it and I will make my way out back to the table.”  Sharon separated a bit from Dana as she headed for the pool area.

“Ok.  Are you sure you will be ok?”

“I am fine, now go get the door.”

Dana watched as her mother hobbled out the French doors and sat down at the breakfast table outside. 

Ding Dong

“I’m coming!”  Dana yelled with a “dammit” under her breathe.

As she opened the door, she couldn’t believe her eyes as the woman in front of her flung herself at Dana and grasped her in a tight hug.

“What are you doing here?”  Dana’s arms pushed the other woman away, not too roughly, to get an answer.

“I am here because I called Subaru and told them that I would help them out with your appearances.”

“Tonya, I am not worried about any of that right now.  I have other things on my mind.”

Dana’s mind began to work overtime.  “Wait, how did you know where I was?”

“Well, I went to your house and no answer.  So I had your file from Subaru, which they faxed me, and saw your parents’ address and took a chance.”  Tonya pulled her into another hug.

“Honey, breakfast” Lara saw the embrace and fell silent for a moment as she watched Dana push the strange woman from her.  “I’m sorry, I will leave you alone.”

“Lara waitthis isn’t…” but it was too late, Lara had walked outside to set the French toast, bacon and eggs down on the table.  “Dammit Tonya.”  Dana once again pushed the overbearing woman away from her, still trying not to be rough, but getting more and more upset by the second.