Growing Up Brady And Johnson (Read 5,448 times)

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 88


The next day Carrie was miserable at school. The truth hit her hard that Jennie was yet again absent from school. Carrie and Frankie had spent the night before looking all over Salem for Jennie with no luck. As Carrie went through the morning, she couldn’t focus on her classes. She only thought of Jennie. Carrie couldn’t deny that Jennie had run away,and it was all her fault. She just hoped that Jennie was safe.

Lunch came,and Carrie made her way through the cafeteria with her lunch tray. She found a lunch table off in a corner from the rest of the kids. She didn’t want to talk to anyone. Nobody wanted to talk to her,and she was fine with that. She sank into a chair,and began to pick at her school lunch. Carrie glanced around the crowded room, as she picked at her chicken sandwich. She couldn’t help but notice the cheerleaders table. Tori was laughing loudly as she pointed at another kid. Carrie felt sick at the prospect that she even had considered those girls her friends. Jennie was her true friend, not those cheerleaders, but she had lost her too.

Deep in thought, Carrie didn’t even realize that someone had sat down beside her. “Carrie.”

Carrie was broken from her thought as she heard her name. Carrie glanced up, and noticed Sarah sitting beside her. Carrie stared at Sarah in dismay. “Sarah,” Carrie said in shock. “What are you doing over here? Aren’t you at the wrong table?”
“I deserved that,” Sarah said. Her voice was thick with shame.
Carrie took in her friend’s appaearance. Sarah looked as miserable as Carrie felt. “I’m sorry,” Carrie said. “It’s just I figured you’d be sitting with the other cheerleaders.”
“No,” Sarah said. “I quit.”
“What?” Carrie asked in dismay. “You quit the squad. When?”
“Yesterday,” Sarah confessed. “Carrie, I really screwed up. I was horrible to you at the sleepover. Actually, I’ve been horrible since joining the squad. I just wanted those cheerleaders to like me.”
“Me too,” Carrie confessed. “ But.” Carrie’s voice trailed off. “Lisa told us what happened to Jennie on Monday night.”
“You mean, what I did,” Carrie corrected.
Sarah put her arm around Carrie. “Hey, I’m sure it wasn’t your fault entirely. Lisa and Tori can be very pushy and persuasive.”
“Yeah, but now Jennie is gone,and it’s all my fault.”
“She’s gone,” Sarah said. “Wow.”
Carrie nodded. “Yeah, she ran away. No one has no idea where she went.”
“I’m sure someone will find her,” Sarah said comfortingly.
“I hope so,” Carrie said.
Sarah rubbed Carrie’s arm soothingly. She dropped her hand back to her lap,and stared at Carrie questioningly. “So,” Sarah said with hesitation. “Can we be friends again. I am really sorry. Those dumb girls were not my friends either.”
Carrie slightly smiled. “Yeah, I’d like that. Are you in as much trouble as I am?”
“Yep,” Sarah said simply. “I’m grounded for three weeks.”
“Yeah,” Carrie agreed. “I’m grounded too,and I have to work at the pub as part of my punishment.”
“Well, maybe we can hang out like old times after our restriction,” Sarah suggested.
“I’d like that,” Carrie said. “And maybe if Jennie is found, she could hang out with us too.”
“I should have given her more of a chance,” Sarah said sadly. “Yeah, I’d like to meet her. I want to apologize to her.”
“I just hope that my dad can find her,” Carrie said.
“He will,” Sarah said. “Your dad is the best. Come on, let’s eat our lunch.”
Carrie nodded as she swiped a tater tot from Sarah’s tray. “Okay.”
Sarah slightly giggled as she too took a tot from Carrie’s tray. “I’ve missed you Carrie. I’m glad we’re okay.”
“I’ve missed you too,” Carrie said.

As Carrie and Sarah continued to eat their lunch, Carrie was glad that she and Sarah were beginning to mend their friendship. She just hoped that Sarah was right,and that Jennie would be found soon. Carrie wanted to apologize to her,and make things up to her. Carrie was glad that Sarah was willing to try to give Jennie a chance. Carrie just hoped that Jennie was open to possibly befriending Sarah after what had happened. Carrie knew though that she was going to probably have a hard time convincing Jennie of her friendship once she was found.

[André DiMera]

Glad Sarah apologized. Hopefully Jennie will be found.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 89


Carrie met Frankie outside of the middle school later on that day. They had agreed to go looking for Jennie together before they had to go to the pub for their after school shift. As they walked the streets of Salem, Carrie told Frankie how she and Sarah had begun to mend their friendship that day at school. Carrie also told him how she wanted to make things right with Jennie, and that Sarah too wanted to apologize to Jennie. Frankie didn’t say much as he listened to Carrie. He knew that she was truly being sincere, but he still couldn’t help but feel hurt about how Carrie had treated Jennie.

As they began to end their search for the day, they found themselves at the pier. As they were about to turn around and walk to the pub, they heard a light groaning sound. “What was that?” Carrie asked. “Did you hear that?”
Frankie listened. He slowly nodded, and put a finger to his mouth. “Stay close,” he mouthed to Carrie.
Frankie instinctively pulled Carrie close to him as they began to walk slowly to the noise. As they got closer, both Frankie and Carrie realized that the sound was coming under the pier. Once getting to the source of the noise, they saw a huddled person curled in the fetal position.

Carrie gripped Frankie’s hand as they approached the unknown person. Upon coming into view, both Carrie and Frankie gasped in disbelief.
“Jennie,” Carrie said quietly. “Jennie.”
Carrie broke away from Frankie and rushed to a motionless Jennie. Carrie knelt down beside her. “Jennie,” Carrie said softly. “It’s Carrie. Can you hear me?”
By this point, Frankie was knelt Dow beside Carrie. Frankie reached his hand out,and gently touched Jennie. “She’s wet,” he observed.
“What’s wrong with her?” Carrie asked with urgency in her voice.
“I don’t know,” Frankie said. “From looking at her, it looks like she’s been out here for a while.”
“We have to get help,” Carrie said. “She needs a doctor.”
“Just hold on,” Frankie said. “Let’s try to rouse her first.”
Carrie nodded. Just then Jennie began to stir. She slowly raised her head from her knees. Her eyes were red and puffy. Her skin was white and pasty. “Frankie,” Jennie croaked. “Carrie.”
“Hey,” Frankie said gently. “Yeah, it’s me, Jennie. Carrie and I are here.”
“What happened to you?” Carrie asked.
“I ran away,” Jennie said weakly. “But.” Her voice trailed off as she began to cry.
“Hey. Hey,” Frankie soothed. “It’s okay. I’ll take care of you now.”
“I think I’m sick,” Jennie said. “I can’t go back to the group home. I can’t.”
Jennie began to cry. “You won’t,” Carrie said. “Frankie’s right. We’ll take care of you.”
Jennie stopped crying and stared at Carrie. “You?” Jennie questioned. “I ran away because of what you and your stupid friends did to me.”
Carrie cringed slightly. She knew that she deserved that. “I know,” Carrie said. “But those cheerleaders aren’t my friends anymore.”
Jennie was quiet for a long moment. “You’re not?”
“No,” Carrie replied. “I’m not. I quit the cheer squad. I treated you terribly,and I’m so sorry, Jennie. You’re really my friend, not those cheerleaders. I wanted them to like me, and I tried so hard, but in the end, I realized that I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t betray you like that. But.” Carrie’s voice trailed off.
“But then Tori and Lisa took my books,” Jennie said hoarsely.
“Yeah,” Carrie said. “After you left, I stood up to them,and I told them that I quit the squad. I then told Mrs. Nelson that same thing yesterday. Jennie, I want to make things up to you. Frankie and I have been looking for you since yesterday.”
“Really?” Jennie asked in dismay. “I didn’t think that anyone missed me.”
“We have,” Frankie said. “I’ve never stopped thinking of you Jennie. Max and I miss you. Please let Carrie and I help you.”
“My Uncle Steve and my dad have been looking for you too,” Carrie chimed in.
Jennie began to softly cry again. “I like your uncle.”
“Yeah, he’s really great,” Carrie agreed. “He’s worried about you too.”
“The Riverfront Clinic isn’t far from here,” Frankie said. “Let us take you there. You look sick,and you can get checked out by a doctor.”
“I don’t want to go back to the group home,” Jennie pleaded.
“Kayla is working,” Frankie said. “She’ll keep you safe. Please Jennie. Carrie and I won’t leave. I promise.”
Jennie was quiet for a long time. She finally spoke. “I really like Kayla. I saw her and Steve and Benjy at the park last week. Okay. I’ll go.”
“Thank you,” Carrie said gratefully.
Frankie and Carrie both helped Jennie up off the ground. Jennie was unsteady on her feet as she walked. Frankie put his arm around Jennie as the threesome walked to the clinic. As they walked, Carrie said a silent prayer of relief that she and Frankie had found Jennie. She knew that her aunt could do something to help Jennie. Carrie also knew that Frankie wasn’t going to let Jennie go now that he had found her. Hopefully things would begin to turn around for Jennie.

[André DiMera]

So glad Jennie’s been found, and she’s letting Frankie and Carrie take her to the clinic!

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 90


Frankie paced anxiously in the waiting room of the Riverfront Clinic. Carrie sat in a chair, nervously picking her hands. Kayla and Dr. Mike Horton had been back in an exam room with Jennie for twenty minutes. As Carrie and Frankie continued to fret nervously, Adrienne watched over the kids as she worked the front reception desk. Just then the front door opened to the clinic. Roman and Steve entered. Carrie jumped up and rushed towards her father upon seeing him.
“Daddy,” Carrie exclaimed. “We found Jennie.”
Roman wrapped his daughter in a hug. “I know, pumpkin. Your aunt called Steve and I.”
Steve walked over to where Frankie was pacing. Steve put his hand firmly on Frankie’s shoulder. Frankie stopped pacing, and stared at Steve with scared eyes. “They’ve been in there forever,” Frankie said as his voice cracked.
“She’s going to be fine,” Steve said calmly. “You and Carrie did good, Francis. You helped her.”
Frankie nodded. Steve took Frankie by the arm,and gently guided him to a chair in the waiting room. The group of four all sat down,and waited for news about Jennie.

Ten minutes later, Mike Horton emerged from the back exam room. He approached the group. Both Carrie and Frankie sprang to their feet upon seeing Mike. “How’s Jennie?” They both asked in unison.
Mike smiled easily at the kids, in hopes that he would put their minds at ease. “She’ll be just fine. She has a nasty flu, and is a bit dehydrated, but with rest and fluids, she’ll be just fine.”
Frankie breathed a sigh of relief. “Can I go see her?” Frankie asked. “I need to see her.”
“Me too,” Carrie chimed in.
Mike put his hand up. “I know you’re both worried about Jennie, but she really needs her rest. Kayla is getting her cleaned up now, and CPS should be here soon. I think it would be best if you visit with her tomorrow or the next day.”
“But, I need to see her,” Frankie protested. “Besides, God even knows where she’ll even be tomorrow. I need to see her now.”

By this point, Steve stepped forward. He put his hand firmly on Frankie’s shoulder. “Frankie,” Steve said in an even tone. “Mike is right. Kayla and I will take care of Jennie.You can see her tomorrow.”
“But,” Frankie said in defeat.
“Son,” Steve’s tone was loving yet firm. “I got this. I’ll keep her safe. I promise.”
Frankie nodded slowly. A tear slid from the corner of his right eye. Steve wrapped Frankie in a quick hug to reassure him that he would handle things.

Roman then spoke up and suggested that he take Carrie and Frankie to the pub for a burger and fries. Neither Frankie or Carrie objected, and Steve promised that he’d call Roman later to give an update about Jennie. Roman then left the clinic with Carrie and Frankie.

Steve then turned his attention to Mike. “Did you run a paternity test?”
Mike nodded. He motioned for Steve to follow him into his office. Mike explained to Steve that Kayla had told him what was happening with the possibility of Jennie being Steve’s daughter. Mike had run the tests as he was examining Jennie. Mike also told Steve that he had called CPS,and that Janet Banning and Susan Marshall were on their way. Steve thanked Mike. Mike then took Steve’s blood, and reassured him that he would have the hospital rush the results.
“Thanks man,” Steve said gratefully. “Can I go see Kayla and Jennie?”
“Sure,” Mike said. “I’m going to go drop these samples off at the hospital,and then I’ll be right back.”
Steve nodded. He turned to leave Mike’s office, and made his way into the lounge where Kayla was with Jennie.

Steve knocked lightly on the open door to the lounge. Kayla smiled warmly upon seeing her husband. “Come on in,” she said, motioning him to enter.
Steve walked into the lounge,and found Kayla and Jennie sitting on the couch. Jennie was wrapped in a warm blanket, and drinking a mug of tea. She smiled weakly upon seeing Steve. She waved shyly at Steve.
“It’s okay,” Kayla soothed. “Remember what we talked about.”
“Hey there, Right Eyes,” Steve said easily. “How are you feeling?”
“A little better,” Jennie said with a raspy voice.
“I was really worried about you,” Steve said. He took a breath in an attempt to keep his emotions in check. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
Jennie nodded. “Yeah, Frankie and Carrie told me that you were worried. I didn’t think anyone would miss me. I didn’t think anyone cared that much.” She began to cry softly.
Kayla rubbed Jennie’s arm. “We care sweetie. Steve and I care.”
Steve sat on the couch next to Jennie. “Kayla’s right. We do care,and Kayla and I want to help you.”
Before anyone could say anything else, Mike appeared in the doorway. “Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Banning are here.”
Jennie moaned lightly. “Hey,” Kayla said. “Remember what we talked about. Just tell Mrs. Marshall the truth. Steve and I will take care of the rest.”
Jennie nodded. “You really mean it?”
Kayla winked at the girl. “Cross my heart.” Kayla made a cross sign across her chest to emphasize her promise.
Jennie nodded. Just then Mrs. Marshall appeared in the door. “Mr. And Mrs. Johnson, I need to speak with Jennifer.”
Kayla and Steve excused themselves from the lounge to give Jennie and Mrs. Marshall privacy.

They went out to the waiting room where they found Janet Banning. They talked as they waited for Jennie and Mrs. Marshall to emerge.

[André DiMera]

Hopefully the talk with Mrs. Marshall goes well. Glad Steve and Kayla told Jennie that they care about her.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 91


As Kayla and Steve waited for Mrs. Marshall and Jennie to emerge from the lounge, Janet Banning did her best to assure the couple that everything would work out for Jennie. To try to put their minds at ease, Janet Banning disclosed to them that she had encouraged Mrs. Marshall to allow Jennie to live with the Johnsons as a foster home placement, if that would be what Jennie wanted. Kayla said a silent prayer that that would be what Jennie wanted,and that they could take Benjy’s sister home to him.

In what seemed like forever, Mrs. Marshall and Jennie finally emerged from the lounge. Kayla looked at Jennie,and could tell that the girl had been crying. Both Kayla and Steve rose as Mrs. Marshall and Jennie walked over to the group.

“Jennifer has something that she’d like to say,” Susan Marshall said in a serious tone. “Go ahead Jennifer. Tell them.”
Jennie was hesitant as she stared at Kayla, Steve, and Janet Banning. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” Janet Banning coaxed. “I can leave, so that the three of you have some privacy to talk.”
“No,” Jennie said quietly. “You can stay. Besides, you’re Benjy’s case worker, right?”
“That’s right,” Janet Banning replied.
“Then you can stay,” Jennie reasoned. Jennie fidgeted in place.
“It’s okay, Bright eyes,” Steve gently encouraged. “Tell Kayla and I.”
“I want to come live with you,” Jennie said quickly without taking a breath. “Mrs. Marshall told me that you want me to live with you, that Benjy is really my little brother. She told me that my birth mom, Ellen was also Benjy’s mom.”
“That’s right,” Kayla confirmed. “Ellen was your mother and Benjy’s mother as well.”
“Was,” Jennie said quietly. “She’s dead now though.”
Steve nodded. “Yeah, baby girl, she is. Kayla and I want to take care of you though. There’s a lot that we need to talk about, but that can wait till you’re feeling better. We’d like to take you home, if you’ll have us.”
Jennie’s eyes began to well up with tears. “No one has ever wanted me before,” she said as her voice cracked.
“We want you, honey,” Kayla said as her eyes also filled with tears. “Steve and I want you to be apart of our family.”
“I think I’d like that,” Jennie said as she began to lightly cry. “I’ve never had a family before.”

Steve opened up his arms. Jennie only hesitated for a second, before she walked into Steve’s embrace. He lightly hugged Jennie, knowing deep down in his soul that this girl had to be his daughter.

Once they broke away, Mrs. Marshall retrieved the foster care paperwork from her bag. She explained to Jennie and the Johnsons that Janet Banning had talked to her about Jennie,and she had come prepared for this meeting, so that Steve and Kayla could sign the necessary papers at that moment, so that Jennie could go home with them that evening. Frankly, Susan Marshall was anxious for Jennie to be placed in a foster home, and she didn’t feel that there was a need to draw out the process. Kayla and Steve both signed the necessary papers. They thanked both Janet Banning and Susan Marshall for all their help.

Jennie assured the adults that she had all of her belongings with her. Susan Marshall released Jennie to go with the Johnsons that night. She promised that she would come by their home the next day to talk with them about things, but everyone agreed that Jennie needed to get to bed, so that she could rest.

Mike Horton emerged from his office, and Kayla told him what was going on with Jennie. Mike was happy for his friends,and instructed Kayla to take the rest of the week off, so that she and Steve could care for Jennie,and get her acclimated to her new home. Feeling satisfied with the end result, Steve, Kayla, and Jennie left the clinic.

Throughout the next few days, Jennie recuperated from the flu. As she healed, she fell into place with her new family. Benjy and Jennie were both thrilled to have one another as siblings. Steve and Kayla had explained to Benjy how Jennie was his sister. The boy had taken the news in stride, and he too was happy to have a big sister. Steve and Kayla had talked to Jennie at length about her mother, Ellen. They told her that it was a real possibility that Steve was Jennie’s father. Steve explained his entire relationship with Ellen to Jennie. Surprisingly, Jennie was very understanding about everything. She kept telling Steve and Kayla over and over again that she was just thrilled to have a family. That it didn’t matter to her if Steve turned out not to be her father. She was just glad to be living with them now. Both Steve and Kayla assured Jennie that she would be living with them no matter what the paternity test results showed. Jennie was relieved by this fact.

That Friday, Kayla stood in the kitchen, making an apple pie. Jennie was resting upstairs in her bedroom. Just then the doorbell rang. Kayla wiped her hands on a dish towel,and went to answer the door.

Kayla opened the front door to find Carrie and Sarah standing on the front porch. She smiled warmly at the girls. “Hi there,” Kayla warmly greeted.
Carrie smiled at her aunt. “Hi Aunt Kayla,” Carrie said. “We came to visit Jennie.”
“Come on in,” Kayla said.
Both Carrie and Sarah walked into the house. “How’s Jennie feeling?” Sarah asked.
“She’s feeling a lot better,’ Kayla said. “Go on up.”
“We brought a peace offering,” Sarah explained. She motioned to the plate of brownies that she was holding.
“We made brownies,” Carrie explained. “Do you think Jennie will like them?”
“I think she will,” Kayla assured.

Carrie nodded. She led Sarah up the stairs to Jennie’s room. Carrie knocked lightly on the guest room door, which was now Jennie’s bedroom. Jennie looked up from her book. She smiled meekly upon seeing Carrie. “Carrie,” Jennie said in dismay. “Hi.”
“Hi Jennie,” Carrie said as she entered the room, Sarah following behind her. “We came to visit.”
“Hi Jennie,” Sarah chimed in. “We made you brownies.”
Jennie closed her book, and sat up in bed. Carrie and Sarah sat on the edge of Jennie’s bed. “You didn’t have to come,” Jennie said.”
“Yeah, we did,” Carrie said. “We wanted to check on you.”
“And we wanted to apologize,”Sarah echoed. “We’ve been terrible to you. We’re so sorry. I’ve been terrible to you. I didn’t give you a chance. I was trying to fit in with the cheerleaders,and I treated you unfairly.”
“Did you quit the cheer squad too?” Jennie asked.
Sarah nodded. “Yep,” Sarah said simply. “Both Carrie and I quit. We decided that we don’t need those mean girls.”
Jennie was quiet for a long time, not really sure as to what to say next.
“Jennie, we want to be your friend,” Carrie said. “If you can forgive us.”
“You and Frankie saved me,” Jennie said. “I was all ready to leave Salem because I thought that I had nothing here.”
“That’s not true,” Carrie said. “You have family now.”
“I know that now,” Jennie said gratefully. “Steve and Kayla have been so good to me already.”
“And you have friends,” Sarah said. “If you’ll have us.”
“Yes, Jennie said. “I’d like to try again. Friends.”
“Friends,” Carrie and Sarah said in unison.
“Brownies to seal the deal,” Sarah said.
Sarah unwrapped the plate of brownies,and the girls each took one, and began to eat.

****
Steve walked into the house. He smelled apple pie baking. He walked into the kitchen, and found Kayla and Jennie sitting at the kitchen table. “There are my girls,” Steve greeted.
“Hi Steve,” Jennie said.
“How are you feeling Bright Eyes?” Steve asked as he gave Jennie a side hug.
“A lot better,” Jennie said. “Carrie and Sarah just left.”
“Oh,” Steve said curiously as he joined Jennie and Kayla at the kitchen table.
“Yeah, they apologized, and we’re going to try to be friends,” Jennie said.
“That’s great,” Steve said.
“That’s what I told her,” Kayla said.

Steve grinned as he retrieved an envelope from his coat pocket. “I have the results of the paternity test.”
Both Kayla and Jennie stared anxiously at Steve. “And. What is it?” Kayla asked in anticipation.

Steve opened the envelope,and read the results aloud. “The results are positive,” he said. “Jennifer Rose Bosworth, you are one hundred percent my daughter. You are a Johnson, baby girl.”

Both Jennie and Kayla began to cry. Jennie hugged Steve and Kayla both.
Jennie looked at Steve with tears in her eyes. “Can I call you Dad?”
“I couldn’t think of anything better, Bright Eyes. I’m your Papa.”
“Daddy,” Jennie said as she hugged Steve.

Kayla watched Steve and Jennie as she cried lightly. This was what Steve had so desperately wanted ever since learning the truth from Ellen. Jennie had found her forever family. Kayla’s heart was full as she watched her husband and her daughter. Kayla had a daughter. At that moment, Kayla felt full and content as she took in the sight of her family.

[André DiMera]

Oh my gosh! So many emotional moments in this chapter! So glad Jennie knows Steve and Benny are her family, and that she has a home with them! Nice that Carrie and Sarah apologized.

[wildheartashley]

Author’s Note: This is the last chapter of Growing Up Brady and Johnson. I just wanted to thank everyone for reading. Your feedback has been very much appreciated. I hope that everyone has enjoyed the story.

Chapter 92


December, 1988

A light blanket of snow covered the ground, as it was just two weeks till Christmas. Kayla stood in front of her vanity, lightly applying lipstick. She looked at herself in the mirror, pleased with her appearance. Today was a big day fir she, Steve, Jennie and Benjy. Today was the day that she and Steve were going to officially adopt Jennie and Benjy.

Kayla smoothed her hair, sliding a stray strand behind her ear, smiling to herself, she left her bedroom. She walked into Jennie’s room. She found Jennie standing at her dresser, looking at her reflection. Jennie turned to face Kayla. “How do I look? Do I look okay?”
Kayla smiled warmly at Jennie. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”
“Are you sure?” Jennie asked. “Today is a big day.”
“It is,” Kayla agreed. “And you look perfect.”
Jennie smiled as she smoothed her green sweater. “I’m ready.”

Jennie took Kayla’s hand as they walked out of Jennie’s bedroom. They walked downstairs,and found Steve and Benjy in the living room. Both Steve and Benjy wore matching blazers. “Oh, my men look so handsome,” Kayla gushed.
“Benjy ready to have a family,” Benjy signed.
“I’m ready too,” Jennie said as she too signed.
Steve beamed at his children. “Alright, Johnsons, let’s make this official.”

After putting their coats on, the family of four left the house to drive to the courthouse. Upon arriving at the court house, Frankie, Max, Roman, Carrie, and Jo were all waiting for them. Everyone had come to offer their support and love to Steve, Kayla,and the kids as the adoption of Jennie and Benjy would be made official. Everyone made their way into the judge’s chambers at the courthouse.

The judge explained the proceedings to everyone. Frankie signed for Benjy as the judge explained everything. The judge signed the necessary paperwork, and then she offered the chance for Steve, Kayla, Jennie, or Benjy to say anything that they wanted to share with the group.

Jennie walked forward as she looked at all the people whom she had grown to think of as family. She smiled brightly, her blue eyes shining with happiness. “I never thought that I would have a family. I never thought that anyone would love me. I didn’t think that I was worthy of love, but then I met Steve and Kayla,” Jennie paused for a moment. “I mean, Dad and Mom,” she corrected herself. “They took me into their home,and they have loved me. For these past few months, I have learned what it is to be a daughter, to be a sister, and to be a friend.” Jennie winked at Carrie as she spoke. “I have found a place, a home, somewhere where I belong, with people who love me. I may not remember my birth mom, Ellen, but I have found a family,and I’m sure that she is smiling down on me and Benjy from heaven.”

Kayla was lightly crying as Steve had his arm around her. Benjy raised his hand. The judge acknowledged him. “Yes, Benjy,” she said.
“Benjy’s turn,” he signed as Frankie interpreted for him.

Benjy got up from his seat,and walked to stand in front of his family. Benjy turned to Jennie. “Jennie help Benjy?” He signed.

“Yes,” Jennie said. “I’ll interpret for you. You’ve got this. Do what we practiced.”
Benjy nodded as he turned to face his family. He grinned at the people who he loved. He gave a muffled sigh and began to sign. “I love Steve and Kayla. Before I came to live with them, I felt that I didn’t have a voice, because I couldn’t sign with anyone. I left the group home because I was scared,and I didn’t fit in there. Steve found me in the rain,and he and Kayla took me in. They have loved me. And then Jennie came into our home. She is my sister. I love her. Mama Ellen wanted me to be safe and loved. I am loved and safe with Steve and Kayla.Daddy and Mommy. Jennie and I have found our forever home.” Benjy was smiling ear to ear as he finished signing to the small audience.

At this point, Kayla and Steve got up from their seats,and joined their children. Kayla standing beside Benjy,and Steve standing beside Jennie. The judge was lightly crying as she stared at the family of four. “I proudly present Jennifer Kay Johnson and Benjamin Steven Johnson.”
Jennie and Benjy beamed with pride at the mention of their new names. Everyone applauded with love and excitement. Hugs were given to Steve, Kayla, Jennie,and Benjy.

After the adoption proceedings had wrapped up, everyone made their way to the pub for a family celebration to welcome Jennie and Benjy to the family. The entire Brady family was there. Mickey and Maggie Horton were also there with Sarah. Everyone ate, drank,and laughed as they enjoy everyone’s company. The love was abundant that day.

As the party began to wrap up, Carrie took Jennie aside. “I have a present for you,” Carrie explained.
“But Christmas isn’t for a few weeks yet,” Jennie said.
“It’s a welcome to the family present,” Carrie explained.
She presented Jennie with a gift wrapped box. “Open it,” Carrie exclaimed excitedly. “I hope you like it.”

Jennie grinned as she carefully unwrapped a box. She gingerly opened the lid of the box. Inside, Jennie found a leather bound journal, and a silver ballpoint pen. Jennie took the journal and the pen from the box. “Oh Carrie,” Jennie exclaimed. “This is beautiful. Thank you.” Jennie hugged Carrie.
“It’s for you to write down all your thoughts and all of your new adventures you’ll have as a Johnson,” Carrie explained. “I wanted to get you something since Lisa and Tori had destroyed your notebooks.”
“I love it. Thank you.”
“Open it up,” Carrie said. “I wrote something inside.”
Jennie opened the front of the journal. She found a handwritten note from Carrie.

Dear Jennie,
I have learned so much from you since becoming your friend. You have taught me so much about not judging people,and really giving people a chance for who they really are. You have taught me what it means to be a friend, just by opening yourself up to me. You entrusted me with your secrets. Those secrets have bounded us together. I lost sight of that for a little bit, but with your grace, love,and forgiveness, I was able to find that again. Thank you for being my friend. I hope that we can go on many adventures together, not just as friends, but now as cousins.
Love always,
Carrie

Jennie closed the journal. She looked towards Carrie. She was lightly crying. “I love you, cousin,” she said.
“I love you too,” Carrie said. The girls embraced. In that moment, Jennie had found her forever family, just as Carrie had learned what it meant to be apart of a family who would always be there for one another.

The End

[André DiMera]

That was beautiful! I'm so glad Jennie finally has a family, Benjy too, and that Carrie and Jennie have truly made up!

Thanks for the great story, wildheartashley!

[krw627]

Ugly crying here! That was a beautiful end to an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it with us.