#thefreshmen

[anotherlipstick]

Goodbye & Hello X

“Mommy! I be late!” Mariah pulled on my shirt pulling me from my thoughts. Becca held her cup of coffee out to me “You seem to need this more than me. Do we need to make an appointment for you to see someone?”

I gave her a smile a smile and took the cup “What are you doing?” I asked as she went digging in my purse “If you’re going to zone out on us there is no way I’m letting you drive.”

“Let’s go, mom! You slow!” I stared in shock at Caleb as I got my jacket. “What did you just say? We’ll see when’s the next time I let you have chocolate milk in the morning. Do you two have some hot date or something you forgot to tell me about?” He and his sister both gave me a dirty look “Gross mommy!” Mariah said grabbing her backpack. “Good answer.”

Well to be fair, you are really slowing down.” Becca lifted my hair “ I think I’m seeing some grey in there.” I swatted her hand away “Maybe I’ll dye it tonight. Something young like...pink. Yeah, that would be nice. “You wouldn’t dare!” I gave her a quick peck on the cheek “ Alright let's get going everyone!” “Hey, I was only kidding. You still look beautiful!” Becca called out

“You have got to be kidding me! What do they think they’re doing?” Becca rushed out of the car as soon as we got to my parents house not even bothering to park correctly. I straightened the car before following her.

My parents seemed a bit surprised at Becca explaining to Party Fever how they were doing everything wrong. My mom gave me a look as if she expected me to go save them “Did someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?”

I glanced over towards Becca “She’s going easy on them. Let’s leave her to that while we start baking.”

“You would think they broke something.” My dad said shaking his head. “If that was the case she would've already of killed them. They probably put things too close together.”

“Well why don’t I go out there and she can help you two bake?” “Because you two would probably be homeless. Never let her cook. Trust me on this one, dad.”

“Now this brings back memories. You need a hand with that?” Becca looked terrified as Chris and Sebastian stepping out of the house followed by two women I didn’t know. “Chris?! Sebastian?! What are you doing here? Becca pulled out her phone “it’s onl...Oh my god! It can’t be this late already!” She quickly put her phone away.

“Balloons! We need more of them and fast and… punch. Honey, why don’t we have any punch here?” She handed Chris and Sebastian some balloons. “Here, start blowing!” I grabbed her shoulders “Would you relax?” Her eyes were wide as she looked around the yard. I didn’t know when she looked cuter panicking or when she couldn’t figure something out like the how to put the swing set together. “ Are you seriously asking me to relax at a time like this? The kids will be arriving soon at it will be utter chaos if we don’t have punch and more balloons up.” I couldn’t help but smile “ I have the punch made and my parents are picking the kids up so everything is fine.” I went to kiss her but she held up a bag of balloons blocking my lips. ”Then you can help blow balloons.” I rolled my eyes and grabbed the bag.

After a couple hours the party was in full swing. Caleb was busy jumping on the trampoline with several other kids while Mariah stole Annisa from Kaitlyn so she could teach her how to make snow cones. She’s been addicted to that machine ever since we bought it. Becca still hasn't calmed down as she kept looking over at the trampoline “Do they really need to jump so high on that death trap?” “It’s totally safe and they’re having fun.” I told her” She gave me a dirty look. “Don’t worry. I cemented that thing down and added extra padding to the edge. I wouldn’t let my grandson play on something unsafe.” My dad said getting her to finally to her head away from it. “Well as long as you say it’s safe then I suppose.” I threw my hands up in defeat. I’ve told her that countless times but she would always argue about it. Let my dad say it once and she drops it.

It was a perfect day as everyone gathered and talk. It's hard to believe how much we’ve all changed especially my friends from college. Chris had actually made it to the NFL but hurt his knee after three years and decided to go into law with Sebastian. Funny how they were so against each other but was now best friends. Well, it’s really not actually. I did my college rival and now have two amazing kids that I love deeply. I wonder what me and Becca would of told someone who said we would be here today. James started writing books for awhile then scripts for Broadway. He definitely seems much more happier there than Hollywood. He married Raina and it looks like number three will be popping out of her before long. Zig now runs an auto repair shop which he seems to enjoy. Zack and Teddy are still going strong and seem more crazy about each other every day. Kaitlyn and Annisa’s band just got done with a long tour and have released their third album.

With old friends, new friends, and family all gathered around it makes me realize how excited I am for the future. Things don’t always go how you might expect, but if you continue on, they can turn out even better.

-The end-

[anotherlipstick]

Goodbye And Hello 9.1

The rest of our honeymoon was back to business. Becca had took off early to catch up at Femsational and I wrote a wedding article for the Northbridge Gazette. For some reason I had been thinking a lot about it. I even started working on the sequel to Runaway Lovers. Not bad when chasing after two kids nonstop I thought to myself.

“Mommy, MC!” Mariah tugged at my blouse. “We’ll go later, sweetheart, when Becca gets back. I also really need to get some work done.” I’m way behind I thought. Since Madison got sick and we took the kids I had only gotten a couple articles done and I wasn’t even through the first chapter of the book. Of course, that was partially my fault as I wasn’t sure I even wanted to do it. But the constant pressure from the publishing company finally pushed me to start it. Well that and we needed the money. “It’ll be a guaranteed best seller!” Kevin had told me. I hope he’s right.

“Mommy, MC!” Mariah insisted once again. “I want mommy!” Caleb joined in. I let out a sigh and began typing again. Mariah started crying and throwing a fit. “Oh for the love of… I give up! We’ll go see mommy!” I closed my laptop.

Apparently they didn’t believe me as they they continued throwing a fit during the entire ride over there. It’s ironic how most of the time Caleb and Mariah seemed like they wanted to kill each other but let one of them get mad about something and the other was right there for backup in an instant. It was only when we pulled up to the hospital both of them finally started settling down.

I carried them down the hallway towards Madison’s room only stopping to tidy them up a few doors down. After fixing their hair Mariah started running off towards the room and Caleb quickly followed. My poor arms agreed it was better than carrying them.

She didn’t seem to like the fact that she couldn’t reach the handle on the door and started hitting it “Mommy! Mommy!” I came up behind them “Can you wait for me?” I opened the door.

“You have two children that-“ I stopped looking around. It was cleaned out and empty. None of the gifts or even the cards she had received was in sight.

I stepped back out to make sure it was the right room, but it was. “Mommy! Mommy! I want my mommy!” Mariah started crying again. “I...I don’t know...They must of moved her to another room, honey. Let’s go find out where she’s hiding.”

“I’m MC Davenport and I’m here to see Madison Eckhart. I brought her children with me and she’s not in her room. Could you tell me where she is?” I said to the woman sitting behind the counter. I held them so she could see them. “I want mommy now! Mariah screamed as she kicked me repeatedly and pulled my hair. I must look desperate I thought.

She stared at each of them for a moment before returning her attention to me. “I’m afraid she suffered another massive seizure last night. We were unable to save her.”

The world stopped spinning. “Wh-wh-what?” “She passed away last night.” She repeated. “I’m really sorry for your loss.” My brain was numb as I tried to think what to say next. “Wh- what’s being done with the body? “We will have it sent to the mortuary. Are you a relative? “No she’s a friend of mine from college. She also works for my wife. She hadn’t had really any contact with her family after she got with someone they disapproved of.

“I see. Is he the father? We should contact and notify him.” “Yes, he was. He died in a trucking accident a few years ago.” “Mommy! I want mommy!” They were both crying hysterically and I had to put them down.

Do we need to contact someone for you about the children?” I shot back at her “Why would you need to do that?” “So the children could go live with a relative.” I didn’t like her tone and whatever fog that affected me vanished as I went into full defense mode as I immediately picked them back up. “That won’t be necessary. Me and my wife have full custody of them and they’re not going anywhere!” I stated a bit more forcefully than I intended. Thank goodness Becca got that lawyer my mind said to me.

“I see…” she said disappointedly. “Well Ms-“ “It’s Mrs!” I interrupted her. “ I have mentioned her twice now.” Screw it! She’s going to get force! “What is being done about the body? Is there a certain mortuary company the hospital uses?”

“I’m afraid I can only give that information out to relatives. It’s company policy.” She gave me a dismissive look. “I am family and it doesn’t matter if you like it or not! What does matter is both these children are hers and I have custody. They want to see their mother!”

“I’m just following hospital policy. I didn’t make the rules.” This was going nowhere. I decided I had enough of her. “We will just see about that. I’ll be back soon.” I turned and headed for the door.

Once outside I was grateful that Mariah seemed to of worn herself out while I still had some hair left. I sat her and Caleb down on a bench and called Becca. She answered on the first ring. “Miss me already?” “You know I do.” I sounded 80. “What’s wrong?” How do I tell her? I decided to just come out with it. I was way to beat, upset, and sore from Mariah kicking me to beat around the bush and I told her what happened

“I’ll be right there.” I nodded “Becca, all the papers on the kids are in order right? I don’t trust her!” “Of course it is. Don’t worry about her or anybody else. Shawn Lancaster is the best family law lawyer in the area. I wouldn’t hire some loser for them.” “I know. I just… we’re out front. I’ll wait for you here.” I heard her start the car. “I’m on my way. I love you.” “I love you too.” I hung up and waited for her.

I couldn’t help but think what would happen if we lost the kids especially with Madison gone. We’ve only had them a short time but I couldn’t imagine my life without them anymore.

Calm down I told myself over and over again but how could I believe it? It just wasn’t fair- none of it was! Madison should be here. The fact that someone like her could get so sick at her age was proof of how messed up everything was. After a bit thinking about things I wiped some tears from my eyes as the sound of high heels walking quickly towards me broke me of my thoughts. I didn’t even need to look to know It was Becca.

She looked like a million bucks walking up and I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Several guys was checking her out as she walked by them. “Dream on boys, she’s all mine too!” Did I say that out loud? I chuckled. Just seeing her made me feel better.

I got up from the bench rushed over and kissed her. “I called Shawn after we hung up so there is no need to worry. Madison having signed these papers makes sure nobody can touch them short of one of us becoming a killer.” I let out a sigh “I know one person I would like to kill. Right in front of the kids after she just said their mother had died. What kind person would be so heartless?” Becca face hardened “Speaking Of which… leave the killing to me. You’re supposed to be the nice one, remember?

Becca pulled away and started towards the door. “You’re not-“ She turned back around “Don’t tell me not too! She treated you terribly, threatened our kids, and we still don’t know where Madison is. I’m not going to stand around letting her get away with that! And I’m certainly not going to let them throw Madison in some fire pit or cardboard box- She deserves better!” Becca turned back around and went inside before I could say anything else.

“C’mon, you two, let's go watch Becca murder her! Mariah looked like she was half asleep as I got her back up.

Becca was only in there a few minutes before I was able to catch up but she already had security around her as she talked to some gentleman in a suit. “I’ve already contacted our lawyer regarding this on the way over so you can explain it to him! I want her fired immediately for this! What kind of hospital are you running when you won’t even tell a close friend of hers what morgue you use?!”

“Mrs. Davenport, I assure you, there is no need to involve any lawyers. We have no problem with giving you or your wife that information-“

“Then she knowingly lied to me.” I said to the gentleman as I walked up. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to obtain any confidential information or step on Madison’s parents rights. I had explained to this woman, Madison hadn’t had any contact with them for some time. And being a close friend, we do want to see she is given a proper service.

“I had no proof of that. We can’t just take the word of anybody with questionable… well, I mean, who walks in.” The woman from before said sarcastically.

“You mean gay?” I asked her. “I never said that.” “I want something done now or there will be a lawsuit not to mention a great article in the Gazette! Becca demanded.

The man looked at the woman for a moment. “Ms. Conners, you’re fired! Please go collect your things and leave the property. Brian will help you.”

Another man who was next to Becca moved towards her. “You can’t be serious, I’ve worked here for over ten years! I’ve -“ You have damaged the reputation of this hospital and put it at risk of a lawsuit. Don’t make this any worse!”

The woman or Ms. Conners started to object but one of the guards cut her off. “Let’s go Liz.” She turned and stormed off.

“I trust this will help correct what has happened.” He took a couple steps towards me “I do apologize for her conduct earlier and hope you understand that is not how we do things here Mrs. Davenport. I also read your articles in the Gazette and I enjoy them very much. I plan on taking my wife to Nishinomiya Hashimoto Park soon.”

I glanced at Becca. “I’m sure she’ll love it. If this is your way of asking me not to write about what happened here, I’ll consider it. Right now I just want to return home. This has been a rough morning, I’m exhausted and the kids need to have lunch.”

[anotherlipstick]

Goodbye & Hello Part I

Prologue

Stillness and silence. It was something I rarely got to experience these day. What I once took for granted was now hard earned and unexpected. It’s just…what is that? My senses started returning and I couldn’t help but smile as I opened my eyes.

“Well good morning to you t…” “Shhhhh!” Becca put her finger on my lip “Be very, very, quiet” she gave me a wicked smile while pulling her finger away to kiss me again.

I couldn’t help but giggle. It felt like I was in High School again and my parents could walk in and catch us making out instead of studying at any moment.

“I dreamed I had you all to myself last night” she said as her kisses started going lower. “Imagine my delight when I woke to the discovery that dreams do come true.”

My fingers moved through her hair as my body started to climb. “Gosh, how I missed this! Becca reached for the elastic on my panties when we heard the door open

“Mommies?”

Becca screamed as she rolled over in an instant and sat up. I’m sure her face was more redder than mine. Our daughter made her way over to Becca’s side of the bed rubbing her eyes.

“Why are you not sound asleep young lady?” Becca said as she helped our daughter get on the bed.

“I was thirsty.” she said like it was obvious. “I see.” Becca said as she glanced at the clock with a frown. “Well it’s almost time for you to get up anyways. Let me guess, you’re hungry too?”

Just then our son, Caleb, comes running into the room yelling “I want Pancakes!” “I want french toast!” Mariah yelled back. “Pancakes! ” Caleb yelled again at Mariah while pushing her as he climbed up. “Enough! Both of you!” I said. “Now apologize to your sister for pushing her.” Caleb crossed his arms “We always have french toast.I want Pancakes!” “Caleb”! “Fine, I’m sorry.” he mumbled in a low depressing voice.

“Thank you. Now you are right. We’ve had french toast a few times this week so…” I look at Mariah “How about we do pancakes this morning and you can have chocolate milk with it?”

“I want chocolate milk too.” Caleb said excitedly. “You both can have some chocolate milk but no more fighting, got it?” They both nodded.

“Honey?” I said looking over to Becca who still hadn’t lost her frown. “coffee” she said sternly. “I’ll put some on.” as I got out of bed with a laugh knowing it wasnt coffee we both wanted.

——————————————-

I had just put several pancakes on a plate when Becca came in grabbing a cup of coffee. she took a sip of it before heading towards her computer. “ No! you are setting a bad example for the kids. You need to eat too as you’re making it a habit.” “I’ll grab something at the office. I need to get these proposals in before…” “Mommy eat!” Caleb said demanding in between large bites of pancakes with WAY to much syrup. Becca smiled at him. “Okay then young man” ruffled his hair then walked over and grabbed a plate. “I’ll meet you at you-know who’s at noon. Don’t be late as I don’t trust those idiots with the…” She looked at the kids before continuing “Stuff. Mrs. Rochester used them last year and they didn’t have anything set up properly and I’m not about to let them screw this up too!” She sat down at the table with her plate and coffee and glanced at her phone before she started eating.

I smiled warmly. Seeing her get so worked up over this surprise party for the kids, I just couldn’t help it. She hadn’t lost any of the sass I fell in love with back in college. I mean she even called up my ex who’s in the middle of a tour and got Kaitlyn to agree to come to this party insisting it will impress all the other kids.Who does that? My wife, that’s who. I cant even believe we’re married’ especially after how we met. it’s all like a fantasy!

I’m reminded of the first party she hosted after moving in back in college. I thought my friends was going to kill her. I had to convince her to make a store run to save her. I didn’t understand her obsession but now I see its because she cares so much and wants everyone to have a wonderful time. Sorority, business, or children’s parties, it doesn’t matter to her. She puts everything into it. This one especially.

We agreed to hold it at my parents after school. She may of agreed to lighten up on Kaitlyn for the party, but unfortunately, the folks of Party Fever are not so lucky and she’s been on them non-stop the past few days and after a quick stop at Femsational its to my parents to make sure everything is perfect.

All our friends are showing up to this party to celebrate our adoption of the kids two years ago. We wanted to do it last year but they still wasnt ready. This year though things have became more wonderful than i could imagine. The kids started calling us mom, and we finally got settled in to this new place, and I’m married to the woman of my dreams!

It’s shocking how so much happiness could come from something so horrible and heartbreaking..

…..To Be Continued?

[anotherlipstick]

GOODBYE & HELLO Part V

I tried calling Becca throughout the day but she hadn’t answered her phone and her employees hadn’t seen her either. At 8:30 I decided to try again.

“Thank you for calling Femsat…” “I’m looking for Becca, has she been in by chance? She’s not answering her phone. "Ummm who’s calling please?” I was losing my patience with this one. “This is her girlfriend, MC. Now is this Megan, and have you seen Becca?”

“Oh hi, MC! Uh yes, it is. I didn’t recognize your voice. Hey, I read your book…” “MEGAN! I’m sorry, but right now I only want to talk to Becca. Its really important. Has she been in?”

There was a bit of a pause and she dropped her voice low. “She came in about an hour ago but just went straight to her office. I think she’s still in there but the blinds are drawn. She told us to tell anyone who asked for her that she wasn’t here. I’m not going to get fired am I?”

I took several deep breaths before responding. “I’ll see that she doesn’t do that. Will you check, and if she is, put her on please?” There is was another long pause. “Listen Megan I know she can be intimidating, but it is important, it’s about our kids.”

I was hoping this would persuade her but It really pointed out how emotionally invested I had become in this commitment. It was the first time I ever used the term ‘our kids’.

“Becca has children?” Megan asked surprised. “Yes, she does. It’s all happened very recent and it’s a long story. Would you get her please?” “Okay. Just one moment.”

It was longer than one moment, but finally Becca came on the line. “What has happened to the kids?” She asked in a slurred panic voice.

…AND SHE’S BEEN DRINKING AT WORK?! of all the messed up things she has done over the year’s… this has got to be high on the list. And it’s a big list! I tried my best to keep my voice down as the kids were just in the next room but the results were far from impressive.

“Well, let’s see…they had spaghetti for dinner. I finally decided to try that vegetable sauce in Women’s World. It was really good. They then had ice cream for desert, and they’re now playing with their toys. Where the hell have you been all day? Why haven’t you answered my calls? And, the latest to be added to the list, WHAT THE FU…” Both the kids looked up towards me. Damn it!

I pulled the phone away from me and put on the best smile I could manage. “ It’s okay, go back playing with your toys.” I took a deep breath before continuing. “Are you doing drinking at work?”

I had some wine in my office while I was trying to catch up. We fell behind with Madison getting sick and I have not been putting in the hours either do to this. Anyway, that is why I told them to just tell people I wasn’t here. Ease up MC, geez! As for earlier’ I told you, I had things to deal with. We should have a lawyer look at everything so I hired one. Oh by the way, we need to be over at the hospital tomorrow first thing, to sign the papers he is typing up. All of this has also also put a sizable dent in our funds, especially the lawyer, so I also stopped by the bank and talked with them about a loan.

How dare she! “Don’t tell me to ease up! I’ve called you repeatedly today! And thank you very much for including me with the lawyer and the bank, since it’s our money, and not just yours. And, let me explain something, we have two little kids now Becca…”

“WHAAAAA!” I heard Mariah cry as Caleb hit her and took some toy away from “IT MINE!” Caleb yelled at her. “Oh for the love of…” My phone dropped from my hand as I ran over to Mariah just as she hit him back “MINE!”

I grabbed Mariah “Okay, just because I’m mad at Becca doesn’t mean you two need to be fighting as well.” Mariah kept trying to reach for one of the Leap Frog laptop things we had recently bought for them that Caleb held. I fell in love with it the moment i saw it and was so glad they both liked it but no need for them to kill each other over it.

I glanced around and spotted the other one next to the television. I picked it up and handed it to her

“How about this one and we can sit on the couch together… just as soon as i find my phone.” “Yes.” she said while nodding her head. I took a deep breath “Thank you.” and went to grab my phone off the kitchen floor.

“Okay, I’m back!” I told Becca as I sat down on the couch with Mariah. What was I saying…“What was I saying to you?”

“You were reminding me of the kids that apparently you feel I forgot about while I was ensuring we can keep and provide for them.”

“Right! Actually it’s you walking out and ignoring me. You don’t have the luxury of just shutting me out anymore and ignoring my calls. What would of happened if one of them got hurt? You have the car! How would I of gotten them to the hospital? Carry them on the damn bus?! What if Madison…”

I took a deep breath to try and move my mind from going there. “I need… I need be able to get ahold of you.”

I expected a full on assault but instead i got what sounded like she was sniffiling with the phone away from her. If I had something on I might of had trouble hearing her.

“You’re right… I wasn’t thinking. And I didn’t mean to shut you out. I was just wanting some time to myself to…”

I could hear Becca start crying. She was the strongest and proudest person I ever met. The couple times over the years I’ve known her that she did cry, it tore me to pieces.

“She’s not going to make it through this… And I have been…I have been bitching about ads and missed days….JESUS! You had to stop me from FIRING HER! She’s been my best friend for years and instead of being there for when she needed me…I was wanting to let her go. "I FEEL SO DAMN GUILTY! Like this is all my fault! I didn’t even not want to give up the kids when it looked like she might make it through this. After everything she had been going through, I just kept thinking how much I would miss them!”

Hearing her fall apart like this was killing me. All the anger that I built up throughout the day vanished in a instant and was replaced by the need to hold her tight and comfort her.

“Oh honey, none of this is your fault. You didn’t give her cancer, it’s just something that happened. And she probably didn’t want to worry you which is why she kept it a secret for as long as she did. You have been nothing but the most loving and devoted friend to her this whole time since we found out.”

I was now falling apart myself crying and had to try and push the lump in my throat down before continuing.

“Taking on just one child is a huge responsibility by itself and you didn’t even hesitate to take both. And they’re absolutely wonderful children, it’s impossible not to love them. How could anyone want to give them up? I sure as hell don’t!”

Mariah started rubbing my arm and I gave her a hug and kissed the top of her head as Caleb came over to join us. “Come home. It seems like we have a big day tomorrow and we’re all worn out.”

Becca sniffled a few times “I’ll be back soon. My make-up looks terrible now-how embarrassing!”

“Ask someone to drive you. I don’t want you to be when you’ve been drinking.” “MC, I’m fine. I only had…” She stopped and I could hear her take a deep breath. “I’ll ask Megan.”

By the time Becca returned Caleb and Mariah had fallen asleep. We carried them to bed and tucked them in and going to bed ourselves. Falling asleep holding each other tight.

…..To Be Continued

[anotherlipstick]

GOODBYE & HELLO Part II

Three years earlier... I pulled into the Parking lot of Femsational. Becca had started the company after graduating from college and it was really starting to take off. Not to mention Becca insisted I feature it in my novel, Runaway Lover, Last year. The Main character, Ashley, runs away from an abusive husband and meets the woman she marries at the end here. Everytime I showed up it seemed there was more customers than last time. Becca lived for cosmetics and high fashion so they always got great advice, often from Becca herself even though she had employees to do that. It seemed to be working, plus the more customers she talked to, the less she would nag me for my own fashion choices. she insists I have no excuse since we're living together and I have her clothes I can wear. I'm more of a shirt and jeans girl and less on the fancy dresses, though, I do admit I love some of the makeup products she brings me. Definitely a step up from Covergirl. The coolness of the air conditioned building hit me as soon as I walked in and sure enough, Becca was talking to a couple of ladies excitingly as she kept pointing to a new face cream she recently started carrying. Becca still had Runaway Lover in full display. "Signed copies available" posted next to the picture of the book's fictional couple. I acted busy looking at a copy of the book while I waited for her. I had been trying to decide if I should do a sequel or not for the past couple weeks and needed to decide soon. After a few minutes both ladies grabbed a jar of the cream and headed to stand in line at the regester as Becca made her way towards me. "I swear I'm going to kill Madison the next time I see her!" Becca said in a very low and annoyed voice. Her mega smile she was just wearing disappearing without a warning. "After everything I have done for that woman, this is how she repays me?!" I looked over at the line the ladies stood in. Only one register was open instead of two. "She didn't show up again?" I said with a frown as I turned back towards her and put my hand on her shoulder. "She quit!" Becca said pulling away. "She didn't even have the guts to say it to me. She called Katherine this morning and told her. No explenation or anything! She had just promised me Tuesday she was going to set up the ads and they are not done. We're behind in everthing right now becouse of her!" My mouth dropped open in shock. This was not like Madison at all. She had lost her boyfriend and her kids father about two years earlier in a trucking accident so they had cut her some slack about missing days at work. However, that didnt justify, up and quitting like this. It really was a mean thing to do. "Have you tried calling her? I mean I'm sure there..." "Of course I have!" Becca snapped angrily and a bit loud. She let out a long sigh. "You know what? I need a drink." She turned sharply and walked quickly towards her office and dissapeared inside. A moment later she returned with her purse. "Lets get out of here!" she said while not stopping. "What about Katherine? Can she handle everything herself? " "I called Susan and Megan. They should be here any minute. Becca answered matter of factly. I replaced the book and chased after her. As soon as we got outside Megan was coming towards us. Wearing a lovely light blue dress. "Katherine is in there now and Susan's on her way. I'm leaving for the day." Becca said as she walked by her but suddenly stopped. "Megan is there a reason you are wearing flats today? I wasn't aware I had a casual dress code." Megan looked around uncomfortable "I'm sorry. I was really busy when you called and forgot to change before coming in." Becca tossed her hands up "Don't let it happen again. This isn't a K-Mart!" I gave megan an apologetic glance as we headed towards the car. ------------------------------------------ I slid into the booth opposite of Becca at Applebee's. It was a favorite place of ours and we came here at least a couple times a week. Becca sat in silence and I could tell she was more than a little annoyed with me over this. She wanted to fire Madison a few weeks ago but I wouldn't let her. I waited for the waiter and ordered two Bloody Mary's and large nachos for us to share. I took a deep breath exhaling slowly when the waiter left. "I'm sorry I said anything..." I paused looking around as if something in the room could offer insight."I'm positive there is a good explanation. I just didn't want you making a mistake you would regret. I shouldn't of gotten involved." Becca glanced up at me shaking her head "It doesn't matter now anyways. I should of never trusted her again after stealing..." Midnight Maiden by Kaitlyn Liao started playing as my phone lit up. I grabbed and glanced at it, before putting it back in my purse. I didn't reconize the number. "Who's calling you?" I shook my head. "I don't know. It's a unknown and I don't recognize the number". I shrugged "Probably telemarketers." Becca hated the song or claimed to. Really, I know she's jealous of my past with her even though I never see kaitlyn anymore. Her and Annisa seem to be doing well together judging by the photo's she posted on Facebook and they were always on tour. Becca leaned back and looked over as the waiter brought our order after a few minutes. "About damn time! Is employees quitting here also without notice? You could of just said that and I would of made it myself instead of..." "BECCA!" I snapped. She gave me a dirty glance as she grabbed her drink and took a large drink. "Whatever!" "I'm really sorry. She's had a bad day." I said to him like that was an excuse for her. "Think nothing of it. Please enjoy." he said as he quickly made his leave. I returned my focus on Becca "Do you have to embarrass me like that? He didn't deserve that kind of treatment." Becca tossed a couple chips in her mouth. "Well?" It drove me crazy when she acted like this. We wasn't in college anymore. "I want a answer!" She took another drink. "It doesn't take twenty minutes to make a Bloody Mary. It's hot out and they should know better than..." "That's no excuse!" I interrupted her. "There are other people here besides just us." We shared the Nachos between us while Becca gave me the silent treatment. After about 20 minutes my phone was going off again. I glanced again at it and it was the same caller. "Will you just answer it?!" Becca said angrily. " I certainly don't feel like hearing your ex's voice singing every few minutes while I'm trying to eat." Becca scowled as she crossed her arms and stared at me. Oh for crying out loud! "Hello!" I snapped as I answered my phone. "MC? It's me, Madison." I was taken back as I didn't reconize her voice. The soft broken voice on the other end didn't sound at all like our friend's. "Hi. What's going on? I've been worried about you." I said softly. Had she been crying? I glanced at Becca who was still starring at me with her arms crossed. "Who is it?" I shook my head refusing to answer. If she knew it was Madison in her mood there would be a bigger scene here. "I'm at General Hospital. Could you please come by? I need to talk to you and it's important." I looked at Becca who was giving me the third degree. "Umm I have Becca with me, but yeah, I can stop by. Is everything all right?" "There was a long pause on her end. "She should be here. I just knew she would be mad and I...I just...couldn't..." she started crying. That answers that question. "Hey, hey, she's not mad, okay?" I lied. "She's just been really worried about you. We both have been. Just relax and we'll be right over." "Th-thank you." I could just make out before she hung up. I put my phone away and sat there for a minute thinking about the conversation. Becca just stared at me knowing it was Madison on the phone. "Madison is in the hospital and wants to talk to us about something important. She didnt sound at all like herself plus she was crying. I'm worried its something serious. Would you please stay calm till we find out what's going on?" Becca face relaxed a little. "Did she get into an accident? Is she alright?" "I don't know. She just said it was important. I pulled out my credit card and slid it through the machine. "I hope so." I replaced my card, grabbed my purse, then we headed for the door. .......To Be Continued?

[anotherlipstick]

GOODBYE & HELLO Part IV

I woke up to aching muscles and body. I looked beside me and was surprised to find Becca wasn’t next to me. I managed to get to my feet and walk into the kitchen and was relieved to see coffee already made. I poured myself a cup while noticing the time 3:39 in the morning. I then went into the other room where we had our offices.

I almost dropped my coffee as the entire room was a disaster. My books was all piled on the floor with what appeared to be from the file cabnet, several tables and our laptops was missing, and Becca sitting on the floor taking a sip of coffee with sweat pouring off her.

“Is the coffee good? I wasn’t sure how many scoops you put in.” I took a sip and knew she put way to much coffee in. However, I couldn’t recall when she made coffee before and looking at the room strong coffee is what I’m going to need. “It’s tastes fine. How many scoops did you put in?” “I don’t know… six? I couldn’t sleep so I figured I would get started on this so we can hopefully have our room back tonight. The sooner this is cleared out the sooner we can go see about beds. We should go early to make sure they can be delivered today.

I was shocked as I couldn’t believe she was putting so much effort into this. I set my coffee down and walked over to her. "Okay, let’s do this!”

By the time the kids woke up it was going on eight a clock and the room was cleared out. Not only that we found room to set up our computers and tables in the living room though most of my books would have to go out to the garage.

we got the kids ready and went to get breakfast and then shopping for beds for them. we did have Madison’s key but Becca felt it would be to much trouble to move that stuff back and forth especially once she was released. We ended up purchasing two complete beds with matching nightstands and dressers and they was able to deliver and set everything up by three so we would have plenty of time to visit Madison.

——————————————

Just over a month had gone by since we took in Caleb and Mariah. While they did have a few rough nights they seemed to be doing well. They missed their mom and I couldn’t blame them. We went everyday to visit her when Becca got back from Femsational and sometimes we even would go earlier as well.

They had cut her hair do to the chemotherapy and her skin was heavily flaking but otherwise she seemed like she was going to beat this and that made seeing her in this condition a much better. Becca had bought her a wig that looked great on her and got a lock of her hair in a zip-lock bag that we held for her for safe keeping.

Madison was all smiles as we walked in today. “The doctor said my red blood cell count is a lot better. He wants to wait till after my next chemotherapy treatment and then he said I could probably return home.” “That’s wonderful Madison. I’m so happy to hear that.”

We stayed about an hour before heading home again. She was always so full of energy when we first arrived but she would quickly get tired so we would go and let her rest.

I was a bit sad at the news as I had actually gotten use to the kids being with us. We had both had worked so hard on their room and Becca had even put up comic book Superhero’s and Disney princesses all over it. She really had gone all out in it and it looked amazing.

Was it wrong to feel this way? I wasn’t sure but I felt awfully guilty about it. I had often thought about kids but Becca had said several times she had no such desires. Then out of nowhere two amazing children fall in our lap and Becca’s all for it. Maybe it is because of how much she cares about Madison, but it works.

I looked over and could tell Becca was depressed about the idea of giving them up as well. She had been such a different person the past four weeks but now she was moody and snappy a fair amount of the time.

“Hey it’s okay.” I walked over and gave her a hug as we got ready for bed. “ I’ll miss them too, so you’re not alone in this.” Becca just nodded then got into bed without a word. I decided not to push it we’ll see how things go.

—————————————-

Midnight Maiden started playing waking both me and Becca up. I looked at the clock that read a quarter to five. “Who is it?” Becca asked upset. “I don’t know” I looked at the name that listed initials I didn’t reconize. I decided I better answer it just in case. “Hello”

“Hello I’m calling to speak with either MC or Becca. Is one of them available please?” Said the gentleman on the other line. “This is MC, who is this and what is the reason for this call so early?” “I’m apologize ma'am but I’m calling from General Hospital and we have you listed as an emergency contact for A Ms. Madison Eckhart. "Oh yes! I’m so sorry, what can I do for you? is something wrong?”

Becca had rolled over as if asleep so I hit her leg a few times and she sat up. “I’m afraid Ms. Eckhart suffered two large seizures last night nearly right next to each other…” “Oh my god!” “It was a close call but I am pleased to say we did manage to get her stabilized. We’re not really sure of the cause of the seizers but it’s believed to be a reaction to the antibiotics she has been on. We have changed them and hoping that takes care of things. Ms.Eckhart is of course very weak, but is insisting on seeing you and Becca as soon as you’re able.” I looked over at Becca who had a worried look “Wake the kids!”

——————————————

Madison had been moved to the ICU on the 3rd floor. Becca notified the staff with the phone attached next to the door and we heard the buzzing of the door unlock.

Madison was like a ghost from even the day before when we had visited. Her skin looked like it had never seen sunlight and her eyes was sunken in.

What the hell do you say to someone like that? I was a published author yet I couldn’t think of anything appropriate. We definitely need more ways to greet someone besides ‘How are you?’

“Madison….I…” “I want you two to keep the Caleb and Mariah. I don’t trust my family and I don’t want them….” Madison started coughing a few times. Becca filled up her glass with some water and held it for her as she took a few drinks from the straw.

“I don’t want them to go into some foster home and I know…” “You think for one minute we would allow that to happen? Don’t you worry about them at all. Besides, this was just the antibiotics and those have replaced. You are going to be fine so dont be thinking like that!”

Becca could hardly even form the words. She constantly had put her down since we were in college but there was no mistaken how much she cared about her as she kept wiping the tears that flowed. She looked like she was going to fall apart at any moment.

Mariah and Caleb picking up on the tension started crying. Both of them had been wanting to be with their mom and in her shape we couldn’t let them. Before we could use hand sanitizer but now the chance of Madison getting any germs was to much.

“I’m going to take them down to the cafeteria and get them some breakfast. They haven’t eaten yet and I’m sure they’re both hungry. Why don’t you two talk alone for a bit.”

I had got them some oatmeal and Apple juice but both Mariah and Caleb was too upset to eat more than a few bites no matter what I tried. I figured I was probably wearing more than I managed to get them to eat. At least they did drink the juice.

Becca came down after about 40 minutes. I have never seen her look that way. “You want something to eat they didn’t…” Becca shook her head and I decided to drop it. I tossed what was left in the trash and we left.

By the time we got back home the kids had settled down a bit but was now acting hungry. I needed something to do so I figured we would try round two. “I’ll make some eggs and sausage. You should eat too, honey. You had even less than they did.” Becca shook her head. “I’m not hungry. Besides, I have things I need to take care of. "Like what? You should eat and we have things we need to discuss.” “I need to get going!” Becca turned and headed for the door. “Becca!” She didn’t stop. The only reply was the slamming of the door.

[anotherlipstick]

GOODBYE & HELLO Part III

We walked through the door of the hospital and was greeted by a guard who needed to check our things. I actually couldn't blame Becca for being upset but I was glad that she didn't complain too much. We found out Madison was in room 1132 from information. "I can't believe she asked who we was! I mean did she really think we was going to try something after the security guards invaded our privacy by going through our purses and checking you out?Not the smartest girl on the playground."He was not! If anything he would of been checking you out. Look at what im wearing." Becca tsk "Like that ever mattered when it came to you. People go crazy and do really stupid things around you in case you didn't notice." I couldn't help but give her a slight smile. "Okay, I know you're lying now. Name one person!" Becca glanced over at me and electricity shot through my body. How could she do that with just a look? Not only that I was highly pissed off with her not 30 minutes ago. "Oh baby... Don't think for one second, I don't wonder how different my life would of been if I just walked out of that bar back in college the moment I spoted you. That would of been the smart thing for me to of done. But instead of doing that, I lost my mind and ended up inviting you to bed instead. You! The one person I couldn't hate no matter how hard I tried." She stopped and pointed her finger at me "Oh, and for the record, I never had to try to hate anyone before - people just naturally annoy me. So if even I, am sucked in by you, even when your driving me raging mad, what chance does a overweight, bald, security guard who looks like he's retiring anyday have?" I couldn't help but laugh. "I am so using that in my next book" "You're welcome. " Becca said with a smirk. I knew she was worried as I was and was doing her best to not let it show. I grabbed her hand and squeezed it. Becca gave me a weak smile back as we turned the corner. "1128...1130...1132. This should be it." I said both to Becca and myself as I knocked on the door and peeked inside. Madison was laying in bed and I was alarmed by the IV's hooked up to her. "You made it! She said as we entered. "With so many rooms, I don't get how they keep track of all of us. Did you get lost?" "We knocked on every door till we found yours that's what took us so long. We got stoped and searched by a guard." I joked trying to ease the tension of the machines and wires. Madison quickly sat up causing me to worry she would pull the IV's "They didn't try taking you to jail did they? I would feel terrible asking you to come if I known..." I shook my head "Madison, it's okay. I was just teasing. The lady up front gave us good directions and your room number. We found you easily." I gently gave Madison a push and she layed back in bed. "What's going on? You have been gone at work more days than your there, then Katherine tells me you called her out of the blue to quit and now..."Becca lifts one of the IV's and set it back down. "All this. What the hell is going on Madison? Did you wreck your car or something? I want answers!" Madison shook her head. "I'm sorry. No, I didn't wreck my car..." She started crying again and I grabbed some tissue and handed it to her. "Thanks." she took it and wiped her eyes. "Talk to us Madison." I said as I sat down in the chair next to her bed. "A few months ago while I was at the gym I got really tired all of a sudden. I didn't think nothing of it then but..." She wiped her eyes again then continued. "it came coming back so I finally went to see a doctor." She stopped and I glanced over at Becca who was fidgeting "And? Did they find out what was wrong?" Becca asked anxiously. "Madison nodded. "Leukemia." I couldn't breath. It felt like someone punched me in the stomach. "The doctors are confident that ill be able to go home soon but..." She looked to me and Becca. "Mariah and Caleb are at the daycare. I know you don't have much room but there is nobody else I trust. Could they stay with you till I can leave?" I looked over to Becca who now looked like a boxer who had been beat up and was about to fall. I stood up and moved my hand to her back and slowly rubbed it. Becca looked to me with a look I couldn't read. "Of course. Anything we can do isn't a problem, you should know that." Becca answered. We had our bedroom and the other one we where using as a office/storage room. No way could we get a bed in there let alone two and then dressers, toy boxes and...how long is this for? A couple weeks? Longer? I threw it aside. We will have to figure something out and soon. We stayed for just over an hour. Madison signed some papers that let us pick up the kids and another saying we could have them treated at a doctors if the need arises then headed for Fun Times Daycare. "Becca didn't say a word as we headed out to the hospital. Once outside Becca got on her phone. "Katherine, I need you to open tomorrow. Something has come up and I can't come in." I unlocked the doors and Becca got in the passenger seat. "Shit!" Becca was silent for a minute. "You deal with it! Tell them I want the full line of the limited editions colors before Saphora and Ulta or no deal! You pull this off and you're promoted. I need to go. Becca hung up the phone looking at me. "I can't believe I forgot about the meeting UD!" "Things have gotten hectic quickly." I placed my hand on her knee. "It's understandable." She gave me a weak smile. "I'm sorry for just agreeing to take the kids but..." I patted her knee "I understand. There is nothing to apologize for. We'll make it work!" Becca put her hand on mine and gave me, what I called, her troublemaker look. "What?" "Nothing." Becca turned to look out the window. "Tell me!" She turned back to me "You need to watch where you're going." Then returned to staring out the window. Fine! We pulled up to Fun Times Daycare and got out of the car. "Do you have Madison's room number if they need to call her? Becca asked as we headed towards the front door. "I saved it from earlier when she called at Applebees." As soon as we entered we saw the kids playing with some blocks. "Aunti MC! Aunti Becca!" Caleb shouted as he got off the floor and came running up to us. Becca got on her knees and gave him a big hug. I smiled and made my way over to a dark hair lady with a 'Fun Times' shirt on. We're here to pick up Mariah and Caleb..." I felt some small arms wrap around me and looked down to see Mariah. "Hey sweety!" I grabbed the letter from Madison out of my purse and handed it to her as I picked Mariah up. "You are getting heavy." She gave me a big smile. "This is highly irregular Ms.." The lady said while looking at the paper. "I understand that but..." "Why isn't the mother here? She was the one to drop them off and they was supposed to be picked up hours ago." Becca came up to us carrying Caleb as I patted Mariah. I didn't have strength to talk Becca down and to be honest, this bitch was pissing me off too! "We're not going to stand here and listen to a babysitter tell us about what's regular and what's not! Some of us actually not only work important jobs with a future, but run them! When this happens sometimes people get held up doing the things people like you couldn't figure out because they are more complicated than singing London Bridge! Now, how much do we owe you because we've had a long day and would like to get home!" She looked at me crossing her arms. We send out a bill every two weeks. "Good. Then we're all done and we will be leaving now. Did they have anything with them this morning?" I asked. "The mother usually drops off some toys but she seemed in a hurry and left quickly." I knodded and headed for the door with Mariah and Becca followed carrying Caleb. We got back to the house and my arms felt like they wanted to fall off. "I'm ordering pizza." I flopped onto the couch heavily and called to place the order. After we all ate Becca found some cartoons on TV for them that they seemed to like till we decided it was bedtime. Becca layed the kids down in our bed. They seemed almost as tired as we did so I was glad they didn't argue like I heard kids their age did. Madison often said they didn't get into trouble much and it was apparent. Becca came out with a couple blankets and pillows. "And where do we sleep now?" I asked knowing we both wouldn't fit on the couch. She tossed a pillow and one of the blankets towards me. "You can have the couch, I'll take the floor. Tomorrow I'm going to move everthing out of the other room and set it up for them." Becca tossed her pillow on the floor and lay down in front of the television facing away from me and covered up. I got up and tossed my pillow down besides her as she looked up. "That couch is uncomfortable" I said laying next to her. "After what we paid for it, you say its uncomfortable? Not enough padding?" I shook my head. "it's not that." "Well what's the problem?" I wrapped my arm around her. "You're not next to me." She smiled and gave me a quick kiss. "Goodnight." "Mmm goodnight." ......To Be Continued?

[aaronplascencia]

The Freshmen (2018) ★★★★★★★★☆☆