Hollywood Hills -- Upside Down

[KissMyGrits]

Teri drove around for what seemed like hours. It felt like her world had collapsed when she did. She knew that she should have told Jack and Kate about Zack when it first happened, but it was something that she needed to keep to herself for a while.

Everyone thought that it was because of the stress of the past couple hours, accompanied with the fact of her emotions was the reason that she fainted. The truth was something much better. She had only fainted two other times in her life. Both times were when she was pregnant. She had a sneaking suspicion that was what caused this fainting spell. So she drove into the parking lot of a drug store and bought a test. She went into the bathroom and did the test. She smiled to herself and placed her hand on her stomach. Zack had left another small piece of himself with her. The first place that she drove to after leaving the drug store was to Jack and Janet's house. She was nervous as she walked up the steps. She knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie heard a knock at the door, so she quickly hopped up from her spot in the floor to answer it. She opened the door and a big smile crossed her face. "Aunt Terri! It's so good to see you!" She hugged her aunt and brought her inside. "Dad hasn't said a word all night." She whispered before they entered the den. She kept one arm wrapped around her aunt's waste as they sat down on the couch together.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack broke out of his reverie...He hadn't realized the pizza had been placed in front of him until the scent hit him. "Jame, did you buy this?" he squeaked.
God, he was really out of it!

She nodded and he said his thank yous, digging gratefully in to his pizza. He was starved! Suddenly there was a knock on the door and he heard Jamie call out happily: "Aunt Terri!"

Jack brushed off his greasy hands and got up. "Ter!" he said, pleasantly surprised. "Terri, what are you doing here? Oh, nevermind that now! Come on, let's all sit at the table and eat some dinner while we talk," he added, noticing her pale face.

Terri nodded, forcing a weak smile. Janet heard the commotion and quickly came out in her robe.

"Terri!" she cried.

Together they sat at the table, waiting for Terri to explain why she was there.

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate and Larry decided to take there chinese take out upstairs and have dinner in bed, it was very romantic. Larry had gotten the idea from a movie he and Kate watched on TV the first year of their marriage. They sat up in bed and watched All In The Family together. It was one of Zack's favorites shows, they all loved it and it was first good laugh they had in four days.

The phone rang, Larry picked it up and it was LJ. "Oh my god!...sorry son."
Kate almost dropped her food. Larry caught it with one hand while talking with the other. "Here, let me put you on speaker so you can talk to your mother too." Larry pushed a button and set the phone back on the cradle.
"Hi Mom and Dad" Robin chirped. She was sitting in a wheelchair next to LJ's bed. You could knock Kate and Larry over with a feather, both their kids were getting better.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was nervous as she sat down in the kitchen table. She looked at the three wondering faces before her. She started emplaining why she was there.

"Well, it seems that before Zack passed away he left me with a little surprise. Um, I guess there is only one way to say this. Jack, Janet, Jamie, I am going to have a baby..."

She sat staring at the three stunned faces. She was waiting for them to say something.. Anything to ease the awkwardness of the moment...

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie's face lit up with excitement.

"You're going to have a baby?! That's great!"

She wraped her arms around her aunt and hugged her tightly.

"If you ever need a baby sitter, you know who to call." She said happily as she pointed to herself.

"I can teach it to play games with me and how to annoy Bobby." She said with a devilish grin.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled as she looked at her firneds. She knew they would be okay with it. Now for the hard part. She was going to tell Kate and Larry. Then she needed to fighure out what she was going to do with the rest of her life. She hated living so far away from her friends and family. At the moment though she was just wishing for an easy answer to her problems. She really wanted Anna and John back with her. Not knowing what she was going to do next, she sat back and studied her friends.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet took a sip of her soda as Jack congratulated Terri. She smiled at her friend warmly once Jack was done hugging her.

"Wow, Terri...this is such a wonderful surprise! But, how do you feel about this? I mean, being with...you know..." she trailed off, not wanting to bring up Zack's death again. Janet was so worried for Terri and she just wanted the best for her and her darling kids, John and Anna.

The three looked at Terri expectantly.

[Heart Shaped Box]

((Hey y'all! I'm in North Carolina right now. But I'm leaving for South Carolina tomorrow and I don't think the hotel we're staying at has a computer. So, I still won't be able to post again for a few days. :wave: ))

[LuLu Rogers]

((Hey y'all! I'm in North Carolina right now. But I'm leaving for South Carolina tomorrow and I don't think the hotel we're staying at has a computer. So, I still won't be able to post again for a few days. :wave: ))

((I hope you have fun on your trip! :wave: ))

[KissMyGrits]

Terri looked at Janet. She knew what she meant, but couldn't quite explain it to her. Her heart broke in pieces every time she thought about Zack. She saw this baby as a blessing and wanted it as much as she had wanted Anna and John. "I can't say that it is going to be easy, but I see this baby as a blessing. I just wish I lived closer to all of my friends. Oh well, I am tired and I need to get some sleep."

Terry looked at her friends with a sad smile. She needed to get out of here. She needed time to think and figure out what she was going to do. At this point in time she had no idea how her life was going to turn out. All she knew was that she needed to make some major decisions and no one could help her figure out her life. Could they?

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie sensed that something was wrong with her aunt and she wanted to get to the bottom of it.

"I'll walk you out, Aunt Terri." She followed her aunt out the door and motioned for her parents to stay inside.

"Ok Aunt Ter, what gives? We tell each other everything, and I can tell something's up with you, so start talking." She sat down on the porch swing and motioned for Terri to sit next to her.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet and Jack watched from the doorway as Jamie walked with her Aunt Terri. Janet sighed and turned to her husband.

"Jack, Jamie's going through stuff right now that NO child should go through," she worried, wringing her hands. "I mean, between her brother, her cousins, and now her uncle, I'm just scared she won't be able to handle it."

Jack put his arm around her and stared out the doorway. He could see Jamie and Terri swinging softly on their porch swing, their voices muffled by the velvety night.

"Janet, she's not a kid anymore," Jack said gently. "And I don't think she likes to be treated like one...we can't protect her from everything."

"But...but she needs us," Janet stammered, although in her heart of hearts, she knew Jack was right. Janet did tend to baby Jamie...she was her youngest child and only daughter and she just didn't want to see her get hurt.

She sighed, giving Jack a kiss. "You've always been the less strict parent," she noted with a soft smile. Janet knew she was stubborn and fiesty, always expecting more out of her kids...she just didn't want them to hurt because the world was a tough place to be in.

"I need to be more like you, Jack Tripper," she joked. He smiled at her.

"I love you just the way you are, Janet Tripper."

They kissed once more and decided to close the door. Jamie could handle herself now...she was a big girl.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri sat on the front porch with Jamie. She didn't know quite how to answer her. "Well, it is just that I am going to miss you guys when I leave. I hate living so far away from you and your parents. I miss John and Anna too. I do need to get back to them. I am also scared. I mean this is the first time I am going to be a parent alone." She sighed and stared into the night. She had held the tears in for so long that they came rolling out. She was silently crying and wishing that she could get rid of all the pain she was feeling now. Her heart hurt and she didn't know of anyway to make it feel better. She needed to talk to Janet, but they were going thru so much right now that she didn't want to trouble her with her problems. No, it would just be better if she packed up all of her things and headed back home. They had enough of their own problems. They didn't need her adding her problems to the mix. She decided that she was going to go back to the hotel and pack her things. She needed to get away from here. There were too many memories and she wasn't sure her heart could handle any more pain. She looked at the house with a look of utter and complete sadness. Would this be the last time that she saw her good friends?

Hugging Jamie she started to walk to her car. The tears were coming harder now. God, she felt terrible.

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry brought the empty containers and tray downstairs to the kitchen and threw them in the compactor, he rinsed off the tray and set it in the dishwasher, it was full so he put in detergent and turned it on. He made sure the dog had been out and that she was settled in for the night. After checking the burgular alarm, he walked upstairs. He got into bed and rolled over on his side, facing Kate who was lost in thought. "Kate?...honey." She snapped out of her daze to answer him. "Sorry Lar, I was just thinking about Terri and of course Zack." Larry took her hand in his and caressed it. "Yeah, me too sweetie, I just don't understand what's going on anymore." Kate rubbed his hand. "Neither do I Larry, neither do I."

The phone rang and Larry picked it up. It was Terri calling from her hotel room. Larry insisted that she spend the night. There was plenty of room.
when she declined, persisted. "No, I won't hear it...You get your things together and I'll come over and get you." This was one of the reasons why Kate loved him so much. Larry threw on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt and was out the door after kissing his wife with promise that he'd be right back. He arrived at the hotel, parked the car and met Terri in the lobby.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was in the process of checking out of the hotel. She wanted to get done and be out before Larry got there. Things were definitely too emotional here. She needed to get away from the memories. She was checking out and on her way out the lobby when she spotted Larry. What was she going to do now? She did need to talk to someone, but they all had their own problems to deal with. Their problems were huge in comparison to hers. She met Larry in the lobby and told him "Larry I need to go back home. There is nothing left here for me." She was crying as she said it. When Zack was alive she thought of these people as family. Now that he was gone, she was afraid that bond was gone forever. She knew it was silly and probably totally off the mark, but she wasn't thinking straight as she lowered her head. She wished that she could talk to her friends about how she felt. She tried to push her way past Larry.

[Moonlight Lady]

"C'mon stop Terri, stay here and talk to me!" He couldn't believe what she was saying. "How can you say that!?" Larry raised his voice. "We're your family, we love you, we're here for you! Zack's death doesn't change that." He tried to convince her. "At least come home with me and have a good nights sleep and talk to Kate and I, pour your heart out, then if you still want to leave. We'll drive you to the airport, okay?" Larry was not gonna let her just walk out of their lives forever.

Terri agreed and he helped her with her bags. "You can call the kids from the house or I'll call them if you want me too." Larry was playing the big brother role to her. They had dated a few times before he met Kate, but, decided to remain good friends. They never lost that bond, no matter how much Terri wanted to deny it.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was silent on the drive back to Larry and Kate's house. She stared out the window and thought to herself. "I will go to their house, get a good nights sleep, then I will leave. I need to get out of here. No matter what they say or do nothing can change my mind. My heart hurts too much to stay here. I do want to say goodbye to Jack and Janet though. In the morning things will be much clearer. In the morning I will leave. So they can get back to their children and stop worrying so much about me. I love them so much. It is the least I can do."

Terri's tears were rolling silently down her face. It seemed like all she did lately was cry. She hated that. She could definitely blame it on the pregnancy hormones.

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry glanced over at Terri, he saw that she was crying and he reached over with one hand and gave her hand a squeeze. It made her cry a even more, there was something else she was feeling. She recognized it from when they were dating. Larry didn't realize that he could still make her feel this way.

He pulled the car into the garage and grabbed her bags from the back. He started to open the door leading into the kitchen when he heard Snowball barking and the clicking of her nails as she ran to the door. "Don't worry Ter, Snowball doesn't bite, she's friendly. The worst she'd probably do is lick you to death" he warned her. "Okay, snow, it's just Larry and Terri." Larry set Terri's bags down and picked up the dog. "Shhh...you'll wake Kate."
Terri seemed a little nervous around her. "Terri, it's okay, Snowball won't bite you, I promise." He had never seen Terri like this, it really worried him.

Kate came downstairs and took the dog from Larry. "Here, i'll take her, she's just a little skittish around new people. I'll put her in her bed." She walked out of the room. "Do you want some tea? we have herbal..god do we have herbal." He walked into the pantry and rattled over many varieties. He suggested Chamomille because it was calming. Kate came back into the kitchen and grabbed three mugs. Terri couldn't take it anymore and just blurted out her big news.

[KissMyGrits]

"I'm pregnant. There I finally said it." She smiled at the shocked look on friends faces. "I guess Zack left me with one final present. It was totally unexpected." She looked at her friends faces and smiled. The look on their faces was absolutely priceless. She guessed she couldn't have shocked them more if she would have told them anything else.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Uh...uh..." Kate and Larry both stammered as the stood there in shock until Kate elbowed Larry in the stomach. "Oww.." He stood there rubbing his stomach as he shook his head briskly, shaking out the cobwebs.

Larry led her into the livingroom while Kate put the kettle on. "Let's get you off your feet." Terri sat down and Larry sat next to her. Kate joined them on the couch, sitting on the other side of Terri. "Uh...Terri, when did.. oh how do I ask this..How many months are you...do you think and why didn't you call us and Jack and Janet when Zack died?" That's the question that they both wanted the answer to.

[KissMyGrits]

"Well, the best I can figure is that I am about 2 months pregnant. I thought it was stress, but I guess I was wrong."

"As for the answer to the second question. That is a lot harder to answer. When Zack died I went into a major depression. Nothing anyone said or did could get me out of it. My parents came and got the kids and left me at a hospital. I finally realized what was going on. That was 3 days ago. I caught a plane and here I am. I know I have messed up big time. I am so sorry. So you see, this is why I have to leave. You guys and Jack and Janet would be better off. You have enough to worry about. LJ and Robin are still in the hospital. You really should be with them and not spending your time worrying about me."

She knew that she should trust her friends to help her, but the pain was still too raw. Everywhere she looked things reminded her of Zack.

"I really am tired, I need a good nights sleep and then tomorrow...."

She looked into the faces of the best friends and family she had ever known. How in the world would she be able to leave them? She didn't know if she would be able to, but she had to for everyone. She wished she could see Jack and Janet one more time.

She laid down in the bed, her back facing the door, which was open just the smallest crack, allowing a tiny slice of light to shine on her hair. She was deep in thought and her thoughts revolved around Zack and their life together. God, he would have hated her acting like this. She was always so strong. In reality he was the strong on in their family. What was she going to do without him? Would she be a good mom to Anna, John and the new baby? That was something she didn't know. She sighed as yet another tear rolled down her cheek. Would they ever stop? Could anyone help her to feel whole again?

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry got into bed and turned off the light on his nightstand. Kate lay in bed and let out a big sigh. "She can't leave Larry." Kate said so matter of factly.
"I know honey, but, we can't force her to stay." She sat up and turned on her light. "Yes we can, you get the rope, I'll get the duct tape..." he interrupted her plot. "They have a word for that you know -- it's called kidnapping." Larry turned his light on and sat up. "Look, Kate, Terri is a grown woman...we can talk to her and try to convince her to stay until we're both blue in the face...but we can't make her stay.

Look tomorrow we'll called Jack and Janet and have a big breakfast before we take Terri to the airport. I'm sure the three of them would love to see Terri before she goes home." He suggested. Kate agreed. "I don't know what I would do if it were me in her shoes, just the thought of losing you." Kate
held on to husband tightly. "I know Kate, I've been thinking the same thing."
He held her close to him and kissed her forehead as they drifted off to sleep.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri woke with a start. She had a dream. In the dream Zack was there. He was smiling and playing with Anna and John. It seemed so real. When she woke up and realized that it was a dream she was devastated. She sat on the bed with her knees pulled up to her chest and her head resting on her knees. She felt like he would walk in the door at any moment. She needed fresh air. She got up out of bed and walked to the backyard. She noticed a swing and went to sit down. She needed to clear her mind and get her senses back together. She was sitting there when she swore she heard someone approaching from behind her. It had to have been her imagination.

[Number 9 Dream]

The next morning, as Jack was slumping tiredly out the front door to grab the paper, he heard the shrill of the telephone from inside. He quickly snatched up the newspaper and darted as fast as his legs could carry him, picking the phone up just in time.

"Hello?" he panted.

"Hey, buddy, it's Larry."

"Oh, hey!" Jack cried in surprise. "How are you doing?"

"Fine fine! I just wanted to call to talk to you about Terri."

"Terri? Is she alright, Larry?"

Jack waited with baited breath, hoping Larry wouldn't drop any bad news.

[Moonlight Lady]

"She keeps talking about leaving and it being to painful to stay here because everything reminds her of Zack, She keeps saying how there's nothing here for her anymore." Larry told Jack everything and how she wanted to see him and Janet before she left. "Kate and I tried everything to convince her."

Jack told him that he, Janet and Jamie would be right over and hung up the phone. Larry finished making coffee. "I hope this works Lar" Kate wasn't sure about anything anymore. "I hope so too sweetheart." He felt the same way. Fifteen minutes later, the dog's barking alerted them that Jack, Janet and Jamie were here.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet knocked on the door, flashing Jamie a smile as Kate and Larry's dog went nuts upon their arrival, barking wildly as its paws pressed against the front door.

"Snowball seems excited to see us," Janet commented. The door was quickly opened by Kate, who held a worried expression on her pretty face.

"Hey, guys," she greeted breathlessly. "So glad you could make it. Larry put on a pot of coffee and is now making some pancakes for us."

"Oh, you didn't have to go through so much trouble-" Jack said.

"It's nothing," Kate waved off. "He likes to cook. Besides, we have so much to talk about."

Kate flashed a look at Janet, a sad glint in her eyes. Janet knew things couldn't be good. She only hoped Terri would get the support she needed.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri heard the dog barking and pulled the pillow over her head. She wasn't ready for it to be morning yet. She wanted to sleep forever. When she was asleep her heart didn't hurt. She could dream and Zack was still there. She finally realized that sleep wasn't going to come that morning. So she sat up in her bed and looked out the window. It was a beautiful day outside. If only her mood matched the weather outside.

Suddenly she heard voices. She realized that it was Jack and Janet. With a groan she pulled the pillow over her head. She curled up into a fetal position and pretended to be asleep. She wanted to block out the world for longer. So, she pretended she was sleeping.

[JJ4EVER]

Diane was having a great sleep. She had been pissed off the night before, because when she called Mark, to her utter surprise, he said he was breaking up with her. She apparantely didn't make him feel "satisfied enough." She was so mad she had cried herself to sleep. It was eight in the morning when her phone rang. It was Larry, and he sounded a little hysterical. "Diane! You finally picked up!! Get over here!" Diane sleepily replied. "Look, Larry I'm not in the mood-" but Larry interrupted. "It's about Terri; she wants to leave town!" Diane became instantly alert. "L-leave? Hold on I'm coming." Diane hung up. She ran out with her pjs on, wondering how she could convince Terri to stay.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri finally decided to get dressed and face the day. She peeked outside and saw that everyone was in the kitchen. She snuck past them and went outside. She sat on the porch swing and watched a squirrel. She smiled as she watched him scurry around gathering nuts and eating seeds. She felt at peace here and loved watching the squirrels. The birds were flying in the sky and everything was so peaceful. If only her emotions were in check. She wasn't sure how long she was sitting there before Larry sat down beside her. She smiled at him and continued to watch the brids and squirrels.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Jack, Janet and Jamie are here." he informed her. "I made coffee and pancakes for breakfast, why don't you come in and join us. We put the dog in Robin's room so she won't bug you." Terri wasn't really hungry and she told him so. "Honey, you have to eat something, if not for you then eat for the baby, so come on inside with me...Terri." He used the tone of voice that meant business.

She couldnt' believe he was using the "Daddy" tone with her, she went inside with him just so he'd stop. Everyone was glad to see her still there.

[KissMyGrits]

She sat in Larry and Kate's kitchen. She was looking into the faces of her friends and family. Everyone was staring at her and she kind of felt like a fish in a fish tank. She wished that someone would say something to take some of the tension out of the room. She felt bad that they had come over here just for her. She decided that she was going to tell them what she was feeling and then she would pack her bags and go.

"Okay, since everyone is waiting for me to say something here goes nothing. Jack, I know you are wondering why I didn't tell you about Zack before now. The simple answer is that I suffered a minor breakdown. My parents came and got Anna and John and I was left in a hospital. I was depressed because I wasn't there for Zack when he needed me most. I let him down. I might have been able to save him." At the looks of protest from her friends she held up her hand. "Please, let me finish. I finally recovered some sense of my life and realized that I needed to get my life back on track. I came out here to tell you guys about Zack. I know I could have called. But that kind of thing isn't something you can tell someone about over the phone. So, I got on a plane and came to your house. One of your neighbors told me about the shooting. I rushed over to the hospital and thats when I found out about the kids. I wish I would have told you sooner. I will be leaving this afternoon. I have to. I need Anna and John back.I have no job and no place to stay. I will always love you guys. But I don't see any possible way that I can stay here." With that the tears started flowing again and Terri ran out of the house and into the backyard. She heard someone approaching from behind and this time she knew it wasn't her imagination..... Because she felt arms grabbing her in a tight hug that wouldn't let go even when she tried to pull away....

[Moonlight Lady]

"You're coming with me, my dear." the raspy female voice hissed as she pulled Terri through the bushes. Inside everyone sat in silence until Larry spoke up. "Look everyone, I'm afraid that we're just gonna have to let Terri go home." They all look at him in shock and are about to speak all at once.

"Let me finish, we've done all we can and as I was telling Kate last night, we could all try to talk to her and convince her..." He stopped in mid-sentence.
"I've got it!" He ran out into the backyard to talk to her but she was nowhere to be found so he went back into the house. "She's not out there."
Larry informed them. "Well maybe she went for a walk." Kate suggested.

[LuLu Rogers]

((Sorry guys! I had to work yesterday! LOL!))

Jamie sat in her father's lap as she listened quietly. She hadn't slept well at all the night before and she yawned from exaustion. She blinked her eyes and fought to stay awake. She felt something wet on her toes and she looked down to see Snowball licking her feet. She giggled and gently pushed the little dog away. "Stop that!" She whispered.

[Moonlight Lady]

((That's no problem :) Now, i'm actually in the right story, sorry about that Lauren. :rotflmao: Chrissy moment.))

"Larry, will you stop teasing Jamie" Kate kidded her husband. That broke the tension in the room as everyone laughed. Snowball growled as she ran out of the kitchen. Jack made a comment about that sounding like Larry in the morning. "How would you know Jack?" Kate asked him. Everyone's eyes were now on him waiting for an answer. He stammered for a bit until the doorbell rang. They all sat there and stared at Larry.

"Don't everybody rush for the door." He was Mr. Sarcastic all of a sudden. He mumbled all the way into the foyer and opened the door. Diane ran in knocking Larry aside. "Gee c'mon in sis." he rolled his eyes. He walks back in almost tripping on the dog. You hear a yelp and her growling at him as she runs away to hide. "Why does she only do that to me?" He complains while walking back into the kitchen.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie laughed at her aunt and uncle, but soon, sleep got the best of her and she fell asleep in her father's arms, sucking her thumb.

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate went into the kitchen and Larry decided to start cleaning up and she tried to help him. "Where does this go Larry?" He was kind of annoyed with her. "Would you really like me to tell you?" He snapped at her. "Whoa, what's your problem?" She couldn't figure out what put him in such a sour mood all of a sudden. "Nothing, i'm just fine!" he walked into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. "Jack, would you go find out what his problem is, please?"

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack moved carefully as to not wake Jamie and proceeded to head to the bathroom. He knocked once. No answer.

"Larry?" he called. "Come on, buddy, what's up?"

Suddenly the door opened and Larry yanked him in by the shirt collar. Jack stumbled inside, nearly knocking his friend over.

"Hey, what gives?!" he squeaked. "What's the matter with you, Larry?"


(( Hey, I'm a bit confused...how old is Jamie in this story? ))

[LuLu Rogers]

((She's 13. Am I making her too babyish? Cause I was kind of worried that I might be))

[Number 9 Dream]

Oh no it's ok! :) I was just wondering because I thought I recalled her being 13 but I thought she may be younger cause of the thumb sucking thing and being in her dad's lap...plus, I don't remember if Kate ever told me the age? :confused:







((She's 13. Am I making her too babyish? Cause I was kind of worried that I might be))

[Moonlight Lady]

Jack moved carefully as to not wake Jamie and proceeded to head to the bathroom. He knocked once. No answer.

"Larry?" he called. "Come on, buddy, what's up?"

Suddenly the door opened and Larry yanked him in by the shirt collar. Jack stumbled inside, nearly knocking his friend over.

"Hey, what gives?!" he squeaked. "What's the matter with you, Larry?"


(( Hey, I'm a bit confused...how old is Jamie in this story? ))

"You wanna know what's the matter with me? You really wanna know!" Larry was ticked off. The stress of everything that's happening was getting to him again. "Jack, you know how much I love Kate, but, Ugh!! She drives me up the wall sometimes. I love being the one who stays home with the kids, but,
would it kill her to help me out around the house more often and that damn dog." Larry punches the wall and hollers out in pain. "I think i'm getting stressed out again Jack." Larry leaned up against the counter and ran his fingers through his hair.

((I don't think I did tell you Jamie's age, anyway, what Lauren said, she's 13,
the thumbsucking actually made me laugh though I was like Oh no Jamie's regressing :lol: Here's the ages of all the kids LJ and Bobby 17, John 16, Anna 15, Robin 14, Jamie 13 ))

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack had never seen his friend so tense before. Jack couldn't blame the guy in a lot of ways-- he had been through so much the last few days. Still, he had no idea Larry was feeling so frustrated with his wife.

"Lar, trust me, it can't be fun being Mr. Mom all the time," he reassured his friend, patting him on the shoulder. "I only wish the roles had been reversed and I could've been home with the kids instead of working. What you and Kate need is a vacation-- after the kids get well, of course."

Jack smiled. warming up to his idea. "Yeah, Janet and I could take LJ and Robin for a few days....hell, even Snowball could come! Jamie loves that dog! You and Katie could take a nice trip somewhere and enjoy each other without any stresses...how does that sound, buddy?"

(( :lol: Yeah, I thought it was cute :D Well, I've seen Lauren make her rebellious before, so it does work :) I think Jamie's really cute ))

[Moonlight Lady]

"That would be great Jack, I can't remember the last time she and I took
a vacation together without the kids. I feel kinda guilty thinking that way right now though, God, Jack, I just want them home." Larry put his hand to his forehead.

Kate was in the kitchen with Janet who was helping her clean up. "What I do wrong Janet? That's the second time he's snapped at me, I'm worried about him." She stood infront of the bay window in the kitchen looking out at her yard. Janet set down the plates she was holding, Jamie took them and finished cleaning up so Janet and her aunt could talk.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was upset. One minute she was standing in Larry and Kate's backyard and the next thing she remembered she was in a hotel somewhere. How the heck she got there she didn't know. Another thing she didn't know was who took her there. One thing was certain, when she found out who it was she was going to let them have it. First she needed to get out of the ties the held her hands and feet together....

[LuLu Rogers]

((I don't think I did tell you Jamie's age, anyway, what Lauren said, she's 13,
the thumbsucking actually made me laugh though I was like Oh no Jamie's regressing :lol:))

(( :lol: That's my writing for you! LOL! I have a new inspiration though! One of my younger sisters will be 13 in two weeks, so I'm using her as a guide. LOL!))


Jamie jumped up from her sleep when she heard something hit the wall.

"I'm up! I'm up!" She yelled grogily. She picked up the plates from breakfast and went to the sink to wash them.

"Left alone again. Am I that boring to talk to?" She thought as she shook her head. She gave Snowball a pat on the head as she put the dishes in the cabinet and made herself a spot to sit quietly in the kitchen floor. Snowball jumped into her lap and licked her face.

"You'll talk to me, won't you girl?" She asked the little dog as she scratched her ears.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet could tell Kate was worried. She put her arm around her friend and gave her a gentle squeeze.

"I guess he's just tense, Kate," she said quietly. "Hopefully things will return to normal soon and we can all go on with our lives."

Kate nodded and said nothing. She still looked deep in thought. Janet stared out the bay window, devouring the sights of the Dallas' property. The porch swing rocked gently in the breeze as the weeping willows caressed the lush expanse of grass.

Gee, I wonder what's keeping Terri, Janet thought worriedly. Upon checking her watch, she realized Terri had been gone a whole half hour.

"Kate, I'm really worried about Terri," Janet whispered to Kate. "I wonder what's keeping her?"

Kate bit her lip and agreed that it was taking her a real long time. The girls left the room to check on Jamie's progress, and to their delight, saw all the dishes put away and the counter cleaned.

"Great job, Jamie!" they praised. Jamie blushed.

"Mom, where's Aunt Terri?" she asked.

The girls looked at one another, not sure how to respond.




Jack put his arm around his friend, leading him out of the bathroom. "I know, Larry...we all do," he said. Together, they entered the kitchen and saw the girls standing by the kitchen sink, both looking quite worried.

[LuLu Rogers]

((Jamie's already in the kitchen, since Janet and Kate left her the plates to wash while the went to talk. ;) ))

[Number 9 Dream]

(( :lol: Ok, I'll go fix that ))



((Jamie's already in the kitchen, since Janet and Kate left her the plates to wash while the went to talk. ;) ))

[LuLu Rogers]

((I did the same thing earlier! LOL! :lol: ))

[Number 9 Dream]

(( we're all having Chrissy moments today :crazy: All fixed and ready for a reply ;) By the way, how would you like Janet to treat Jamie? I kinda like the overprotective mother bit...like, having her baby Jamie and having Jamie resent that....she seems closer to Jack, always aiming to please him))


((I did the same thing earlier! LOL! :lol: ))

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie shook her head at the adult's expressions. "You don't have to say it, I already know. I'm 13, but I'm too young to be told the truth, so you should sugar coat everything for me. Just don't worry about telling me anything!" She snapped at them, but she didn't care. She was through with being treated like a baby when she was soon to be 14 years old.

"I need some fresh air." She bit out. She went out the back door and sat down on the porch swing. Anger raged inside her. She was so sick and tired of being 13 that it just made her swell up in anger. She wanted to be left alone for a while, but she knew her family would never let that happen, even though they ignored her most of the time. The baby in the family usually got all of the attention, but it was exactly the oppostie in Jamie's family. She hated being the baby. LJ and Bobby got most of their parent's attention since they were older and Robin had a very special relationship with her father that Jamie truly envied.

[LuLu Rogers]

(( we're all having Chrissy moments today :crazy: All fixed and ready for a reply ;) By the way, how would you like Janet to treat Jamie? I kinda like the overprotective mother bit...like, having her baby Jamie and having Jamie resent that....she seems closer to Jack, always aiming to please him))

((Yeah, I like that too. Jamie is definately daddy's girl. She struggles to have a good relationship with her mother.))

[Number 9 Dream]

(( COOL...I like that too))


((Yeah, I like that too. Jamie is definately daddy's girl. She struggles to have a good relationship with her mother.))

[Number 9 Dream]

"Jamie!" Janet called. She sighed in frustration, knowing her daughter wasn't going to answer her anyway. Janet didn't know how to handle her when she was moody-- Janet herself was a moody person and often times two strong personalities didn't mesh well. Her husband was more laid back and non-confrontational, so she figured Jack would be better at handling it.

"Jack, can you please go see what's wrong with her?" she asked him, pleading with her eyes.

"Not until you tell me what's up!" he demanded. "You girls look like you just saw a ghost."

Janet exhaled. "Well, Jack, we're just worried about Terri....she's still not back!"

Jack was extremely worried now. It wasn't like Terri to just disappear like that, without alerting her friends. Jack took the car keys out of his pocket.

"I'll go drive around the block," he said. "I'll take Jamie with me...you guys wait here 'til I get back."

Without another word, he quickly left the house. He spotted Jamie in the yard, staring up at the clouds thoughtfully.

"Hey, kiddo," he called. "How about you take a ride with your dear ol' Dad?" he said.

[LuLu Rogers]

"I have nothing better to do." She sighed, her fists still clinched in frustration and anger. She followed her father around front to their car and got into the passenger's seat, being sure to buckle her seatbelt. She laid back in the seat and rubbed her forehead. Everything was really starting to get to her, especially the way her mother was babying her.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack drove in silence for a few moments. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Jamie peering sulkily out the window, her mouth set in a grimace. Jack scanned the road, keeping his eye out for a leggy blonde wearing pink shorts and a tank top. He mostly saw joggers and women pushing strollers....no Terri.

He sighed. "So, Mom's getting on your nerves again, huh?" he finally asked.

[LuLu Rogers]

"When is she not on my nerves dad?!" She replied sarcastically. "Mom and I just don't get along. She wants me to be a 2 year old and do everything she wants me to do, and I want to grow up and do things for myself. I'm not a baby anymore, after all, I'll be 14 next month." She reminded him. She figured everyone might have forgotten her birthday due to all that had happened lately. She looked up at her father, who was focused on driving. She longed to have the same father daughter connection they had shared when she was little. She really missed their talks and special trips together.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Jamie, your mother has a really hard time expressing her emotions...see, when I first met your mother, she always used to get mad at me...always yelling, her eyes sorta bugged out like this-" He paused and flashed a silly face at Jamie, bugging his eyes out as far as he could. "Sometimes I thought she HATED me...but your mother told me it was because she loved me so much that she had higher expectations of me."

Jamie looked confused so Jack went on. "Mom only does this stuff to you because she wants to protect you. I know it sounds crazy...but whoever said your mom was sane?"

He smiled at her.

[LuLu Rogers]

"I always thought you were the crazy one." She said as she rubbed her chin, pretending to be in deep thought. A big grin crossed her face.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Oh, I am," he admitted with a laugh. "Especially when I've had one too many of your Uncle Larry's drinks."

Jamie finally giggled and Jack sank back in the seat, feeling happy that he had made his daughter laugh. Janet really could be a little too tough on her, babying her to the point of sheer insanity. She was finally growing up, exploring the world without her parents at her side. Janet would have to accept that.

As kept his eyes trained on the road, he asked, "So, what do you want to do for your birthday, missy?"

(( OMG, cute avatar :D I liked the cake one before it too ))

[LuLu Rogers]

((Thanks! I'm trying to pick one that I like, so I'm trying them all! LOL!))

Jamie smiled at the thought of her birthday. It was nice to have something good to look forward to.

"Well, I haven't really thought about it." She said honestly.

She had been asking for a horse since she was 5, but that hadn't happened, so she gave up on it. Horses were her passion in life. She loved them and she worked part time at a stable cleaning stalls just to be around them. Her mother was scared to death of horses, so Jamie figured that was why she didn't have one of her own. Her father seemed to take somewhat of an interest in them and he went to bat for her when she wanted to take riding lessons. She was very grateful to him for that. She had been riding for over 2 years now, and her instructor said that she was very talented and showed great promise, which thrilled Jamie beyond belief.

[Number 9 Dream]

(( God, I can't stop staring at it :lol: He looks gorgeous :grineyes: ))

"Hmmm, well, it's all up to you, babe," he said. "I can probably think of a special something you'd like for your birthday." He eyed her sneakily, giving her a wink. "You still have some time to think about what you want to do," he added, not wanting to seem like he was taking over. He only hoped Janet wasn't planning a birthday fit for a five year old, a day out at Chuck E. Cheese or something.


"Anyway, keep an eye out for your Aunt Terri," he said softly. "She hasn't been back for nearly 45 minutes now."

Jack pulled abruptly up to a bus station, trying to spot Terri...he was highly disappointed.

[LuLu Rogers]

((Me either! :lol: ))

Jamie smiled. "I'm sure I'll be happy with whatever you decide to get for me." She answered honestly.

She had never been picky when it came to gifts, she was just always thankful to get them. She looked out the window to see if she saw her aunt Terri, but the only people she saw were mothers with their children and a few joggers. Suddenly, she had a thought.

"What if aunt Terri doesn't want us to know where she is? Maybe she wants to be alone, so she left without telling us where she was going?"

Jamie knew it was a long shot, but driving around the block wasn't getting them anywhere.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Hmm, that is a possibility," he said, thinking it over in his head. Terri did say that she wanted to get home to John and Anna...but would she leave so suddenly? It didn't seem likely that Terri would abandon her friends without saying a word, without any goodbyes. Suddenly Jack felt an ominous pit in his stomach.

"Well, we better get back," he said, trying to force a smile. Inside, though, he was beginning to shake. "Maybe Aunt Terri got back from her walk."

He carefully eased the car out of the deserted bus station, heading back in to the direction of the Dallas residence. He hoped he wasn't scaring his daughter. He had to be strong.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie didn't like the silence in the car, so she switched on the radio. She changed the station until she found something she liked. She wasn't into the music that most of her friends were. She favored the Beatles like her father. The Beatles song, "All My Loving" started playing, and she turned up the volume and began to sing along. Jamie's family was surprised to find that she had an incredible singing voice. Both of her parents had joked that I hadn't come from them. Her father really enjoyed her singing, so she often saved her special boughts of singing for him. She smiled at him as she continued to sing the song which she knew by heart. Music was another passion for Jamie.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack began to feel relaxed as his daughter sang the tune from his favorite band, the Beatles. She had such a lovely voice, undoubtedly a gift from God--he and Janet couldn't carry a tune for anything! Her voice soothed his jitters and he found himself mumbling the words as well, his voice cracking as usual.

"We've got to enroll you in some music classes," he suggested. "Would you like that?"

He waited for a response as he pulled in to Larry's driveway. He could hear Snowball going wild inside.


(( Be right back with a reply in an hour)) ;)

[LuLu Rogers]

((Ok! I'll be back then too! ;) ))

"Sounds like fun to me, but I think you need them more than I do!" She laughed hysterically as she doged a blow from her father. She loved being able to kid around with him.

She hopped out of the car and tagged her father. "I'll race you inside!" She challenged, her face lit up in a grin.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack raced towards the porch, only to be beaten by Jamie. "Man," he panted. "I used to be a lot better at this twenty years ago." Jamie giggled and cheered triumphantly.

Jack opened the front door, nearly collapsing in exhaustion. Snowball yapped at his ankles, begging to be pet. Jack rubbed the dog's neck playfully. Suddenly, Janet, Larry, and Kate were in the foyer, all demanding answers.

"Is she back yet?" Larry asked.

"Yeah, we haven't heard a thing!" chimed in Kate anxiously. Jack shook his head solemnly.

"No sign of her...and I even searched the local bus station," he said softly. "Look, I have a really bad feeling about this. This isn't like her!"

Janet pulled Jack aside. "Jack," she hushed, "I really don't want to frighten Jamie...maybe we should take her home while we continue our search?"

Jack shook his head. "No, Janet," he said firmly. "She's a big girl...we'll talk about that later, though...for now we have to worry about Terri."

Annoyance flashed in Janet's brown eyes but she bit her lip and agreed. They went back to their friends, hoping someone who come up with a good plan.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie couldn't help but smile as her father stood up for her, but she quickly dropped her grin when she saw her mother glaring at her. She gulped and leaned back on the couch next to her father to avoid being seen.

Her mind raced with possibilities. Where could Ter be? Why would she just disappear? Suddenly, Jamie had a frightening thought.

"Excuse me everyone, I know that I'm not the adult here, but I just had a thought." She gulped and sat back quietly, hoping they had heard her.

[Number 9 Dream]

For once, Janet looked at her daughter with serious eyes. She was curious as to what her daughter would say.

"What is it?" she asked.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie starred at her mother, dumbfounded. She could not believe that her mother was interested in what she had to say. She was so shocked that she couldn't even speek. "I...Uh...Well..." She gulped.

[Number 9 Dream]

"What is it, dear?" Janet coaxed softly. Her father patted her leg reassuringly, waiting for a response.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie decided this was her chance to make a name for herself in this family. "What if aunt Terri didn't leave here willingly? What if someone forced her to leave?" Her blue eyes lit up in concern for her aunt as she spoke the words.

[Number 9 Dream]

The room was silent for a moment as everyone pondered her suggestion. Jack was beginning to feel that just might be the case-- Terri rarely kept anyone worried this long. She was a nurse, after all. It was in her nature to be logical-yet compassionate-and always sensitive to others. Besides, Terri would never leave her best friends worrying sick like that. Even if she did want to leave town(like she had expressed earlier to Kate and Larry), she would most definately leave a note or telephone in advance.

"Oh my god," Kate breathed, putting a hand to her throat.

"Jack," whispered Janet, holding on to her husband, "I think we need to call the cops."

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie gritted her teeth. Yeah, she was happy that they took her seriously, but she secretly hoped that she was wrong. If she wasn't wrong about this, she prayed that God would protect her aunt. She suddenly felt sick.

"I...I don't feel so good." She said as she got up to go toward the bathroom. She didn't make it far before everything went black and she passed out on the floor.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Jamie!" Jack shouted as she went down. He quickly rushed over to her, picking her up in to his arms. Everyone clamoured around, wanting to see if she was alright.

"Stand back! She needs air!" he said firmly. He felt bad for screaming at his friends but his daughter's safety was of utmost importance.

Janet rubbed her daughter's forehead softly. "Jamie...Jamie, honey," she whispered.

Jack started fanning her, making sure she was getting enough air. Suddenly he placed his lips on hers, giving her a nice rush of oxygen. Her eyes suddenly fluttered open and she gasped frantically.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie started coughing and gasping for breath, she saw everyone standing around her and her father's deep blue eyes full of concern above her. She instantly went into little girl mode since she was affraid. "Daddy?" She called out weakly.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Don't worry, honey...it's alright," he cooed. He looked at Janet, who wrinkled her brow in concern.

"I think she's in shock," Jack informed the others. "She's been through a lot lately."

Janet shook her head, storming away and planting herself on the couch. "I told you we should've kept her home, Jack Tripper!" she fumed. Kate patted Janet's shoulder reassuringly.

"Janet," he said in a hard tone, "stop with that, ok? Geez! Jame, come with me in to the bathroom...we'll get a cold wash cloth to that forehead."

He shot his wife a look and escorted his daughter in to the bathroom, praying she was alright.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie went with her father and let him lay her down in the bathroom floor as he pressed a cold rag to her head. She didn't know what was going on, but she didn't like it. She just didn't feel right and she wanted her daddy, she knew he could help make it better.

"Daddy I need you!" She wailed weakly, her tiny frame shaking in fear. "Help me daddy!" She pleaded with him as tears streamed down her face.

[Number 9 Dream]

"It's alright," he said softly, trying to reassure her. Jack knew Jamie desperately needed him right now-- she appeared to be in shock. Kidnapping wasn't something anyone should have to go through, especially not a thirteen year old girl.

My poor girl...she's probably worried sick about her aunt, her very best friend, Jack worried.

"Hey, pumpkin," he said warmly, "you know what will make you feel better? Well, as soon as LJ and Robin are better, Dad's going to let them stay over for a few nights while your aunt and uncle get a much needed vacation....how does that sound? It'll be like you were kids again! I'll cook you guys a big dinner, we'll play some games, maybe watch movies...how does that sound? I know how much you love your cousins!"

Jack looked down at her, dabbing her forehead some more.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie smiled weakly. "That's sounds like fun."

She looked at her father again. "Daddy, can I ask you something?"

She wanted to ask him desperately, but she didn't want anyone to think that she was a baby, but now, she really didn't care. She needed someone to baby her because she was afraid and confused.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Sure thing," he said.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie felt more vulnerable now than ever, she needed comfort and love.

"Hold me daddy." She said in a tiny whisper, her face wrinkling in tears.

[Number 9 Dream]

He held her in his arms tightly. " I won't leave you, honey," he said reassuringly. "Don't you worry."

Jack sighed as he held on to her. He'd never seen her so vulnerable before...he was becoming worried. He hoped she'd be ok. And Terri...he hoped she was alive.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie snuggled up against her father. She yawned sleeply, still exausted from the sleepless night she'd had. She hoped that maybe her father would take her in the bedroom and rock her to sleep the way he did when she was little. Her eyelids started to droop and she yawned again.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack knew Jamie needed rest. Maybe Janet was right-- perhaps it would've been better if Jamie had stayed home instead of witnessing all this terrible drama. He only wished he could turn back time.

"Jame, I'm gonna put you to bed in the guest room," he whispered. "But I'm going to have to wake you up in about a half hour...is that ok?"

She nodded and he lifted her up, carrying her out of the bathroom. The others looked at them questioningly.

"Jack, is she alright?" Janet wondered, wringing her hands.

"Yea, she's fine," he said gently. "She needs to get a bit of rest, though...I'll put her down and we'll wake her whenever we decide what to do next." The others agreed and began to discuss their options as Jack lugged his daughter to the nearest guest suite. Larry and Kate often kept rooms ready in case any one of the Trippers wanted to stay over, so there was already sheets and a pillow available.

Jack tucked Jamie in under the covers, smiling down at her. "Is that comfy?" he asked.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie's face fell when she realized that her father was going to leave her. She tried to be brave, but tears fell down her cheeks as she started to sob. The last thing she wanted, or needed right now was to be left alone. She bit her lip as it started to quiver.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Why the long face, pumpkin?" he asked, getting worried.

"I-I just don't want you to leave so soon," she murmured, tears falling down her cheeks. Jack's heart broke inside....he knew she needed him but he was so worried about Terri.

"Ok, but Dad can only stay a few minutes...plus, you need your rest while we go find Aunt Terri, alright? I don't want to see my girl getting sick," he added with a grin, tweaking her nose.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Mom used to always leave me." She said sadly. Her mother never rocked her or sang to her the way her father did. She would simply put her to bed and leave her there. "I would cry myself to sleep when mom put me to bed." She confessed sadly. "That's why I always wanted you to put me to bed. You would hold me and rock me and sing to me. I guess I miss that sometimes." She admitted. Her little chin started to quiver and she wiped a tear from her face.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Awww, honey, I never knew that," he said, a bit taken aback. He was confused because he thought Jamie assumed he had abadoned her when she was little. Nevertheless, he smiled down at her.

"Well, I might be a little rusty....but here goes nothing," he said. Blushing, he began to sing the Beatles song "In My Life" in a soft, gentle tone. It was his all-time favorite song and it used to put Jamie to sleep when she was just a baby in the crib. He hoped it would comfort her now.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie's face brightened at the familiar song. She reached up and gently touched her father's face. He grabed her hand and she held his tightly. She never wanted that feeling of security to end. She fought her strong desire for sleep, trying to hold on to that moment longer. She pulled her father closer to her, so that his face touched hers. She saw someone in the doorway out of the corner of her eye, but she ignored it. She was having a special moment with her father and nothing was going to ruin that for her.

[Number 9 Dream]

(( Hey, I gotta go now...will reply tomorrow :D :wave: ))

[LuLu Rogers]

((Ok! I need to go too! I'm :sleep: LOL!))

[KissMyGrits]

Terri almost had her hands free. They were raw and she was sure they were probably bleeding, but she was determined to get free. She also wanted to get to the bottom of who took her. She also wanted to know why they took her. She was weak from lack of food. She hadn't eaten a thing at breakfast. She had been way to upset to eat. Now she felt the beginning of strong huger pains. She decided to lay down and rest for awhile. Her hands hurt and her head was starting to pound. She was deep in thought when the door to the room opened. She turned to see who was coming into the room. She was surprised to see the person that entered the room...

"You?!" Now Terri was really confused. For the person that entered the room was the last person she would have expected. In the doorway stood Larry's sister Diane... Terri said the only words she could think of. "Why?"

[Moonlight Lady]

"Well, I better call the kids and let them know we'll be late visiting them." Kate
went to pick the phone up from the coffeetable, Larry put his hand on hers and gently took the phone. "I called them already, Kate" She leaned back against the couch with a worried look. He got up and sat next to her.
"Don't worry, we'll find Terri" He put his arm around her and they kissed.

Janet sat on the other side of Kate and put her arm around her too.
"I'm not kissing you though, that's out of the question" she kidded Kate.
They all laughed. As worried as they all were about Terri, they needed to
relieve their stress every now and then, clear their heads so they could
come up with a good plan.

A dark figure appeared behind Diane "Did you go to the hospital?" Diane shook her head. Everything went black. The figure walked out of the darkness and it was Henna, Kate's younger sister. Years ago, Henna was put away in a hospital for drug and alcohol addiction. It was awful for her and she never forgave Kate, her parents or Larry and vowed to get even. She remembered her mother mentioning something about Larry's sister Diane so when she got out of the hospital, Henna sold everything she had and flew out to California.
She blackmailed Diane and threatened to kill her if she didn't help Henna with her plan to destroy the Dallases. Diane could never hurt her brother and she would pay the price.

[KissMyGrits]

The figure that stepped out of the darkness looked vaguely familiar to Terri. She couldn't place her though. She was still wondering what she could possibly want with her. Nothing was making the least bit of sense to Terri. If she didn't know better she would swear that she was dreaming. Terri spoke to her "Where am I and what could you possibly want with me?"

The figure came closer to Terri. Terri waited to hear what she had to say to her.

[Moonlight Lady]

"I want your help destroying Kate's life like she did mine. My idiot son tried to take out her kids and that stupid Tripper boy, but, he couldn't do that right.
I thought when that Larry jerk collapsed in the hospital, he was dead for sure and justice would be served, but, nooo he got up!" Ms. Dallas over there is no help at all. Now you will be perfect, you're closer to all of them, you can work from the inside to eliminate them all..Oh and your husband's stroke...You can thank me for that."

Terri only met Henna once, when she went back east with Kate and Jack when Kate's mother was in that accident. Henna was always jealous of the attention Kate got. Henna was the youngest, she was supposed to get all the attention. So Henna got drunk one night and drove her mother, herself and another passanger home one night crashed into another car killing them, her boyfriend and seriously injuring her mother and herself. Terri met Zack at the hospital, he was Mrs. Greene and Henna's attending physician.

"Don't give me that look you ditzy blonde!" Henna slapped her. "You're days are numbered. This woman was not playing with a full deck. Terri was scared.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was laying on the bed looking at Henna. This woman was definitely crazy. What did she mean that Zack's stroke was thanks to her? If that was the case then she was definitely going to ring her neck. What did she have to do with Larry collapsing at the hospital? She was getting madder as the seconds went by. Her hands were almost free. She laid back and did some serious thinking. She needed to watch her words and play this little game carefully. She didn't want to come across as bold and brash, but she definitely needed to get the upper hand here. She decided to play along with her and hope that it would get her to release her and then she could warn the others. God, she hoped she was a good actress. All of her friends lives depended on it.

She mustered her best fake smile and said "I will be glad to help you. Those people have everything and I hate them all. If I am free of them then I can go back to my kids and they won't be able to bother me. They say they want to help me, but all the want is to stick their noses in my life. I am tired of it. I just want to be left alone to get on with my life."

With that she grinned like a mad woman and waited for a response from Henna.....

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet got up to check on Jamie. She hoped her daughter was alright from her fainting spell. She peeked her head in the doorway and caught a glimpse of Jack perched at the edge of Jamie's bed. He was talking softly to her.

"Jack?" she whispered. He waved her off, giving her a glance that said, 'Not now!'

She shook her head, a bit miffed, and turned around. 'I guess I'll have to wait.'


Jack saw that Jamie's eyes were getting heavier and were almost now closed. He had just gotten done telling Jamie the story of how he had proposed to her mother, hoping it would soothe her.

"You rest tight, Jamie," he said gently. "Dad's gonna head off...but I'll be back."

[Moonlight Lady]

Jack got in the passenger side of Larry's minivan. They drove around looking for Terri. "I'm gonna pull in here and ask if they've seen Terri, this time i've got a picture." Larry pulled into a Denny's parking lot and walked inside.
Jack opened the window to get some air, there was a nice breeze.

"Janet, do you think we should head to the hospital and visit the kids, I kinda feel guilty about not seeing them today, we could make it a short visit."
Janet agreed. Kate paged Larry on his Nextel phone. "Lar, Janet and I are going to the hospital to see the kids for a few minutes. Could you come back and stay with Jamie?" Larry sighed, annoyed that she couldn't wait until he came back. "Can't it wait til Jack and I get back" He was walking out to the car. "Okay, we'll wait and then all go in one car, if you want to." She was not sarcastic when she said it. "Thanks Kate, I love you sweetie." They finished their conversation. "Nobody in there saw her, but, they'll call the police if they do." He said as he got back in the car. "We should head back, Kate mentioned something about all of us going to visit the kids." Larry drove back.

Henna wasn't sure whether to trust Terri, she was one of "them". Terri faked a sincere look and was released. Henna gave her instructions and told her to take Diane with her.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was so glad that Henna had released her. She guessed her acting was better than she thought.

However, she knew that in the coming days it was going to have to be even better. She didn't know if or when Henna would be watching. She would deserve an academy award for the performance that she was about to pull off. She had no intention of following Henna's orders, she just had to make it realistic enough for her to get caught up in her own trap. Terri might be a blonde, but she was no dummy. She had every intention of making Henna pay dearly for hurting her and her friends.

Terri's hands hurt and she was feeling lightheaded. That was not going to stop her. No one made a fool out of Terri Tripper. She intended to have her own revenge on Henna, and how sweet it would be. She was no longer tearful. She was out for revenge. Revenge against someone who took away the most important person in her life. Someone that threatened her friends and family. She had come to realize how important the Dallas and Tripper families were to her. How come it took this to realize it? She had her own plan to bring down Henna. It was a dangerous plan that could backfire. She needed to find someone she could trust with her life and the lives of her friends. Did such a person exist? She wasn't sure, but she would risk her life to try. Everything depended on it....

Henna dropped her and Diane off in front of Larry and Kate's home. It was obvious that no one was home. She knocked weakly on the door and hoped against hope that someone would answer the door.....

[LuLu Rogers]

After a while Jamie awoke from her nap. She sat up in bed and looked around. "Where am I?" She thought to herself. She had no idea where she was and no recolection of what had happened to her. All she remembered was someone familiar singing to her and she really enjoyed it. She knew who she was, but that's all she knew. She was very frightened being in a strange place. She decided to call out for help.

"Hello?!" She said through her tears. She cowered down in the bed and wraped the covers around her.

[KissMyGrits]

After a few minutes Terri realized that it was useless to keep knocking on the door. She was not feeling well and collapsed on the front steps of the house. Diane was already out of it from being knocked out by Henna. That is where they were found by Larry and Kate when they returned from the hospital.....

[Moonlight Lady]

"Diane!! Terri!!" Larry called out as he ran to the frontdoor. "Kate help me bring them inside, you take Terri and I'll get Diane!" He lifted his sister up and brought her inside, lying her on the couch. Kate carried Terri in and put her on another couch. Jamie heard her aunt and uncle's voices and walked downstairs. "Jamie, do you know anything about how to take care of people who are passed out?" Kate asked her.

Jamie remembered when Terri came over and taught her, her brother and cousins first aid. She told them everything with the permission of their parents. She quickly took charge. Larry and Kate were really impressed.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri came to first. Kate and Henna look quite a bit alike so she was confused at first. "What are you doing here?"

Kate and Larry looked at each other with looks of confusion. Then they noticed Terri's wrists and looked at each other with looks of worry... Jamie was helping Diane.

Terri tried to curl up in a ball and wanted to fall asleep... Larry and Kate wanted to talk to her though....

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie quickly barked orders to her family. It felt good to be taken seriously, but she was terrified of being the only one who knew what she was doing.

"Uncle Lar, I need some iodine and bandages for aunt Ter's wrists. Aunt Kate, I need an ice pack for Diane, she has a pretty bad bruise on her neck and the ice will bring down the swelling. We may have to get Diane to a hospital if she doesn't wake up soon. Her pulse is low. I don't like the looks of aunt Ter's wrists either. I'm going to bandage them here to keep them from getting infected, but we need to load up the van for the hospital pretty quick."

Jamie examined Terri's wrists and she almost cried when she gave them a closer look. They were raw and she had lost a lot of blood. She prayed that what she was doing might help. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and continued working.

[Moonlight Lady]

"I live here Terri" Kate responded she looked at Larry with a worried expression. "Terri honey, c'mon, you need to stay awake and tell us what happened, did somebody do this to you?" Larry kept after her getting her to talk to him. Kate and Larry got the stuff Jamie asked for. Larry already had his keys on him.

"I'm calling Jack and Janet, they need to know that Terri's here." Kate began to dial the phone. "We don't have time for that Kate, we need to get them to the hospital. Larry, Kate and Jamie headed for the door when they heard a chilling voice "Not so fast." They turned around and saw Henna standing there with a gun aimed at them. "Put them on the couch and step away....Move!!!" Kate and Larry did what they were told and stepped away.
Larry had one arm around Jamie holding her close to him and another around Kate's waist. All three were shaking.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri heard Henna talking to Larry and Kate. She felt as if she was in a dream far away. She hurt all over. She needed to help her friends. She watched as Henna rounded them up and huddled them into a nearby corner. She was still extremely weak, but she was determined to gather up every last ounce of her remaining strength to save Jamie, Kate and Larry. She waited until Henna's back was turned and she calculated how far away she was from her. She was determined and nothing was going to stop Terri. She quickly jumped up and pounced on Henna's back. She was taken by surprise and lost her balance. However, in the struggle the gun fired and hit Terri in the shoulder, just inches from her heart. She thought of the baby she carried and wondered what would happen now. She hoped Larry or Kate could get the gun from Henna. That was her last thought before she slipped into the blessed darkness. She wasn't dead, not yet..... If only Larry or Kate could do the rest and get rid of Henna before she hurt anyone else.....

[Moonlight Lady]

"Terri!! Larry screamed as he was moving toward her. "Move another step and i'll kick you where it counts so hard, your grandchildren will feel it!" He puts his hands up and backs over by Kate and Jamie. "I'll be right back, I need to check the getaway car, I'll be watching you people, one false move and well, it'll be bad!" Larry wanted badly to say something snide, but, he thought it would be best to keep his mouth shut.

Henna goes outside and Jamie comes up with a plan to take her down.
"Honey, I know you wanna be taken seriously and not treated like a baby, but, she's got a gun and she's crazy, that's a bad combination." She didn't care though, she needed this craziness to stop and she needed Kate's help.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Alright Aunt Kate, you talk to her and get her focused on you and I'll dive for her legs. I used to play football with Dad and Bobby and Bobby always told me that the weakest part of a player is his legs."

Henna came back in with the gun pointed towards them and Jamie nodded for her aunt to distract her while she waited for just the right moment to spring.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Henna, I really like that shirt, where'd you get it, I never told you what nice taste in clothes you have." Kate faked a sincere smile. Fortunately, Henna was dumb as a post so it wasn't difficult. "Really, I got it on sale. I'm surprised, I didn't think you liked anything about me." Henna put her head down in sadness. "You're just...misunderstood." Kate was doing a good job distracting Henna. Jamie in the meanwhile was getting herself psyched up.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie lowered herself down on one knee and stretched her other leg back behind her while her aunt continued to distract Henna. Jamie's blue eyes gleamed in anger as she focused on Henna's legs. "This will teach you to mess with a Tripper!" She thought as her legs sprang out from under her like rockets. She lept for Henna like a tiger, pouncing on it's prey. Her arms wraped around Henna's legs and Henna went down like a ton of bricks. As she fell, she pulled the trigger and a bullet grazed the back of Jamie's shoulders. Henna hit the ground lifelessly and Jamie pulled the gun from her hands.

"Tie her up quick guys!" She yelled as she wiped the sweat from her forehead. She knew she'd been hit, and it hurt a little, but she didn't care. She had saved her family, she had finally been a help instead of a hindrance and she was proud.

[Number 9 Dream]

It was nearly 6 o'clock in the evening when Jack and Janet decided to leave the hospital and head back to the Dallas residence. Bobby was doing much better-- he even had enough strength to joke around and talk while he wolfed down hospital food. While they were there, they even checked in on LJ and Robin, and although they were weak, they seemed to be ok.

"I can't wait tell Larry and Kate how well the kids are doing," Jack said, a smile forming at his lips. "They'll be so relieved!"

"Yea," agreed Janet, "now we can all go home and rest until tomorrow."

The Trippers pulled the minivan up the driveway, noticing the house looked unusually still. An unfamiliar car was parked there also.

"Hmm," was all Jack uttered. Janet looked at her husband, raising her eyebrow. Together, they walked cautiously up the stairway, clutching on to each other. What they didn't expect, however, was the scene before them as they opened the door.

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry just stood there, speechless. "Larry! snap out of it!" Kate yelled at him.
he shook his head and helped Kate tie Henna up, really tight. Jamie called the cops and the paramedics, they gagged Henna too. Kate took the gun from Jamie and held it at her sister. "You're gonna pay now." Kate growled.
Larry couldn't believe what he was seeing. It was like she was a different person. "Kate, What the hell are you doing, c'mon, You don't wanna do this!"
He was trying to get the gun away from her. "Give me the gun!" Haven't we had enough violence?!"

He didn't like yelling at her, but, it was the only way he could get through to her. She didn't give him the gun though, she wiped her fingerprints off of it and put it in Henna's hands as sirens were heard, they were getting closer.
Jamie spotted her mother as she was tending to Diane and Terri. Jack and Janet were speechless. Larry told them what happened. "And Jamie here, saved us all, she was braver than Kate and I."

[Number 9 Dream]

"Oh my god," was all Janet could whisper. Her normally tan face was a sickly pale, flushed of all its vivacity. Jack's eyes were widened in shock, his mouth gaping open.

"I can't believe this!" Jack exclaimed. "So, Terri has been with them?"

[KissMyGrits]

Terri awoke for a split second.... Long enough to see Janet and Jack arrive. Janet was helping to try and stop the bleeding... Terri could only whisper "I'm sorry....couldn't do more....tried to stop her...." the pain overcame her and once again Terri lost her fight with the blackness.....

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie saw her parents there and she hoped her mother didn't see her wounded back. She knew her mother would freak if she knew that Jamie had been shot. She slowly walked over to them and smiled timidly.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Well, Terri was kidnapped by Diane and Henna, My own sister" Larry shook his head. The paramedics made their way in and took over. They started an IV, administered oxygen and lifted Terri onto a stretcher.

Janet and Kate rode in the ambulance with Terri and Jamie, Jack and Larry followed in the minivan. Diane and Henna were taken away in another.
"I really hope we're done with the drama Jack." Larry commented.

[JJ4EVER]

Diane woke up. She felt warm and happy. Her neck was throbbing. She turned, her head and winced. She was Larry sitting there. Suddenly she remembered eberything."Larry...I'm sorry, it wasn't my fault..," Larry looked at her. She saw that he was crying. He shook his head and walked out of the room. A teart ran down Diane's face.

((LOL, sry i havent posted in a while :( been busy!!))

[Number 9 Dream]

"I hope the drama's done with too, Lar," Jack agreed. Jack stared out the window as Larry drove in silence. Exhausted, hungry, and emotionally drained, Jack didn't know whether he could take anymore drama. This past week has been like a soap opera for their families and he hoped things would return to normalcy. He began to ponder so many questions-- Why did Henna insist on making their lives miserable? Would Terri be ok? And why did Jamie have blood on her back? Jack had just noticed the blood on her just before they had all been whisked out by paramedics. He'd have to ask her about it when they got to the hospital. Thank god her mother was riding in the car with her.

I'm so proud she stood up for her family, though , Jack pondered with a soft smile. He was glad Jamie had the courage to do something like that.


He felt himself nodding off to sleep but was awakened when Larry pulled in to the hospital parking lot, tailing after the ambulance. He blinked, staring out the window as the paramedics ushered Terri in to the back entrance.

Lordy...we're back here again, he thought sadly. Would it ever end?

Meanwhile, Janet, Kate, and Jamie hopped out of the ambulance but were not quick enough for the paramedics. They would have to sign in to the hospital and wait for any news about Terri.

Janet took a look at Jamie's ripped, bloodied shoulder, which glistened in the moonlight as the flesh peeked out from under her shirt. She sharply inhaled, her eyes nearly bugging out of her sockets.

"Oh my god, Jamie, we need to get you fixed up quickly!" she exclaimed worriedly.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie rolled her eyes. "Don't worry mom. I was just grazed by a bullit, that's all. It doesn't even hurt." She said bravely.

Jamie may not have been in pain, but she'd had quite enough excitement for one day. She was exausted. All of the heros she'd seen on TV made saving the day look so easy, but in real life, it was anything but.

[Number 9 Dream]

"JUST grazed by a bullet?" Janet practically screamed. "Oh my god, Jack, we need to take her inside!"


Jack nodded. "Alright then...we'll go take Jamie in to get her cleaned up and Larry and Kate can wait inside for us. We'll meet up in a little while, ok?" Larry and Kate agreed, figuring it was best to go see how Terri was and perhaps see their kids for the first time that day. Larry and Kate only hoped they didn't run in to Henna and Diane, who were most likely in the emergency room with Terri.


The Trippers both led Jamie inside, where they registered at the main desk and waited for a doctor to escort them. Janet offered a tissue for Jamie to hold over her wound while they waited.

"Oh, Jack, I can't believe this," Janet muttered to herself.

"Janet, she'll be fine," he reassured her quietly. He turned to Jamie. "How's that shoulder?" he asked.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie smiled at her father. "It's ok dad, but the rest of me is exausted!" She said with a chuckle. "I think I've had enough excitement for one day."

She took a deep breath. She realized that what she had done could have been really stupid, so she breathed a prayer of thanks that everything was ok. She was thankful that her family was safe. She had never been a prideful person, but she had to admit, it felt good to be the hero. She hoped that maybe her mother would learn from this, and not treat her like a little baby anymore.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Jamie Tripper?"

The Trippers looked up to see an elderly man wearing a lab coat smiling at them, beckoning with one crooked hand. "I'm ready to see Jamie now," he said kindly.

"Go get 'em, tiger," Jack said softly, giving her a thumbs up. Jamie smiled at her dad and followed the doctor inside.

"Jack, don't you think we should go with her? You know, to make sure she's alright?" Janet worried, starting to get up. Jack halted her by tugging on her skirt, forcing her to sit down again.

"The doctor only wanted Jamie Tripper, not Three's Company," he joked. Janet rolled her eyes at him.

"I just worry, is all," she said quietly.

Jack sighed and looked at her with serious eyes. He decided this would be the time to have a talk with his wife, to make her realize that her "baby" was all grown up now, which Jamie had proven to them only moments earlier when she had saved her family.

"Janet," he began, "you really need to lighten up on her, you know? I'm not trying to be mean, but you really do treat her like a five year old-"

"Jack Tripper," she warned...she backed down once he flashed her his hardest, most determined look.

"Honey, Jamie just proved to me that she can handle herself and her family when she put her life on the line tonight...when she risked herself for the sake of her family. Now, I know what you're going to say- 'Jack, she could've gotten killed!'- but, you've got to realize that Jamie knew very well the risk she was taking and she handled it with total courage. You would've done the same for us, wouldn't you?"

"Well, yea," she admitted hesitantly, her voice softening. "But I'm an adult, Jack...I know how to handle myself."

"And so does she," Jack said firmly, staring hard in to his wife's eyes, which were now brimming with tears. Janet was silent for a minute as she pondered Jack's words. Suddenly she sighed and flashed a small smile at him.

"I-I guess she is a fighter just like her mom, isn't she?" she asked with a giggle.

"You betcha," he agreed, putting his arm around her. He squeezed her small body and planted a kiss on top of her raven-colored head. He smiled in satisfaction.

Things are looking up after all....

[LuLu Rogers]

The doctor cleaned Jamie's shoulder and put a few stiches in to seal the wound. He told her that she would be fine and that she needed plenty of rest, to which, he got no argument from her. Jamie walked back out to her parents and proudly showed them her wound from battle.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet winced but nonetheless smiled. "Wow, that's some wound," she commented shakily.

"But it was well-earned, wasn't it?" Jack asked, giving his wife an encouraging look. Janet finally nodded.

"Yes, Jamie, you were very brave," Janet admitted. Jamie looked taken aback, shocked that her mother had praised her efforts.

"I was just telling your mom how proud I am of you," Jack boasted. "How awesome it was that you helped your family out."

[LuLu Rogers]

"People should know not to mess with a Tripper!" She said in her macho voice as she flexed her muscles. It felt good to hear a word of praise from both her father and her mother. She smiled happily at her father, whom she adored, who was smiling back at her. It was nice to be daddy's girl again.

[Number 9 Dream]

"That's right!" he exclaimed with a laugh. Even Janet was smiling. "Come here, you," he beckoned to Jamie. She sat down next to him and he put his arm around her and his wife.

"I'm so proud of you," he said seriously.

[LuLu Rogers]

"I'm proud to have you guys as my parents." She said proudly. She looked st her father with her big blue eyes sparkling. "Just because I'm growing up, doesn't mean I can't sit in my daddy's lap, does it?" She said sweetly as she gave him the same puppy dog face the he often used on Janet to get his way.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Well....you are thirteen now...." he started but suddenly he grinned, "but what the heck?" He pulled her on his lap and kissed the top of her head.

Janet was in her own world. She felt like everything was changing, including herself...and she was powerless to stop it. Regardless of whatever fit she threw, life would always move forward and she was too small to budge its force. Jamie was thirteen now...it seemed like only yesterday Janet was tucking her away in the crib or sending her off to pre-school. Regretfully, Jamie remembered how she'd push Jamie on to her dad whenever Jamie had one of her crying spells as a baby. Jack would sing Beatles songs to her while Janet ran off to make sure rambuncuous Bobby(who was a growing toddler) wasn't using crayons on their walls.

'I had no patience,' she remembered. Some things never change.

Pretty soon Jamie would be sixteen....she would be dating boys and going out to parties with her friends....then would come college, where she'd leave home for good....then marriage...then kids of her own...then...

Shaking her head, she tried to break her thoughts. She decided from here on out, she would try to be more patient, to try and go with the flow....or else life was sure to leave her in the dust, taking Jamie with it.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie snuggled in her father's lap and kissed his cheek, making a loud smacking noise. "I wuv you!" She said playfully with a giggle. She rubbed her nose against his and sighed happily.

[Number 9 Dream]

"I love you too, pumpkin." He kissed her back.

Jack yawned tiredly, beginning to feel the stress of the day taking its toll on him. He wished he could just go home and curl up in bed, sleeping for all of eternity. Thankfully Felipe had offered to help out at his restaraunt until he returned and he was forever grateful.

((alright, I'm off now :D more tomorrow...we'll let the others post for now))

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie snuggled closer to her father and laid her head up against his chest and closed her eyes. It wasn't long before she heard her father's light snoring and she felt herself drift into a restfully earned sleep.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was is surgery for over 4 hours. The doctors had a hard time stopping the bleeding. Then they had to patch her up. She was transferred to the intensive care unit of the hospital. She was listed in extremely critical condition. Her chances of surviving this were 50/50. She was resting and she was hooked up to different machines. She was as white as the sheets of the bed she laid upon.

They would allow the family in one at a time. They would have to take turns going in. It was decided that Larry would go in first. Followed by Kate, then Jack, Janet and finally Jamie.

[Moonlight Lady]

When Larry approached Terri's bed, he thought he was going to be sick when he saw her. He knew he had to call her parents and tell them what happened. First, he needed to apologize. "Terri, i'm so sorry for what Diane did to you." He starts crying "I wish I had all the right words to make everything okay again, but, I don't..It just seems so unreal...Why, why would she do this to all of us...to me...her own brother...I don't know...maybe it's not her fault...I don't know anymore."

He talked to her a little bit more and then it was Kate's turn. "I'm gonna be sick...don't worry, i'll be okay." Larry assured Kate as she was walking in and he was walking out. "Terri, I'm so sorry, Henna's not gonna get away with this and I'm not even gonna start on Diane, I just don't believe it...Look what they did to you." Kate started to cry, but composed herself. "Terri, you may not think you need us right now, but, we sure do need you, especially your sense of humor and your good heart. We love you so much." Kate put her hand gently on Terri's. "Don't you see, you became family when Larry and I got engaged, you always will be family and don't you forget it." Kate gently hugged her and walked out of the room. Jack was walking in and she put her arms around him and hugged him tight. "That's the first chance i've had to do that since this happened" she said as she hugged her brother. She had really been missing their parents, especially since this whole thing happened.

Jack Sr. was more of a father to her than her own and Margaret was more of a mother to Jack than his own. Jack had always wanted a sister and Kate always wanted a brother. He hugged her too and made a promise to himself that they would get better acquainted. They released from the hug and Kate
walked out to sit with Janet and Jamie.

[KissMyGrits]

From somewhere deep inside Terri could hear every word that was said by Larry and Kate. She wished that she could talk to them and tell them not to worry about her. She had never believed that people who are in a coma like state could hear their loved ones talking to them. Now she knew it was true.

She wished that she could redo the past few days. She would have made so many different decisions. She only hoped that she would get the chance. She would fight with all her might to come back to her friends.

After Kate left Jack came to see her. She was glad to hear his voice. As he started to speak she wanted to comfort him. He sounded so scared for her. He was always a good friend and now was no different. How she longed to tell him that. If only.....

[Moonlight Lady]

LJ had been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit and into Robin's room. Kate was very insistent and really tough. Larry had warned her, just as he did in that hospital in Queens 20 years ago, to cool it or they'd get thrown out. Obviously, she hadn't learned. "Just calm down, we're all together now so just simmer down...okay?" She knew he was right, but, she hated to admit it. "Oh alright." They sat by their kids beds and watched them sleep.

Jamie walked into the room and over to Larry who put his arm around her.
"Hey sweetie." he whispered. "Hey, how's your back?" Kate asked her.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie smiled and rubbed her eyes from where she and her father had been sleeping.

"Oh it's fine. It just needed a few stiches. I'm just glad it's all over." She said with a sigh of relief.

She had been through a lot that day, heck, they all had. She was still very worried about her aunt Terri and was very anxious to see her. She still had to wait for her mother and father to see her first. In the mean time she figured she would hang out here with her uncle and aunt.

[Moonlight Lady]

Robin woke up and saw Jamie "Jamie?" Jamie walked over to her bed and hugged her. They hadn't seen each other since the day before the shooting and there was an emotional reunion. Robin asked her if anybody from school heard about it. Who hadn't heard about it was the question.

Larry walked into the bathroom for a few moments of privacy, while the girls chatted. Kate asked Robin if she wanted to try some coffee. "Just don't tell your mother, here's some gum to chew afterwards." Kate plotted. "She'll never know. She was trying hard to treat Jamie more like an adult, even though she was going overboard. It was appreciated though.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack was stunned to see Terri with tubes and wires snaking in and out of her. He clasped a hand to his mouth to keep from gasping aloud. Janet followed behind him, craning her neck so she could get a closer look. She too let out a faint, almost inaudible squeak when she saw her friend lying there helpless.

"God, Janet," he whispered weakly. He couldn't believe she was in a coma. Whenever he thought of how she got put there, rage swelled inside of him, a fury Jack has never experienced before.

"Janet, I can't look at her in this state," he mumbled before rushing out of the room, tears pouring down his cheeks.



(( guys, I'm going away tomorrow morning and will be gone 'til Monday...after tonight, someone can take Janet for me :) Also, Chelsea will be returning soon and she'll be taking Jack again...well, just wanted to let you know! :D ))

[LuLu Rogers]

After Jamie talked with Robin and Kate for a while, she walked back out to the waiting area. She saw her father coming from Terri's room with tears in his eyes. She hated seeing her father cry, because he hardly ever did, so it always ment that something horrible was going on. He sat down in one of the chairs and she approached him quietly. She sat in the chair next to him, but said nothing. She knew that there was nothing she could say to make him feel better, but she did know what she could do. Softly, and gently she began to sing the song "In My Life", the song that he had always sung to her to get her to calm down or to sleep.

"There are places I’ll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more."

When she had finished, she kissed his cheek and leaned her head against his. She tried not to, but before she knew it, she was sobbing too. It was just too much for either of them to handle.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was trying her hardest to wake up from the coma she was in. It was like walkin thru an incredibly thick fog. She wished that she could comfort her friends. Most of all she wanted to give them some kind of sign. A sign of hope to help them. She could hear Janet talking to her and wanted to respond to her, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't wake up. She heard Jack say something and then it was silent. God, she hated the silence. She felt so alone when it was quiet.

Janet had left the room and rejoined Jack and Jamie.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie wiped her tears and kissed her father gently on the nose. She knew her mother would take good care of him. She got up and took a deep breath as she made her way toward Terri's room.

When she got inside, the sight of Terri on all those machines was terrifing. Jamie hated seeing her this way, she looked so helpless. She walked over and grabbed Terri's hand. She & Terri were like best friends. Even though Terri wasn't really Jamie's aunt, they were actually cousins, Jamie had started calling her aunt Terri when she was little and Terri told her parents not to correct her. They had been inseperable. Jamie decided to talk to Terri.

"Terri Lou, it's me, Jamie Lynn." She started out softly. Terri had started calling Jamie by her full name, Jamie Lynn, so Jamie called her Terri Lou and it stuck.

"Terri Lou, We really need you here. Everybody's falling apart without you. I know I need you for sure. Who's gonna talk to me about boys, or get me out of trouble? Who's gonna convence mom and dad that I'm not a baby anymore? Who's gonna invite me over for sleepovers and talk to me till the wee hours of the morning? I need you Ter, please don't leave me! You're my best friend, and I love you very much. Oh God! I hate seeing you like this! You have to get better! You just have to!"

Jamie layed her head on Terri's arm and began to cry. Suddenly, she felt Terri squeeze her hand. She jumped up in surprise. Terri could hear her after all, she was going to be ok! Jamie breathed a quick prayer of thanks to God as she hurried out to tell everyone the news.

"Aunt Terri's ok! She squeezed my hand! She could hear me! She's going to be ok!" Jamie yelled in excitement as she ran to her parents.

[Number 9 Dream]

Somehow Jamie's singing relaxed Jack and his sobbing quieted. He kept his head buried in to his hands, not wanting to appear weak. But he couldn't help the tears...not this time. Jack Tripper rarely cried-- he always looked on the bright side of things and life usually treated him well....so when Jack Tripper cried, you knew he was really upset.

"Thank you, Jamie," he whispered shakily. By the time he looked up, however, Jamie was entering Terri's room as Janet took her place on the seat.

"Oh, Jack," Janet mumbled, grabbing her husband in to a hug. " I just hate seeing her that way...so pale and fragile."

"I know...I know," Jack whispered. "But we have to be strong...she'll need us when she pulls out of this."

"Always the optimist," Janet said, kissing Jack lovingly. They held each other for a few moments until Jamie suddenly burst out of Terri's room.

"Aunt Terri's ok! She squeezed my hand! She could hear me! She's going to be ok!" she cried happily.

"What?" they both squeaked.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie jumped in her father's lap and got right into her parent's faces.
"Didn't you hear me?! Terri squeezed my hand she's going to be ok!"

Jamie gave her father a loud smack on the lips and hugged her mother. The people walking by thought she was crazy when she started laughing and dancing around the room. It was the best she had felt in days.

[Number 9 Dream]

"I can't believe this!" exclaimed Jack, his tears now becoming one of joy. He could hardly believe what he was hearing-- Terri had squeezed his daughter's hand! Goddammit, she was actually going to live!

Jack couldn't stop shaking.

"This truly is a miracle," Janet whispered.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie giggled happily as tears of joy fell from her eyes. Her life was finally getting closer to being normal again. She grabbed her father's hands and pulled him up to dance with her. She put one hand around his waste and the other hand in his and they danced around the room. She laughed hysterically at her father's antics. He was finally starting to act more like himself.

[JJ4EVER]

Diane woke up. She got up. Her neck was killing her, and there was a huge cast on it. She had made a terrible mistake. Why couldn't she have just thought? She should have been unselfish and tried to help Terri. She felt rotten. She had just wanted to save her and Larry. She knew he would never forgive her fully, if at all. She walked out of the room, spotted Jack and Janet, and walked towards them.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack was feeling a lot better now, although still mentally exhausted. He hoped that this would be the end of all the twists and turns in their lives and that he would be able to relax and live a normal life again. As he danced with his daughter, he couldn't help picturing being a stay-at-home Dad for a while. Although his restaraunt was flourishing, the business could run well on its own without his constant supervision now. He had missed out on a lot of his kids' childhood because he was busy trying to get his restaraunt off the ground. Now that he was financially stable and could hire the help he needed, Jack didn't see why he couldn't take a break to stay at home with Jamie and Bobby. It would be nice to take them to ball games or shopping and it would give Janet a chance to get a lot done with her job.

Suddenly Jack felt a lot more relieved. He had taken life for granted and he didn't want to do that anymore.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie suddenly became brave and started a tickle fight with her father. He was good at making her surrender, but she was going to try hard this time. She tickled his tummy and put her arms around herself to keep him from getting her.

[Number 9 Dream]

"I'll get you for that!" he hollered playfully, trying to break her shield and tickle her in return. She was too quick for him and dodged swiftly, nearly elbowing him in the groin.

"Ooop, not there!" he yelped. "Mommy and I might want more kids someday," he said, winking at Janet, who merely blushed and giggled.

Suddenly, Jack looked up to see Diane heading towards them, a determined expression on her face.

"Oh no," Janet murmured.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie looked at her father seriously. "You'd better not have anymore kids!" She scolded playfully with a laugh.

She saw Diane coming towards them and she froze. Fear was etched on her face and she ran behind her father, trying her best to hide behind him as she held on to his legs.

[JJ4EVER]

Diane walked towards them. She hated herself. She was scared of what she had done. Right now, she needed to speak to Larry. She walked to Janet. "Jan-" Jack spoke up. "Look, I don't know why you weren't cuffed to your bed, but I will NOT let you hurt anyone else!" Diane was hurt and angry. She had a big temper problem when she was young, and had gone through many therapists then and even now. She hoped it didn't affect her now. "Look," she said a little more fiercly, "I am sorry, I need to speak to Larry!" Jack started at her. "Fine," she sad, getting madder by the minute. She walked off towards Terri's room, sure that Jack would tail her.

[Number 9 Dream]

"I won't let you hurt anyone else, Diane!" he screamed angrily, chasing after her. Diane looked fiercely determined, her eyes glinting with an icy resolve as she marched in to Terri's room.

(( sorry for the short post, guys...I figure you can all take over from here :) Like I said, I'll be back Monday...someone needs to take Janet and probably Jack too-- if Chelsea isn't back by then, I mean....hope you all stay safe! :happyface :wave: ))

[LuLu Rogers]

((I'll be happy to fill in on Janet for you and maybe Jack till Chelsea gets back. Have a great trip! :wave: ))

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry came out of the bathroom and saw that three of his family members were sleeping. He decided to go out in the hall and stretch his legs.
He saw Diane coming toward him and walked quickly back into his children's room. She followed him in. "Get out." he ordered her.

She tried to apologize, but, he hushed her. "Shut up...you'll wake them." He grabbed her by the arm and went outside to that same damn bench. It sure was getting alot of use. "How could you do this....What were you thinking getting mixed up with that woman....Do you realize what you've done!"
He was firing questions at her and wouldn't give her a chance. "And if you ever lay a hand on my wife again...I WILL press charges!" He walked away from her, just left her there. She had never felt so alone in her life.

((Have a great time Kristel :) ))

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was trying her hardest to wakeup. She needed to give her friends some kind of hope. After trying so hard to wake up, Jamie came in the room. Terri had listened to her and then she heard her crying. For some reason that was the final straw that gave her the will to wake up. She moved her hand ever so slightly and gave Jamie's hand a small squeeze. She heard Jamie's squeals of joy and she was alone again, but she heard her friends celebrating and smiled on the inside. She opened her eyes and the light hurt her eyes.

Suddenly she heard a doctor come in the room. She looked into his face and was so glad to see another person, instead of the blackness that had overwhelmed her for the last day or so.She also realized that she needed to make some major decisions over the coming days. Right now though, she just wanted to see the faces of her friends and family.

"Well, I see you have decided to come back to us." When Terri tried to speak he stopped her and smiled. "Your friends have been waiting to see you. Lets get you checked over and then we can let them in to see you. You gave us quite a scare there."

Terri smiled and closed her eyes, the light still hurt her eyes. It gave her a headache. After being checked over she was pronounced fit to be transferred to another room.

She asked the doctor the question she had been wondering "So when can I go home?"

The doctor laughed and replied "Lets take it one day at a time Terri. You still need to regain your strength."

Then Terri asked a question she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer to "My baby?"

The doctor smiled at Terri "It was touch and go but we were able to save the baby. You should have a normal pregnancy Terri. Just keep yourself from getting kidnapped or shot at and you should be fine. Now, I am going to let your friends come in. They have been waiting anxiously to see you again. They can come in. If you start feeling tired then we can end the visit."

Then she heard some kind noises outside her room. She recognized the angry shouts of Larry and Jack. She wondered what was going on. Her friends walked into the room and she opened her eyes. She smiled at them and weakly held out her hand. "Hi. You are a sight for sore eyes." She smiled and waited for them to say something.

[LuLu Rogers]

Janet was standing behind Jamie with her hands on Jamie's shoulders. Jack was also standing behind them. They all had big smiles on their faces.

"It sure is nice to see you awake Terri." Jack said softly, breaking the silence.

"We were all so worried about you." Janet added as she squeezed Terri's hand.

Jamie was too overwhelmed to speak, she just kept smiling. She was so thankful that things were finally looking up for her family.

After Jack and Janet talked with Terri for a while, they noticed her yawning and they decided to leave to let her get some rest. They filed out of the room and back out into the waiting room to look for the rest of their family.

[Moonlight Lady]

Everyone in the Dallas family was thrilled that Terri was awake and talking
and that all three kids were doing better. Terri and LJ switched rooms when Bobby was moved out of Intensive Care. The boys shared a room and the girls shared a room. Jack was so happy he treated everyone to dinner at Sizzler. They ordered dinner and talked about who Terri would stay with
when she got out of the hospital. They playfully fought over Terri.

"Why don't we leave it up to Terri?" Kate suggested.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Sounds like a good idea to me." Janet agreed. She knew how much Jamie loved Terri, so she and Jack secretly hoped that she would come and stay with them, but there would no hard feelings either way.

"Did everyone get enough to eat?" Jack asked with a laugh as they finished their meal.

Jamie was quiet all through dinner. She was still overwhelmed by everything that had happened that day. Jack noticed that she looked tired.

"I guess we'd better call it a night and head for home." He suggested. The Trippers said Good night to the Dallases and got in their car to go home.

Jamie was yawning in the backseat as they headed for home.

"You alright back there kiddo?" Jack asked with concern.

Jamie nodded sleepily. All she wanted was to get to bed. By the time they pulled up in the driveway, Jamie was fast asleep. Jack picked her up and carried her to her room. He layed her down in her bed and kissed her forehead as he pulled the covers over her. Poor thing's had one Hell of a day. He thought to himself.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was exhausted. She loved her family, but they could be overwhelming at times. She smiled as she remembered her friends laughing and trying to talk all at once. It was good to know that they loved her.

Regardless she did have some major decisions to make in the next few day and weeks. The biggest one was what was she going to do with her life. She loved Jamie, Janet, Jack, Kate and Larry but she knew that she needed to do something with her life and only she could make the decisions. She wanted Anna and John back with her. She really missed them. She also missed her parents, but she had come to realize that her family here meant just as much to her. She sighed as she drifted off to a restless sleep.

Morning brought no relief to her. When she woke up that morning, Diane was sitting in a chair in the corner of the room. In the hall she heard Larry and Kate coming to visit Robin.

Terri spoke to Diane "What are you doing here? Haven't you caused enough trouble?"

Diane merely looked at her and smiled a sad smile. Terri waited for her to say something, anything to explain why she did what she did to her to cause such pain to her and her family.....

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry decided to pay Terri a visit and that's when he saw Diane sitting there.
"That's it! I've had it...You just won't be happy unless you're hurting me and my family." He made a few calls. First, he pressed full charges against her and Henna and asked that they be transferred to another hospital.

Diane cried and pleaded with him to listen to her, but, he walked away. He walked into Robin and Terri's room. It would be awhile before the paperwork went through, which allowed her time to explain herself to Terri.

[Heart Shaped Box]

"God..what a day." Jack sighed heavily as he entered the living room. He just got back putting Jamie in her bed. Janet was already sitting on the couch, rubbing her forehead. He knew that everyone just wanted the day to end and hopefully the next day would be better.

"I just want all of this to end," Janet said softly. Her whole body was tense and Jack could sense it.

((Hey everyone! Well since I'm back and playing Jack, either Lauren can play Janet or I can. Doesn't matter to me. :D :wave: ))

[JJ4EVER]

"ok, Diane explain yourself," said Terri weakly but harshly. "Listen, please, just listen to me!! I was framed, well, kind of. Henna had approached me when I was coming to Larry's when he called! Then she shoved me into her dirty van and pointed a gun at me. She told me she would kill me and Larry if I didn't kidnap you!! Of course, I was so scared of dying, I agreed right away, thinking if I got the chance, I would free you! That chance came in the hotel room, but Henna was suspiscios and she hit me. Well, that's all I can say. Oh yea and I am truly sorry!!" Diane was hoping Terri would forgive her. Terri looked at her for a long time. Finally she said," I --- believe you," Diane swelled up in tears as she hugged Terri.

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry heard what Diane said and felt bad about the way he acted. He made a few more calls and his sister was free of all charges. He needed to talk to her though. He stepped into the room and put his hand on her shoulder. "We need to talk." His eyes told her that he was ready to listen to her and she agreed to go with him.

They decided to go down to the cafeteria, it wasn't busy at this time of the day so they had privacy. "Diane, i'm sorry for the way I've been treating you, I heard what you said to Terri. I should've known better than to think my own sister would hurt anybody. Can you forgive me." She started to cry when he put his arms around her.

((Welcome Back Chelsea :D I think Lauren is Janet until Kristel gets back))

[JJ4EVER]

Diane was so happy Larry and Terri were ok. She now just had to talk to Jack, Janet, and Jamie. She walked to their room with Larry.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri turned towards the window and let the tears fall. She heard Diane leave the room and then the door opened again. Terri was tired and really didn't want to talk to anyone so she didn't turn around to see who entered the room.

Larry might have forgiven Diane but Terri wasn't able to forgive. She would never forgive Diane. She wanted to hurt her as much as she hurt right now. She had cried a thousand tears and it still seemed like there were more tears coming every second. How had Diane come to the place that she thought betraying her family would save herself pain....Terri would never forgive Diane.....Never...... She didn't care if she had a gun pointed to her head, she woluld have sacraficed everything to spare her family any amount of pain. She now had a hard heart that nothing would take away. No one could change her mind and she would trust no one anymore. Her heart broke in a million pieces and she cried for everything that could have been. What was and what would be. Her husband was gone, she was laying in a hospital bed because of a mentally ill woman and she wished she was anywhere else. Regardless of what Henna had threatened Diane with she would never forgive her for the pain she caused her.

Terri had never hated anyone in her life as much as she hated Diane. How could she have betrayed her brother like this. She said that she was trying to save him. Terri thought that was a crock. She took a bullet to protect her family. She needed to talk to someone but everyone was involved in their own lives. So Terri laid in the hospital bed and cried silent tears.

Nothing would satisfy Terri. She was willing to sacrafice her life and the life of her unborn child to save Jamie, Kate and Larry. She would accept nothing less from anyone else. She would give her life 1000 times over to spare Larry the pain that he had felt over her betrayal.

As soon as she was released from the hopital she would go back home and get her children. They would go somewhere that no one knew them. She was a nurse and could get work anywhere. She needed to visit Zack's gravesite. She missed him and needed to feel his presence again.

[Moonlight Lady]

What Terri didn't realize was that Larry did NOT forgive Diane. He could put on an act too. Larry opened the door to what Diane thought was Bobby and LJ's room and hung back, allowing her to go first. As soon as she stepped in she was handcuffed. Larry watched from the doorway. When she begged him to help her, he fixed her with an icy glare and walked away.

He met up with Kate and asked her to go for a walk with him. "Mom and I will be back in a little while okay?" He kissed his daughter on the cheek. "Okay, Dad" Robin went back to reading her book. Kate and Larry got in the van and drove to the beach. They took a long walk on the beach and then up the street that lead them to their old apartment building. It was like walking down memory lane and it made them feel warm inside.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was out of bed and trying to get dressed. She was sick of being in the hospital. She needed out of here and out of this town. Memories bombarded her everywhere she went. Unknown to her Diane was in jail. However, Terri still thought she was free and she wanted to get away from this place. She wasn't thinking straight. She wrote a letter to the family. Hoping they wouldn't follow....

Larry and Kate,

I need to leave. I am going to the airport. Please don't follow me. I will always love you guys. Please remember the good times when you think of me. Larry I am so sorry for how Diane hurt you. I know that you have forgiven her, but I can't. I am sorry for that. I know she is your sister, but she hurt me in the worst way possible. Please tell Jamie that I will always love her. I will think of you often. I should have just called to tell you about Zack and all of this pain would have been avoided.

Love always,
Terri

With that she got into the cab and drove away. Part of her hoped that they would follow her. The other part, the part who's heart had hardened could have cared less. The caring part cried on the trip to the airport.......

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate and Larry had returned to the hospital. They decided that they needed to take their kids home. Although, they were still very weak, the doctor allowed them to discharged. "It goes against my better judgement, but, maybe being at home, where they were more comfortable, would help their recovery. Larry ran back to the house and grabbed some of their clean clothes and came back. "Are you sure we're doing the right thing Larry?"
He walked over to her and held her arms in his hands. "I'm not sure about anything anymore, except that we need to be done with this place."
Kate was sure that they'd be glad to see them go. They walked into Robin's room and saw that Terri was gone. Larry read the note that she left.

"Oh my god...I've gotta find Jack...Can you and Janet handle bringing the kids home?" Larry race out the door. What now? Kate thought as she walked out the door and followed Larry. "Honey, wait a minute, would you mind telling me what's going on?" He showed her the note and she sighed.
"Okay, Janet, Jamie and I can handle this, you guys go after Terri" Kate walked back to Robin's room. "Mom, what's going on?" Robin was getting tired of all the drama. "You and your brother are going home kiddo" Kate was too tired to be happy. Of course Robin was estatic. Kate helped her get dressed.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri arrived at the airport and was sitting at the terminal waiting for her plane. She was in pain, but the pain in her body was nothing compared to the pain in her heart. She knew that it could have been avoided. She just didn't see any way she could stay here. She walked by a coffee shop and they were playing a song that she could have written for herself....

"Probably wouldn't be this way" By LeAnn Rimes

Got a date a week from Friday with a preacher's son
Everybody says he's crazy
I'll have to wait and see

I finally moved to Jackson when the summer came
I won't have to pay that boy to rake my leaves

I'm probably going on and on
It seems I'm doing more of that these days

[CHORUS 1:]
I probably wouldn't be this way
I probably wouldn't hurt so bad
I never pictured every minute without you in it
Oh You left so fast
Sometimes I see you standing there
Sometimes it's like I'm losing touch
Sometimes I feel like I'm so lucky to have had the chance to
love this much
God gave me a moment's grace
'Cause if I'd never seen your face
I probably wouldn't be this way

Mama says that I just shouldn't speak to you
Susan says that I should just move on

You oughta see the way these people look at me
When they see me 'round here talking to this stone

Everybody thinks I've lost my mind
But I just take it day by day

[CHORUS 2:]
I probably wouldn't be this way
I probably wouldn't hurt so bad
I never pictured every minute without you in it
Oh You left so fast
Sometimes I see you standing there
Sometimes I feel an angel's touch
Sometimes I feel like I'm so lucky to have had the chance to
love this much
God gave me a moment's grace
'Cause if I'd never seen your face
I probably wouldn't be this way

Probably wouldn't be this way

Got A Date a week from Friday with a preacher's son
Everybody says I'm crazy
I'll have to wait and see

By the end of the song she was in tears and they called for her plane to board. Suddenly she heard someone calling her name. She looked around and saw that it was Jack and Larry. She wished the people in front of her would move faster. She needed to get on that plane......

[Heart Shaped Box]

"Terri!" Jack yelled as loud as he could as he and Larry sprinted through the airport. They tried their best to reach Terri in time before she boarded the plane, but in a few seconds she disappeared into the crowd.

"Come on Ter..!" Jack yelled again, only this time in exhaustion.

[LuLu Rogers]

((Wow! I'm behind! LOL! Chelsea, you're welcome to have Janet! :D I'm just enjoying having Jamie! LOL!))

[KissMyGrits]

Darn, there were still 5 people ahead of her and Jack and Larry were getting closer with every passing second.. She could only hope for some kind of miracle to make the line move faster.....

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry ran up to the desk and begged them to let him use the intercom. He assured them that he was not psycho. He paid them to let him use it.
"Terri Alden...paging Terri Alden..Please dont' leave this way!...we'll fly John and Anna out here!" The last passengers cleared out of the terminal. Terri was nowhere in sight. "Okay, Jack, i'm gonna have to do something drastic, look after Kate and the kids for me while i'm gone." Larry whipped out a credit card, bought a ticket and boarded the plane.

Jack tried to stop him but it was too late. The door was closed. Larry bought a seat next to Terri and sat down. When she looked over, there he was.
She wasn't sure whether to be happy or angry.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri sighed when she realized it was Larry sitting next to her. She didn't know what to say to him. She wasn't behaving at all like herself. She was totally irrational and crazy. Something inside her heart broke when she saw him. She turned to the window and looked out. She didn't speak for a few minutes. When she did her voice was filled with pain. Not physical pain, but a pain much deeper and darker. "Larry, you shouldn't have followed me. You should be with your family. I know we are family but, why are you bothering with me? I am only one person, you have so much more to worry about... I can't understand... I don't deserve....."

She turned away from him. She was sick of the tears and couldn't make them stop... No matter how hard she tried...

[Moonlight Lady]

"Terri..I...no, forget it" I'll go sit over there and take the next flight back, don't worry, it's not a trick...I won't follow you if that's what you really want." He was still hurting from Diane and she was hurting him even more by pushing him away. I'm really getting sick of her pushing us away. he thought to himself.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri placed a hand on Larry's arm and said "You don't have to move Larry. You really want to know what the problem is? I will tell you what is wrong. It seems like everyone I love ends up getting hurt. I loved Zack and look what happened to him... I just couldn't stand it if anything was to happen to you. I was so scared when Henna was in your house. I guess what I am trying to say Larry is that I love you and I would die if anything happened to you. I love all you guys, but you will always be special to me Larry. You are so much more than family to me. I also hate Diane so much for what she did to you...I will never forgive her...i know that she is your sister but.... So, don't you see that it is better for me to push you away?"

She looked at Larry and had an idea. "Come home with me. Just for a day or two...Please? I would like it if you did. I could show you where um Zack is buried and...."

When he didn't say anything for a few minutes she looked away and thought "Well, it looks like I have finally gotten my wish. He is going to leave me alone. Why does that thought scare me so much?"

She looks out the window into the darkness of night....

She closed her eyes and a single tear slipped out. Her hand was still on Larry's arm when she fell asleep....

[Moonlight Lady]

What's happening here? He wondered what she mean about being more than family. Was she falling in love with him again? He was a happily married man. Sure, every marriage had it's little ups and downs. He loved Kate though. He couldn't begin to count the ways, so why was he having these feelings towards Terri.

"Terri.." He patted her hand and she woke up. She looked over at him.
"You're beginning to sound like Kate...and I'm gonna tell you the same thing I told her....None of this is your fault....This was Diane and Henna's doing, the two of them got together and planned to destroy us and I'll never forgive them for it..." His voice was starting to break up. "I'm not even sure Kate and Jack's or my parents are really gone, They weren't that old and they were completely healthy...I don't know anymore and I'm not making sense right now so i'll shut up...I'll go with you though, I'd like to say goodbye to Zack."

Larry put his head back and closed his eyes for awhile. He hoped that all of the hurt would finally be behind them.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri finally fell into a deep sleep. It was the first truly restful sleep that she had in a long time. She went to the bathroom and as she was getting ready to leave Zack's ghost appeared before her. At first she was scared. Then he talked to her and said

"Terri, honey don't blame yourself. It was my time to go. Besides you know how I loved my Big Mac's and whoppers. Those were bound to catch up with me honey. Don't cry honey. I will always love you. Just remember that I loved you baby."

The tears came then as she said "I miss you so much. I am so worried about being a good mother I wonder if I can do it... I am just so scared. I..."

"Honey, I will always be looking down on you. Do one thing for me?"

"Anything..."

"If the baby is a boy, name him David Jonathan Tripper. For me?"

"I will."

"Well, I have to go now. I have to get back to my friends. You know them they are Owen Hart,Russel Haas and Road Warrior Hawk. My wrestling buddies. Oh and honey? Know that I will always be watching over you!! I love you!!"

Terri smiled and reached out to touch him. When she did he disappeared and she felt sad once again. But somehow she felt reassured. She could do this. She went back and sat next to Larry. Her heart still hurt but, she felt more at peace now.

She put on the headphones and listened to the music they provided. She swore that Zack had something to do with the song. "I believe" by Diamond Rio.

Every now and then softest breath upon my skin
I feel you coming back again
And it’s like you haven’t been gone a moment from my side,
Like the tears were never cried,
Like the hands of time were holding you and me.

And with all my heart I’m sure we’re closer than we ever were,
I don’t have to hear or see
I’ve got all the proof I need.
There are more than angels watching over me

I believe
Oh I believe

Now when you die your life goes on,
It doesn’t end here
When you’re gone every soul is filled with light
It never ends if I’m right.

Our love can even reach across eternity.

I believe
Oh I believe

Forever you’re a part of me,
Forever in the heart of me,
I will hold you even longer if I can.
Oh the people, who don’t see the most,
See that I believe in ghosts.
If that makes me crazy then I am

Cuz I believe
Oh I believe

There are more than angels watching over me.

I believe
Oh I believe

Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again
And I believe.

She looked at Larry and smiled. Then her thoughts turned to him. Why was she having these feelings about him? Kate was a dear friend. She was so confused. She knew he was happily married, but god she couldn't help herself. She had forgotten how he made her feel. She frowned and looked out the window and drifted off to sleep.

(Special thanks to Chain Gang Member for the idea and the names....Your ideas were much appreciated.)

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate, Jack and Janet were getting LJ and Robin settled at home. "It feels so good to be home Mom." Robin sighed as she was perched on the couch in front of the TV. Jack helped LJ upstairs. Bobby sat up on the other couch.
Jack and Janet decided to stay and help Kate until Larry got back. He had called Kate when during a layover in Chicago and explained what was going on. "Larry, our kids are coming home from the hospital. I really could use your help, but, under the circumstances...When do you think you'll be back?"
She wanted him home, she missed him. "Honey, i'll be back the day after tomorrow."

He felt guilty about leaving when she needed him, but, it wasn't like he was deserting her. So why did he still rotten. He met Terri at baggage claim and helped her carry her bags. They hailed a cab and went back to Connecticut.
What he saw when he got to the house, really knocked him for a loop.

[Number 9 Dream]

(( Ok, I'm back in working order and all caught up ;) I'll continue as Janet))


The drive to the hospital was filled with tense silence; it seemed Janet, Kate, and Jamie were all in their own little worlds, each contemplating their own thoughts.

Janet was worried about Terri. She only hoped that Larry and Jack could catch her in time before she headed back home. Terri needed her friends more than ever right now. Although Terri needed her kids by her side, they were too young to understand what Mommy is going through to its full extent.

Oh, I hope they are alright, she thought anxiously.

Kate pulled in to the hospital and found a spot near the far end of the lot. Surprisingly, Jack was waiting for them in the lobby, wringing his hands in anxiety.

"Jack!" Janet exclaimed. "Where's Larry?"

"He had to chase after Terri," Jack explained. He saw Kate's worried expression and whispered to her, "It's ok, Katie...he'll be fine. Now, let's get those kids out of here!"


They quickly checked out Bobby, LJ, and Robin and hurried to meet them in their rooms.

"Mom! Dad!" Bobby cried happily once he spotted his parents. She enveloped him a tight hug, their identical raven hair meshing together. He then grabbed his Dad and tackled him with a huge embrace.

"Hey, sis," Bobby greeted Jamie in an unusual display of affection, tickling her playfully. Jamie blushed and kissed him back.

Meanwhile, Kate was hugging and kissing her two children, glad to have them back with her.

"Mom, where's Dad?" Robin asked as Kate helped her with putting on a jacket. Janet and Kate's eyes met over the top of Robin's head.

"He's with Aunt Terri right now but will be back very soon!" Janet offered.

"Yeah, Dad's going to meet us back at the house," added Katie. Apparently satisfied with the answer, Robin grinned and grabbed her duffel bag.

"Okay!" she exclaimed. "Let's get home so I can see him!"

Together, the group exited that depressing hotel that seemed to be lingering in their lives. Janet was happy she and her family could finally say goodbye to it.

They arrived back at Kate's house, ready to help her out with the kids if need be. The kids were happy to be home, forgetting that they were tired only moments before and started bouncing off the walls as they lounged on the couch, enjoying their t.v. set.

Janet settled in between Robin and Kate on the couch, her thoughts drifting back to Larry and Terri....she hoped they were ok.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri and Larry arrived at her house. The outside of the house was a mess. The grass looked as if it hadn't been cut in months. Then they went inside the house. The inside was a mess. Terri hadn't been kidding when she said that she went a little crazy after she got the news about Zack. It looked as if she had taken every dish and thrown it on the kitchen floor. There were piles and piles of broken plates, cups, and bowls on the kitchen floor. She smiled weakly at Larry and said "See, I told you I went crazy. John came home from school and found me breaking all the dishes. That is when he called mom and dad. They came over shortly afterwards and got the kids and took me to the hospital. The rest as the say, is history."

She smiled at him and laughed at the expression on his face. She grabbed a broom from the closet and started sweeping up the broken dishes.... Larry stopped her in the middle of cleaning up....

[Moonlight Lady]

"Terri...I" He couldnt' think of the words he wanted to use. He needed to tell her how he felt, but, he couldn't bring himself to do it. She searched his eyes for a response. "Um...I think you should sit and rest, I'll finish this, but, next time you feel depressed or overwhelmed, you better call me or Jack or Janet or Kate, don't let it get this far, please Terri, just don't." Those words came out easy, he could now tell her what was really on his mind. "Let's just take a break, we need to talk." He led her into the couch he cleared off.
He held her hands and looked straight into her pretty blue eyes.

"I've...boy this is tough...I've been having these feelings about you lately, you know like I used to have back when we were dating...Terri, I don't know why i'm having them again...what I was wondering is, is it just me?"

[KissMyGrits]

Terri looked at Larry with a stunned expression on her face. Her heart was beating a million miles a minute. The minute he took her hands in his, her stomach started doing flip flops. It was the same feeling she used to get when they were dating. Here it was happening again.

She looked him right in the eyes and shook her head "No, it isn't just you... I have been having the same feelings. I have tried to stop them, but heaven knows I can't."

She didn't cry she just looked at him with a half smile on her face. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. She didn't know what was going to happen next. She sat holding Larry's hands. She wasn't sure how long they sat there looking at each other before Larry spoke.....

[Moonlight Lady]

He could feel himself leaning in to kiss Terri, his eyes closed. He caught himself. "What am I doing!....I'm a happily married man...." He got up and walked toward a window, gazing out, shaking his head. What the hell's the matter with you man! He thought to himself. He turned around and sighed. "Terri...I love you, but, not in the same way I love Kate...I'm not doing this right....I almost made a big mistake...I" Before he could go on.
Terri hushed him as she put her finger on his lips.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri sensed that the tension was too thick. Terri looked into Larry's eyes. When she spoke it was from the heart. "Larry I will always love you. God knows it is wrong and that is a big reason why I wanted to run away."

She felt herself leaning in to hug Larry. They stood there for awhile before Terri spoke. "We need to go to the cemetary. I need to visit Zack's grave. We can talk more about this later tonight."

She was exhausted but this was something she needed to do.... Then they would get a good nights sleep. After all what could happen?

[Moonlight Lady]

"Okay, you're right, let's go." Terri hands Larry the keys to her car and he drives them to the cemetary. They stand there in silence. "Don't worry Zack, We'll all be there for Terri and the new baby." He said in his mind.

"I'll let you have time alone." He walked back to the car and got inside.
Why am I still having these feelings, Damnit Larry stop it! He yelled at himself.

[Number 9 Dream]

As Jack was making sure the kids were comfortable in bed, Kate and Janet were perched at the kitchen table, sipping cups of coffee in silent contemplation.

"I'm sure Terri will come back," Janet suddenly blurted. She didn't know why she said it; maybe it would give them comfort and the reassurance they needed. Maybe she needed to convince herself.

Kate looked up at her with sad eyes. "I sure hope so," she said softly.

Janet hoped that Larry was watching after her, telling her how much she was needed back here. She can bring her kids and deliver her new little one in to the world with her friends by her side.

I just hate to think of her living there so utterly alone , Janet thought. She wondered if Larry had convinced her to come home yet.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri kneeled in front of Zack's grave. It felt so strange to be here. It still seemed so unreal. The man she had shared the better part of her life with was gone. She would never forget him. She loved him so much.

She looked at the stone and smiled. She spoke to him "Zack, I know you will always be here for me. Somehow that will have to be enough. I will always love you. You told me one time that we never die, but that we live on in the hearts and minds of those that love us. I don't know why your life ended so soon, but I miss you so much. Sometimes I feel like I am walking in a fog. Everyday it gets a little easier. God Zack, I am not sure if I can do this. I have made a decision that I am going to move back to California. I need to be around Jack, Janet, Larry and Kate. Even Jamie makes me laugh when I feel like crying. I needed to tell you honey. I will come back often to visit you. I love you!!"

Terri broke down crying. It was a good kind of tears though. It was a closure.... She got up and brushed her pants off. She walked over to Larry and smiled at him. They got in the car and drove back to her house. Once there Terri asked Larry if he wanted anything to drink. She started making some coffee. She had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

The coffee was almost ready when the phone rang. It was Janet calling to see if they had arrived okay....

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet decided she could no longer take this worrying. She had to know how they were doing. Without another word, she sighed and rushed to pick up the phone. Kate looked at her in confusion.

"Janet?" she asked but Janet merely dialed Terri's number.

"Hello?" came a soft voice on the other end.

"Oh my god, Terri," Janet hushed. Janet felt she would break down crying right there as soon as she heard Terri's fragile tone.

"Terri, how are you?" she asked carefully.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled at Janet's voice. No matter what her mood was Janet could always make her smile. She took a deep breath and said "Truthfully? I have been better, but I have been worse. It has been a long day."

She waited for Janet to speak....

[Number 9 Dream]

"Oh, that's understandable, Terri...it's been such a hard day for you," Janet said sympathetically. "Umm...well....have you been doing a lot of thinking about what you want to do now? I mean, there's no rush or anything....we know this stuff takes time...but we would really like you to be here with us, Ter," she said lovingly.

She waited for Terri to answer her tough question.

[KissMyGrits]

Leave it to Janet to get right to the heart of the matter. Terri responded honestly.

"Janet, I visited the cemetary today. I could feel Zack all around me. I felt him in the trees and the air. I also talked to him. I told him that I was wanting to move back to California. I want to be close to all of you. I am tired of running."

Larry heard this and he looked at Terri with a look of surprise...... He wished she would get off the phone soon so they could talk...

Terri waited for Janet to react to her news.... She did have alot to talk to Janet about. Although some things she would never tell another living soul for as long as she lived.....

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet's heart fluttered like a bird in her rib cage when she heard Terri's decision. She couldn't believe Terri was actually going to come back to California!

"Oh, Terri, this is wonderful," she gushed tearfully. "We would all love to be by your side as you raise the kids and help you out for when your baby is born! I'm sure Zack would've wanted this as well..."

Kate nearly spit out her coffee as she listened to Janet's excited ramblings. Terri was indeed coming home!

"Terri, we'll make arrangements as soon as you're ready, ok?"

[KissMyGrits]

"I am not sure how long it will take me to get everything wrapped up here."

She smiled at Larry and said "How are Robin, Bobby, Jamie and LJ? Are they doing ok? I want to say that I am sorry for leaving so suddenly. I wasn't thinking straight...I just..."

She couldn't finish the sentance...She thought she would start crying again so she waited for Janet to speak....The silence was disconcerting...

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet sensed Terri was getting overwhelmed so she started talking, trying to sound as reassuring (yet gentle) as she could.

"It's ok, Terri," she said softly. "You were going through a tough time...we understand." Terri sniffled her tears on the other end.

"The kids are doing great!" she added light-heartedly. "LJ and Bobby are bunking together and the same with the girls. It's nice that they have each other through this. Jack's making sure they're all cozy and following their tooth-brushing habits before bed," she added with a giggle.

"They really miss you, Terri...especially Jamie. She really looks up to you, as you know. It'll be great to have you here in more ways than one."

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled at the mention of Jamie's name. She couldn't love her more if she was her own daughter. She realized that she missed them more than she would have ever imagined. She missed the craziness. She missed laughing with them and crying with them. She needed that more than ever now. She wanted to leave this place behind and get back to her family and friends in California... She needed them.

"I miss you guys too. I guess I didn't realize how much until just now. I am sorry for everything I put you, Jack and Kate thru. I really do love you guys."

Terri smiled and noticed that Janet was strangely silent....

[Number 9 Dream]

"We love you too, Terri," Janet whispered. She couldn't help but think of Larry. Would he be coming home soon? Or would he stay there until Terri was ready to move her things?

"Say...how's Larry doing?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled at the mention of Larry's name. He still wore a look of surprise. She forgot that she hadn't told him of her decision to move back. He looked like you could have knocked him over with a feather.

"He is doing good. He is sitting right here. Do you want to talk to him?"

Terri still had a smile on her face as she looked at him. She felt like laughing for the first time in a long time.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Sure! I think Kate wants to talk to him as well," she said with a grin, giving Kate a wink.

Terri said her goodbyes, promising she'd be in touch soon, and handed Larry the phone.

"Hey, Larry...how are you?" asked Janet.

(( Ok, I gotta go for now! Will be back soon! :D ))

[Moonlight Lady]

"I'm doing great, how's my Kate doing?" He and Janet talked for a while.

Kate hated to be away from him. As much as she drove him crazy sometimes, she really couldn't live without him. She wanted him home. Janet handed her the phone after she was done talking to Larry.

"Larry, when are you coming home, I really miss you." she started to cry. Jack walked over to her and massaged her shoulders. "Oh honey, please don't cry...I miss you too baby, I'll be home tomorrow okay." He cleared his throat and sang one of their favorite songs to her.

What did you say
I know I saw you singing
My ears won't stop ringing
Long enough to hear
Those sweet words
What did you say

End of the day
The hour hand has spun
Before the night is done
I just have to hear
Those sweet words
Spoken like a melody

All your love
Is a lost balloon
Rising up through the afternoon
'Til it could fit on the head of a pin

Come on in
Did you have a hard time sleeping
'Cause a heavy moon was keeping me awake
And all I know is I'm just glad to see you again

See my love
Like a lost balloon
Rising up through the afternoon
And then you appear

What did you say
I know I saw you singing
My ears won't stop ringing
Long enough to hear
Those sweet words
And your simple melody

I just have to hear
Your sweet words
Spoken like a melody
I just wanna hear
Those sweet words

"I'll be home before you know it honey." Larry promised her. Terri could see how much he loved his wife and it made her cry. "I've gotta go, but, put Janet or Jack on okay." Kate didn't want him to hang up. She handed the phone to Jack and ran off into the livingroom. "Jack, take care of her until I get home, I don't want her pining away for me. You and Janet make sure she eats." Larry said goodbye and hungup, he was close to crying himself.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri looked at Larry and felt her heart melt. It was obvious how much he loved his wife. After he hung up the phone she sat a mug of coffee in front of him. She sat down next to him on the couch. Heaven knows that he needed it. She had done more than her share of crying. When he was ble to talk, Terri smiled at him. She needed to tell him about her decision to leave here. She knew that he had plenty of questions.

"I guess you are wondering when I decided to leave here? Well, it came to me suddenly. It was when I was at the cemetary. It was almost like I could feel Zack talking to me. I swear that he was giving me a good talking to. He told me that I was being silly and that a house is just a building. I can live anywhere, but I do need to be surrounded by my friends and family. What more can I say. So...."

She sat on the couch and stared ahead and waited for Larry to say something....

[Moonlight Lady]

"Oh my god, Terri, that's wonderful!" He reached over and hugged her. Feelings of desire had subsided for the moment. He pulled away from her. "Okay, look, it's still early. Let's go get John and Anna, you need to be with your kids. We can finish talking in the car. He escorted her to the car.
It had been a year since Larry had seen his niece and nephew.

Terri filled him in on all they were doing. John was 16 and Anna turned 15 in June. He couldn't get over it.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was excited to see John and Anna again. The kids were thrilled to hear about the new baby. However, things didn't go quite as she wanted them to. Even though they were happy to see Terri they were less than thrilled about moving to California. John was the first to voice his opinion. He was the intelligent one and was a senior in high school thanks to skipping 4th grade.

"Mom, you know I love you. all my friends live here. I don't want to hurt your feelings but I want to stay here. I could live with Grandma and Grandpa. They have said that we are welcome for as long as we want to stay."

"Yeah mom, I really want to stay here. I don't want to hurt your feelings but, our whole life is here. I am on the basketball team and I am finally on the starting squad. If I go to California I might not get to play or I might get put onto second string again. We can always visit during the summer."

Terri was stunned. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought that her kids would want to stay here. She needed to talk to her parents and see what was going on.

So after talking to John and Anna she sat down with her parents.

"Mom, dad I don't understand what is going on. I mean I thought they would be happy to go with me. I want them to be happy though."

Terri's dad spoke first "Honey, I know that you love them and want them with you. We are thrilled to have them here with us. Like Anna said they can visit you during the summer. Let them finish the school year here. If they change their minds they can always catch a plane and move out there."

Terri was heartbroken. She never thought that the kids would want to stay here. Although she should have known that they wouldn't go quietly. They were so much like Zack. That is exactly what he would have done. He would have told them to follow their heart. So she had to respect their wishes. She wasn't happy, but she would do it. She could only hope that they would change their minds.

So, on the ride back to Terri's house she was very quiet. She was looking out the window and thinking about how things went......

They arrived back at the house and Terri went and sat on the couch. She wanted to talk but didn't know where to start.....

[Number 9 Dream]

(( Hey, guys...Chelsea and I have decided to somewhat split the roles of Janet and Jack between us...only because Jack and Janet are usually in scenes together and it wouldn't be fair to anyone if ya'll had to wait for us to reply-- it just seems easier this way. Instead of doing short little snippets of one character at a time, we're just combining it. We're only doing this if Jack and Janet are talking together for a long period of time in a particular scene and/or when either Chelsea or I aren't online at the same time(so if one of us is, we can reply faster). She will still do Jack's inner dialogue-a.k.a. thinking- and I the same with Janet...also, I will not be taking over Jack if ONLY Jack is needed for that scene and vice versa...Okie...hope that made sense :crazy: ))


Janet watched Jack as he hung up the phone. Kate was at the kitchen table, her face buried in to her arms as she cried softly.

"He told me to make sure she eats," Jack murmured. Janet nodded and patted the top of her friend's head.

"Hon....do you want Jack to make you some of his famous boston creme pie? I know how much you love chocolate!" she said in a sing-song voice.

"Larry is a great cook," was all Kate whimpered, her tears falling down even faster. She looked up at her friends; her eyes were watery and blood-shot.

"I'm just not hungry," she added. "I think I'll go to bed, guys."

Janet and Jack both embraced her, telling her things would be alright. Kate went upstairs to her bedroom.


About an hour or so later(Jack and Janet decided they would tidy up the kitchen for Kate), the couple were both changed in to their pajamas, settled on the fold out couch that Kate had prepared for them earlier. They held each other in the darkness, their bodies pressed tightly under the sheets.

"How were the kids getting in to bed? Did they put up a fuss?" Janet murmured sleepily.

"Fine, fine," Jack reassured her. "I popped in a movie for the girls to watch and let the boys handle their own...L.J. seems to be doing alright."

"I'm just glad they are out of that hospital," Janet said with a shudder. Just thinking about that cold, mechanical building made her spine tingle. "I'm glad they are back with us, where they belong." There was a silence as they contemplated their thoughts.

"Do you think Terri will actually come here?" Jack suddenly asked.

"She needs us, Jack," Janet said firmly. "If she doesn't come, I'll go over there and get her!"

Jack laughed. "Fiesty," he commented, tilting her chin up for a kiss.

Smiling, Janet pinched his cheek and whispered, "Goodnight, Jack," before rolling over to go to sleep.

Tomorrow would be a new day and they would have to wait until then for any further news.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri didn't know how long she was sitting on the couch before she felt herself yawn. She did have to admit that she was exhausted. She got up off the couch and told Larry "I am going to make up the guest bed. Then I am going to sleep. I am exhausted."

With that she walked into the guest room and started changing the sheets on the bed. She sensed rather than heard Larry walk up behind her. She was smiling to herself. It would definitely be good to get some much needed sleep. She always felt betteri after a good nights sleep.

Larry seemed to want to say something to her. She smiled at him as she worked.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Are you okay, honey?" he could tell something went wrong at her parents, He said a short hello to the kids and went into the kitchen. He heard everything. She worked in silence. "Would you like some help?" he offered her. Again, she didn't answer him. "You know Terri, June is less than a month away, you'll see. It'll go by fast." She walked over to a vase on the dresser picked it up and threw it against the wall. "Terri?!"

She was cut by the shattered glass. Larry carefully walked around the glass and lead her into the bathroom. "Let's get you cleaned up." He sat her down on the edge of the tub and proceeded to put pressure on it. The blood kept coming out so he raised her arm while applying more pressure. The bleeding finally stopped. He cleaned the wound and and a few other tiny cuts caused by the broken glass. "Do you feel better now?"

[KissMyGrits]

Terri looked at Larry as if he had 3 heads. She couldn't believe what he was asking her she practically screamed at him "Do I feel better? Do I feel better? No, I don"t feel better. My husband is dead and my kids would rather stay here with my parents! How do you think I feel? God, I wish... Sometimes I wish it had been me that died instead of Zack." With that she sank to the ground her hands rested on her knees and she was strangely silent....

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie couldn't sleep that night. She got out of bed, being careful not to wake Robin. She walked downstairs to the den where her parents where sleeping, but she didn't disturb them. She sat down in the floor in front of the window. The moon was beaming in through the window as she sat there in deep thought. She was thankful that her brother and her cousins were back home, yet she was sad too. She knew that it ment things were going to go back to the way they were. She was the baby in the family again and that ment being pushed aside and ignored.

A tear made it's way down her cheek as she thought about it. Nothing hurt her more than being ignored by her family. She hated being the youngest. It killed her inside to see her brother and cousins so happy while she was so miserable. The thing that hurt her the most though was the fact that she couldn't do anything about it. She didn't want to tell anyone that she felt left out for fear of being babied or made fun of by the older kids.

She started to cry harder as she looked out the window again. Her 14th birthday was fast approaching, but she did not feel like celebrating. She figured that since her parents had forgotten about her on the day of the shooting, maybe if she didn't mention her birthday, the might forget that too. She didn't want anyone to pitty her.

"Alone Again(Naturally)"-Gilbert O'Sullivan
Oh in a little while from now
if I'm not feeling anyless sour
I promise myself to treat myself
and visit a nearby tower
and climbing to the top
will throw myself off
in an effort to make it clear
to whoever what it's like when you're shattered
left standing in the lurch at a church
where people saying 'my god
that's tough she's stood him up
no point in us remainig
we may as well go home'
as I did on my own
alone again naturally.

To think that only yesterday
I was cheerrful
bright and gay
looking forward to well who wouldn't do
the role I was about to play
but as if to knock me down
reality came around
and without so much
as a mere touch
cut me into little pieces
leaving me to doubt talk about
god in his mercy who if
he really does exist
why did he desert me in my hour of need
I truly am indeed
alone again naturally.

It seems to me that there are more hearts
broken in the world that can't be mended
left unattended what do we do what do we do
alone again naturally.

Now looking back over the years
and whatever else that appears
I remember I cried when my father died
never wishing to hide the tears
and at sixty-five years old
my mother
God rest her soul
couldn't understand why
the only man she had ever loved had been taken
so badly broken despite
encouragemant from me no words were ever spoken
and when she passed away
I cried and cried all day
alone again naturally.


As she sat there crying, tiredness finally took it's hold on her and she fell into a restless sleep in the floor.

((Sorry I wasn't on yesterday! I had to work an 8 hour shift. :rolleyes: ))

[Moonlight Lady]

"Don't say that!" She was shocked to hear him yell at her. "Damnit! Stop feeling sorry for yourself and Don't ever wish yourself dead! It doesn't solve anything Terri...I know you're going through a tough time right now, but, you need to think of your baby and what's best for your kids...you know?...It's not just you honey! You're not alone, you won't be alone either...Now you go to bed and get a good night rest...I'll finish cleaning up and then in the morning, we're flying back to Los Angeles...Is that clear...Answer me!?"
She had never seen that side of him before.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was stunned. She had never heard Larry yell at her before. Although she guessed that this time she probably deserved a good yelling at and more. She regretted the words almost immediately. She looked and him and nodded. For some reason though she couldn't will herself to get up off the floor. She just sat where she dropped down and stared straight ahead. She didn't say anything and she didn't move. There were no tears. She just had a blank expression on her face. It was almost like she was in a dream and no matter how much or how hard she wanted to move she couldn't..... Terri knew that Larry was waiting for an answer, but the words wouldn't come. So she sat there looking at nothing in particular. Wishing that she was anywhere else......

[Moonlight Lady]

Why wasn't she answering him...She just sat there and it was scaring him. "Terri! did you hear what I said?" The first thing he had to do was clean up the broken glass and that's what he did. "Terri?....C'mon stop it, this is really scaring me..hey!" He lifted her up and carried her into her bedroom, placing her on the bed, he sat her up and shook her. "Forgive me Terri." He slapped her hard enough to break her trance but not to hurt her.

She shook her head and looked at him in shock. "I'm sorry for slapping you, but, I didn't know what else to do. You scared the hell out of me Terri."

[KissMyGrits]

Terri talked to him then "I'm scaring the hell out of myself. I don't know what is wrong with me. It seems like everything I do or say is wrong."

Terri suddenly realized where Larry had brought her. Terri spoke softly "This is the first time I have been in our bedroom since Zack died."

Larry looked shocked. Terri's hand was rubbing the pillow next to her. "This was his pillow." She picked it up and put it next to her face. "I can still smell him." She buried her head in his pillow and didn't want to come up for air. She was afraid that if she did the smell would go away.

"I'm not sure if I told you. But this is the room where he..." She couldn't finish the sentence....

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry felt a chill run down his spine. He know what she was gonna say.
He sat up in the bed beside her, took her in her arms and held her close to him. "Larry..." she started to ask him what he was doing. "Shhh...just relax, it's not a move..I just want you to relax and go to sleep." He held her in his arms and rocked her gently. Stroking her hair until she fell asleep.

When she had fallen asleep, he eased off the bed and put the comforted over her. He went into the guest room and fell asleep on the bed. They were both exhausted and slept through the night.

[Number 9 Dream]

The sounds of birds chirping through the ajar bay window brought Janet out of her slumber. She yawned, stretching her sore body out as she lifted herself up.

That couch is NOT comfortable, she thought. Apparently Jack thought it was fine because he was still sleeping peacefully, a soft smile curled on his lips as he snored gently.

It was when she finally stumbled out of bed that she noticed a tiny figure laying by the window.

"Jamie?" She stepped closer, seeing that it in fact was her daughter sleeping by the window.

Nudging her shoulder lightly, she repeated: "Jamie?"

[KissMyGrits]

Terri woke up early the next morning. She felt much better and realized that for the first time on a long time she was hungry. She decided that she was going to make breakfast. She padded quietly into the kitchen and took out some pans and looked in the fridge. There wasn't much in there. There was enough for some omlets. So she took out the eggs, cheese and bacon and started cooking. She was singing a favorite song of hers and Zack's.

"Never gonna let you go
I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for the times I've hurt you so
Gonna hold your body close to mine
From this day on we're gonna be together
Oh, I swear this time
I'll never gonna let you go"

She didn't realize that she had an audience until she heard Larry clapping. She turned around, she was blushing. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up. I am hungry and well, I always like to sing when I cook."

Larry smiled and said "You have a beautiful voice."

She blushed more and asked "Would you like an omlet?"

He nodded and they sat down to eat.

[LuLu Rogers]

The sounds of birds chirping through the ajar bay window brought Janet out of her slumber. She yawned, stretching her sore body out as she lifted herself up.

That couch is NOT comfortable, she thought. Apparently Jack thought it was fine because he was still sleeping peacefully, a soft smile curled on his lips as he snored gently.

It was when she finally stumbled out of bed that she noticed a tiny figure laying by the window.

"Jamie?" She stepped closer, seeing that it in fact was her daughter sleeping by the window.

Nudging her shoulder lightly, she repeated: "Jamie?"

Jamie woke up and rubbed her eyes, they were still wet from her crying.

"What?!" She groaned.

She wasn't in the mood for questions, especially not from her mother. She sighed half-heartedly when she saw that her father was still sleeping. It almost made her angry that he was sleeping so peacefully. She got up and walked out the back door and into the yard. She got up in the hammock and layed down on her back, staring up at the sky, her hands folded angerily.

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate heard somebody moving around downstairs. The dog resting his head on her stomach. "Okay Snowball get up." Kate picked her up and hugged the little dog. "Thanks for keeping me company girl." Snowball liked her face and ran off looking for somebody to play with.

Kate walked downstairs and almost ran into Janet. "Morning Janet..you hungry? I'm starved...I'm making breakfast, okay." Kate spoke quickly like she had been sleeping with a coffee IV. Janet looked at her like she was a different person. "What?"

"How do you like the eggs?" Terri queried as she enjoyed watching Larry eat.
"Mmm...they're delicious..where'd you learn to make this." He devoured breakfast and finished his coffee. He looked down at himself. "Ugh! I need a change of clothes and a shave..really badly." He sat back in his chair and admired Terri. "You look beautiful this morning, that sleep must have been really what you needed." How'd she, Kate and Janet do it. He marveled at the beauty of his three of his favorite women. "Well, I guess we should probably get going." Terri hadn't even had time to pack, she through a few things into a suitcase. "I'm ready Larry."

[KissMyGrits]

She stood at the entrance to the front door of the home that she shared with Zack and smiled. They had made so many good memories here. Memories that she would treasure forever. She would make new memories wherever she went. Her heart would never forget Zack, but she did need to move on and get her life back together. She owed it to the baby that she carried. The baby was a gift from above. She would miss John and Anna , but they would call and write and summer was just around the corner.

Suddenly Terri had a uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. She recognized it from when she was pregnant before. She proceeded to run back into the house and empty her stomach. The morning sickness had begun. She wiped her forehead and walked out to join Larry. She had let him use Zack's razor and he never looked more handsome. Her stomach did a little flip flop when he walked out of the bathroom. She scolded herself "Terri, he is happily married... Stop this. You are a pregnant woman who's hormones are out of control."

Then another part said "Yeah, but damn if he isn't good looking."

She rolled her eyes at herself. God, was she hopeless....

She walked out to join Larry and he asked "Feel better now?"

She nodded and smiled at him "Yeah, guess my stomach rebelled at the food I ate. I forgot that now is when the morning sickness starts."

He laughed and they got into Terri's car and drove to the airport.

[Moonlight Lady]

The plane ride did not agree with either of them and they both emptied their stomachs as soon as they got off the plane. "I hate flying" Terri complained.
"Well you were doing that before you even got on the plane." He reminded. her. "Larry...shut up." Well, it looked like Terri was getting back to herself, he couldn't help teasing her though. "Pregnancy hormones?" He was trying to be serious. She punched him in the arm.

The drive home felt like an eternity but he knew he was home when he heard the dog scratching at the door, barking. He opened it and picked her up, scratching her behind the ears. "You miss me girl? Yeah?" He put her down and walked into the diningroom. "Larry!!" Kate ran up to him and practically tackled him. "I missed you too baby" They hugged each other tight.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet watched as Jamie stormed outside, her eyes still half-closed from being awakened out of a deep sleep.

"Jame, why are you going out there?" she called. She sighed. It was no use sometimes. Jamie was now a teenager and she had gone through the same mood swings when she was her age. She knew what it was like to be reprimanded by a mother(and her own mother had been the queen!)

She nudged Jack, who mumbled: "Whaaa?"

"Time to get up, sunshine...I thought I heard Kate and Snowball rising."

Jack rubbed his eyes and blinked. "Oh," he muttered tiredly. He yawned and quickly got up, heading to the bathroom.

"I'm just going to fix myself up," he explained, motioning to his tousled bed-head. She smiled.

Sure enough, Kate came downstairs, Snowball hot on her heels.

"Morning Janet..you hungry? I'm starved...I'm making breakfast, okay."

Janet eyed her friend, who looked unusually spry for someone who just woke up.

"What?" Kate asked.

"Oh...you just seem so hyper, is all..anyway, let me start breakfast...Lord knows you need rest after this week of hell."

Kate, however, would hear none of it. She started gathering eggs and heating up the frying pan. She tossed Janet a look.

"Fried or scrambled, Janet?"

Janet groaned, knowing her friend was too stubborn to argue. "Scrambled...same for Jack and Jamie."

"Where is Jamie, anyway?" Jack said worriedly, peeking his head in to the kitchen. His hair was now neatly brushed and he had one of Larry's robes pulled tightly around him. "I just went in to wake up the kids and saw Jamie missing."

"She's outside, hon...you better go see what's up with her...I found her curled up near the living room window this morning."

Jack nodded and quickly rushed outside to find her. As he was heading outside, however, the sounds of someone rushing inside(as well as the frenzied barks of Snowball) could be heard.

"Larry!" Kate cried out happily.

Janet looked up, beaming with equal happiness as she saw her two friends walking inside.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie knew what she had to do. Right after she heard her mother's voice, she took off down the road. She had been on the track team at school, so she was a very fast runner. She ran faster and faster, further and further from the house. Her mind was reeling with different thoughts of what to do next, where to go. All she knew was that she couldn't go back to her family, to the life she had. She couldn't take it anymore. Being the youngest Tripper child was more than she could bear. She decide to rest for a minute and catch her breath. She was far away from the house now, and it made her feel better. "They won't even know I'm gone." She sighed as she started running again.

[Moonlight Lady]

After Terri chatted with Jamie she came back inside.

"Are you two hungry, I'm making eggs and then i'm making french toast and pancakes and..." Larry interrupted her as he held his stomach and Terri ran to the bathroom. "Morning sickness, so uh..I wouldn't mention eggs in front of her for a few months and after that plane ride, I don't think i can be in the same room with them either so I"ll just check on LJ and Robin." With that he kissed his wife and ran upstairs, the dog running after him. "Snowball go lie down, i'll play with you later." The dog ran back downstairs and into her little bed in the den. He tiptoed into Robin's room. bending down he kissed her cheek. "Daddy!" She winced a little as she wrapped her arms around him.
"shhh...don't wake your brother and cousin, I'm home to stay baby."

He helped her put her robe on and situated with her crutches. "You need to learn how to use these Robin." He showed her how to move around. "Now it's your turn." He walked behind her closely ready to catch her if she started to fall. Jack saw her coming down the stairs. He stood and watched his niece master the crutches.

Janet went to check on Terri. While Kate prepared a couple trays to take up to Bobby and LJ.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet was thrilled to see everyone under one roof again. She quickly rushed to go check on Terri, who was exiting the bathroom, face flushed and eyes watery.

"Back to the same ol' grind, huh?" Janet asked, patting her sympathetically on the back. Janet knew how hard it was to be pregnant, especially dealing with it twice.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri rolled her eyes at Janet "God, I forgot how often and how violent morning sickness could be. I never want to see food again."

Janet smiled and Terri told her about Anna and John. "So, it seems that they want to stay in CT with my mom and dad. I am disappointed, but I understand."

She looked over Janet's head at Larry and prayed that he wouldn't say anything.

"So the next order of business is to find a hotel room to stay at until I can find a place to live."

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet was shocked to find out John and Anna wouldn't be meeting their mother in California like planned. But the worn expression on Terri's face warned her not to press it or pry just yet.

"So the next order of business is to find a hotel room to stay at until I can find a place to live," Terri said.

"Oh no, Terri, no! We have plenty of space at our house! You could take the guest bedroom...and Jamie would just love to have you around to talk to!"

Where is Jamie anyway? she thought. She had sent Jack to go talk to her but he must've gotten distracted when Larry and Terri arrived.

[KissMyGrits]

"I couldn't impose on you like that. Besides I am not sure how long it will take to find a place of my own."

Terri sat on the couch and thought about everything that she needed to do. It seemed overwhelming. She had to find a place to live and then she would need to find a good doctor. She was determined to make it on her own. Life was definitely looking up for her.

"Hey, does anyone know where Jamie is?" Terri was anxious to see her again. She missed her so much..

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack peeked his head in to the kitchen again, upon hearing Jamie's name. He had blush staining his cheeks. This time he was joined by Larry and Robin, who was hobbling in on crutches.

"Oh, damn, I forgot to get her...I was distracted by these two," Jack said amiably, flashing a sheepish grin. Suddenly the two boys, LJ and Bobby, were at the table, piling bacon and eggs on their plates.

Janet turned to Terri again, giving her a gentle smile as she fixed herself a plate. "The offer still stands if you want to stay with us, Ter...you could never put us out in any way. Besides, you need someone to help you when you're far in to your pregnancy."


**

Jack peered around the grounds, searching for his daughter. "Jame?" he called. All he could hear were bees as they set about their morning work, buzzing in the still morning air. The hammock swayed gently, looking lost and forlorn as no one was resting upon it.

"Hmm, that's odd," he muttered.

[KissMyGrits]

"Well, I am sure that between all of you guys I will have more than enough help. Hey, I got it. Each of you can take turns spending the night at my place. Then when I do go into labor the lucky person that is with me can take me to the hospital. I really do need to find my own place. I love you guys, but I am going to need a room for the baby and you guys don't need a baby waking you up at 2 a.m. I am dreading that myself."

She laughed at herself. She smiled at all of her friends and sat back on the couch. She yawned and tried to cover her mouth. Unfortunately Janet saw her.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet admired Terri's bravery for wanting to head in to this situation on her lonesome, but she also worried for her friend. But, if it was what Terri wanted...who was she to fight it? As long as Terri knew she had her friends for support, then Janet should be happy.

Terri suddenly yawned.

"Terri, you're tired from travelling...why don't you head upstairs and I'll take a tray of food up for you?" Janet asked.

[KissMyGrits]

At the mention of food Terri's stomach rolled "Uh, I will take the offer of a bed, but no food. God please no food. Anything but that."

She swore that she turned green at even the thought of food. "Can someone show me where I can lay down?"

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet noticed Kate and Larry juggling the kids, trying to make sure they were comfortable and well fed as they re-filled glasses of OJ and piled on more toast and eggs.


"I'll take you," Janet offered, leading Terri upstairs to the available guest bedroom.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie was shocked when no one had come after her. I figured they wouldn't notice, and I was right. She thought bitterly. She kept going, but at a slower pace now. She found a large oak tree and she decided to rest under it. She was miles from the house by that point.

[Number 9 Dream]

(( I'll be back later :D :wave: ))

[Number 9 Dream]

(( Chelsea said I could take Jack tonight :D))


Jack thought it would be best to take a stroll down the road to see if his daughter decided to take a morning walk. He wondered if she took a detour to the Tripper residence, which was only a short 15 minute walk from the Dallas' house. But what would she need to go there for? Janet had made sure the kids all had enough clothes and toiletries to last a few days, just in case they had to stay at Kate's a bit longer than expected to help out.

His eyes strained down the deserted road, but all he saw was dust being picked up by the wind. There wasn't another human in sight and this worried Jack.

I better get the car, he decided firmly. He jogged back, grabbing the keys off the table in the kitchen, and mumbled "Just taking a quick drive...tell Janet I'll be right back," when Larry gave him a questioning look.

He drove about 2 miles down the road when he spotted a familiar figure slouched underneath an oak tree. He recognized Jamie's pink flannel pj pants and white Beatles teeshirt.

He slowed down, rolling down the window. "Jamie?" he called.

[LuLu Rogers]

Darn! Busted! Jamie thought to herself. She ignored her father at first, pretending not to notice him, but she knew it wouldn't work. If only she could've gotten further down the road.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Caught you!" Jack exclaimed, noticing her frantic expression as she realized she had been found out. "Is there a reason you're out here?" he asked from the window.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Just decided to go for a run." Jamie fibbed. She didn't have to tell him why she ran. "Sure took you a long time to miss me." She commented vaguely. She knew what was going on. No one had noticed her missing until half an hour after she was gone, and it hurt her.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Your Aunt Terri and Uncle Larry got back," he explained. "I had no idea you were out for a run, Jame...besides, you're getting the shirt I bought you all dirty...How about coming in the car, huh?"

He looked at her with a hopeful smile. He knew something was bothering her but he decided not to push it just yet.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Why? So you can take me back to Uncle Larry's and scold me in front of everyone?" She asked sarcastically. She wasn't ready to give up, not yet. She had the stubborness of her mother.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Of course not," he said in an easy going tone, which must've infuriated his daughter even more. "I just want you to come for a ride with me," he replied, reaching over to unlock the passenger side door.

He beckoned to her with a grin. "I've got my Beatles cds!" he tried to bribe her.

[LuLu Rogers]

"A ride back to uncle Larry's house?!" She said slowly, pretending to be stupid. She didn't like him bribing her, unless he was honestly taking her for a ride. Otherwise, she wasn't buying.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack knew he wasn't getting anywhere so he took a deep sigh, his patience wearing a tad thin. Instead of flying off the handle, he decided to keep the smile on his face.

Being like Janet doesn't work, he tried convincing himself.

"No, we'll just take a quick ride around the block...I dunno, we can go anywhere really."

He popped in his favorite Beatles cd, a collection of all their greatest hits, and began singing to himself, waiting for her to take the bait.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie groaned in frustration. Why did he have to be so calm? It drove her nuts! She stomped over to the car and put her nose against the passenger side window. She didn't get in just yet, she only stood there with her nose pressed against the glass.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Are you coming in?" he asked, halting his off-key singing to "Penny Lane." He waited and watched her. Her breath steamed up against the glass of the window and she rolled her eyes.

"Or I could leave you here in this heat," he said with a laugh, getting ready to shift in to gear.

[LuLu Rogers]

She rolled her eyes. "Very funny." She thought. She turned around and leaned against the car, her butt up against the window. She was really P.O.'d now.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Alright, I'm going now," he sang. He began to pull away slowly, grinning at her. He stopped, though, when he saw her face get extremely cross, resembling how her mother often looked when she was upset at Jack-- eyes bugged out, teeth clenched, fists tightly at her sides.

"Uh-oh, I crossed the line...where no Tripper man has gone before," he muttered to himself. "I've entered Wood ville."

He backed up the car, giving her an apologetic look. "I was just joking, honey! Come on...please? We can talk a bit."

[LuLu Rogers]

That comment really burned Jamie up. She was fuming! How dare he compare her to her mother?! Her teeth clinched tightly as she glared at him, her face furious.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Come on, Jamie, please get in the car," he was pleading with her now. "The others are going to wonder where you've been and are going to get worried sick! Plus, I still have to take you on that drive!"

When Jamie didn't answer, he growled in frustration. "Ok, Jamie....I give up! Oh, and real cute thing you did with your butt there...real mature! Ooo, I'm afraid of the butt...please help me!" he cried in a high-pitched voice.