Life got so much easier after we had talked to Jenny. Everything wasnt solved after just one visit, but I kept going to her, and she got me to see things in a whole new way. I was still seeing her, but not as often anymore. We decided that I didnt have to see her as often, as shes been pretty satisfied with how everything has gone. I was much happier now, and I had learned to talk about my feelings.


The phone rang and I went to pick it up. Hello?

Kathy? I heard Dana asked in the other end.

Yeh, its me.

Um, are you busy? Dana sounded nervous.

No, Im just babysitting Clara. I explained.

Oh, I was gonna ask you if you could babysit Josh. Lara is working and I have that interview thing I have to do.

Oh, sure, Ill help. Do you want me to come pick him up?

Thank you! Youre a life saver! Ill drop him off in 20 minutes, is that okay?

I laughed a little. Yea, sure, Ill be home.

We hung up and I went to check on Clara. She had been sleeping for half an hour and if I didnt wake her up she wouldnt be able to sleep tonight. I lifted up my 2 years old baby sister, but for once she didnt cry. I sat her on the rug in my parents, and hers, room as I went to get her pacifier. The doorbell rang and I saw her rise and run towards the door. I smiled to myself as I caught up with her and lifter her up. I opened the door, and as I suspected Dana was standing outside with Joshua in her arms. I invited her in and closed the door.

I have his diapers here, and his pacifier. Dana showed me the baby bag. And Laras coming to pick him up after she finishes work in two hours.

Okay. I smiled at her as I put Clara on the floor again.

So, um, wheres Bette and Tina? Dana asked, looking around.

Theyre looking for a house. I smiled at her. apparently they dont think weve got enough room here.

Why dont they just add a couple of rooms? Dana asked.

I dont think theyve thought about that idea. I said amused as I went to pick up Clara before she reached the stove.

Maybe you should suggest that then? She smiled at me.

Yeh, I guess. I watched Dana as she let Josh down on the floor.

Youve got your hand full now, you realize that, right? She asked me.

Yeh, well, Ive got long practice, you know. I smiled. Clara hasnt been still since she learned to walk.

Well, neither has Josh. Dana laughed. We watched Josh walk unsteadily and then fall on his butt. He looked at Dana and started to cry.

He only cries when me or Lara are around. She said.

I laughed. He wants to be pampered.

Dana laughed with me. Well, I should be going, I dont wanna be late. She said as she rose from the couch. She kissed Josh goodbye before she left us with a bye and good luck.

I looked down at the two little ones at my feet and decided to take them out in the yard. We had put up some sort of removable fence around the pool so that Clara wouldnt fall in by accident. I put a blanket in the shade and placed them on there. It was a warm day and the sun was shining. I took out some of Claras toys and watched the two kids as they played.

Kathy? I heard Tina from inside.

Were out back! I yelled.

Both she and Bette came outside. Is Dana here? Bette asked.

No, Im babysitting Josh for them. I looked at them. So did you find a house?

Tina sighed. No, not one that we could consider living in anyway.

Clara really needs a room of her own. Bette sighed.

Cant we just add a room or two to this house then? I asked them.

Weve thought about that, but its gonna be hard. Tina said. And where would we live during the time the rooms are being added?

I bet Dana and Lara would let us live there. I suggested.

We cant ask that of them. Bette said.

Well, then I guess youll give my room to Clara when I go off to college next month. I said.

I shouldve gotten off to college the year before, but I had to retake some classes in high school first.

No, honey, wed never do that. Bette said. Well just have to think more about this. There has to be a solution.

Yeh, I hope so. I said as I lifted Josh away from the pool fence.

Mommy. Clara said as she walked towards Bette with her arms in the air. Bette smiled and picked her up. I picked up Josh as he once again tried to get through the pool fence, then the five of us went inside. The doorbell rang an hour later. I opened it and let Lara in. Joshua came running to her when he saw her. Lara bent down and picked him up. Has everything gone well? She asked me.

Yeh, no problem. I said, smiling. Lara put Josh down as she picked up her wallet.

No, you dont have to pay me, I love babysitting Josh. I said.

Of course youre gonna get paid. Lara said and handed me 10 dollars.

Thanks. I said and gave her a hug.

No, thank you. She smiled at me.

Tina came into the living room. Hey Lara. She said smiling.

Hey Tina.

Do you wanna come in for coffee?

Yeh, sure. Lara smiled.

Tina made coffee and put three cups on the table.

Id like some coffee too mom.

Oh, Im sorry honey. She said and gave me a cup too.

Clara and Josh were playing on the living room rug and we watched them as we drank our coffee.

Its amazing that youre going off to college already. Lara said.

I laughed. And still Im a year late.

Yeh, time moves fast. Bette said. And were so proud of you.

I smiled at them. So whats new with you? I asked Lara.

Um, well, I have some news. Lara said. But I dont know if I should say them when Dana isnt here.

Oh, come on, you cant say that youve got news and then not ell us what it is! I said.

Lara laughed. Okay. Um. Josh is gonna be a big brother.

TBC

****
I need your opinion. Do you want this to continue as Kathy’s story? It’ll be set on campus in that way. Or do you want the story to jump forward like 10 years and make this Clara’s story? I have great ideas for both storylines.