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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2012 21:19:06 GMT -5
Oh, there will be angst.
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Post by MrsM on Sept 26, 2012 21:30:43 GMT -5
Great chapter!! I love Maggie and Victor together and Maggie's nerves for Melanie and Sophie.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 22:43:55 GMT -5
Chapter 17
Melanie bustles around her kitchen, gathering Sophie’s things and explaining the routine for at least the 5th time. Jennifer smiles brightly as she lifts Sophie out of her bouncy seat and into the air before snuggling her safely in her arms.
“She doesn’t like very many vegetables, but she will eat squash. You can give her a little bit of rice cereal. Hopefully I will be home before she needs to nap, but if I’m not, if you could just make her a bottle and rock her a little before putting her down?” Melanie asks sheepishly, “You know what? I can just make one up real quick, here…”
“Melanie,” Jennifer reaches out and touches the frazzled girls arm, “Melanie, it’s fine. I can do it.” She smiles.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to make more work for you. If she’s fussy it can be hard to make a bottle and calm her down…”
“Really, Melanie, It’s fine. We will be fine… please don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried.” Melanie smiles softly, “I completely trust you with her, but I just want to make it as easy as possible.”
“Thank you sweetie, but it’s really no bother at all for me.” Jennifer smiles as she fusses with Sophie’s clothes.
“Thank you so much for watching her this morning.” Melanie leans into a hug with Jen.
“You’re welcome, honey. I’m happy to do it! It’s rare that there isn’t a line for babysitting this little one.”
“I know.” Mel chuckles, “So many grandparents!”
“Yes. You can never have too many, though, that’s for sure.” She smiles to Sophie, “Right, princess? Abigail can’t wait to come home for Thanksgiving in a few weeks and come over to play with you!”
“Yeah,” Melanie’s face falls as she turns back to the counter, “Let’s just hope that’s possible.”
“Melanie,” Jennifer approaches and stands beside her, “It will, sweetie. No judge in their right mind would ever take a child away from you. Anyone can see what a wonderful mother you are.”
“Thank you,” Melanie wipes a tear as she turns back to her, “Thank you for being so nice. It helps to hear things like that, especially now.”
“I just speak the truth.” Jen smiles, watching as Melanie nods then looks down and picks up a small card from the counter. “Somebody having a party?”
“Hmm?” Melanie looks up and then back down smiling small, “Oh, yeah. Parker’s birthday.”
“Parker!” Jennifer smiles, “That little boy is so cute. And so smart and well-behaved. Looks just like his dad, too.”
“Yeah,” Melanie smiles, nodding, “He’s a cutie.”
"You know, I actually saw them both just the other day..."
"You did?" Melanie furrowed her brow in curiosity.
"Yeah," Jen smiles, nonchalantly, "Philip brought Parker to the hospital for a physical. They were having ice cream in the cafeteria."
"Parker loves ice cream," Melanie smiles wistfully, "So does Philip."
"Looked that way," Jen laughs, "Philip is really a great dad. He's so good with Parker."
"Yeah," Melanie nods, "Yeah, he is..." She takes a deep breath, looking down at her watch "Well, uh, My parents are going to be here soon to pick me up. I just have to run upstairs, I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.” Jennifer smiles as Melanie leans in and kisses Sophie’s chubby cheek before running upstairs. She takes a seat at the table with Sophie, sitting her on the table in front of her, “You are just so precious!” Sophie giggles, “Yes! You are! You look just like your mommy, except with those big brown eyes.” She kisses Sophie’s cheek as Daniel and Carly enter the kitchen from the outside door. “Oh! Your Grandma and Grandpa are here!”
“Hey Jen,” Carly smiles, approaching and reaching out, brushing her hand through Sophie’s hair.
“Where’s Mel?” Daniel looks around the kitchen.
“She just went upstairs to get something. She’ll be right back down.” She watches as Dan and Carly acknowledge her answer. “How are you two doing? I know this is hard on everyone.”
“Uh, yeah…” Dan nods, “It’s hard. But we’re hanging in there. At least it will all be over after today. So whatever it is, we can deal with it.”
“I just can’t imagine any judge taking this little girl away from an amazing mother like Melanie.”
“You’re right,” Carly agrees, “But unfortunately it isn’t always that simple. All we can do is hope that the judge has Sophie’s best interest at heart.”
They all turn when Melanie re-enters the kitchen with a small forced smile.
“Hi.”
“Hi honey,” Carly meets her in a hug.
Daniel looks down at his watch, “I hate to rush you… but you don’t want to be late.”
“Yeah,” Mel nods, “Yeah, I know.” She takes a deep breath, setting her purse down on the table before taking Sophie from Jen, “Come here baby girl. Mommy’s just going to be gone for a little bit, okay?” She kisses her head softly, snuggling her close.
Carly wipes a tear as she watching Melanie and Sophie together.
“Mommy loves you so much, Sophia. So much.” She gives her another kiss on the cheek before handing her back to Jennifer and wiping the tears from her cheek.
“Come on, honey…” Daniel reaches out, wrapping his arm around Melanie.
“Thank you, Jennifer, for watching her.” Carly hugs her friend.
“Let me know, okay?”
“I will.” Carly nods before following Daniel and Mel’s path out of the kitchen door.
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Post by MrsM on Oct 5, 2012 7:09:57 GMT -5
Hope the hearing goes well!!!
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Post by slyn11 on Oct 5, 2012 18:44:58 GMT -5
I sometimes try to narrow down just what it is that I love about this story. Definitely how you write Maggie and Victor. I love your take on Melanie, her heart, her intelligence, and her personality shine through. I love reading about a more mature Philip that has learned and grown from his mistakes and is handling fatherhood well. Daniel and Carly are too cute. But really I think what I enjoy most is the sense of family and community you have created. I feel the warmth and the love between your characters. For example, in the chapter, Jennifer noticed the birthday invitation and then remarked on seeing Parker and Philip at the hospital eating ice cream, such a simple thing, but the image it brought to mind said so much. You could just see Jennifer smiling as she observed Parker messily eating ice cream beside his father.....such a real moment. I love that about your story. It feels real.
OK I am rambling, but I have been wanting to say that for a while. Can't wait to read more.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2012 19:36:37 GMT -5
I sometimes try to narrow down just what it is that I love about this story. Definitely how you write Maggie and Victor. I love your take on Melanie, her heart, her intelligence, and her personality shine through. I love reading about a more mature Philip that has learned and grown from his mistakes and is handling fatherhood well. Daniel and Carly are too cute. But really I think what I enjoy most is the sense of family and community you have created. I feel the warmth and the love between your characters. For example, in the chapter, Jennifer noticed the birthday invitation and then remarked on seeing Parker and Philip at the hospital eating ice cream, such a simple thing, but the image it brought to mind said so much. You could just see Jennifer smiling as she observed Parker messily eating ice cream beside his father.....such a real moment. I love that about your story. It feels real. OK I am rambling, but I have been wanting to say that for a while. Can't wait to read more. You are so sweet. I'm excited for you to read what's to come.  now if I can only find some time to write and post more often!! |
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Post by gapeach on Oct 6, 2012 10:42:48 GMT -5
Sure do hope that everything turns out okay for Melanie and Sophie.
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Post by slyn11 on Nov 6, 2012 15:44:32 GMT -5
I need my fix girl!
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Post by MrsM on Nov 6, 2012 20:12:03 GMT -5
Same here. Hope all is well!!
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Post by Minako98 on Nov 28, 2012 15:05:38 GMT -5
Bumpity bump bump! |
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now if I can only find some time to write and post more often!! 
