My Story ~ An Awesome Summer

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

An Awesome Summer

Thank you to everyone who helped me with this story.

Introduction:

This story takes place in 1989 – 7 years before the 1st season, so Ruthie, Sam and David aren’t born yet.

For this story Annie has a brother, John Jackson. John has a daughter, Abby (You can read about them below).

About Abby

Name: Abigail Jackson

Nicknames: Baby Girl or Sweet Baby (Annie’s special nicknames for her). Everyone, who knows her, calls her Abby.

Birthday: She was born in 1979 and shares her birthday with Annie.

Parents are: John and Dawn Jackson

Lives in: Arizona

This is what Abby looks like – Light blonde, naturally curly hair (cut above her shoulders, so it’s not all the way short), has baby bangs and to explain her face, she looks almost exactly like Annie. She is also short for her age and skinny.

Abby is very emotional, has Asperger Syndrome (AS) and has a lot of developmental delays. She goes to a special school for children who have special needs and most of the time she seems younger than she really is.

Sometimes Abby will call Annie her Angel or just Auntie (without saying Annie).

Auntie Annie is her Hero and her Mentor.

About John:

Name: John Jackson

Birthday: February 10, 1950

Parents are: Charles and Jenny Jackson

Lives in: Arizona

About This Story:

Annie is going to spend some quality time with her niece, Abby, who she loves and misses VERY much. Abby will be staying with her, for the whole summer.

Chapter 1 – The Happy News

It was early on a Saturday morning in the middle of May in 1989 and Annie was cooking breakfast when the phone rang.

Annie answered the phone. "Hello?" she asked.

"Hi Annie! Guess who?" the caller on the other end, asked.

Annie paused for a minute, then smiled as she realized who it was. "John? Is that you? It's been a long time since we've talked on the phone. How is everything?"

"Pretty good, how are you? Abby really misses you and wants to come and stay with you for her summer vacation. Would that be okay?" her brother John asked.

Annie smiled. "Are you kidding? I have been missing my little Angel so much! She is always welcome here with us."

John sounded very happy. "Okay, that will make Abby very happy."

Annie was excited. "I am glad. Eric and the children have been pretty good."

John sounded happy. "Abby will ride over with Mom and Dad when they come to spend the week with you. She only has two and a half days of school left, so she will be out by the time Mom and Dad leave to drive over there."

Annie was even more excited now. "Okay. I am so glad that Mom and Dad are coming out. I'm even more excited that they're bringing my sweet pea with them." She was smiling now.

John could hear her excitement. "I bet you are. Abby is even more excited than you are." He laughed. "Annie, hold on just a second. Abby wants to talk with you."

Annie smiled again. "Okay, bye John. I'll talk with you later. Love you."

John handed Abby the phone.

Abby was ecstatic. "Auntie Annie, I miss you, SO MUCH! I can't wait to spend the whole summer with you!"

Annie smiled. "Hi, Sweetheart! I can't wait to see you. We are going to have so much fun together."

Abby smiled. "Yeah, I'm going to bring my Nintendo and Super Mario game and maybe we could play some games."

Annie laughed. "Okay, Sweetie, but we'll have to talk with Uncle Eric before we can play them, just to make sure they aren't violent."

Abby giggled. "Okay. Super Mario isn't bad, so I hope he won't mind if we play it." She smiles. "I have Pac-Man too."

Annie grinned. "Okay Abby, Honey. I have to go and finish getting breakfast ready. I will talk with you soon. Love you!"

Abby still had one more thing to say to her aunt. "Oh – one more thing. I'm also bringing my pillow, my sleeping bag and my new air mattress that I got for Christmas. It's not too big so it would fit in any room at your house. I really like sleeping on a air mattresses." She smiled. "I'm going to bring some more games for us to play, but they're not bad, so Uncle Eric should like them." She giggled.

Annie smiled again. "Okay, Sweetie. Talk with you soon."

Abby smiled. "Okay. I wuv you, too Auntie Annie. See you soon."

Annie hung up the phone and then smiled at Eric. "Honey, I have some wonderful news!"

Eric looked at Annie suspiciously. "And what would that be?"

Annie smiled an even bigger smile. "Abby is coming to stay with us for the whole summer! I am so excited."

Eric smiled. "That is wonderful news."

Annie smiled again. "I can't wait to see her. I miss her and love her so much. She is my little sweet pea."

Eric nodded. "She is such a sweet girl."

Back at Abby’s house, she hung up the phone and started skipping through the house singing, "I'M GOING TO STAY WITH MY AUNTIE ANNIE FOR THE SUMMER…!"

Back at the Camden's a little later that morning, the family sat at the table eating breakfast.

Annie smiled as she spoke up. "Children, your cousin Abby is going to come and visit us for the summer. She will be riding with Grandpa and Grandma when they come to visit next week."

Lucy looked puzzled. "Is Abby going to miss the last few weeks of school?"

Annie shook her head. "No, Honey, she only has two and a half days of school left. She goes to a special school and their schedule is a little different than yours."

Lucy spoke again. "Why does she go to a special school?”

Annie looked at her daughter. "Abby has some special needs, so she goes to a special school that helps her learn better. Sometime after we get the kitchen cleaned up, I'll try to explain it a little more."

Lucy nodded. "Oh. Okay."

After they all finished breakfast, the children went back upstairs to play while Eric and Annie cleaned up the kitchen.

Note – I went to a regular school with Special Ed classes, so I don’t know if special schools have any special schedules where they get out earlier at the end of each day or school year. I just made that up.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Note:

Of all the chapters I will type for this story, this will probably be one of the hardest because Annie will be teaching the children about Abby and her special needs. I was going to have Annie teach them specifically about Asperger Syndrome (AS), but then someone (in one of my Yahoo Groups) reminded me that people didn’t really know about AS until 1994. I’m just going to have her explain Abby as an individual and not AS in general. If you want to learn about AS, you can follow the link from my profile to my WebPage and there’s some links where you can learn about it.

Chapter 2 – Learning About Abby AKA The Family Meeting

Later that day, Annie and Eric had almost completed the job of cleaning the kitchen. The Camden children were still upstairs, playing.

Annie spoke to Eric. "I'm not sure how to explain Abby's special needs to our children so they will understand her. I don't want anyone making fun of her or playing any mean tricks on her."

Eric nodded and looked at Annie. "Yeah, I understand. Matt might remember her. I don't know about Mary and Lucy and Simon is only three."

Annie looked nostalgically at the ceiling. "I remember baby sitting her when she was a baby and she was always trying to crawl in my lap and hug me. Now she does hug me – a lot." Annie smiled. "We always have so much fun together whenever I baby sit her."

Eric smiled at his wife. "Abby? Yeah, she really loves you."

Annie smiled at Eric. "Yeah, I guess we better call a family meeting, now that the kitchen is cleaned up."

Eric nodded. "Yeah."

Eric and Annie headed up stairs to find all of their children playing in the hallway

Annie smiled at the children. "Children, we're going to have a family meeting. I need to talk with you about your cousin Abby."

Matt smiled. "Can we please keep the bowling pins set up so we can play after the meeting?"

Eric smiled at his son. "Yeah, that would be okay. Let's go to our room. We'll talk there."

All of the Camden children agreed. "Okay."

Everyone followed Annie into her bedroom and took a seat on Eric and Annie's bed.

Annie looked at her children. "Do you remember your cousin, Abby?"

Matt nodded. "Yeah."

Mary looked at her mother thoughtfully. "Yeah, but not very much."

Lucy thought for a moment. "I'm not sure..."

Annie looked around at her children. "Do you remember, at breakfast, how I told you that Abby has special needs?"

Mary looked at her mom. "Yeah. What kind of special needs?"

Annie looked at her children. “This is very hard for me to explain, but I’m going to try the best way I know how. Besides having some learning problems, Abby also has trouble with her social and communication skills and certain other things. Abby sometimes does and says some things that may seem weird or strange to most people and it’s very hard for her to make friends.”

Matt looked at his mother. “Do you want us to teach Abby some social skills? We can if you want.”

Annie looked at her son. “No, Honey, I just want all of you to know about Abby and her special needs. She will turn ten in August, but sometimes she will seem a lot younger than she really is. Also, I don’t want anyone making fun of her or playing any mean tricks on her. Your Uncle John tells me that the other children in their neighborhood aren’t very nice to her.”

Lucy looked at her mother. “I won't make fun of her or do anything bad.”

Annie smiled at Lucy and then moved on with the conversation. “She has some neurological differences, so her brain doesn’t process information the same way ours does – or as fast as ours. She’s very sensitive to the way certain things feel, certain sounds, sights, tastes and smells.”

Mary spoke up as she looked at her mother. "What kind of stuff is she sensitive to?" she asked.

Annie looked at her daughter. "One of the things she doesn't like, is the sound of a balloon popping. She's also very sensitive to high pitched sounds, bright lights, static shocks and things like that."

Lucy spoke up. "Does she like hugs?"

Annie smiled. “Yes, Honey. She loves to hug people – she hugs me a lot whenever I see her. Sometimes she has trouble with communication, so she may not always understand what someone is saying to her and sometimes it’s hard for her to express herself so we can understand her. Other times she will understand, but it will take her a little longer to process what is said to her, so she may not respond right away.”

Matt nodded. “Okay.”

Annie smiled at Matt and then continued on. “Another thing you might notice is that she doesn’t make eye contact when talking with people. I think her teacher at her special school was trying to teach her about that, but she didn’t seem to feel comfortable with it so she didn’t say anymore about it.”

"Is she shy?" Lucy asked.

"She is when she’s around some people, Honey. There's one more thing I need to tell you about Abby, and I think that's all. Abby doesn't like certain surprises." Annie replied.

Mary looked at her mother and asked "What kind of surprises?"

Annie gave another example. “Not very long ago, one of the times I was baby sitting her, we were getting ready for bed when the power went out. Everything went black and quiet and she screamed – it scared her because it happened so fast without warning and she didn’t have time to process what just happened. Luckily, I was able to find my way in the dark and I walked over to her and hugged her so she wouldn’t be scared anymore.”

Lucy looked at her mother. "Why did the power go out?"

Annie smiled at her daughter. "I'm not sure, Honey. I think it was really windy that night."

Lucy grinned. "Oh – Okay."

Mary gave her mother a pleading look. "Can we please go and play, now?" she asked.

Annie nodded. “You can in a minute, Honey. I just wanted all of you to know about your cousin and not to pick on her or make fun of her or anything mean.” Annie suddenly remembered one more thing. “She was also born with some hip problems, so she doesn’t walk straight – I thought one of you might ask about that when you see her, so now you’ll know. Does anyone have anymore questions?”

Lucy looked at her father. "Daddy, why are you so quiet?"

Matt nodded in agreement. "Yeah, whenever we have a family meeting, you're always the one who talks the most."

Eric looked around, trying to hold back a smile. "I let your mom do the talking this time since Abby's dad is her brother, so she knows her better than me."

Lucy nodded. "Oh – Okay."

Annie looked around at each of her children. “Does anyone have anymore questions or anything?” she asked.

Matt shook his head. “I can’t think of any.”

Mary agreed. "No." she said.

Lucy spoke up. "No."

Eric looked at his wife. "No. Just as long as all of you understand what your mom is telling you and to be nice to your cousin."

Lucy agreed. "Okay."

Matt agreed. "Okay. I won't do anything mean to her."

Mary nodded. "I won't be mean to her."

Annie smiled. "Okay, I guess you can all go play, now."

Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon ran out of the room to play and Eric left to do some church business while Annie went to wash some sheets and blankets for Abby to use with her air mattress.

Some more notes:

As far as I know, hip problems aren’t part of AS – I just added that as another thing she was born with (I was born with hip problems, too).

I hope I didn’t make Annie sound mean or anything when she explained Abby and her special needs - some of it was hard for me to put into words.

I didn’t give Simon any conversation parts because he’s only three in this story, so I’m not sure what to type for him.

I probably could have done a little better at typing this chapter but I could always re type it later and then replace it.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 3 – Getting Everything Ready

It was late in the afternoon on Tuesday and Annie was making Abby’s favorite desert, peanut butter pie, when Matt walked in.

“Mom, what are you making?” Matt asked.

Annie smiled. “I’m making a peanut butter pie, but it’s for tomorrow evening when Abby, Grandpa and Grandma get here. It’s Abby’s favorite.”

“Oh. Can I please have my friend, Jeff spend the night?” Matt asked.

“No, Honey, it’s a school night, but he can probably come over and spend the night on Friday.” Annie answered.

"Okay." Matt said with a sigh. “I wish I could get out of school early, like Abby."

“Oh Honey, it won’t be too much longer, you only have two and half weeks left and then you’ll be out, too. Abby has a different schedule because it’s a special school that she goes to.” Annie replied.

Before Matt had a chance to answer, Lucy ran in the kitchen with Mary chasing her and then (Lucy) tried to hide from her.

“I can still see you.” Mary said to Lucy.

“Mommy, what’s for dinner?” Lucy asked.

“We’re having meat loaf, mashed potatoes and corn, and please don’t run in the house.” Annie replied.

“She started it.” Lucy pointed to Mary.

Mary sat down on the floor. “I’m getting tired of running, anyway.” She said.

“Okay, Sweetie, but please don’t chase each other through the house anymore.” Annie replied.

“Do you want to play outside after dinner?” Mary asked Lucy.

“No, Honey, it will be dark out by then. I don’t even have dinner started yet.” Annie told the girls.

“That’s okay. I don’t want to go outside anyway. She might chase me again.” Lucy told Annie.

“Mom, is it time for Full House?” Mary asked.

Annie looked at the clock. “It will come on in ten minutes, Honey.”

“I guess I’ll go watch it, too.” Matt said.

“Okay. Sesame Street will be over by then, so Simon probably won’t mind if we change the channel.” Mary replied.

Matt, Mary and Lucy left to go in the living room, when the phone rang.

Annie picked up the phone. “Hello?” She asked.

“Auntie Annie! I wanted to call you again before I go to your house. I can’t wait to see you.” Abby smiled.

Annie smiled. “Hi, Sweetheart! I am glad that you called and I can’t wait to see you, too. I am making your favorite desert, peanut butter pie, for tomorrow after dinner.”

“Thank you, Auntie Annie! Can we please have pizza for dinner, too?” Abby asked.

“Okay, Honey. I’ll put lots of cheese and mushrooms on one of them, for you.” Annie replied.

“Awe, thank you, Auntie Annie! Tomorrow at school, we’re making art projects and I’m making mine for you.” Abby said smiling even more.

“Thank you, Sunshine. I have to go now and finish dinner.” Annie said still smiling.

"When I get to your house, I have a lot of new stuff that I want to show you. I love you, Auntie Annie. See you tomorrow." Abby told Annie before blowing kisses over the phone.

Annie blew kisses back to Abby. “I love you too, Sweet Baby. See you tomorrow.” As soon as Annie hung up the phone, she got out the food and started making dinner.

Later that night at dinner, Annie told the children about the sleeping arrangements for when Charles and Jenny would be staying with them. “Your dad and I talked this morning, and we decided to let Grandpa and Grandma sleep in our room. Your dad, Matt and Simon will share a room, Mary and Lucy will have their room and I’ll share a room with Abby.”

Matt was surprised. “You and dad aren’t sleeping in the same room?”

“Just while Grandpa and Grandma are here, Honey.” Annie replied.

“She can sleep in our room if she wants.” Mary offered.

“That’s very nice of you, Sweetie, but I’m going to share a room with her while Grandpa and Grandma are here and then after they leave, we’ll see. I’m not sure how well she remembers all of you and sometimes she gets really shy around people she doesn’t see very often.” Annie replied smiling.

“Okay.” Mary replied.

After dinner, all the children went upstairs to play a little before getting ready for bed while Eric and Annie started cleaning up the kitchen.

“I don’t know how I’m going to help Abby hide her night time special need. I don’t want our children finding out – I don’t know how they would react and I don’t want Abby to be embarrassed.” Annie told Eric in a quiet voice to make sure none of the children could hear her.

“Yeah. If you want, we can hide them in our closet. I know the children probably won’t look in there – if they did, they would get in trouble since they’re not supposed to be back there, anyway.” Eric replied.

“Yeah. After mom and dad leave, I was thinking of having her put her air mattress on the floor by my side of the bed and she could sleep in our room, if that would be okay with you.” Annie asked.

“Yeah, I guess that would be okay, since it’s only for the summer.” Eric replied.

“Okay.” Annie said as she put another plate in the dishwasher.

After Eric and Annie finished cleaning up the kitchen, they went upstairs to tell the children, it was almost time to start getting ready for bed.

It was late in the morning on Wednesday and the older children were already at school, Eric was in his office, and Simon was watching Sesame Street in the living room. Annie just finished getting everything ready for Abby and was about to leave for the grocery store, when the phone rang.

“Hello?” Annie asked.

“Hi, Annie, it’s me.” Jenny replied.

“Oh, hi, mom!” Annie smiled. “I was just getting ready to go to the grocery store to pick up some food for dinner tonight and a few other things.”

“Okay. Your dad and I are leaving to pick up Abby at her house and then we’ll be on our way. I just wanted to call you before we walk out the door.” Jenny replied.

“Okay. I can’t wait to see you, dad and Abby. I’m making homemade pizzas for our dinner tonight and I made the peanut butter pie yesterday.” Annie said.

“That sounds just wonderful, Annie. I can’t wait to see you, too.” Jenny replied.

“Okay. I guess I better get going now, Eric is in his office and Simon is in the living room watching Sesame Street. I want to get back before Eric has to go somewhere, so there will be someone here to watch Simon. I love you and I’ll see you this evening.” Annie told her Mom.

“Okay. I love you, too. We’re heading out the door now, so we’ll probably see you in a few hours.” Jenny replied.

“Okay.” Annie said. She hung up the phone and then went into Eric’s office to tell him she was leaving. “Honey, I’m leaving for the grocery store, now, and Simon is in the living room watching Sesame Street. He’s not going with me, but I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay.” Eric replied.

Annie kissed Eric on the head and then picked up her keys as she walked out the door.

A few more notes:

For this story, Eric doesn’t have an office at the church – just the one at home. That’s so he can be around more for Simon in case Annie needs to go somewhere (like the grocery store).

I’ve never heard them mention where in CA, Glen Oak actually is, so for this story, I’m going to pretend that it’s right by the Arizona border (so close that if someone left Glen Oak, going East, they would be in Arizona after driving for only a minute or two).

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Notes:

About the title – It doesn’t mean that Abby has never been to Eric and Annie’s house before. It just means that it’s her first night for this particular visit.

Chapter 4 – Abby’s First Night

It was later in the afternoon on Wednesday, so Annie had been back from the store for awhile. Eric was still in his office doing some church business and Annie just finished putting the first pizza in the oven, when she decided to go outside for a few minutes to watch her children play in the back yard. Simon was playing quietly in his sandbox and Matt, Mary and Lucy were playing tag. Annie walked out and started to watch them play, when Lucy ran up to her. “Mommy, we’re playing tag! Do you want to play with us?”

“No thanks, Sweetie. I just put the first pizza in the oven and Abby, Grandpa and Grandma should be here any minute. Just make sure all of you stay in the yard and don’t go near the road.” Annie replied as she hugged Lucy.

“Okay.” Lucy said.

“Come on, you’re supposed to be chasing us!” Mary yelled as she ran over to Lucy.

Before Lucy could answer, they heard something that sounded like a car coming and slowing down, so they ran out to the front yard to see who it was.

“I think they’re here.” Mary said.

Annie looked to see who was pulling in the driveway and then smiled. “It’s them! They’re here!”

In the car, Abby saw Annie in the yard and smiled. “Auntie Annie!” As soon as the car was parked, she got out and ran over to Annie.

“Hi, Sweetheart!” Annie smiled as she picked Abby up and gave her a BIG hug.

Abby hugged Annie back. “I missed you so much, Auntie Annie.”

Annie kissed Abby on the head. “I missed you too, Sweet Baby.”

Almost a minute later, Charles, Jenny, Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon walked over to Annie and Abby.

“Didn’t you just see Abby a few months ago, when you drove to her house and baby sat her?” Matt asked.

“Yes I did, Honey, but that was awhile ago.” Annie replied.

Abby nodded. “A really long time!”

“Oh.” was all Matt could reply.

Annie smiled. “Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad! It’s so great to see you.”

Jenny smiled back at her daughter. “It’s great to see you, too, Annie.”

Charles nodded in agreement. “Hi, Annie. It’s great to see you, too.”

“I thought I heard someone pull in the driveway.” Eric said as he came up behind everyone from the house. "Hi, Abby. You must have really missed your Auntie Annie."

Mary nodded. “Yeah, she’s been smiling ever since she got out of the car.”

“Yeah, that was a really long time for me to not see my Angel.” Abby said as she gave Annie another hug.

Jenny looked at her daughter. "You're all she talked about in the car on the way over here."

Charles nodded in agreement. "Hey there, Eric. How have you been?"

Eric smiled. "Hi, I've been good. How about yourself?"

Charles shrugged. "Well, I can't complain."

Jenny walked over to Eric and gave him a hug. "Hi Eric."

"Hi Jenny" Eric replied.

"I guess we should take your bags in the house and then check on the pizza to make sure it doesn’t burn." Annie told Abby as she walked over to the car.

Abby smiled. “Okay. I don’t like burnt pizza.”

Annie smiled and gave Abby one more hug before putting her back down. “I know, Honey.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she started to pick up more bags than she could handle.

“Here, Sweetie, before you get hurt, I'll help you carry some of these bags.” Annie said taking another bag from the car.

Abby tripped and fell as she started to walk back to the house with Annie, but luckily she landed on the bag that had her pillow in it, so she wasn’t hurt.

Annie gasped a little. “Oh, are you okay, Baby Girl?”

Abby smiled. “Yeah. I fell on my pillow.”

“Okay.” Annie said as she helped Abby stand up again. She picked up the heaviest bag along with the one she was carrying before, while Abby took the ones with her pillow, blanket and pajamas. They carried the bags in the house and put them back down on the floor by the stairs. Simon, who was right behind them, noticed the Nintendo games in one of the bags and started to go through it.

“Simon, Honey, please stay out of Abby’s bags.” Annie said as she put one of the games back in the bag.

Abby smiled. “That’s my fun bag! That’s where I have all my games and other fun stuff I brought for us to do.”

“What is that?” Simon asked pointing to the game.

“That’s Abby’s Nintendo game, Honey. She plays it on the TV, but we can’t get it out right now, because it’s almost time for dinner.” Annie replied.

“Grandpa and Grandma are coming in!” Abby announced as Eric walked through the door with Charles, Jenny, Matt, Mary and Lucy following behind him.

Annie walked over to Charles and Jenny and gave them each a hug. “I’m so glad you can spend a week here, with us. Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon were talking, a couple days ago, how they can’t wait to see you and spend a lot of time with you.”

“I am glad to see them, too. I have missed my grandchildren so much. Abby is our little angel, but so are Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon.” Jenny replied.

“I’m just going to help Abby take her bags upstairs and then we’ll be right down. The pizza will be ready, soon.” Annie said as she and Abby picked up the same bags they carried in from outside.

“Okay.” Charles and Jenny both replied as they followed Matt, Mary and Lucy into the kitchen.

“Simon, have you been playing in your sandbox?” Eric asked.

“Yes.” Simon replied.

“Let’s go upstairs and get you cleaned up before dinner.” Eric told Simon as he took his hand and led him upstairs. Simon started to run ahead to the bathroom and was about to open the door when Eric led him away to the room he was sharing with Matt. “We have to pick out your clean clothes, first.”

Charles, Jenny, Matt, Mary and Lucy were all sitting down at the kitchen table while they waited for Annie, Abby, Eric and Simon to come back downstairs. “Grandpa, Grandma, let’s play outside until the pizza is done.” Lucy suggested.

“Okay, but let’s wait until your Mom comes back so she will know where we are.” Jenny replied.

Back upstairs, Abby picked up the rest of her bags from the hallway. “Auntie Annie, where am I sleeping?” She asked.

“I’ll be sharing this room with you, while Grandpa and Grandma are here. They will sleep in mine and Uncle Eric’s room and Uncle Eric will share a room with Matt and Simon." Annie replied.

Abby smiled as she took her Care Bears pillow out of the bag and put it on the bed. “I get to sleep in the same room, as you? We can have a slumber party!”

Annie smiled back. “Yes Honey, we can have a slumber party, but we can’t stay up too late and we have to stay quiet so we don’t keep your cousins awake because they still have school, okay?”

“Okay.” Abby said as she took her art project out of a bag, and smiled. “Look, what I made for you at school!”

“That’s very pretty! Thank you, Sweetheart!” Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and then kissed her on the head. “I’ll put it in my room a little later, but for now, let’s go downstairs and check on the pizza. After dinner, we’ll get your air mattress and everything set up for you, okay?”

“Okay.” Abby replied. “When we come back in here, I have some new stuff to show you.”

Annie smiled. “Okay.”

“I’m getting hungry. I can't wait to eat your pizza. It's my favorite, kind!” Abby said.

Annie smiled. “I know, it is – thank you, Sweet Baby.”

Annie and Abby left the room and went downstairs to the kitchen where they saw Charles, Jenny, Matt, Mary and Lucy sitting at the table and talking.

Abby smiled as they were getting closer to the kitchen. “Your pizza smells good, Auntie Annie!”

“Yes, it does, Sweetheart.” Annie agreed.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 4 ~ Continued (It wouldn't let me post it all in 1 message so I had to post more than once for this chapter).

“Where are Dad and Simon?” Mary asked when she saw Annie and Abby coming down the stairs.

“Your Dad is giving Simon a bath, Honey. Simon was playing in his sandbox earlier, and Dad wanted to get him into clean clothes and everything before dinner. They will probably, be down soon.” Annie replied.

“Oh. Okay.” Mary said.

“The first pizza is done, if anyone wants to grab a napkin and paper plate.” Annie told everyone as she took the pizza out of the oven. “I bought some A and W Root Beer and Seven Up if anyone wants to have some with their pizza. We can all eat outside on the picnic tables if you want.”

“Okay!” Lucy replied.

“Which pizza is it?” Matt asked.

“It’s the one with half pepperoni and half sausage. The one I just put in the oven is half ham, half mushrooms. The last one will be half ham, half sausage.” Annie replied as she put the next pizza in the oven.

“Auntie Annie, can I please have some Root Beer?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “Yes, you can, Baby.”

"I want pepperoni!" Mary said.

Matt nodded. "Me too!"

Lucy Laughed. “I want sausage.”

Charles smiled. “I think I’ll have sausage, too.”

"I'll wait for the one with ham." Jenny said.

“Okay.” Annie said as she poured some Root Beer in Abby’s favorite Care Bears cup. “What does everyone want to drink?”

Abby smiled as Annie handed her the cup of Root Beer. “Thank you, Auntie Annie.”

Annie kissed Abby on the head, before taking three more cups out of the cupboard.

Matt watched as Annie set the cups on the counter. “I want Root Beer!”

“Me too!” Mary agreed.

Lucy laughed. “Me Three!”

Abby looked at Lucy and started to giggle. “You’re, funny!”

After Matt, Mary and Lucy had their pizza and Root Beer, they were ready to go outside. “Are you going to come outside with us?” Lucy asked her Grandpa and Grandma.

“You go ahead and we’ll be right out as soon as the next pizza is done." Jenny replied.

“Actually, I think I’ll go out with them, now.” Charles said as he grabbed his plate and stood up.

“Okay!” Lucy smiled as she followed Matt and Mary to the door.

“Please eat at the picnic table, and stay with Grandpa or come in the house if you finish before the rest of us come out. I don’t want anyone playing near the road.” Annie told them before they could open the door.

“Okay.” Matt replied as he walked out the door, with Mary, Lucy and Charles following him.

“The first pizza is done.” Abby announced as she watched Eric and Simon walk in the kitchen from the stairs. “Do you want some?”

“Which one is it?” Eric asked as he walked over to the Island where Abby was sitting.

“Half of it is pepperoni, and the other half is sausage, Honey.” Annie told Eric as she cut some pizza for Simon.

Abby smiled and pointed to Annie. “Our pizza is next! My half is the one with mushrooms!”

“I’ll have sausage.” Eric said as he took a paper plate and napkin from the counter.

“Okay.” Annie said as she poured some Root Beer in a cup for Simon. “The children are outside eating at the picnic table with Dad, if you and Simon want to join them. I’ll be out with Abby and Mom as soon as the next pizza is done.”

“Okay.” Eric replied as he poured himself some 7–Up. “I’ll have to come back in for my pizza and Seven Up since I’ll be carrying Simon’s for him.”

Annie smiled as she took Simon’s plate and cup. “I’ll carry Simon’s pizza and Root Beer for you.”

“I want to come, too.” Abby said as she started to get up.

“Oh, I’ll be right back, Sweetie, I’m just taking this out for Simon so he doesn’t spill anything.” Annie told Abby as she followed Eric and Simon out the door.

“Okay.” Abby replied as she walked over to the table where Grandma Jenny was sitting.

Outside, Charles, Matt, Mary, and Lucy were eating their pizza and talking. “Abby looks like Mommy, only shorter.” Lucy said.

“Yeah, they do look a lot alike.” Matt said, before taking another bite of his pizza.

“Yeah.” Mary agreed.

Everyone stopped talking and continued eating their pizza, when Simon came running out the door, with Eric and Annie following behind him. “Here’s your pizza and Root Beer, Honey.” Annie said as she set Simon’s plate and cup on the table.

“I can help Simon, now, if you want to go back in the house with Abby and your Mom.” Eric told Annie, as he set his food and drink on the picnic table.

“Okay.” Annie replied as she started to walk back in the house. “We’ll be out, soon.”

“Okay.” Eric said as he sat down next to Simon and started eating.

After the second pizza was done, Annie took it out of the oven and started cutting it into slices. “Can I please, have a big piece and sit by you when we eat our pizza?” Abby asked.

“Yes, you can Sweetheart.” Annie replied.

Abby smiled. “Thank You, Auntie Annie!”

As soon as everyone had their pizza and drinks, they left the kitchen to join Eric, Charles and the children. “Another pizza is done and another one is in the oven if you want more!” Abby announced as she skipped over to the picnic table with Annie and Jenny behind her.

“Here’s your food, Sweetie.” Annie said as she set Abby’s plate and cup on the picnic table.

“What are we having for desert?” Lucy asked.

“Peanut Butter Pie.” Annie replied as she sat down next to Jenny.

“I was in the kitchen yesterday, when Mom was making it.” Matt told everyone.

After a few more minutes of eating, Abby was still hungry. “Can I please, have some more pizza?” she asked.

Mary was surprised. “She ate that, already? She hasn’t been out here, that long!”

Annie kissed Abby on the head. “Yes, you can, Sweetheart. I’ll go check on the pizza, and bring out what’s left of the other two.”

“I was just going in the house for something, anyway, I can check on the pizza and get the other ones.” Eric offered as Abby started to get down from Annie’s lap.

“Okay, thanks, Honey.” Annie replied.

“Thank you, Uncle Eric.” Abby said as she sat back down again.

“Mom, can we go play until the desert is ready?” Mary asked.

“As long as you stay in the back yard, where we can see you.” Annie replied.

“Okay.” Mary and Lucy ran off to play.

“Auntie Annie, when we’re done eating, will you please push me on the swings?” Abby asked.

“Yes, I will, Sweetie, but only for a little while. We still have to get your things unpacked and everything, okay?” Annie replied.

Abby smiled and gave Annie a hug. “Okay.”

“Who, wants more pizza?” Eric asked as he came out of the house carrying the pizzas.

Abby smiled. “I do!”

“I’ll have another piece, too, Honey.” Annie said.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 4 ~ Continued (the last post for this chapter).

After everyone finished their pizza and desert, and the kitchen was cleaned up, Annie went upstairs to help Abby unpack some of her clothes, when she noticed she didn’t have anything to wear to church. “Did you bring any dresses or skirts, Honey?”

“I don’t know. I think my Mommy has them.” Abby replied.

“Oh.” Annie said as she was trying to think of how she could get something for Abby to wear on Sunday.

“Auntie Annie, I’m getting tired. I want to lay down in my bed. Can I please, have my pajamas in case I fall asleep?” Abby said as she rolled up in the blanket on her air mattress bed.

Annie took some pajamas out of Abby’s bag. “Here, Sweetie. I think we’re almost done and then I have to go make sure your cousins are ready for bed, since they have school tomorrow.”

“Okay. Then will you, please, come back in here with me?” Abby asked.

Annie kissed Abby on the head. “Yes, I will, Sweet Baby.”

Abby smiled. “Okay.”

A few minutes later, Annie was almost finished helping Abby when they heard a knock on the door. “Hold on a minute, Abby doesn’t have her pajamas all the way on yet.”

“Okay.” Eric replied from behind the door. “I’ll let our children know it’s time to start getting ready for bed, now, since it’s almost nine-o-clock.”

“Okay, Honey.” Annie answered. “I’m just helping Abby with a few things and then I’ll be right out.”

“Okay.” Eric said as he walked away from the door.

Abby smiled. “This air mattress, is my favorite bed. I always sleep like a baby. You can sleep on here, too, if you want. It looks like there is enough room.”

Annie smiled back as she gave Abby another hug. “Okay, Sweetie, I will. I just have to go help your cousins get ready for bed, and then I’ll be back, okay?”

“Okay.” Abby replied as she rolled up in the blanket again.

Annie left the room and was about to check on Mary and Lucy, when she saw Eric in hallway. “Oh, Eric – I wanted to ask you something. Abby doesn’t have any dresses or skirts with her – would you mind if I take some of our money and take her shopping tomorrow to buy her a few sun dresses for church?”

“No, that would be okay.” Eric replied as Charles and Jenny walked over and joined the conversation.

Annie smiled. “Okay. We’ll probably eat out, somewhere and then see a movie or something, too. If you want, I was thinking we could meet you, Mom, Dad, Lucy and Simon somewhere for lunch and then we should be done eating in time, so you can pick Matt and Mary up from school.”

“Okay. Lucy gets out of Kindergarten, at Eleven-Forty-Five, so I’ll pick her up and then we’ll meet you, Abby, Simon and your Mom and Dad – where should we meet?” Eric asked.

“I was thinking we could take the children to McDonalds. I know Abby likes their chicken nuggets and Happy Meals.” Annie replied.

Jenny smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

“Me, too.” Charles agreed.

“Okay.” Eric said.

Charles turned to Annie. “I can watch Simon, tomorrow, while you and Abby are shopping.” He looked over at Eric “And while you’re doing church business.”

“Yeah, I can help watch him, too.” Jenny told Annie. “We can help watch all of them any time, if you and Eric want to do other things during the day. That would also give us more time to spend with them, since they don’t see us as much as Abby does.”

“Okay. Just remember that the older ones have school, but then Memorial Day is coming up, so by this Friday afternoon, they won’t have to go back to school until Tuesday. I also think Friday is an early release, but I’ll have to check to make sure.” Eric told Charles and Jenny.

“Yeah, it is, Honey – they get out at One-fifteen.” Annie said.

“Okay.” Jenny said.

“Okay.” Charles added.

“Well, I’m going in to check on Mary and Lucy and make sure they’re ready for bed and then I’ll check on Matt and Simon.” Annie said as she hugged her Mom and Dad. “Goodnight, everyone.”

“Goodnight, Annie.” Jenny replied with a smile.

“Goodnight.” Charles said with a wink.

“Matt is almost done getting ready for bed, and I helped Simon, so he should be ready, too.” Eric said as he turned to go back into the room he was sharing with Matt and Simon.

“Okay.” Annie replied. “I’ll be in their room to tell them Goodnight, after I check on Mary and Lucy.”

“Okay.” Eric said as he walked away.

Annie left the hallway and walked into Mary and Lucy’s room, to find them in their pajamas, and coloring pictures. “It’s time for bed, girls.”

Lucy started to put her things away. “That’s what Daddy told us, so I got my pajamas on, and Mary, got hers on, too.”

“Did you, brush your teeth?” Annie asked.

“Yes.” Mary replied as she hopped into bed.

Lucy smiled. “Yeah.”

Annie gave Lucy a hug and whispered “Goodnight, Sweetie.”

“Goodnight, Mommy” Lucy whispered back with a smile.

Annie turned and hugged Mary “Goodnight, Honey” she whispered.

“Goodnight” Mary replied.

Annie turned their light off and left the room to go check on Matt and Simon. “Goodnight.” She said as she hugged Simon and then Matt.

“Goodnight, Mommy.” Simon replied.

“Goodnight, Mom.” Matt said as he started to walk back over to his bed.

After everyone was in bed, Annie changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth and then went back to the bedroom that she was sharing with Abby. She saw that Abby looked like she was sleeping, so she kissed her on the head before turning off the light.

Abby was still half-awake. “Goodnight, Auntie Annie. I love you.”

“Goodnight, Baby Girl.” Annie replied. “Did you brush your teeth?”

Abby started to crawl out of bed. “No, I think I fell asleep.”

“Oh.” Annie said as she got up and followed Abby into the bathroom. She picked up the stool by the sink for Abby to stand on. “Here, Sweetie, you can stand on this to brush your teeth.”

“Okay.” Abby replied as she put sparkly toothpaste for kids on her Care Bears toothbrush.

“Tomorrow, I’m going to take you shopping and buy you a few sun dresses to wear to church, after that, we’ll meet, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Eric and your cousins, Lucy and Simon for lunch at McDonalds and then I’ll take you to see a movie.” Annie explained while Abby brushed her teeth.

Abby smiled. “Okay!”

“Shh…” Annie whispered. “Everyone is in bed, now, so we have to stay quiet so they can get to sleep, okay, Honey?”

“Okay.” Abby whispered back.

After Abby finished brushing her teeth, they went back in the bedroom and turned out the light.

“Goodnight, Auntie Annie. I love you.” Abby said as she hugged Annie.

Annie hugged Abby. “Goodnight and I love you, too, Sweet Baby.” She tucked in the sheets and blankets around Abby and then kissed her on the head. A few minutes later, they both fell asleep until about 1 AM, when Annie woke up to a noise that sounded like someone was moving around. She looked over and saw Abby kicking the blankets. Abby sat up quickly, out of breath.

“What’s wrong, Baby?” Annie whispered.

“I’m cold, I’m thirsty and I had a bad dream.” Abby replied in a tired voice.

Annie put her arm around Abby and then kissed her on the head. “Do you want some warmer pajamas, or an extra blanket, Honey?”

“Both.” Abby said as she rubbed her eyes.

“Okay.” Annie replied as she helped a very tired Abby into some warmer pajamas. “I’ll get you a cup of water from the kitchen and then you can tell me about your dream, there, so you don’t have to talk so quiet, okay, Sweetie?”

“Okay. Can we, please bring some water up here, in case I get thirsty, again?” Abby asked.

Annie kissed Abby on the head. “Yes, we can, Sweetheart.” She answered.

Abby smiled. “Okay.”

Annie smiled back, as she continued to help Abby into some warmer pajamas. When she was done, she carried her downstairs to the kitchen.

“I dreamed that all the other children, who live on my road, were calling me really bad names and throwing stuff at me. I tried to run away really fast, but I kept getting my feet caught on something so I couldn’t go anywhere.” Abby explained as she sat on the kitchen counter by the sink watching Annie fill a cup with water. “It felt like they were attacking me.”

Annie hugged Abby before handing her the cup of water. Abby took a few drinks and then Annie picked her up and carried her back upstairs. After Annie put Abby down on her air mattress bed, she took a blanket from the hall closet. “Here, Sweetie.” She said as she walked back in the room and put the blanket on top of the other ones that Abby used to cover up with.

“Auntie Annie?” Abby said before taking another sip of her water.

“What is it, Honey?” Annie asked.

“I don’t understand, what’s wrong with me and why the other children are so mean. One of them called me a disease and someone else told me that everyone in the world wishes I was dead.” Abby started to cry.

Annie tried not to cry, while pulling Abby into another hug.

Abby was still crying. “Is it true?” She asked.

“No, Sweet Baby, no...” Annie replied as she continued to hold Abby and started to rock her. “I’m just really upset that anyone would say something like that to my baby niece. I remember the day you were born. It was the best birthday gift I have ever received – or any gift. You're my special baby and you always have been; since the day you were born. I've felt this way since the first time I saw you and held you – I knew right away we would always have a special relationship and connection. You will always be special to me my Sweet Angel."

Abby was still crying a little. “I feel safe, here, with you. I wish, I could stay here, forever.”

Annie kissed Abby on the head. “I know, Baby…shh…”

Annie continued to hold Abby, and rock her, while she cried herself to sleep and then Annie soon fell asleep, too.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Notes:

This is the first chapter, where you will read about a new character. Her name is Alice and you will be seeing her – and other new characters – in future chapters.

Chapter 5 – The Phone Call

It was sunrise, just hours after Abby’s nightmare, and Annie was starting to wake up. She looked over at Abby, who was still sleeping, and wondered what she was dreaming about and hoping it wasn’t another bad dream. She tucked in the sheets and blankets around Abby, to make sure she was warm, enough, and then kissed her on the head. She looked at her watch and realized it was almost an hour later than the time she usually gets up. She hurried out of bed and ran to check the other rooms, to make sure her children were awake, not seeing her Mom standing in the hallway. “Good morning, Annie.” Jenny said.

Annie turned around. “Oh, good morning, Mom.”

“Are you looking for Mary and Lucy?” Jenny asked.

“Yeah, I overslept and wanted to make sure the children are up, so they’re not late for school.” Annie replied.

“They’re all downstairs with your dad and Eric. I’m making breakfast for them, if you want to get some more sleep.” Jenny explained.

“Oh, thanks, Mom.” Annie said as she hugged Jenny. “I think I’ll take a quick shower and get dressed, before Abby wakes up.”

“Okay.” Jenny said as she turned to go back downstairs.

Before leaving to take her shower, Annie walked back in the room for a few things.

“Auntie Annie, where are you going?” Abby asked in a tired voice.

Annie sat down next to Abby and kissed her on the head. “I’m just going to take a shower and get dressed, Sweetie, and then I’ll come back, okay?”

“Okay.” Abby said as she rubbed her eyes. “I want to sleep some more. I’m still tired.”

Annie hugged Abby and gave her another kiss on the head. “Okay, Baby.” She tucked in the sheets and blankets around Abby again, before leaving the room. When she finished her shower and everything, she went back in the room to check on Abby.

Abby sat up in bed and started to rub her eyes.

“Good morning, Sweetie.” Annie said as she sat down next to Abby.

“Good morning, Auntie Annie.” Abby smiled. “I think I’m ready to get up, now.”

“Okay, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. “You’ll need to take a bath and you can use the one in mine and Uncle Eric’s bathroom, okay?”

“Okay.” Abby said as she hugged Annie.

“After we get your clothes picked out, I’ll go start your water and get you a towel and everything.” Annie said as she stood up so she could help Abby pick out some clean clothes.

“Okay.” Abby replied as she crawled out of bed and followed Annie.

“Okay, Sweetie, let’s go start your bath water.” Annie said after they finished picking out Abby’s clean clothes.

“Okay.” Abby said as she skipped through the hall, Eric and Annie’s bedroom and to their bathroom. “Auntie Annie, you’re my hero. I thought I was going to cry forever last night.”

“Sweetie, does your Daddy do anything about the other children in your neighborhood?” Annie asked as she set Abby’s clean clothes down and then hugged her.

“He yells at them sometimes, but I don’t think he scares them away. Sometimes he scares me, when he yells at them.” Abby replied.

“Oh...” Annie said as she tried to think of a way she could help stop the other children from being mean to Abby while she started the water in the bathtub.

“I’m getting hungry.” Abby said as Annie helped her out of her pajamas.

“Do you want me to make you some oatmeal, after your bath, Honey?” Annie asked.

Abby smiled. “YEAH! Can I please, have some toast with butter and strawberry jam, too?”

“Yes, you can, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as Abby stepped into the bathtub. After Abby finished her bath, Annie picked up around their room before going downstairs for breakfast. Eric was almost ready to walk out the door to take Matt, Mary and Lucy to school as Annie and Abby entered the kitchen. Annie walked over and hugged everyone before she started to make breakfast.

“I love you, Mommy.” Lucy said.

Annie hugged Lucy and kissed her on the head. “I love you, too, Sweetie.”

“I’ll be back soon.” Eric said as he grabbed his car keys. Your Mom and Dad are in the living room, with Simon, who is playing with his toys.”

“Okay. We’re just now getting breakfast, so we’ll probably still be here when you get back.” Annie replied before she kissed Eric.

“Okay.” Eric said as he walked out the door.

“Why didn’t Simon go to school?” Abby asked.

“Oh, he’s too young to go to school, for now, Honey. He’ll start pre-school this fall.” Annie replied as she got out the oatmeal and two teal, microwave bowls.

“Oh.” Abby said as she climbed up on a stool to sit down at the Island.

Annie held up two packets of oatmeal. “Do you want Maple and Brown Sugar or Apples and Cinnamon?”

Abby smiled. “Maple and Brown Sugar!”

“Okay.” Annie said as she smiled back.

“I’m thirsty, can I please have some orange juice?” Abby asked.

“Yes, you can, Sweetheart.” Annie replied. She poured the orange juice and was about to put it back in the refrigerator when phone rang. She quickly handed Abby her cup of orange juice. “Hold on, Sweetie, I have to get that.”

“Okay.” Abby replied before taking a drink.

Annie picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Hi, Annie. This is Alice, your cousin.”

Annie smiled. “Oh, hi, Alice! It’s been a long time since we talked. How have you been?”

“Everything is great. We’ve been getting a lot of rain, here in Michigan, lately. What about you?” Alice asked.

“We’re all great. Mom, Dad and Abby are here and I was just getting some breakfast.” Annie replied.

“Would you, Eric and your children like to come to Michigan, and stay in our other cottage for the summer?” Alice asked.

“Well, actually, we have Abby, staying with us for the whole summer. She won’t be leaving, until after Labor Day.” Annie said.

“Oh, that’s okay, you can bring Abby, too. We’re having a family reunion in July, and we would really like for all of you to be there. We were also wondering if Eric would like to help teach Vacation Bible School at some of the churches in our area.” Alice explained.

Abby jumped down from stool she was sitting on at the Island and went through the whole kitchen, pretending to eat everything.

“Okay.” Annie answered. “I’ll talk with Eric, and then call you back and let you know if we’re coming.”

“Okay.” Alice said.

“Well, I guess I should get going, now, I think Abby is trying to tell me that she’s really hungry.” Annie said after watching Abby start her trip around the kitchen for the second time.

Alice laughs. “Okay, Annie. I'm looking forward to your call. I hope you can come. Talk with you soon.”

“Okay. I hope we can come, too. If I don’t call you today, it will probably be tomorrow.” Annie explained.

“Okay. Talk with you later.” Alice replied.

“Talk with you later.” Annie said before hanging up the phone.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 5 ~ Continued.

“Are we going somewhere?” Abby asked.

“My cousin – she’s actually your Grandma’s cousin – wants us to come and spend the summer in their other cottage, in Michigan.” Annie replied as she opened the packets of oatmeal. “Do you want to go to Michigan, Honey?”

“If you go, then I want to go, too.” Abby said as she climbed back up on the stool by the Island.

“If any of us go, we’ll all go, but first we have to talk with Uncle Eric to make sure we saved up enough money and everything.” Annie said as she put the oatmeal and milk into the two teal microwave bowls.

“Okay. If we can go, can we leave as soon as Uncle Eric says we can?” Abby asked.

“No, Sweetie, your cousins still have two weeks of school left, but if we can go, we’ll leave as soon as they’re out of school for the summer.” Annie replied as she put the first bowl in the microwave.

“Oh.” Abby said as she watched Annie put some bread in the toaster. “I want mine light brown.”

“I know you do, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

“Can I please have milk and raisins in my oatmeal, too?” Abby asked.

“Yes, you can, Honey.” Annie replied as she took the butter and strawberry jam from the refrigerator.

Abby jumped down from the stool again and started skipping through the kitchen, singing. “I’m spending the summer with my Auntie Annie…we might go to Michigan…!”

“Abby, Sweetie, your food is almost ready.” Annie said as she sat the milk on the counter by the raisins.

“Okay.” Abby giggled. “I’ll sit down when it’s ready.”

“Here’s your oatmeal, Honey.” Annie said as she sat the hot bowl of oatmeal on the table. “It’s a little hot, so be careful, okay?”

Abby smiled as she skipped over to the counter. “I’ll cool it off, with some milk!”

“Here, Sweetie, let me get the milk – it’s still too full and I don’t want you to drop it and hurt yourself.” Annie said as she picked up the milk and handed Abby the box of raisins. “You can carry these.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she took the raisins and skipped back over to the table.

Annie poured some milk into Abby’s oatmeal. “Here’s your milk, Sweetheart.”

Abby smiled as she hugged Annie. “Thank you, Auntie Annie.”

“You’re Welcome, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she hugged Abby.

“I’m back.” Eric said as he walked in the door.

Abby smiled. “We might go to Michigan, Uncle Eric!”

“Alice called while you were gone – she wants all of us to come and stay in her other cottage for the summer. They’re having a family reunion in July and she said they would really like for all of us to be there. She also asked if you could help teach Vacation Bible School at some of the churches in the area. I told her I would talk with you and then call her back.” Annie explained before he had a chance to answer Abby.

“What about, Abby?” Eric asked.

“She said Abby can come, too.” Annie replied.

“Okay.” Eric said. “I know a few people who might be able to fill in for me, on Sundays – I’ll call them and set up a meeting and then I’ll let you know.”

“Okay.” Annie said as she took her oatmeal out of the microwave.

Abby smiled. “Do you want some oatmeal and toast, Uncle Eric? Auntie Annie makes good food.”

“No thanks, Honey, I already ate before I took your cousins to school.” Eric replied. “I have some church business to do for now and I heard that you’re going shopping today.”

Abby was still smiling. “Yeah, Auntie Annie is going to buy me some sun dresses.”

“Yeah, I heard – have fun shopping.” Eric said as he looked back before going to his office.

“Okay.” Abby said before taking another bite of her oatmeal.

After putting the butter and strawberry jam on her toast, Annie took her plate and bowl of oatmeal and sat down next to Abby at the table. “First we’re going to go shopping, then we’re going meet Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Eric, cousins Lucy and Simon for lunch at McDonalds and then I’ll take you to see a movie.”

Abby smiled. “We get to have fun all day!”

“Well, most of the day, Sweetie.” Annie said. “I still have to make dinner for all of us tonight.”

“Okay.” Abby replied. “I’ll watch Sesame Street, while you make dinner.”

Annie put her arm around Abby and hugged her while kissing her on the head. “Okay, Sweetheart.”

After Annie and Abby finished eating their breakfast, they went upstairs to get ready to leave for the store.

Abby smiled as she walked back in the room. “I’m ready to go, Auntie Annie.”

“Here, Sweetie, it might be cold in some of the stores, so we’ll bring this with us.” Annie said as she took a sweatshirt from Abby’s bag.

“Can I please, take my blanket, too?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “Yes, you can, Honey. But we can’t take it in the store, okay?”

“Okay. I hope no one steals it, while we’re at the store.” Abby said as she wrapped her blanket around her.

“Oh, I don’t think anyone will steal it, Sweetheart, but we can put it in one of the bags in the back seat, okay?” Annie replied as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

“Okay.” Abby smiled.

Annie smiled back as she took Abby’s hand. “Okay, let’s go tell Grandpa, Grandma, Cousin Simon and Uncle Eric we’re leaving, now.”

“Okay.” Abby replied as they left the room and walked downstairs to Eric’s office.

“We’re leaving, now.” Annie told Eric as they walked in and saw him sitting at his desk. “We’ll meet you at McDonalds later.”

“Oh, Annie – I called everyone and set up a meeting for tomorrow.” Eric said.

“Okay, thanks, Honey. See you later.” Annie said as they left Eric’s office.

“See you at McDonalds!” Abby yelled.

“Not if I see you, first.” Eric said as he smiled and waved.

“He means that he might get to McDonalds before us.” Annie explained after seeing the confused expression on Abby’s face.

“We better hurry, so we can beat him.” Abby said, starting to walk a little faster, causing Annie to walk faster, too.

“Okay.” Annie smiled as they walked through the living room, where Charles, Jenny and Simon were sitting on the couch. “We’re leaving.”

“Okay” Charles and Jenny both replied.

Simon was too busy playing, so he didn’t notice Annie and Abby pass through the living room, or hear them walk out the door.

Abby smiled as she looked out her side of the window and saw the town carnival being set up. “Auntie Annie, they’re building rides!”

“Oh that’s our town carnival, Sweetie.” Annie replied as she continued driving. “They set it up every year for Memorial Day weekend.”

“Can we please, go?” Abby asked, still smiling.

“Not today, Honey, but I might be able to take you tomorrow.” Annie replied. “We’ll see, okay?”

Abby smiled. “Okay! If we go to Michigan, what are we going to do?”

“It will be a lot like camping.” Annie answered.

Abby smiled again. “I LOVE camping! This will be my favorite summer!”

“We’re almost there.” Annie said as she smiled back.

“Okay.” Abby said as she looked out the window.

A few minutes later, Annie pulled into a parking space at the store. She stepped out of the car and went around to the other side, and opened the door for Abby.

“Do I need my sweatshirt in this store?” Abby asked as she took Annie’s hand, helping her out of the car.

“I don’t know, Honey.” Annie replied. “We better take it, just in case they have the air conditioner turned on.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she took her sweatshirt from the car.

Annie took Abby’s hand, as they walked in the store. They looked around for a few minutes, but couldn’t seem to find any sundresses.

“Let’s ask someone if they have sun dresses.” Abby suggested.

“I don’t see anyone who works here, Sweetie.” Annie said as she looked all around her.

They were about to start looking in another part of the store, when they heard a voice behind them. “Are you looking for something?”

“We can’t find any sun dresses.” Abby replied in a shy and quiet voice while looking down at the floor.

“I think we have some over there – we also have some dressing rooms back there, if you and your mom want to go in so you can try them on.” The Sales Clerk said as she pointed to the back of the store.

Annie smiled. “Okay, thanks.”

Abby was surprised that Annie didn’t tell her she was her niece, not her daughter. “She thinks you’re my Mommy. We should tell her you’re my Auntie, so we’re not telling a lie.”

“Oh, it’s okay, Honey. She doesn’t know us, so she was just guessing.” Annie smiled. “Let’s go find you some sun dresses.”

“Okay.” Abby replied as they started walking to the back of the store.

Annie and Abby shopped for a little more than an hour, when Annie looked at her watch and saw that it was almost time for Eric to pick Lucy up from kindergarten. “Sweetie, it’s almost time to meet everyone for lunch. We should pay for everything, soon.”

“Okay.” Abby replied. “I think my feet are starting to hurt.”

“Okay, Sweetheart. Let’s go.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head. After she paid for everything, they left the store and walked back out to the car.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 5 Continued.

Abby smiled as they walked over to the car. “It’s really warm, out here.”

“Do you want me to help you take off your sweatshirt, Sweetie?” Annie asked.

“Yeah.” Abby replied.

Annie helped Abby take her shirt off and then unlocked the car.

“Ouch!” Abby said as she started to trip while getting in the car.

Annie gasped a little as she helped Abby stand up. “Are you okay, Honey?”

Abby looked like she was about to cry. “I don’t walk good.”

Annie gave Abby another hug and then kissed her on the head, before helping her into the car. After they left the store, they drove for about fifteen minutes when they pulled into the McDonalds parking lot. “I don’t see your Uncle Eric or Grandpa and Grandma anywhere.”

Abby smiled as she started clapping her hands. “We won, we won!”

“Does your leg still hurt, Sweetie?” Annie asked as she pulled into a parking space and turned off the car.

“Just a little.” Abby replied as she put her hand on her leg. “I think my feet hurt, more.”

Annie unhooked her seat belt, and slid over to Abby and helped her onto her lap.

“Can we please eat outside, so we will be warm?” Abby asked as she looked out the car window and saw the picnic tables.

“I’ll ask Uncle Eric, and Grandpa and Grandma, okay, Honey?” Annie replied.

“Okay.” Abby smiled. “Maybe we could eat our food in the park!”

Annie smiled back. “We’ll see, Sweetie.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she rested her head on Annie and closed her eyes.

Annie continued to hold Abby, until they heard a knock on the window.

“I saw you, first, Uncle Eric!” Abby giggled.

“Abby wants to eat her food at the park.” Annie said after Eric opened her car door.

“It’s okay with me, if it’s okay with your Mom and Dad.” Eric replied.

“I want to go to the park!” Lucy said as she appeared from behind Eric.

“Okay, Sweetie.” Annie answered. “We’ll check with Grandpa and Grandma, first, okay?”

“Okay.” Lucy said as Charles and Jenny pulled into the parking lot. “There’s Grandpa and Grandma!”

“Okay, let’s go and get some lunch, Sweetie.” Annie said as she helped Abby off her lap and then out of the car.

Abby smiled. “Okay.”

“Abby wants to eat her food in the park, and so does Lucy.” Annie told Charles and Jenny as they walked over to her car.

“It’s okay with me.” Charles replied.

“Yeah, we’ll just order our food, and get it to go.” Jenny added.

“Okay.” Annie said as they all walked into McDonalds together. After everyone ordered their food and everything, they left McDonalds and met at the park.

“Abby wants me to take her to our town carnival – I told her I might be able to take her tomorrow.” Annie told Eric as she picked up a big blanket out of the back of her car.

“You can take her tomorrow, and then we’ll all go, on Monday after the morning parade.” Eric suggested.

“Okay – But one of us has to pick Matt, Mary and Lucy up from school.” Annie said.

“My meeting isn’t scheduled until later in the afternoon, so I’ll pick them up – and I’ll carry that blanket for you, too.” Eric offered.

Annie smiled as she handed the blanket to Eric. “Okay, thanks, Honey.”

“So, can we please go, Auntie Annie?” Abby asked as she ate her chicken nuggets while sitting in the front seat of Annie’s car.

“Yes, we can, Sweetheart.” Annie smiled as she opened the car door for Abby.

Abby put her container of chicken nuggets down on the seat, and then started clapping her hands.

“Come on, Sweetie, I have the blanket so we can all sit on it.” Annie said as she took Abby’s hand and helped her out of the car.

“Okay.” Abby said as she picked up her container of chicken nuggets off the seat of the car.

“Where are Mom and Dad?” Annie asked as Eric walked back over to the car.

“I think our children dragged them to the playground.” Eric replied. “Do you want me to go and get them?”

“Yes, please tell them it’s time to eat. Thanks, Honey.” Annie said as she and Abby walked over to the blanket.

“Okay.” Eric said as he turned to walk over to the playground.

Abby was dancing around in circles as they walked over to the blanket until she heard a buzzing noise. “Auntie Annie, I think there’s a bee over here.”

“Let’s run fast over to the blanket, where it’s not as sunny or bright.” Annie said as she took Abby’s hand and then stopped and looked the other way for a few seconds. “He just flew that way, Honey, so he won’t bother us.”

“Okay.” Abby said as they ran over to the blanket and sat down. “I hope he doesn’t try to eat our food.” Abby covered her chicken nuggets with her hands as Lucy and Simon came running over to the blanket ahead of Eric, Charles and Jenny.

“Here’s your food.” Annie said as she took some fries and more chicken nuggets out of the bag.

“Where are my fries?” Lucy asked.

“You’re going to split them with your brother.” Annie replied as she split the fries.

“Oh.” Lucy said.

“Don’t let the bees eat your food.” Abby warned everyone as Eric, Charles and Jenny sat down. “Can I please, have some fries?”

Annie dumped some of her fries on a napkin, for Abby.

“Thank you, Auntie Annie.” Abby said as she picked up her last chicken nugget.

Annie smiled as she put her hand on Abby’s back and kissed her on the head. “Your welcome, Sweetheart.”

After everyone finished their food, they started to clean up so they could leave.

“I should get going, I have a few things I need to do before picking Matt and Mary up from school.” Eric said as he looked at his watch.

“Can I please, go with Grandpa, Grandma and Simon?” Lucy asked.

“Yeah, you can come with us.” Jenny answered.

“Okay.” Eric agreed.

Charles, Jenny, Lucy and Simon walked ahead, to the parking lot.

“We should be home in a couple hours.” Annie told Eric as she looked at her watch opening the car door for Abby. “The movie starts in fifteen minutes.”

“Okay.” Eric replied as he walked away to his car. “I’ll meet you at home.”

“Okay.” Annie said as she opened the door on her side of the car. “See you later, Honey!”

“See you at your house, Uncle Eric!” Abby yelled after she opened the window on her side.

“Okay, Abby, see you later!” Eric yelled back as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Annie pulled out of the parking lot, behind Eric, and then left to take Abby to see a movie.

“Do you want to share some popcorn, Sweetie?” Annie asked as they stood in line.

Abby smiled. “Yeah. Can I please, have some soda, too?”

“Yes, you can, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she picked Abby up and gave her a hug. “Do your feet still hurt?”

“Yeah” Abby said as she hugged Annie. “I hope they stop hurting when the movie is over.”

After everything is paid for, they leave to find a seat while they wait for the movie to start.

“It’s cold in here, can I please have my blanket and sweatshirt?” Abby asked as she sat down.

Annie took Abby’s blanket and sweatshirt out of her bag. “Here, Sweetie.” She said as she handed them to her.

A few minutes later, the movie started.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 5 Continued

One hour and 45 minutes later, Annie and Abby walked back out to the parking lot.

“What time is it?” Abby asked.

“It’s almost three-o-clock, Sweetie.” Annie replied as she started the car.

“Did I miss, Sesame Street?” Abby asked.

“No, Honey, that comes on at four – you have a little more than one hour.” Annie said as she pulled out of the parking lot.

Abby smiled. “Can I please, listen to some country music?”

Annie turned on the radio and let Abby go through the stations until she found one that played country music. As soon as she found one, she started dancing and giggling. “Look, Auntie Annie, I’m dancing while sitting down!”

Annie smiled at her as she turned onto another road. Abby continued to dance and giggle for the rest of the ride home. “I’m going to show everyone, my new sun dresses!” She said as they pulled into the driveway.

“Okay, Honey.” Annie smiled as she took off her seat belt.

“Look, what Auntie Annie bought for me!” Abby said as soon as she walked through the door, holding up one of her dresses when she saw Jenny.

Jenny smiled. “Abby, that’s beautiful!”

“The girl who works at the store, thinks Auntie Annie is my Mommy!” Abby giggled as she showed Jenny the rest of her dresses. After Jenny had seen all of her new sundresses, Abby went skipping through the house to show everyone else, while Annie talked with her Mom for a few minutes.

A few minutes later, Annie went upstairs and joined Abby, who was showing off her new sundresses.

“Where, do you want me to put these?” Abby asked holding up the sundresses as soon as she saw Annie.

“Let’s put them in our room for now, Sweetie, and tomorrow I’ll wash them so you can wear one of them to church on Sunday.” Annie replied as they walked back to the room they were sharing.

“Okay.” Abby said as she handed the dresses to Annie. “Will you, please play Nintendo with me, until it’s time for Sesame Street?”

Annie looked at her watch. “I can for a little while, and then Grandma is going to help me get dinner started, okay, Honey?”

“Okay!” Abby smiled as she hugged Annie. “What are we having?”

“Green bean casserole, chicken and some left over mashed potatoes.” Annie replied as she picked Abby up and hugged her.

Abby smiled. “You always make my favorite foods! I can’t wait until it’s time to eat.”

“Thank you, Sweetheart!” Annie smiled back as she left the room, still holding Abby. “Let’s go play Nintendo, now, and then Grandma and I will start dinner, while you’re watching Sesame Street.”

“Okay.” Abby smiled.

Annie and Abby played Nintendo, until Simon walked in the room a few minutes before it was time for Sesame Street to come on and tried to change the channel.

Abby looked at Annie, hoping she wouldn’t let Simon mess up their game.

“Hold on, Honey, we’re almost done.” Annie told Simon. “Abby is going to watch Sesame Street with you when it comes on.”

Abby finished the level she was on, and then decided she didn’t want to miss the beginning of her favorite show. “I want to stop for now, Auntie Annie.”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie replied. “I need to get dinner started, anyway. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me, okay?”

“Okay.” Abby said as she turned off the game.

Annie hugged Abby and Simon and gave them each a kiss on the head, before leaving the room. A few minutes later, while making dinner, Matt walked in. “Mom, why is Abby watching Sesame Street? Isn’t she the same age as me?” He asked.

“Yes, Honey, she will be ten in August, but it’s okay to like it at any age.” Annie replied as she opened the package of chicken.

“Oh.” Matt said.

“You can go watch it with them, if you want.” Annie suggested.

“No, way! Can I call Jeff?” Matt asked. “You told me he could come over tomorrow.”

“I know, I did, Honey, but I’ll talk with your Dad a little later and see what he says.” Annie replied as she continued to get dinner ready.

Matt sighed. “Okay. I hope he says yes. I’ll just go up to my room and read.”

“Hey, wait – do you have any homework?” Annie asked.

“The reading, is part of my homework.” Matt said as he started to go upstairs.

“What are your sisters doing?” Annie asked.

“I think they’re playing in their room.” Matt replied as he stopped and turned around.

“Okay.” Annie said as Matt started to walk upstairs again. She turned to Jenny. “I think Abby finds it more entertaining, than educational.”

“Yeah, I think it’s good that she watches it, instead of some of the other stuff they show on TV.” Jenny said as she opened a can of green beans.

“Yeah...” Annie said as she thought for a minute. “I just hope none of the other children make fun of her for watching that. I wish there was something I could do to stop them from hurting her.”

“Yeah, me, too.” Jenny replied. “I’m glad that she gets to stay with you for the summer, so she can get away from them for awhile.”

“Yeah...” Annie was still thinking of how she could help, so the other children wouldn’t be able to hurt Abby anymore.

Annie and Jenny continued to have conversations about different topics, as they finished making dinner.

About one hour later, Abby walked in the kitchen with Simon following behind her. “Where is Grandpa?” She asked.

“He went somewhere with Uncle Eric, Sweetie.” Annie replied.

Abby was confused. “Are they going to miss dinner?”

“No, Honey, they should be back by the time Grandma and I have it ready.” Annie said.

“I’m getting hungry, again. I hope we can eat soon.” Abby said as she climbed up on the stool by the Island.

“I want, some crackers.” Simon added.

Annie took two packets of cheese and crackers out of the cupboard and handed one to Abby and the other one to Simon. “Here, you can eat these until its time for dinner.”

Abby smiled as she opened the cheese and crackers. “Thank you, Auntie Annie.”

Annie smiled as she hugged Abby. “You’re welcome, Sweetheart.”

Abby and Simon ate their cheese and crackers, while Annie and Jenny continued getting dinner ready.

Later that night after everyone had dinner and the kitchen was cleaned up, Annie went upstairs and found Abby almost asleep on her air mattress bed. “Sweetie, are you feeling okay?”

Abby opened her eyes and looked up. “Yeah, I’m really tired, Auntie Annie.”

“Here, let’s get ready for bed, in case you fall asleep.” Annie suggested as she handed Abby her pajamas.

“Okay.” Abby replied as she sat up and started rubbing her eyes.

“Would you like to lay in bed and listen to some Children’s Bible Stories on a tape, after I finish getting my pajamas on?” Annie asked as she shut the bedroom door so Abby could get her pajamas on. “I’ll lay down and listen, too.”

Abby smiled. “Okay. I love you, Auntie Annie.”

“I love you, too, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

After Abby was finished getting ready for bed, Annie left the room, to get her pajamas on. When she came back, she found Abby in her bed, in a deep sleep. She pulled the covers over her, gave her a kiss on the head, and then left to check on Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon.

Notes:

The town where I live has a carnival every year on Memorial Day weekend, and that’s where I got the idea to add it in this story.

I couldn’t think of what movies were showing, in May 1989, so I just didn’t mention a title for the movie they saw.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 6 – The Decision

It was Friday morning, the day after Annie received the call from her cousin, and she woke up to the feeling of someone tickling her and the sound of giggling. She looked over and saw Abby and then sat up, “Good Morning, Sweetheart.”

“I’m ready for my morning bath and then can I please have some fried eggs on toast?” Abby asked as she crawled into Annie’s lap and hugged her.

“Yes, you can, Baby. Let’s go pick out your clothes and get your bath water started.” Annie replied as she smiled and hugged Abby.

Abby smiled as she stood up. “Okay!”

“After your bath, I’ll take your new sun dresses downstairs, so they can be washed.” Annie told Abby as she helped her pick out some clean clothes.

“So, they’ll be in the washer getting clean, while we eat breakfast?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled as she closed Abby’s bag. “Yes, they will, Honey.” Before, taking Abby’s clean clothes to the bathroom, she checked the other rooms to make sure Matt, Mary and Lucy were all awake. When she saw the rooms were all empty, she caught up with Abby, who was skipping through the hall on her way to take her bath.

“Does Uncle Eric know if we can go to Michigan, yet?” Abby asked as she started to unzip her pajamas.

“Not, yet, Sweetie. Later this afternoon, he’ll meet with a few people who might be able to fill in for him at the church while we’re gone. If he can get someone to fill in for him, we can go, but if he can’t, then we won’t be able to go.” Annie replied as she turned on the water for Abby’s bath.

Abby smiled as Annie helped her out of her pajamas. “Oh. I hope we can go. That will make it my favorite summer! What are we going to do there?”

“Uncle Eric is going to help teach Vacation Bible School some of the time and there will be a family reunion in July. You’ll get to meet a lot of your cousins at the family reunion.” Annie replied as she continued to help Abby.

“How old are they?” Abby asked.

“You have a lot of cousins on that side of our family, Sweetie, so I’m not sure how old everyone is. I think there might be at least one or two that are your age, though.” Annie explained.

“Are they going to stay in the cottage with us, too?” Abby asked as she stepped into the bathtub.

“No, Honey.” Annie replied. “We’ll only see them at the family reunion in July. Cousin Alice’s cottage isn’t big enough for all the people who will be at the reunion, but it has five bedrooms, so it will be big enough for all of us.”

“Is Alice my cousin, too?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled as she folded Abby’s pajamas. “Yes, she is Sweetie. She’s also my cousin and your Daddy’s cousin.”

After Abby finished her bath, Annie picked up around their room and then took the sundresses downstairs to be washed.

“Hey, mom, did you ask Dad if Jeff can come over today?” Matt asked when he saw his Mom and Cousin coming down the stairs.

“Yes, I did, Honey. We talked about it last night. After school, we’ll let you call Jeff and we can work something out.” Annie replied as she carried Abby’s sundresses to the laundry room.

Matt was confused. “Why does something have to be worked out?”

“If he stays here we would have to work out a place for him to sleep, since all the rooms are taken.” Annie explained as she put soap in the washing machine.

“We can sleep on the living room floor in sleeping bags.” Matt offered as he followed Annie back into the kitchen.

“You really want to sleep in the living room?” Annie asked.

“Yeah, I don’t mind and I don’t think Jeff will either.” Matt replied.

“Okay. You can use the air mattress in the closet so you won’t have to sleep on the floor.” Annie said as she set the frying pan on the stove.

“You have a air mattress, too?” Abby asked.

“Yes, we do, Sweetheart.” Annie replied.

Abby smiled. “Now we both have one!”

Annie looked back at Abby and smiled as she grabbed a stick of butter from the refrigerator.

“So, it’s okay if he comes over and spends the night?” Matt asked.

“It’s okay with me.” Eric answered.

“Yes, he can come over, if you don’t mind sleeping in the living room.” Annie said.

Matt started to rinse his dirty dishes. “Okay.”

“You can go ahead and get ready for school, Honey. I’ll take care of the dishes later.” Annie offered.

“Okay.” Matt said as he turned off the water and left the room.

Abby smiled as she watched Annie set two eggs on the counter. “I want runny yoke.”

“I know, Sweetheart.” Annie smiled back.

“I’m done.” Mary said as she picked up her cereal bowl.

“Me too.” Lucy added.

“Mary, Lucy – as soon as Matt is done, I want you to go upstairs and brush your hair and comb your teeth –“ Eric started to laugh, “I mean comb your hair and brush your teeth.”

Abby started to giggle until she was laughing so hard she couldn’t stop. “Uncle Eric, you’re funny!”

Lucy laughed. “Okay.”

“Okay.” Mary replied as she took her empty bowl over to the sink.

Annie smiled as she walked over to Abby and hugged her. “Are you okay, Sweetie?”

“I can’t stop laughing!” Abby replied as she tried to catch her breath.

Annie smiled and laughed a little as she continued to hug Abby. “Okay, I just don’t want you to fall off the stool and hurt yourself.”

Abby was still laughing. “Okay.”

Annie kissed Abby on the head and then walked back over to the counter and continued making their breakfast.

A few minutes later Matt came down the stairs. “I’m ready.”

“Mary and Lucy, you need to go upstairs, now, so you can finish getting ready. It’s almost time to leave.” Eric reminded his daughters.

“Okay, Daddy.” Lucy said as she left to go upstairs.

“Do we get out early today?” Mary asked.

“Yes, you do, Sweetie. You get out at one-fifteen.” Annie replied as she took the first egg out of the frying pan and put it on a slice of toast for Abby.

“Good, I’m getting tired of school.” Mary said as she followed Lucy up the stairs.

Abby smiled as Annie put the plate down in front of her.

“Do you want some sausage?” Annie asked.

Abby smiled. “YEAH!”

Annie held out the frying pan with the sausage. “How many do you want?”

Abby was still smiling. “Three.”

Annie smiled back, as she put three sausage links on Abby’s plate and the rest of them on hers.

“Does Lucy still get out at her usual time?” Eric asked.

“Yeah, she does, Honey.” Annie replied as she sat down next to Abby, and started eating.

“Okay.” Eric said. “I’m not sure what I’ll do in that hour and a half, while I wait for Matt and Mary. I guess I’ll just make two trips to the school.”

“We can take Lucy and Simon, and pick up Matt and Mary, if you want. That way you won’t have to go to the school, twice.” Jenny offered. “Then we could take them all out to lunch – or do they have lunch at school on days when they get out early?”

“I don’t think they’re having lunch today.” Matt replied. “Now, we have to wait longer before we can eat.”

Eric liked Jenny’s idea. “Yeah, actually that will help, since the meeting is scheduled for one-thirty.”

“Okay. Your Grandpa and I will take you, Mary, Lucy and Simon out to lunch after school.” Jenny told Matt.

“Okay.” Matt looked at Eric. “What meeting?”

“He’s going to meet with a few people from church, Honey.” Annie said before taking another bite of her toast.

“Oh.” Matt said as he sat down at the table to wait for his Dad and Sisters to be ready to go.

Eric looked at his watch and then started to go upstairs, with Matt following him. “I’ll go check on Mary and Lucy to make sure they brush their teeth and everything.”

“Is that the meeting where he finds out if we can go to Michigan?” Abby asked.

“Yes, it is, Honey, but don’t say anything to your cousins yet. Uncle Eric and I decided not to say anything to them until we know for sure if we’ll be able to go.” Annie replied.

“Okay.” Abby said as she took another bit of her egg and toast. “I hope we can go.”

Annie hugged Abby and then kissed her on the head. “I know you do, Sweetheart.”

Abby picked up another sausage link off her plate, when she bumped her cup of orange juice with her elbow, accidentally knocking it over and spilling it. “OOPS! I’m really sorry, Auntie Annie, I didn’t mean to do that.”

“Oh, it’s okay, Honey.” Annie said as she stood up to get some paper towels.

“Can I please have some more orange juice?” Abby asked.

“Yes you can, Sweetie.” Annie replied as cleaned up the spilled orange juice off the floor. “As soon as I finish cleaning up the orange juice, I’ll get you some more, okay?”

“Okay. I’ll try not to spill it this time.” Abby said as she watched Annie clean up the mess.

After Annie finished cleaning up the orange juice, she rinsed her hands in the kitchen sink and then poured some more orange juice for Abby.

Abby looked like she was about to cry. “I wish I didn’t knock stuff over and make messes all the time.”

“It’s okay, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and then kissed her on the head. “I know you don’t mean to do any of those things.”

“Oh.” Abby said. “My Mommy doesn’t like it when I make messes and spill stuff. Thank you, Auntie Annie.”

“Your welcome, Honey.” Annie said as she put the cover back on the orange juice. She started to put the orange juice back in the refrigerator as Eric came downstairs with Matt, Mary and Lucy following behind him.

“We’re leaving, now.” Eric said as he grabbed his car keys. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay.” Annie replied as she hugged Eric, then Matt, Mary and Lucy.

Abby started waving her hand. “See you later, Uncle Eric!”

“See you later, Abby!” Eric replied as he closed the door behind him.

Abby continued to eat her breakfast, while Annie and Jenny cleaned up the kitchen.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 6 ~ Continued

“Here, Sweetie, I’ll put that in the dishwasher for you.” Annie said a few minutes later.

“Thank you, Auntie Annie.” Abby said before taking the last drink of her orange juice.

“You’re welcome, Honey.” Annie said as she rinsed Abby’s plate, before putting it in the dishwasher. “I just have to put the clothes in the dryer and then we’ll get ready to go to the carnival, Okay?”

“My sundresses?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “Yes, Honey.”

“What will happen if they get done drying before we get back?” Abby asked as she followed Annie into the laundry room.

“I guess we could hang them outside, but that might not be a good idea since you have allergies. I’ll just put them in the dryer and we can always turn it back on for about ten or twenty minutes when we get home.” Annie said as she took the dresses out of the washing machine.

Abby smiled. “Yeah, then my dresses will be really soft, really warm and they will smell good, too.”

Annie smiled back. “Yes they will, Sweetheart. There are two reasons why we turn them on for an extra ten or twenty minutes. We do that if they’re still a little damp or if they have been in the dryer a long time after it shuts off so we can get the wrinkles out.”

“Oh.” Abby said.

“Come on, Sweetie, let’s go get ready for the carnival.” Annie said as she closed the dryer and turned it on.

Abby smiled as she started skipping through the kitchen. “Okay. Where did Grandpa and Grandma go?”

“I think they’re in the living room with Simon.” Annie replied as they started to go upstairs.

“Oh. What are they doing?” Abby asked.

“I don’t know, Honey. They’re probably playing, or watching TV.” Annie said as they continued up the stairs.

“Oh.” Abby said.

“All we have to do now, is brush our teeth and then I think we’ll be ready to go.” Annie told Abby.

“Okay. Can I please, have my hair put up, so it won’t go in my face when I’m on the rides?” Abby asked when they entered the bathroom.

Annie picked out a hot pink hair tie from a small bag that Abby brought from home. “Do you want me to put your hair in a pony tail, Sweetie?”

Abby smiled. “Can I please, have pig tails?”

“I can put your hair in pig tails, but it will probably still go in your face.” Annie explained. “Are you sure you don’t want a pony tail – just for today?”

“Okay.” Abby said. “Can I please, have it braided, too?”

“I can try, Honey, but your hair isn’t very long.” Annie replied.

“Okay.” Abby smiled. “I hope it works.”

After Annie was finished putting Abby’s hair up for her, they brushed their teeth. “You’re so beautiful, my Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she picked Abby up and hugged her.

“So are you, my pretty Angel.” Abby said as she hugged Annie.

Annie smiled. “Thank you, Sweetheart – but not as beautiful as you.”

Abby giggled. “No, you’re prettier.”

Annie was still smiling. “No, you are.”

Abby was giggling so much that she could hardly get her words out. “No, you are!”

Annie laughed. “Okay, let’s go to the carnival.”

“Okay.” Abby replied as she continued to giggle.

Annie hugged Abby one more time before putting her back down and then they left for the carnival.

Abby smiled as they pulled into the parking lot. “I want to ride the tilt-a-whirl one hundred times!”

“I’m not sure if that would be a good idea, Sweetie. Don’t you want to ride on some of the other rides?” Annie said as she pulled into a parking space and turned off the car.

Abby started giggling and laughing as she unhooked her seat belt, “I really like that ride.”

Annie stepped out of the car and went around to the other side to open the door for Abby. “Let’s go get some tickets.”

Abby smiled. “Okay! I want to ride the tilt-a-whirl first.”

“Okay, Honey, but not one-hundred times.” Annie replied as she helped Abby out of the car.

Abby started giggling again as they walked over to stand in line for the tickets. “Can I please ride it ten times, since that’s how old I’ll be on my next birthday?”

"You can ride it ten times total, but you will probably want to ride some of the other rides, too." Annie suggested as they stepped in the ticket line.

Abby smiled. “What are you going to ride on, Auntie Annie?”

“I will probably ride the tilt-a-whirl with you one time and then the faris wheel and carousel.” Annie replied as the line moved and they stepped closer to the ticket booth.

Abby was still smiling. “It’s almost time to buy our tickets.”

Annie smiled back. “Yes, it is, Sweetheart. We’re going to have a lot of fun today.” As soon as they were at the front of the line, Annie bought the tickets and they rode the tilt-a-whirl together with Abby laughing and giggling the whole time. After Abby rode the tilt-a-whirl for the fifth time, she decided to save the other five times for last. “Let’s go in that big tent and jump around!”

"No, that's okay, you go ahead and get in line Sweetie.” Annie replied. “When it's your turn, I'll hold your shoes for you so they don't get mixed up with all of the other shoes."

Abby smiled as she started to unhook her Velcro shoes. “Okay.”

“Honey, let’s wait until it’s your turn before you take your shoes off, okay?” Annie said.

Abby stood in line and then took her shoes off when it was her turn to go in. She jumped around for a few minutes and then tried to walk over to the side, where she saw Annie standing on the outside, watching her. She kept falling down on her way over there, but finally made it when she decided to roll instead of trying to walk, “I wish you had one of these at your house!”

Annie smiled. “I think it would be fun to have one, too.”

After Abby finished jumping around, she put her Velcro shoes back on and then they walked around to find the next ride. “Will you please, go on that big slide with me?”

Annie smiled. “Sure, I will, Sweetheart. Let’s go take a rug and get in line.”

“Okay.” Abby said as she skipped over to where the rugs were. “I hope I don’t get a shock off that silver part on the slide.”

Annie and Abby each took a rug on their way to the top of the slide. “We only need one rug, Honey. Let’s put that one back, okay?”

Abby put the rug back and they walked up the stairs to get in line. After going down the Super Slide a few times, they rode the faris wheel, then the carousel and then Abby took her last five turns on the tilt-a-whirl before they left to go back home.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 6 ~ Continued

Abby smiled as she stepped into the car. “Riding all those rides made me hungry!”

“Yeah, me too. Do you want some Macaroni and cheese and hot dogs?” Annie asked.

Abby smiled. “YEAH!”

Annie smiled back as she hugged Abby and then kissed her on the head. “Okay, Sweetheart.”

“I wonder if Uncle Eric knows if we can go to Michigan, yet.” Abby said.

“Not yet, Honey.” Annie said as she pulled out of the parking lot. “Uncle Eric won’t have his meeting until another hour and a half. We will know after his meeting is over.”

“Okay.” Abby said. “I hope the time goes by fast.”

“When we get home, I’ll start making our lunch and that will make the time go by fast.” Annie said as she turned onto another road.

Abby smiled. “Okay. I can’t wait until we can eat.”

“I know, Sweetheart.” Annie continued to drive for five more minutes, when she pulled into the driveway. They walked in through the kitchen and Annie started the water for the macaroni and cheese.

“Can I please, have something to drink? All that riding made me thirsty.” Abby asked as she stepped up to sit on the stool by the Island.

“Yes you can, Baby Girl. Do you want Root Beer or Seven Up?” Annie asked as she opened the package of hot dogs.

Abby smiled. “I want Seven-Up, this time.”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she took two cans of Seven-Up from the refrigerator. “I’ll have some too.”

“Can I please drink mine out of the can?” Abby asked.

“Yes you can, Honey.” Annie replied as she opened a can for Abby and then handed it to her. “Do you still want me cut your hot dog for you?”

Abby smiled. “Yeah – no bun, please.”

“Okay, Sweetie. How many do you want?” Annie asked as she filled another pan with water to boil the hot dogs.

“I want two.” Abby said as she watched Annie put the pan of water on the stove.

“Okay.” Annie said as she took the first hot dog out of the package. I’ll make four – two for you and two for me.”

Abby smiled. “Okay. I love you, Auntie Annie.”

Annie walked over to Abby and gave her a hug and then kissed her on the head. “I love you, too, Baby Girl.” When the water started to boil, Annie went back over to the stove and continued to prepare her and Abby’s lunch until it was ready. She took two plastic teal bowls out of the cupboard for the macaroni and cheese and a couple of paper plates for the hot dogs.

Abby smiled as she watched Annie cut the hot dogs for her. “This is going to be an awesome lunch.”

“I hope so, Sweetie.” Annie said as she handed Abby her plate.

Abby was still smiling. “It will – you always make the best foods!”

“Thank you, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she started scooping macaroni and cheese in one of the bowls. “How much do you want?”

Abby smiled as Annie continued scooping macaroni and cheese into Abby’s bowl. “A little more, please.”

Annie scooped some more into Abby’s bowl, “Is that enough?”

“Yeah. I might want some more later.” Abby said, before taking her first bite.

“Okay, Honey. Don’t forget there is still some peanut butter pie left if you want some after you finish your lunch.” Annie told Abby as she scooped some macaroni and cheese in her bowl.

Abby smiled as she put ketchup on her plate for her hot dogs. “Okay! I’ll have that instead of more macaroni and cheese.”

After Annie had everything, she sat down next to Abby. “About the time we finish eating, Uncle Eric should start to have his meeting.”

“Okay! Let’s eat fast!” Abby said before taking another bite of her macaroni and cheese.

“Sweetie, don’t eat too fast because you’ll get a tummy ache.” Annie put her arm around Abby and kissed her on the head. “I don’t want you to be sick and eating faster won’t make the meeting happen faster.”

After Annie and Abby finished eating their lunch, Abby went into the living room to play Nintendo, while Annie cleaned up the kitchen. While she was playing, she noticed three men, who she didn’t know, follow Eric to his office. “Who is that little girl with the blonde curly hair?” One of them asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Tom.” Eric said as he closed the door to his office. “She was just having lunch in the kitchen with Annie and I didn’t see her walk into the living room. She’s my niece – her name is Abby. Do you remember Annie’s brother John?”

“I think so.” Tom said as he sat down.

“Abby is John’s daughter. She’s staying with us for the summer.” Eric explained.

“How old is she?” Tom asked.

“She will be ten in August – she has the same birthday as Annie and they are very close. Annie is like a second Mom to her – she’s very protective of her.” Eric replied as he sat down.

Tom was surprised. “She’s almost ten? She looks like she’s only about four or five.”

“Yeah, she’s not very tall for her age.” Eric agreed.

“So, is she going to Michigan with you?” Tom asked.

“If we go. That’s what I needed to talk with you about.” Eric said as he continued his meeting. After they worked out the summer schedule and everything, Tom and the other two men left while Eric went into the kitchen to tell Annie the good news.

“Are we going to Michigan?” Abby asked as she followed Eric into the kitchen.

Eric smiled. “Yes, we are.”

Abby smiled. “YES!”

Annie smiled as she ran over to Eric and hugged him. “I’m so glad that you were able to get everything worked out. We’re going to have so much fun and I can’t wait to see all of my cousins again.”

Abby smiled. “I want a hug, too, Auntie Annie.”

Annie picked Abby up and gave her a hug and then kissed her on the head.

“Is it time for Sesame Street?” Abby asked as she hugged Annie.

“It will be on in two more hours, Sweetheart.” Annie replied. “I just remembered something – I think we should go and check on your sundresses.” Annie walked over to the dryer, still carrying Abby and let her sit on the washing machine, while she checked the dresses.

“Auntie Annie, I’m getting tired.” Abby said. “If I went to sleep, would you wake me up when Sesame Street comes on?”

“Yes, I would, Honey.” Annie said as she kissed Abby on the head. “You aren’t feeling sick, are you?”

“No, I’m just tired.” Abby replied.

“As soon as the dryer is done, why don’t we go upstairs and lay on the air mattress and listen to children’s Bible stories on one of my tapes.” Annie suggested.

Abby smiled. “Okay!”

After the dryer stopped for the second time, Annie took Abby’s sundresses out and put them each on hangers and then joined Abby on the air mattress to listen to children’s Bible stories.

Later that afternoon, Annie was getting dinner ready when Matt walked in. “Mom, when are we going to pick up Jeff?”

“After dinner, Honey.” Annie replied. “It’s almost time to eat, now.”

“What are we having to eat?” Abby asked as she walked into the kitchen from the living room. “It smells good.”

“Tuna Casserole and cheesy potatoes.” Annie continued to make dinner until everything was ready. Eric set the table, while Charles, Matt, Mary Lucy and Simon sat down, waiting to eat. Annie and Jenny walked in carrying the casserole and potatoes, with Abby following behind them. After everyone was seated and the prayer has been said, Annie told everyone the good news.

“How are we going to get there?” Mary asked.

“We’re going to take a road trip.” Annie said before taking another bite of her potatoes.

“When are we leaving?” Matt asked. “Is Abby coming, too?”

“Yes, Honey, Abby is coming, too. On your last day of school, when you get home, we’ll drive to Phoenix and stay the night with Grandpa and Grandma and then we’ll get up really early in the morning and leave.” Annie explained.

Lucy smiled. “Are Grandpa and Grandma coming with us?”

“No, but we’ll be flying to Michigan for the family reunion and then stay a few days.” Jenny replied.

“That sounds like fun.” Mary said.

After everyone finished their dinner, Eric took Matt to pick up Jeff, while Annie called her cousin and then cleaned up the kitchen with Jenny.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 7 – Holiday Fun

It was Saturday morning; the day after Annie told everyone about the trip to Michigan. Annie just finished what was left of their morning routine when she left the room, carrying a laundry basket of dirty clothes, on her way to the washing machine. She was almost on the last step coming down the stairs, when she saw Abby sitting at the Island pouring some milk into a strainer that had another bowl under it.

“Honey, what are you doing?” Annie asked as she walked over to Abby.

“I found a new way to make it so my cereal doesn’t get soggy.” Abby explained as she scraped the wet cereal out of the strainer and into another empty bowl. “And then if I want more, I’ll use the same milk I used the first time.”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

Abby started giggling and laughing as she picked up her shi and took a bite of her wet, crunchy cereal, while Annie took the dirty clothes to the laundry room.

“How did you know where to find the strainer and how to use it?” Annie asked as she walked back in the kitchen a few minutes later.

Abby was confused. “What is a strainer?”

“It’s the one you scraped your wet cereal out of, Honey.” Annie said pointing to the strainer.

“Oh, it’s the bowl that has all the holes in it! Uncle Eric got it out for me. I saw Grandma use it when she didn’t want the green bean juice when she helped you make our food.” Abby giggled.

Annie giggled along with Abby as she put some bread in the toaster. "Do you want some toast, Sweetie?"

Abby smiled. “YEAH! I want lots of strawberry jam!”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she took out another slice of bread and put it in the toaster.

“Will you please, watch Sesame Street with me when it comes on?” Abby asked.

“I think Grandpa and Grandma are outside watching your cousins play. Do you want to go outside and play instead?” Annie suggested.

“Can we please do that after Sesame Street? I really want you to watch it with me.” Abby smiled as she begged Annie.

“Okay, Honey.” Annie replied as she opened the butter and then the strawberry jam. “But after that we’re going outside, okay?”

Abby smiled. “Okay!”

After Annie finished making their breakfast, she sat down next to Abby and started eating as Lucy walked in from outside. “Mommy, where’s Daddy?”

“He’s doing church stuff in his office, Honey. Can I help?” Annie replied before taking a bite of her toast

“Mary wanted me to ask him if he would fill up the pool so we can swim.” Lucy explained.

"I guess I could put the hose in, but you'll have to be patient while it fills up and you can't swim unless there's an grown up out there." Annie said.

“Grandpa and Grandma are outside watching us play.” Lucy said as Eric walked in. “They’re watching Matt, Jeff and Simon, too.”

“I’ll put the hose in before I leave.” Eric said before he kissed Annie. “I’m just going to visit a few people at the hospital, I’ll be back soon.”

“Could you please pick up some hamburger, steak and extra hot dogs on your way home?” Annie asked.

Abby smiled. “Don’t forget the Doritos!”

“No problem, but why do we need extra hot dogs?” Eric asked.

“Abby doesn’t like steak.” Annie said as she started to make a list for Eric.

“Okay.” Eric said as he started to walk out the door with Lucy following behind him. “I’ll be back to pick up the list as soon as I put the hose in the pool.”

“Is Uncle Eric going to buy all of our food for us?” Abby asked as soon as the door was closed again.

“No, Honey, he’s just picking up a few things so we can have food on the grill this weekend.” Annie replied as she put her dirty dishes in the sink and started to rinse them.

“OOPS, I forgot my car keys.” Eric said when he came back in the house. Eric took his keys, the list, kissed Annie and then left.

“Sesame Street will be on in a few minutes, Honey.” Annie said as she took Abby’s empty cereal bowl to the sink and rinsed it.

“Okay!” Abby smiled, before putting the last bite of toast in her mouth.

After Annie put all the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, she followed Abby as she skipped into the living room. When Sesame Street came on, Abby danced to the opening music and then sat down beside Annie after it went on, to another part. When it was over, they went outside where Charles, Jenny, Matt, Jeff, Mary, Lucy and Simon were.

“Auntie Annie, will you please push me on the swing?” Abby asked as they walked over to where Charles and Jenny were.

“Yes, I will, Sweet Baby.” Annie replied as she followed Abby to the swing set. “After that, I’m going to sit down with Grandpa and Grandma, okay?”

“Okay.” Abby smiled as she sat down on one of the swings. Annie pushed Abby on the swings for awhile with her giggling almost the whole time. When they were done, Abby followed Annie over to where her Grandpa and Grandma were sitting.

“Don’t you want to play with your cousins, Honey?” Annie asked as she sat down.

Abby smiled. “No, I want to stay here with you.”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she helped Abby up onto her lap.

Abby smiled. “Auntie Annie watched Sesame Street with me this morning!”

“Did you have fun?” Jenny asked.

Abby giggled. “We didn’t do anything, but sit there and watch TV!”

Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and then kissed her on the head. “You can still sit here, Sweetie, but I want to talk with Grandpa and Grandma, okay?”

Abby smiled back. “Okay.”

“Have the children been good for you this morning?” Annie asked.

“I played in the sandbox with Simon for awhile.” Charles replied.

Jenny smiled. “Mary played basketball with Matt and Jeff for awhile and when she was done, I pushed her and Lucy on the swings.”

“I hope they don’t hit us with the ball.” Abby said as she looked over at Matt and Jeff, who were still playing.

“I’ll make sure they’re careful, Sweetie.” Annie said as she hugged Abby. She looked at her Mom and Dad. “Thanks for watching the children this morning – it sounds like everyone had fun.”

Annie, Charles and Jenny continued to talk and watch the children play, until Eric came home with the food.

“Auntie Annie, I’m getting hungry, again. What are we having?” Abby asked.

Annie smiled. “There’s some left over macaroni and cheese.”

“Okay.” Abby said. “Can I please have a hot dog, too? I really like that meal.”

“Sure, you can, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head before helping her off her lap. She got up and went into the house, with Abby following behind her. After she boiled her a couple hot dogs and warmed up the macaroni and cheese, she poured some Seven Up into Abby’s favorite Care Bears cup.

“Auntie Annie, look what I invented!” Abby giggled as she mixed Miracle Whip with ketchup and mustard. “It’s for my hot dogs.”

Annie smiled as she poured herself some Seven Up.

“Eeww.” Matt said as he and Jeff walked past Abby. “Mom, is it time to eat yet?”

“No, Honey, your Dad is cooking the rest of our food on the grill.” Annie replied, as she rinsed the pan she used to boil the hot dogs.

“I don’t like my hot dogs black, so Auntie Annie boiled them for me.” Abby said before taking another bite of her macaroni and cheese.

“Mom, we’re hot and thirsty from playing basketball – do you have anything cold to drink?” Matt asked.

“There’s some punch and kool-aid in the refrigerator.” Annie said as she took two glasses from the cupboard and handed them to Matt. Matt poured some punch for him and Jeff, while Annie started to make a big bowl of potato salad.

A few minutes after Matt and Jeff went back outside, Jenny walked in. “Matt told me you were making potato salad. Do you need a hand?”

“Oh, thanks, that would be great.” Annie smiled as she filled up another pan to boil some eggs. “This smaller bowl will be for the one without onions, for Abby.”

“Okay.” Jenny replied. “I’ll cut the onions over here so they’ll be away from Abby.”

“I can still smell them.” Abby smiled mischievously as she plugged her nose.

Annie and Jenny continued to make the potato salad and other foods for everyone to eat over the weekend, while Abby ate her hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.

After everyone had lunch and the kitchen was cleaned up, Annie and Jenny took the baskets of clean clothes to the living room so they could be folded and put away.

“This is fun!” Abby giggled as she stood in the middle of the living room, spinning around in circles.

“Abby, Sweetie, I don’t want you to get dizzy or hurt. Why don’t you play Nintendo and Grandma and I will watch you while we fold clothes.” Annie suggested.

Abby smiled. “Do you want Super Mario One or Super Mario Three? I don’t have number two.”

Before Annie or Jenny had a chance to answer, Lucy walked in the room. “Mary is playing basketball with Matt and Jeff, Grandpa is with Simon and the pool isn’t ready to swim in yet, so I don’t have anything to do.”

“Do you want to play Super Mario?” Abby asked.

“I don’t know how to play.” Lucy replied as she sat down on the couch, next to Jenny.

“Okay. Watch me.” Abby smiled as she put Super Mario Three in the Nintendo. “Auntie Annie, I forgot to tell you that I made it past world one!”

“Great job, Sweetheart!” Annie said as she picked up another pair of socks to fold. “I knew you could do it!”

Abby smiled as she walked over to Annie and hugged her, before turning on her game. She played, while Annie and Jenny continued to fold clean clothes as they – and Lucy – watched her.

When it was time for Sesame Street, Abby turned off the game and watched it with Simon and Lucy, while Annie and Jenny went in the kitchen to start dinner. After Sesame Street, Abby stayed in the living room with Lucy and Simon, to watch Full House. When it was over, she left the room, giggling. “Auntie Annie, Lucy got me to watch this show, called Full House with her and one of the girls on there said something really funny!”

Annie smiled as she continued making dinner. “What did she say?”

“She said, how, rude!” Abby continued to giggle and repeat the funny expression until Annie walked over and hugged her. “Sweetie, Uncle Eric is trying to work on his sermon, okay?”

“It’s okay.” Eric said as he picked up his things. “I’ll work on it in my office.”

“What is a sermon?” Abby asked.

“A sermon, is when Uncle Eric tells everyone about God.” Annie replied.

Abby was a little confused. “Where? When?”

“It’s when he stands up in front of everyone at church and talks for a really long time.” Annie explained.

Abby smiled. “Oh, okay! What are we having to eat?”

“One of your favorite meals – salmon and sweet potatoes.” Annie replied.

Abby smiled. “I love eating at your house.”

“Awe, we love having you here, too, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and kissed her on the head.

After everyone had dinner and the kitchen was cleaned up, Eric finished his sermon while Charles and Jenny helped Annie give each child a bath or shower so they would be ready for church the next morning.

Abby shivered as she stepped out of the shower. “I’m c-c-c-cold, Auntie Annie.”

“Here, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she wrapped a towel around Abby. “We can’t take too much time in here, because Mary and Lucy need to go next and then Matt, okay?”

“O-o-okay.” Abby said as she continued to shiver.

After Abby was dried off and had her pajamas on, she went into her room and sat down on her air mattress bed. “Is Grandma helping Mary and Lucy with their shower?” She asked.

Annie smiled as she combed Abby’s wet, blonde, curly hair. “Yes, she is, Sweetheart. Grandpa and Grandma are helping me with you and your cousins so all of you will be ready for church in the morning.”

“Oh.” Abby said. “Where is Uncle Eric?”

“He’s downstairs, finishing his sermon.” Annie replied.

“WHOA, he’s going to talk for a long time!” Abby said as she looked over at her sundresses, trying to decide which one she wanted to wear to church.

“No, he doesn’t talk for a long time, Honey.” Annie said as she continued to comb Abby’s wet hair. “Sometimes it just takes him longer to write the sermon than it does when he talks on Sunday morning.”

Abby still had some questions about sermons, before she would completely understand everything about them, but since she gets confused easily, she decided she would ask questions later, when she could understand it better. “I hope my hair dries before I go to bed.”

“You still have a couple of hours before you usually go to sleep, so it should be dry by then. I know you don’t like the noise from the hair dryer.” Annie said as she hugged Abby and then kissed her on the head. “Your hair smells so good, Sweetheart.”

After everyone had their bath or shower, Annie played Nintendo with Abby for a few minutes before they went into the kitchen to have some butterscotch pudding.

Abby smiled as she peeled back the cover on her Snack Pack pudding container. “My Daddy buys this for my school lunch.”

Annie smiled as she hugged Abby. “I know, he does, Honey.”

After they finished their pudding and everyone was ready for bed, Annie joined Abby in the room they were sharing.

Abby smiled as Annie kissed her on the head. “I love you, Auntie Annie.”

“I love you, too, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she hugged Abby.

“Auntie Annie? Will you please sing me a song before I go to sleep?” Abby asked. “I really like hearing you sing.”

Annie sang, and when she was finished, she noticed that Abby was asleep. She gave her one more kiss on the head and then tucked in the sheets and blankets around her, before going to sleep.

[MyHeroIsCathyHicks]

Chapter 7 ~ Continued...

“I want to sit by you.” Abby told Annie as they walked up the isle in the church, the next morning.

Annie smiled as she sat down next to Jenny. “Okay, Honey. You can sit on my lap.”

After everyone was seated and quiet, Eric started to read the morning announcements and then continued to follow the agenda on the weekly bulletin.

After church was over, Abby followed Annie down stairs. “Is this where they have Sunday school?”

Annie smiled as they walked in the room with the snacks and drinks. “Yes, it is, Sweetie.”

Abby noticed the food, right away. “Auntie Annie, they have doughnuts down here!”

“You can have some, Honey.” Annie said as she led Abby over to the table. “You can take any of the snacks you want.”

“Can I have more than one thing?” Abby asked.

“Yes, you can, Sweetheart.” Annie replied as she took a plate and handed it to Abby.

Abby smiled as she took a plastic cup from the stack. “There’s some green HI-C Punch! I love this!”

“Would you like me to help you pour it, Honey?” Annie asked as she picked up the large can from the table.

“Yeah.” Abby said as she started putting some snacks on her plate.

After Annie and Abby had their snacks and drinks, they sat down next to Charles and Jenny.

“There’s Uncle Eric with Matt and his friend.” Abby said as the picked up her doughnut.

“When we have Sunday school, there’s a class for your age group if you want to go or you can stay with me when I teach the Kindergarten class. Do you want to go with your age group or stay with me?”

Abby smiled. “I want to stay with you.”

“Okay, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she continued eating what was on her plate.

When it was time for Sunday school, Abby and Lucy followed Annie into the room where she would be teaching.

“Is Abby going to be in our class?” Lucy asked as she sat down.

Abby looked at Annie. “Am I in your class or your helper?”

“Do you want to listen to a story and color pictures?” Annie asked as she passed out some papers.

Abby smiled. “Yeah!”

Annie handed Abby the same papers, she passed out to the other children and then started reading the story.

When she finished the story, she passed out some more papers for the children to color.

Abby colored until all the other children went home and then smiled as she took her picture over to Annie. “Look what I colored for you.”

Annie smiled back, as she gathered everything together so they could leave. “Wow! That is really special. Thank you, Sweetheart!”

Abby hugged Annie, before she and Lucy followed her back upstairs and outside to the car. “What fun stuff are we going to do, today?”

“We’re having some friends over to have lunch with us, Honey.” Annie said as she helped Abby into the car.

“Oh” Abby said as she sat down and made herself comfortable.

A few minutes after they were home, the doorbell rang.

“I think your friends are early.” Abby said as she watched Eric leave the room to answer the door.

“I know, Sweetie, Uncle Eric is answering the door.” Annie said as she put some Tator-Tots in the oven.

“No, I mean they’re early, because you don’t have lunch ready.” Abby said.

Annie smiled. “Oh, it’s okay, Honey.”

“Don’t forget my cheese.” Abby reminded Annie as she watched her set a big plate of hamburger patties on the counter for Eric to take out to the grill.

“I won’t, Sweetie.” Annie said, as she was about to walk over to the refrigerator when she saw Patricia Hamilton. “Oh, hi Patricia!”

“Hi, Annie!” Patricia replied.

Abby watched Annie and Patricia give each other a hug, as three children walked in, with their Dad and Uncle Eric behind them.

“Do you remember my niece, Abby?” Annie asked everyone.

John, and Keisha stood there, trying to think, not sure if they remembered her or not.

Patricia smiled. “I do. Hi, Abby!”

“Hi, Abby.” Morgan said.

Abby looked at Annie, confused because she didn’t remember them.

Annie walked over to Abby. “Honey, do you remember my friends Patricia and Morgan?”

“No.” Abby said, only quiet enough for Annie to hear her.

“It’s okay, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she hugged Abby. She looked over at Morgan and Patricia as they sat down. “She doesn’t remember faces very well.”

As soon as Charles and Jenny walked in the front door, John, Keisha and Nigel ran off to find Matt, Mary, Lucy and Simon, while Morgan helped Eric with the burgers on the grill and Patricia stayed in the kitchen with Annie and Abby.

“Grandpa and Grandma are back!” Abby announced.

“Sorry, we’re late.” Charles said.

“Uncle Eric is outside with one of his friends and they’re making our food on the grill.” Abby told Charles and Jenny.

Charles went outside to help Eric and Morgan, while Jenny stayed inside and helped Annie and Patricia.

“Auntie Annie, your food smells good.” Abby said. “I’m getting hungry, again.”

“It will be ready soon.” Annie said as she walked over to Abby and put some Tator-Tots into a bowl. “Here, Sweetie, you can have some of these until the rest of the food is done.”

Abby smiled. “Thank you, Auntie Annie.”

After the food was ready, everyone sat down at the picnic tables to eat. When everyone was finished, all the children played together for the rest of the day, while Abby sat with Annie and the rest of the grownups. After awhile, she went in the living and played Nintendo until she saw Annie walk in the room. “Auntie Annie, will you please play Nintendo with me?”

Annie smiled as she sat down on the couch, next to Abby. “Actually, Uncle Eric and Morgan went to buy some ice cream and I asked them to get some Mint Chocolate Chip, for you.”

Abby smiled as she put her game on pause. “Okay! Is everyone else, eating Mint Chocolate Chip, too?”

“No, Honey, they’re buying Vanilla and Strawberry Swirl, too.” Annie replied.

“Oh.” Abby said as she hugged Annie.

Annie smiled as she picked Abby up, and hugged her while carrying her upstairs. “Why don’t we get our pajamas on, while we wait for Uncle Eric and Morgan.”

“Okay.” Abby giggled as Annie walked in their room and sat her down on her air mattress bed. “Where are my cousins?”

“They’re outside with Grandpa, Grandma and Patricia.” Annie replied as she helped Abby pick out her pajamas.

“Oh. Are they going to have ice cream, too?” Abby asked.

“Yes, they are, Sweetheart.” Annie said as she pulled some clean pajamas out of Abby’s bag.

After Annie finished helping Abby with her pajamas, they went downstairs to the kitchen, where Eric and Morgan were scooping ice cream for everyone.

“I want Mint Chocolate Chip!” Abby announced as she skipped down the stairs.

“He knows, Sweetie.” Annie said as she followed Abby over to the Island.

“Auntie Annie, look what I’m making.” Abby giggled as she stirred her ice cream until it was like thick soup.

Annie smiled. “Oh, you turned it into a milk shake, Honey.”

“A milk shake in a bowl?” Abby continued to giggle, as she was about to take a bite. “I’m calling it Mint Chocolate Chip, soup!”

“You’re a silly, girl.” Annie smiled as she hugged Abby and then kissed her on the head.

After everyone finished their ice cream, they went into the living room and watched a funny movie that Eric rented.

When the movie was over and the Hamilton’s went home, Abby raced Annie up the stairs and rolled around on her air mattress bed as she continued to giggle.

“Time for bed, Sweetie.” Annie said as she sat down next to Abby and hugged her.

After Abby brushed her teeth and everything, Annie tucked her in, before leaving the room to get herself and her children ready for bed.

Abby smiled, as Annie was about to walk out of the room. “Goodnight. I love you, Auntie Annie.”

“I love you, too, Sweet Baby.” Annie said as she turned around. “I’ll be back as soon as I get ready for bed and help your cousins.”

“Okay.” Abby replied as she turned on her side and went to sleep.