Hollywood Hills -- Upside Down

[LuLu Rogers]

"You tell me that I'm acting like a Wood, then, you're going to comment on my maturity?!!" She yelled. That really made her mad. She got into the car and slammed the door.

[Number 9 Dream]

He was taken aback by how much she resented her mother. He'd never heard her say it with such vehemence, such bitterness.

"Honey, why do you resent being a Wood? Your mother is half responsible for your genes, as is mine...why are you so mad at your mother lately?" he asked quietly, ignoring her seething anger.

He lowered the radio and waited for her to respond as he took off, driving slowly in the opposite direction, trying to find the most scenic route.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Gee, I wonder!" She bit back. He knew very well why she was angry about being like her mother. She and her mother didn't get along. Her mother babied her and she Hated it. Her mother also got most of his attention and she resented that too.

[Number 9 Dream]

He sighed tiredly. "Yes, I know you and your mother don't get along and that saddens me, Jamie. Your mother loves you a whole lot, more than you understand. I told you that she has a weird way of showing it but she's trying to work on it! No one is perfect, honey. Not me, not you, not Uncle Larry, nor your mother!"

"I am sorry you feel that way," he went on, more determined than ever. "But I am your father and I still have a say, don't I? Just hear me out."

[LuLu Rogers]

"Alright, Alright." She sighed. She was getting tired of fighting anyway. She leaned back against the seat and rubbed her forehead. Being this angry had given her a headache.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Listen, I love your mother but I am well aware of her fiesty temper...but that's just a part of her and we need to accept that. Until she changes it, that is."

He winked at her, but she simply sighed and leaned back in the chair, glaring out the window.

"I also have my faults too," he said. "I know I have a hard time being serious and your mother gets annoyed at that...boy, does she."

He smiled to himself as he recalled the many times Janet had given him the evil eye for laughing at something she took seriously.

Ahh, we're so different but I gotta love her, he thought.

"But, seriously now...why did you run off like that?" he asked. "You worried everyone sick!"

[LuLu Rogers]

"Come on dad! It took you 30 minutes to come find me. No one was worried sick. You don't have to sugar coat it for me." She knew the truth and she knew that he did too. "And I know how much you love mom. After all, she's your 'favorite' girl." She quoted him.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Honey, you know that's crazy talk," he said sharply. "Why are you constantly insinuating that we don't care for you? Do you honestly think we're bad parents?"


He couldn't help the edge creeping in to his voice. What she said honestly hurt him.

"The reason it took thirty minutes to find you was because we didn't know you had run off! Your mother told me to check outside for you at breakfast time and that's when Aunt Terri and Uncle Larry got home...so naturally I had to help your pregnant aunt, Jamie! But I came looking for you shortly afterwards and I don't want any snippy retorts about how long it took!"

He seethed, flashing her an annoyed look.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie was taken aback. It scared her when he got angry like that. She stared straight ahead and remained silent though her heart ached to express her hurt feelings, even if it ment he was going to lash out at her.

[Number 9 Dream]

It was rare when Jack was angry and often times he tried to control it-- but right now he couldn't. His eyes coldly blue and focused straight ahead, he bit his lip, driving in silence.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie took a deep breath. She didn't dare speak, for fear of getting her head bit off. She knew to keep quiet until her father decided he was ready to talk.

[Number 9 Dream]

He drove a few minutes before finally opening his mouth. "Jamie, you can't deal with your problems by running away from them. I've learned from that. When your mother and I were mere best friends, struggling to live together over in Santa Monica, often times I would just RUN when we got in to predicaments."

"That's no way to live...you've got to talk through your problems."

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie bit her lip. She didn't know how to explain her problem. She decided to do the best she could.

"I'm tired of being swept under the rug." She whispered. She was still a little frightened.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack mulled over her response, trying to sort it out carefully in to his brain before he said anything rash. He knew Jamie wasn't a child anymore, so talking to her about her problems in a condescending tone wouldn't do any good.

He inhaled a deep breath and finally clicked off the radio altogether. He decided to pull in to a parking lot near the beach so he could talk one-on-one with his daughter.

Forgive me, Janet, but I may be here a while, he thought. He only hoped she'd understand.

"Honey," he said gently after a moment of contemplation, "we don't sweep you under the rug....why do you feel that way? Please give specific examples of times Mom and I have done this."

[LuLu Rogers]

"Oh boy!" Jamie thought fearfully. She hated giving examples of things. It made her point sound stupid and childish.

"You forgot to pick me up the day of the accident." She said honestly. She wasn't trying to throw it in his face, but he needed to understand that it hurt her.

"When you guys go out, all of the kids get to go except me. I'm not old enough." She said sadly. She held back the tears that were stinging her eyes.

[Number 9 Dream]

Calmly, Jack tried to explain away her fears. "Honey, you have to understand that we were all in a different state of mind the day of the accident. We were all freaking out and our heads weren't in the right places. I am sorry if it hurt you."

"Also," he went on, "you certainly are old enough to come out with us! You're thirteen, not three! If you want to come somewhere with us, you should say so!" Jack hadn't meant to raise his voice and he immediately hung his head in shame when he realized his temper was flaring again.

"See, even Trippers have tempers too," he said light-heartedly.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Am I special?" Jamie blurted out. She looked at her father seriously, her blue eyes filled with pain. "I mean, do you really love me, even though I screw up a lot?" She was very serious now.

[Number 9 Dream]

His throat got tight with emotion as he saw his daughter's eyes filled with pain and inquiry.

"Of course I love you, honey...you could no wrong in my eyes. You'll always be my girl and I'm always going to love you, no matter how many times you may mess up or make a mistake....cause I make mistakes too and I would hope for you to love me the same. I love you unconditionally, Jame."


(( Ok, gotta go :) Will finish tomorrow after you reply))

[LuLu Rogers]

"I'm sorry daddy!" She whimpered. "I just like to be held and loved on sometimes. I know I'm older now, but I still like being your little Princess. I really miss it." Tears where falling from her eyes now as her bottom lip quivered the way it always did when she cried.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri woke up after a good nap. She felt more rested than she had in a long time. She decided to go donwstairs and sit out back. It was very peaceful there and she needed the time to do some thinking. She sat on the swing out back and let her thoughts drift...

Thanks to a large life insurance policy she wouldn't have to work for awhile unless she really wanted to. She still wanted to find a place to live. She knew she could stay with her friends, but she needed a place for her and the baby. The first order of business was to sell her home back east. She hated to do it, but since she was living here she didn't see any reason to keep that one. Plus that would give her some extra cash for a place here.

She had to admit that things were looking up. She placed her hand on her still flat stomach and smiled. It was such a long time ago that she had her last baby, she wondered if she was up to it. It wasn't like she was 30 anymore. She laid on the back porch swing, not the most comfortable of places, but it was relaxing. So relaxing that she soon fell asleep. One of her last thoughts before she drifted off to sleep was of Jamie. She wanted to talk to her about something. It was there that Larry found her a few hours later curled up in a ball and sleeping like a baby....

[Moonlight Lady]

I'm glad Kate and I put that swing up he thought to himself. It was certainly getting alot of use. It was a 5th year anniversary present from both their parents. He went inside the house, got a blanket and draped it over her. "Poor thing must really have been exhausted." He sat in a lawnchair outside and read the paper. Kate went around looking for her husband. "Larry, Janet and I are going grocery shopping, anything special you want us to pick up?" she whispered as she wrapped her arms around him.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri woke up soon after Kate and Janet left for the grocery store. She noticed Larry sitting in the lawn chair reading the paper. She startled him when she spoke.

"Can I see the classified ads?"

"Oh, I see that Sleeping Beauty has finally awaken."

"Very funny Larry, well can I?"

"Can you what?"

She rolled her eyes and said "The classified ad. Can I see them. I need to find a place to stay. I get the feeling that Kate wants me out of the house."

"Kate loves you Terri. She is happy to have you here."

"Men! I see the way she looks at me. She resents the fact that you came after me. Trust me, women know these things. It would be better considering the circumstances. Besides, I really need to find a place of my own. Who knows, maybe I can find someplace close by here..."

She smiled and grabbed the classifieds from him. They were having fun. They were laughing and fooling around when Kate came out into the backyard. They didn't see her approaching.....

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate snuck up behind Larry and sprayed him with the hose. She urged Terri to come with her and she did. "I thought we could use a girls day out...Now Teresa Kathryn Tripper, what's this horse puckey about me resenting you?"
That's not true. "It's true that I wasn't happy about Larry flying back with you, but, that's only because he left when I needed his help with the kids--Men!" Terri wasn't sure whether to believe her or not. "I don't know, maybe there is a little resentment there, but, it doesn't mean that I don't love you. You're family Terri, face it you're stuck with me." Kate laughed. "Well I appreciate you being honest with me." Terri leaned back in the front seat and Kate stretched out in the back. They went to Jack's Bistro, where they ran into some old friends.

[KissMyGrits]

Kate and Terri were having a relaxing lunch. Then they spotted and old friend walking into the restaurant.

Terri saw him first "Mr. Furley!! Over here!!"

He saw who it was that was calling him and walked over to the table.

"Well, it is very nice to see the two most beautiful girls in the restaurant. Where are the men folk."

Terri laughed "They are home with the kids. We are enjoying a nice relaxing afternoon."

Kate and Terri looked at each other and said "Without men!!"

They both laughed and Mr. Furley rolled his eyes. "So Terri, how are you and Zack doing these days?"

At the mention of Zack's name Terri got quiet and her smile dropped from her face. She was getting better but it was still hard for her to tell people that knew them as a couple what happened to him......

[Moonlight Lady]

"Zack passed away Mr. Furley." Kate frowned. She couldn't believe her cousin was gone. He was always very nice to her. "Oh no...that's horrible, Terri I'm so sorry." He really felt bad. "How did he.." He didn't even know how to ask that question. "He had a massive stroke, while Terri and the kids were out to dinner, he went in his sleep." Mr. Furley embraced Terri in a hug. "I'm so sorry, I feel awful, if there's anything you need please don't hesitate to call."
An apartment, that's what she needed. "Mr. Furley, I was wondering you had any apartments for rent, I'm going to be moving out here and I need a place to stay while I look for a new home." Kate excused herself and went into the kitchen to visit with Felipe and Mr. Angelino, allowing Terri and Mr. Furley to talk.

Larry has just dried off and changed his clothes. The kids were still laughing at him. They had witnessed the hosing he got from Kate. "Oh you think that's funny huh, just wait til you kids get better." he threatened.

[KissMyGrits]

Mr. Furley smiled and said "Now that is something that I can help you with. It just so happens that your old apartment is available."

Terri couldn't believe her luck.

"Mr. Furley would you be willing to rent it to me for a few months?"

"Well, I usually like to rent it for a whole year, but since it is you. What the heck. When can you move in?"

"Tomorrow?"

They laughed and Mr. Furley walked over to his table. So Terri was moving back into apartment 201. A place filled with lots of memories. Even if it was only for a few months it was going to be fun to be back.

They drove up to Kate and Larry's house and walked inside. They had been shopping so their arms were loaded with bags. Suddenly Larry jumped out at them.....

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate dropped her bags and hid behind Terri. He gently pulled Terri out of the way and grabbed Kate. "Hose me will ya!" He carried her out to the pool and threw her in, he stripped down to his bathing suit and jumped in after her.
"Larry, look what you did!" She got out of the pool and did a cannonball near him so he'd get splashed. "Haha ha! I'm already wet!" He teased her as he swam near toward the ladder. She got out and walked into the pool house to change into her suit and got back in. Terri and Janet changed into their suits and joined them. The kids lounged in the shade.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack melted at his daughter's words. "Hon, you'll ALWAYS my little princess, no matter how old you get, ok? But I can't baby you anymore because you're growing up...but I still love you, honey....that will never change." Her eyes watered up and they hugged.

Noticing the time, Jack smiled at her and reversed the car out of the beach parking lot, ready to head back. He hoped the others weren't too worried-- he had told Larry to tell his wife, after all.

It was mid-afternoon when they finally pulled up to the Dallas home. They heard the sounds of splashing and giggling from the backyard and decided to investigate. Sure enough, nearly everyone was in the pool.

"God, Jack, where have you been? And Jamie...look at your shirt! It's filthy!" Janet squeaked, wading up closer to the edge of the pool.

"Watch this," Jack murmured to Jamie. He suddenly did a running jump, surprising everyone as he jumped in to the pool with all his clothes on.

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate dove out of the way and Larry got splashed again. "What is this pick on Larry Day?" he was getting the worst of it that day, but, it was all in fun. Things were finally getting back to normal. "Dad, will you help me get up?"
Robin called to her father. He swam to the ladder. "Okay, hon, i'll be right there. "Stay there dad, i'll help her" LJ offered. "C'mon sis, you can do this."

Kate and Larry loved seeing their kids help each other. It was very important after what they went through with their own siblings.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie rolled her eyes and laughed at her father. Sometimes he was just plain crazy. Jamie still wasn't ready to join the family though, she still needed time to sort out her feelings. She went inside to change clothes.

She came back outside in a Beatles tshirt and a pair of shorts. She got into the hammock and watch everyone from a distance. She still didn't feel connected, but she knew no other way to explain it, so she was just going to have to deal with it the best she could.

[Heart Shaped Box]

Jack peered over the pool and everyone to find Jamie sitting quitely on the hammock. He knew that she was still a little shaken with her emotions and needed to deal them out. Sometimes being the youngest one has it's ups and downs, but she just felt like no one else cared for her. Didn't my talk to her work or what?

"Jamie, why don't you come in?" Jack asked as he picked up his wife in his arms and threw her in the pool. Jack knew that it might be a long shot getting her in the pool but at least he could try.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri saw Jamie sitting in the pool. She got into the pool to talk to her. She had a few things she wanted to say to her.

"Hey there kiddo. How have you been?"

At Jamie's look of disgust at being called "kiddo" Terri laughed.

"I know, I know your not a baby anymore. But you know what? Being the baby of the family does have it's advantages."

Jamie looked at her aunt as if she had grown wings. Terri continued. "Yeah, you might get ignored but hey just think of the things you can get away with. I am the oldest in my family and my parents were always on my case about one thing or another."

The two of them sat in silence for a few minutes when suddenly Terri had an idea "Hey, how would you like to come back east with me? I am selling my place and I am going to need someone to help me with boxing up everything. It would be a big help to me."

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie nodded. Getting away for a few days might be just what she needed.

She saw her father and Bobby laughing and playing around in the pool. "Here we go again." She thought reluctantly as she looked at Terri and rolled her eyes. "Back to playing second base." She said sarcastically.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri laughed and said "Well, second base is better than short stop!! Get it? "Short" stop!" Terri laughed at her joke and started tickling Jamie....

Terri knew that the hard part would be convincing Jack and Janet...But she was going to do everything she knew of to convince them...

[LuLu Rogers]

"I surrender!" Jamie yelled, trying to catch her breath. She looked at Terri's pregnant belly. "Terri Lou, you need to go on a diet! You've really gained some weight!" She said as she grinned at Terri.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri laughed at Jamie and said "Just wait until I am 9 months pregnant and waddling like a duck. Then we can talk about diets. Anyway, I need to talk to your mom. I think your dad is the easy one to talk to."

Terri got out of the pool and walked over to where Janet was drying off. she was mumbling to herself and Terri laughed as she made out some of the words

"Such words from a lady. Anyway, I have something I need to ask you and Jack. It's about Jamie."

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie stretched out in the pool and watched the others messing around. She leaned against the side, observing everyone else. She decided it best to stay out of the way for now.

[Heart Shaped Box]

Janet let out a little giggle and continued to dry herself off until there was no more water dripping down her. She put the towel around her chest. "Sure, what is it Ter?" She turned around and saw Jamie in the pool, apart from everyone else. Just the look on her face made Janet sad.

Jack turned around and saw that Jamie was on the side of the pool, looking out into the distance. He was a little upset when he saw Terri making her smile and laugh. Why couldn't he do that? He sighed, but then got an idea. He quietly came up behind her, grabbed her and threw her up in the air and she landed into the pool.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie squeeled. "Hey! What'd you do that for?" She asked. "I think water went up my nose!" She said as she rubbed her nose that was now burning from the pool water. She stuck out her lip and pretended to pout.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri laughed as she watched Jack and Jamie playing. She sat down across from Janet on a lawn chair. She took a deep breath and started talking. She didn't take a breath the whole time she was talking.

"Well, you see I am going to be selling my place back east, and I am going to need someone to help me. I figured that since school is going to be out soon Jamie could come with me and help me. I would really appreciate the help with it. She wouldn't be any trouble and Anna and she could get caught up on things. Besides it would give us some time together. I miss spending time with her. Then when we need help with the heavy stuff Jack or Larry could fly out for a few days and help...."

There she said it. Now she just had to wait for Janet to respond.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet thought it over in her head. Although it did worry her to think Jamie would be many miles away, she knew that she would be in good hands. Plus, Terri needed someone to help her and they got along so well...

And this also means she really is growing up, Janet admitted to herself.

"Sure, Terri," Janet agreed. "Oh, that'll be just fine! I'm sure Jamie would love it!"

She looked over and smiled when she saw Jack and Jamie horsing around in the pool.

"You better go tell Jack," she said to her friend. "I'm sure he won't mind, though. He's good like that."

[KissMyGrits]

Terri walked over to where Jack and Larry were in the pool. They were chatting about different things. Most of which bored Terri to tears. She got close and smiled at Jack.

"Hey Jack! I just wanted to let you know that I asked Janet if it would be okay for Jamie to come back east with me for a few days. I am going to be selling the house and I need help with packing. It is mostly boxes and stuff. When we get to the heavy stuff we can call you or Larry."

She smiled at Larry and continued. "Well, I wanted to let you know that Janet was okay with it. I just wanted to let you know. When I know all the details I will let you and Janet know. Okay?"

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry swam over to Kate who was floating in an oversized innertube. He went underwater and tickled her foot with his fingernails and then pulled her under with him. "Ahhh Larry!" She opened her eyes and embraced him in an aquatic kiss which they held as they surfaced. "Eww...Dad!" Robin and LJ protested.
"Geez, c'mon not infront of company." Robin yelled at them.

"Hey, we're not company, we're family!" Terri reminded her as she laughed.
"You two should be glad we kiss in front of you, other parents fight in front of their kids." Larry reminded them. "Hey Janet, do you need help getting lunch ready?" Kate was trying to get out of the pool, but, Larry wouldn't let go. "Come on honey, if you let me get out, i'll get back in that much faster"
she promised him. He was so adorable. Snowball ran out to the pool barking and jumped in just inches from Larry's face, splashing him. Even the dog was a part of "Pick on Larry Day".

[KissMyGrits]

Terri decided she was going to have some fun too. She went around to the side of the house and grabbed a huge squirt gun. Which she used to squirt Larry. she laughed and kept squirting him even after he got out of the pool. She was walking backwards while she was squirting him. She was laughing the whole time until she ran out of water. She shook it a few times and then she laughed and said "Uh-oh, looks like I am in for it." She started running around the pool trying to keep away from him. She was having so much fun and concentrating so hard on keeping away from Larry. Finally Larry caught up with her and threw her into the pool. She came up sputtering and coughing. "You threw me in the pool!! Ahhhhh!!" She laid back and floated on top of the water. She was enjoying all the fun they were having that day.....Larry was watching her and smiled.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Well, it's about time, I got...Ahhh!!" Janet sprayed him with the hose.
"Okay, okay...I surrender!" Kate grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him into the pool where she showered him with kisses. "Okay, let's go inside kids, Terri rounded them up. Nobody needed to see what Kate and Larry were planning.
"No, no need, C'mon Larry let's go upstairs." Kate said as she dragged him along by the hand. "Yes dear" he obeyed as he batted his eyelashes.

Jack and Janet brought everyone over to their house, Even Snowball was invited to tag along, so Kate and Larry could have some together time.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri laughed as they went to Jack and Janet's house. She figured that maybe Jack and Janet wanted some time alone so she offered to take the kids out to a movie.

"It's the least I can do for you guys. I owe you guys so much. I won't take no for an answer."

With that Terri shuffled all the kids out into Janet and Jack's mini-van. This gave them some much needed quiet time.

Terri had a blast at the movies. She loved being with all the kids again. It had been way too long. Although she had to admit that she was exhausted when she got home. The kids fell asleep in the car on the way home and Terri smiled to herself and thought "This is the way life should be. Everyone I love together having fun and having a great time."

Nothing could make life any better. She woke this kids up and they dragged themelves up to bed. Terri slept on the couch. So when she woke the next morning she was stiff and sore.....

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie woke up that morning and stretched. She felt horrible from lack of sleep. She loved her cousins, but she really missed sleeping alone in her own bed, instead of sharing it with Robin. She clomped down the stairs and started a pot of coffee. She knew that she would need it. She sat down at the kitchen table, her hair sticking up in every direction. She hoped that everyone else had a better night than she did. She was tired and cranky.

Once the coffee was ready, she poured herself a cup. The strong, hot liquid was soothing as it went down her throat.

"God, I'm so tired!" She mumbled to herself as she slammed her head down on the table and groaned the way her father did.

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry was the first to wake up, he looked over at Kate who was still very much out of it. He lifted her arm up and checked for a pulse. She woke up and looked at him with one eye open. "Larry, what the hell are you doing?"
she was groggy and wasn't her pleasant self until she had her second cup of coffee. "Just checking for signs of life, my love." He sat beside her and rubbed her back in a circular motion, the way she loved. God, he was gorgeous, even in the morning. They got dressed and drove over to the Trippers to pick up their children.

"We need some time together, just the four of us" Larry needed it to be that way for awhile. "C'mon Robin, LJ, we're going out to breakfast, your mom's waiting in the car." The kids were excited. Robin hobbled out on her crutches and LJ still needed to lean on Larry a little. They wouldn't have missed this for anything though. They say their goodbyes to Jack, Janet and Terri.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack and Janet padded downstairs in their slippers the next morning, still exhausted from their night of love-making(thanks to Terri for taking the kids for a night!)

Janet already saw Jamie perched at the table with a cup of coffee, looking groggy. Terri was bustling around the kitchen, preparing toast for everyone.

"Oh, Terri, I've would've done that," Jack mumbled sleepily, stretching his arms.

She waved him off, telling him it wasn't a problem. Janet quickly roused up the other kids, for Kate and Larry would be picking them up soon to go home. Janet was looking forward to spending time with her family again, back to the old normal routine. Besides, she knew Jamie would be leaving for Connecticut soon, so she decided today would be a special day for them all to relax.

Larry and Kate soon arrived, gathering their kids who still looked tired after a long night at the movies. They said their goodbyes and rushed off.

As soon as they were gone, Janet buttered a piece of toast for herself and asked her daughter between mouthfuls: "So, do you want to do anything special today?"

[LuLu Rogers]

"Hit myself in the head with a hammer." Jamie replied. She slammed her head down on the table with a loud thump. "Oohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" She moaned.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet noticed her daughter's eyes looked unusually bloodshoot as she sipped her morning coffee.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

(( I'll brb...gotta run out and get dinner))

[LuLu Rogers]

"You try sleeping with Robin and her cast sometime!" Jamie groaned. She put her head back down. "I feel like crap!" She whimpered. "I still have a buise on my butt where she kicked me out of bed." She whined as she rubbed her behind.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Awww," Janet replied sympathetically. "Trust me, I know how you feel...you know how many times I've woken up with your Dad's legs crushed against me? He's a very active sleeper."

Giggling, Janet munched on more toast, downing it with a swallow of hot coffee. Meanwhile, Jack shot her a look as he plopped down next to Jamie.

"Like you should talk, Miss Mumbler," he retorted with a smile.

Finally Terri sat next to Janet and began nibbling on a piece of dry toast(she didn't want to upset her stomach).

"So...a little bird told me that someone's birthday is coming up," Janet said slyly, giving Jamie a small smile as she sipped her coffee.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Yes, it is." Jamie whispered. She ran her fingers through her crazy morning hair and sighed. "Just another year older." She said honestly. "Not a big deal."

[Number 9 Dream]

"Fourteen big ones," Jack commented. "Wow, you're almost my age!" he joked.

"Jamie, I think we should do something special," Janet went on. "Anything you'd like to do. We haven't done anything big for birthdays in a long time, and with the recent stuff that's been happening to us, I think we should celebrate!"

Her brown eyes twinkled at her daughter's.

[LuLu Rogers]

"There's no reason to have a big party for me." She said shyly. "Besides, Bobby's birthday is next month, and it's a big one for him. Let him have a big party. Don't worry about me." She gave them a small smile. She didn't want to admit that she had no friends at school to invite to a party.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled and had an idea. She wanted to make sure Jamie had a great birthday. She wanted to take her on a shopping trip while they were back in CT.

"Jamie, how would you feel about taking a train into NY and doing some shopping? It's only a couple of blocks from my house to the train station. I think it would be fun. Plus we could pick up a few things for the baby. I haven't been shopping in ages."

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet was hurt that her daughter didn't want to have a big birthday party with them but she bit her lip and kept quiet, forcing herself to gulp down more coffee. Jack gave her a knowing look, warning her not to say anything.

"I-I think that sounds wonderful, Terri!" Janet said, trying to sound happy. "You've never been to NY before and it would be nice to go sight-seeing, I'm sure."

[KissMyGrits]

Terri realized that she probably should have kept quiet. She had opened her mouth and inserted her foot once again. She motioned for Janet to go into the other room.

"Janet I am so sorry, I didn't mean to, oh I am such a goof ball sometimes. I should have kept my mouth shut about it."

Terri walked into the living room and sat on the couch.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet grabbed Terri's hand and said quietly, "Oh no, don't you worry! I think it's a wonderful idea...really! I guess I was just hurt that Jamie didn't want to spend time with her parents...but then again--what soon-to-be 14 year old does?"

Smiling at her friend, she reassured her it was alright.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Great." Jamie said, trying to sound happy. "Excuse me." She got up from the table and put her cup in the sink, then headed upstairs to her room. She closed the door and plopped down on her bed. Tears fell from her eyes. She wanted a party, but she didn't want everyone to give her a party because they felt sorry for her. She put her pillow over her face and layed there, lost in thought and tears.

[KissMyGrits]

Suddenly the toast that Terri had been eating threatened to come back up on her. She ran from the table and into the bathroom. She didn't know if she could stand two more months of this. She needed to find a good doctor and get herself checked out. She walked out of the bathroom and laid down on the couch. She felt awful and even though she was hungry she couldn't eat. Why eat when everything comes back up anyway? She thought dryly. It just wasn't fair. All her friends could eat like horses and not have to worry about getting sick. She knew she was pregnant, but still. It wasn't fair. Ugh, she put her hands over her eyes and tried to rest....

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet quickly rushed to Terri's side but saw that she was resting peacefully on the couch, hands covering her face.

"Poor thing," she muttered, enveloping her in a blanket. Janet noticed Jamie was no where in sight, so she headed upstairs to her bedroom.

Standing in the doorway, she eyed the room for a moment. She remembered the day she came home to see Jack working so tirelessly on it-- he had painted the walls a light purple, trimmed with white paneling. There were purple painted shelves filled with collectible horse figurines, stuffed animals, and numerous photos of the family. Jamie was laying on her purple canopy bed, staring at the ceiling.

"What's up?" Janet asked, sitting next to her daughter.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Nothing." Jamie lied as she wiped her face. She never shared her problems with her mother. She just didn't feel comfortable telling her things, it was awkward. She got up and started to make her bed, knowing she would get into trouble if she didn't.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Honey, you know you can tell me anything," she pressed on softly. She watched her daughter tidying up her room, averting her eyes from her Mom's. Janet probed on.

"I am here for you and you can be honest with me," she said sincerely.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie sighed. She knew that if she didn't say anything, her mother would keep nagging, so she gave up. "I do want to have a party, but not because people feel sorry for me, Ok?!" She bit out. She was ill now.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet was stunned at her words. "Jamie, we're not doing this because we feel SORRY for you," she breathed, still a bit shocked. "We're doing this because we want you to have a good time. Your father mentioned to me about your birthday coming up, and naturally, I wanted you to have a special day."

[LuLu Rogers]

"My special day will be when some of the older kids in this family get a job, move out, and start their own families." She admitted quietly. She didn't intend it to be mean, she was just being honest. "You wouldn't understand. You were the oldest in your family." She replied.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Being the oldest isn't a walk in the park either," she admitted. Janet recalled how often her mother would scold her for bringing home bad grades, for making a bad example on her younger sister Jenny. Janet thought her mother's bossy streak had trickled down to herself sometimes and she hated that.

"Honey, why would you wish for Bobby and all the older kids to move out?" she asked gently.

[Moonlight Lady]

The Dallases arrived at the restaurant. Larry helped Robin with her crutches.
"There you go honey." Kate loved to see how good he was with the kids. "It feels so good to be out of that hospital." Robin commented. "The food sucked" LJ added. Kate looked a little green. "I'll be right back, go ahead and order." Kate ran to the bathroom and threw up yesterdays breakfast lunch and dinner. "Oh my god...I'm pregnant." She thought to herself. Trying to remember when it could've happened.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie couldn't believe her ears. Had her mother not been listening? "I'm tired of being left out! I've heard nothing but Bobby, LJ and Robin for weeks now. I know that they were hurt and in the hospital, but just because I wasn't physically injured, didn't mean that I didn't hurt too. It killed me to see my family so upset. I was even forgotten to be picked up that day. It was all a big mess! I'm just the black sheep of the family. Everyone knows I'm here, but that's all. I'm here and I take up space." She said all of that in one breath. Her heart was pounding and she was scared to death. She had never vented that much before.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri got up and decided that she needed to take a walk. She wanted to see Mr. Furley and talk about the apartment. So, she put on her tennis shoes and called out to Jack "Be back later!!"

With that she walked outside. It was a beautiful day outside. Jack and Janet lived fairly close to the apartment so she decided to walk there. Even though she had been gone for awhile the place still brought back a lot of memories. She met Zack here. She got engaged here and she found out about being pregnant with John here. She was so glad that she had come back here. Things were definitely looking up for her. She would make new memories. Although she doubted she would find someone to love like Zack.

She walked up to the apartment building when she first saw him. He had black hair with just the slightest touch of gray. She guessed he was in his early 40's. He was also very good looking. She laughed at herself and started walking up to Mr. Furley's apartment. The stranger looked at Terri and smiled.

"Mr. Furley's not home. He said something about a hot date with a hot chick."

Terri smiled at him and said "Darn, I was hoping to get the keys to the apartment I am going to be renting."

"Your moving in?"

"Well, for a few months anyway. Until I can find a house to buy."

He smiled and asked "Can I call you?"

Terri smiled and said "I don't even know your name."

He laughed and said "It is Richard. Richard Gray, but all my friends call me Richie."

"Hi Richie, I am Terri. My friends call me Terri." She laughed and they sat on the stairs talking.

Terri found out that he was a widower and that he had 2 children. They were 11 and 15. She smiled and told him about herself. She told him everything and they smiled at each other.

"I am still getting over loosing him. But it gets easier everyday. I am expecting another baby, that's why I need to find a house. You know the rules here."

They both said "No pets and no babies."

They realized it was getting late and Terri said that she should be getting back to Jack and Janet's house. She hated for the day to end. She felt a special connection to him.

"Well, I should be going." She smiled at him.

"Can I walk you back?"

"I would really like that."

They walked and talked and laughed. The time went by too quickly and they were back at the Tripper residence. Richie leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

"It was very nice meeting you Terri. I hope to see you again very soon."

Terri smiled and said "You will, you definitely will." She walked into the house, but not before she turned around and smiled at him.

Jack and Janet saw Terri walk to the house with him and were waiting for her when she came inside.

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate got on her cell phone and called the Trippers. Jack answered. "Hi, Jack is Janet or Terri there?" She needed to talk to a woman. "Sure hold on, Janet! telephone...It's Kate, sounds important!" He hollered up the stairs.
Kate was pacing the ladies room. Waiting for her to pick up. Terri saw the phone lying on the desk and picked it up. "Whoever picked up the phone I hope it's Janet or Terri, I need you to run down to CVS and pick up a pregnancy test and drop it off in mine and Larry's bathroom. Bye" Kate
hung up the phone and joined her family.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri had to shake her head a few times. Had she heard what she thought she had heard? Her ears had to have been playing tricks on her. She shook her head a few times and decided that she had to have heard Kate correctly. So she called up to Janet to let her know that she was going to borrow their car. She jumped in and ran to the pharmacy. She had to be crazy. She went in and bought a pregnancy test. Why did she feel like a teenage boy buying condoms? She smiled at the thought. Then she thought that she did not need to know if John did. LOL!! She had just got done putting the test into Larry and Kate's bathroom when they walked in. Terri was more than a little nervous.

"Ahhh Kate, I got those papers that you needed. I left them in the bathroom."

Larry looked stumped and Kate just smiled nervously.....

[Number 9 Dream]

"Jamie, I am really, really sorry for forgetting you the day of the accident," she repeated, sighing softly. Janet didn't know what else she could say to be forgiven. She was trying her hardest to make amends with her daughter but Jamie wanted nothing to do with her. Frankly, it was starting to cause her pain.

"We were all in a bad state of mind that day," she said. "Naturally, our minds were on Bobby, LJ, and Robin because they were hurt. It's not that we don't love you, it's just that we had to take care of them for a while. I am trying to make it up to you but you don't seem to care, nor want me to."

Janet felt tears would pour down her tanned cheeks, so she quickly turned on her heel and stormed downstairs. She saw Jack pacing the living room.

"Terri just ran over to Kate's...said something about a pregnancy test," he said excitedly. Janet simply stared at him, mouth agape. HUH?!

[KissMyGrits]

Terri arrived back at Jack and Janet's house. When she got there Jack and Janet were peppering her with questions. She wanted to play it cool and tried to deny everything.

"Nope, no way it wasn't a pregnancy test. I said I had to take some test papers over there." Thinking to herself what in the world would she be asking for test papers for... She was not good at thinking on her feet, but she didn't want to give anything away...

[Number 9 Dream]

"But...but Jack said you mumbled something about a pregnancy test!" Janet shot back, increasingly suspicious. Her stubborn nature refused to back down.

However, Terri simply shook her head and smiled. "Nope...test papers," she chirped.

Janet shook her head, looking at her husband. "What is going on here?" she asked. "Why am I always in the dark about these things?"

Terri kept grinning, ignoring her friends as she plopped on the couch.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie sighed. "Great! I knew this would happen!" She groaned. Everyone always took what she said the wrong way. Maybe she should just never talk again, she thought. She seemed to be screwing up everything lately. She went down to talk to her mom, but she saw Terri talking to her parents, so she hung back, hoping maybe they'd notice her.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet noticed Jamie hovering in the doorway, watching them with curious eyes.

"Is something wrong, Jamie?" Jack asked, pausing from the convo.

[KissMyGrits]

She was pretty proud of herself. She had managed to get to the store and get it to Kate's house without anyone finding out. She was sitting on the couch when she got a phone call. It was Richie. Unfortunately Janet answered the phone.

"Hi Richie!! It is nice to hear from you!!"

"It is nice to talk to you too. I just wanted to know if you want to go to the beach tomorrow."

"I would love to!! What time should I be ready?"

"How about 9 a.m.?"

"Sounds great!! See you tomorrow."

When she got off the phone Janet was standing in front of her with her hands on her hips.....

[LuLu Rogers]

"Oh....I was...just uh......." Jamie saw her mother glaring at her and it scared the crap out of her. She didn't want to get into a knock down, drag out fight with the woman, but they needed to talk. Jamie eyed her father, hoping for a little help.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet was still upset, so she was glad for the phone interruption. When Terri got off, after an excited chat with a mysterious "Ritchie", she wanted answers.



"Ok, I want details!" Janet demanded. "Now!" she said with a giggle, grabbing her friend. Together, they went to the kitchen, where they could talk about girly things in private, without Jack asking questions.

"Who's Ritchie?" Janet asked with a smile.


**

Meanwhile, Jack was awaiting Jamie's response.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Thanks Terri, I'll look them over right now" She ran into the bathroom and closed the door. Larry turned around and looked at Terri, with sheer confusion. "What was that all about?" Terri didn't want to lie to him and she didn't want to start a fight between Larry and Kate or at least an argument.
She chose to play dumb "I don't know" He's too smart for that, it didn't matter, Terri was gone, back over at Jack and Janet's

[KissMyGrits]

Terri looked at Janet with a smile. "He is someone I met when I went over to the apartment to get the keys from Mr. Furley. He wasn't there. Well, Richie told me that he wasn't there. We started talking and discovered we have a lot in common. Well, I think he is nice. Although it is too soon to start dating again...Who knows..."

She looked at Janet and could tell that she wasn't too happy about this development..

[Number 9 Dream]

"Umm...are you sure he's not some wack-o?" Janet said as tactfully as she could. "I just worry, is all. I hope he's not some weirdo praying on vulnerable pregnant women."

Terri rolled her eyes and smiled. Janet was the ever present worry-wart, but deep down she knew Terri had a lot of sense in her. After all, she had raised two kids by herself after Zack's death....if that wasn't strong, Janet didn't know what was.

((brb by 12 eastern time, guys! :D :wave: ))

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie looked at her father. "Mom's pissed off at me again, as usual." She told him. "She took what I said the wrong way and now she's giving me that 'I'm going to kill you' look." Jamie sighed. "If there were an award for the most screw ups in one day, I think I'd win first place." She said as she smacked her hand against her forehead.

[Moonlight Lady]

((Night Kristel, See ya tomorrow))

Kate came out of the bathroom with a look of shock on her face. "L...Larry?"
Oh boy, he didn't like that look, he'd seen it twice before in their life together. "Here, look at this" she handed him the stick with the plus on it.
"Honey, um...we're gonna have another baby." He smiled at her and hugged her close. "I'm not mad if that's what you were sneaking around for." She looked at him in shock and then sighed. "I love you for knowing me so well".
He kissed her passionately and they sat down. The hardest part will be telling the kids and Jack. Janet and Terri..I'll start with Jack." Larry picked up the phone and called Jack. "Hi...Jack?...Yeah, it's me...guess what buddy, I'm gonna be a daddy again...well...bye." he hung up. "That was easy, let's tell the kids."

The phone rang again. Kate picked it up. "Hello...Hey Terri, have I got news for you." Terri had a feeling what it was. "Is it what I think it is Kate?" She waited with baited breath. "Yep, it is, I'm pregnant..again." Kate beamed.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled and laughed "Sure now Jack and Janet are going to think I have totally lost it. Not to mention that I tried to cover it up by telling them I was taking test papers over to you. What was I thinking..." She laughed and smiled.

"Well, it looks like there are going to be two new babies in this family. Hmmmm wonder if there could be a third?"

Kate laughed at Terri and said "Who knows. The way our lives have been lately anything is possible...."

[Number 9 Dream]

(( I hope Chelsea doesn't mind me finishing Jack up for the night))


Janet heard Jamie talking about "screwing up", so she made her way in to the living room. Terri was talking on the phone, but Janet hardly paid attention.

"Who screwed up?" Janet asked.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Uhhhhhhh.......The......Lakers!" Jamie fibbed. "The Lakers lost their game tonight." It wasn't even basketball season but Jamie was scared when her mother glared at her, so she had to think fast. Her mother knew that she & her father were Lakers fans, so she might buy it. Jamie shudder as her mother starred at her with that cold look in her eyes.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Yeah, the Lakers really took a nosedive," Jack agreed, casting Jamie a wink.

"Oh," Janet said, finally smiling. "Anyway, Jack, can you help me clean in the kitchen? You sure hate to clean the messes you make."

"Yes, master," he mocked, following his wife obediantly. Together, they took care of the dishes- Jack put away the clean ones from the dishwasher and Janet took the dirty ones from the sink and placed them in the washer.

"Jamie was telling me you're a little upset with her," Jack said quietly as he put away some glasses. "Something about her birthday party?"

Janet sighed. "I am just so hurt by how she's treating me, Jack!" I try so damned hard to make it up to her and try to ease up on her but I'm not going to let her talk to me that way! I'm her mother!"

He kissed the top of her forehead softly. "It was all just a misunderstanding, baby...she didn't mean for it to come out that way. Promise."

She leaned against the counter, staring out the window tiredly. In the background, she could hear Terri murmuring quietly on the phone as Jamie's t.v. program blared in the living room.

She was just trying to be a good mother but often times her temper interfered with that. She knew it was a curse but found it so hard to stop.

I guess I'll have to try harder to be more understanding, she reminded herself.

"Go in and talk to her," Jack said firmly. "You guys need to have a heart to heart."

Janet looked in to his sparkling blue eyes, which were always so lit with a deep, fiery warmth. He smiled at her.

"I love you, you know that?" she whispered, pulling him in for a kiss.

"I know," he teased, grabbing her behind and pinching it. "You were screaming it so loudly last night." He smirked, going back to his cleaning as Janet blushed wildly and left to go talk to her daughter.

She found her sitting on the couch where she had left her. "Jamie?" she called.

[LuLu Rogers]

Oh boy, the moment of truth. Jamie thought. She quickly prayed The Lord's prayer, hoping that he would spare her life as she flipped off the TV and approached her mother slowly. She had the look of a lamb being led to the slaughter as she stood before her mother. These were the only times in her life when Jamie felt weak helpless, when she had to stand before her mother.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Honey, I'm not going to kill you," she said lightly, giggling softly. "Come on, sit down a minute."

Her daughter did as she asked, not without letting out an almost inaudible gulp, though. Janet patted her daughter's leg.

"Look, I know I'm a bit harsh sometimes," she started carefully. She suddenly felt vulnerable as she listed out her various weaknesses for her daughter. "I'm stubborn, I'm pushy, and I can be a bit...well, a bit of a worrywart. But, honey, look....ah, this is hard for me...but I promise I'll try to ease up on my faults if you can do something for me..."

"What's that?" Jamie asked.

"You have to give me a chance to...I admit I'm not perfect. Nobody's perfect! But you have to learn how to forgive sometimes, ok? Nobody can change if the others around them are unwilling to accept it," she said in a gentle and loving tone.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie was shocked. Her mother was actually speaking to her about something in a clam and rational manner. She thought she might faint. She decided that she ought to be mature about this and learn to accept her mother, faults and all. Her mother was pretty much the only female rolemodel she had to look up to, so she'd better learn to get along with her.

Jamie nodded, but said nothing. She simply held out her arms and smiled, her blue eyes filled with that warm glow like her father's.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet understood by that hug that her daughter was willing to be open-minded and that was enough for her. She felt tears welling up in her eyes, but instead of pushing them away, she let them fall down her cheeks.

Dammit, I'm going to be the best mother I can, she thought.

"I-I'm glad we talked this over," Janet stammered, offering a smile. Suddenly Jack entered the room, but paused when he saw them locked in an embrace.

"Oh, am I interrupting something?" he teased, covering his eyes.

Janet giggled and patted the couch. "Come here, you pain in my butt," she exclaimed. Jack took a running dive and sat next to his two favorite girls.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie suddenly had an idea. She winked at her mother, who smiled back at her, reading her mind. They both got into postion as Jack looked at them suspiciously. "TICKLE FIGHT!" Jamie screamed as her dad pretended to be afraid.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack feigned terror and screamed, "Oh no!" in a high-pitched voice. The girls attacked him harder, tickling under his arms and across his neck. Finally, he managed to squirm away, falling on to the floor with a resounding THUD.

"I've been attacked!" he cried.

Terri had just gotten off the phone and was smiling at them, shaking her head.

[LuLu Rogers]

"You are weak!" Jamie teased as she looked down at her father. "Women take the title!" She exclaimed as she gave her mom a high five.

"I'm going to go take a shower." She annouced as she headed toward the stairs.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack quickly trailed after her, doing a little dance as he hollered, "Let's see who's laughing when I make your water go freezing on you!" He continued to follow her, making weird noises with his mouth.

Janet giggled and cried, "Jack, stop torturing the poor girl!"

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie squeeled and pretended to be terrified. "Help Me!" She screamed as he pinned her to the couch.

[Number 9 Dream]

He tickled her some more and finally exclaimed, "So, where's your womens' lib mumbo jumbo now?!" with a grin. He got up, panting heavily after such exertion.

"Jack, you're not twenty anymore," Janet reminded him.

Finally, Terri cleared her throat, waiting for a moment to be heard. The others all looked at her as if they had just realized she was there.

"Anything wrong, Terri?" Janet asked.

(( Gotta go for now...it was fun! :happyface :wave: ))

[LuLu Rogers]

((Me too! :wave: ))

Jamie smacked her father's behind as she made her way upstairs to take a shower. She figured Terri wanted to talk to her parents alone.

"I'll be talking to my boyfriend on the phone if anyone needs me!" She yelled from the top of the stairs. She laughed as she saw her father glare at her with a look of fear on his face. "When I start dating he'll probably have 8 Simple Rules for all of my dates to follow!" She thought as she shook her head and closed the bathroom door behind her.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri stood their smiling. She had witnessed the scene between Jack, Janet and Jamie. Even though she was smiling she had tears in her eyes. "Damn pregnancy hormones! Stop it Terri this is a happy moment. Janet and Jamie are finally connecting."

"Um, I just wanted to say that I am sorry for not telling you guys about Kate. You must have thought I really lost it." She smiled recalling her and Kate's conversation about babies. She decided to tell them about it. Hey if nothing else it was good for shock value.

"We were talking about how nice it is going to be to have two new babies in the family. We also joked about how wonderful it would be if there was a third."

Looking at the shocked expression on Jack and Janet's faces Terri laughed and waved her hand and said "Night guys!!"

Jack and Janet are left alone sitting on the couch. Both wear stunned expressions and neither is saying a word.....

[Moonlight Lady]

"Kids?!" Larry called out to them. "Come in to Mom and Dad's room, we need to talk to you." Kate rounded them up. "What's up mom?" "Yeah, what's going on?" The kids were thinking Oh no..they're getting a divorce.
"Now, look before you jump to the wrong conclusions, I'm gonna come right out and tell you." Larry knew this wouldn't be easy. He paused for a bit and then came right out and told them. "Your mother's...your mom...See..."
Kate got tired of waiting for him and elbowed him in the stomach. "Hey!"
"Okay, look kids, your mother's pregnant and i'm the father."

Robin and LJ looked at each other and then back at their parents. "Ewww!!!"
They were disgusted. How could their parents do that. They hoped that they weren't in the house when it happened. Robin can still vividly remember walking in on them as a little girl. She would never get that out of her head.
"When did the spawning take place?" LJ asked his father. Kate couldn't help but laugh, she had never heard what they did referred to as a spawning.
"While you two were in the hospital, we save the heavy stuff for when you two aren't home." LJ put his hands up. "Oh okay, dad, we don't need to hear anymore, we'll probably be excited about it later, but right now, we just need to get over the thought of it." The kids leave the room, shaking their heads.
"I'm going over to Jack and Janet's hon, i'll be back in awhile." Larry told his wife as his kissed her forehead.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was still laughing when she headed towards the stairs. Before she got there however the doorbell rang. She called out "I'll get it!!"

She walked to the door and was surprised to see Larry standing there. She opened the door wider and he walked in. She realized that she would always love him, but that they were always going to be good friends. Nothing more and nothing less. He was someone she could count on to be there for her, no matter what. She hugged him and said "What's up Larry? Shouldn't you be home with Kate?" She smiled and elbowed him.

Larry looked at her and smiled. He wanted to talk to her and didn't know quite where to start. So he simply asked her "Can we go outside and talk?"

She looked at him funny and said "Sure, I shocked Jack and Janet so they are out of it right now. Let's go sit outside by the pool"

She led him to the pool and slipped off her shoes. The cool water felt good on her skin. She waited for Larry to say something.....

[Moonlight Lady]

"Terri, this isn't easy for me so....I'm just gonna come right out and say it."
He stood up and paced for a bit. "I've been having certain feelings towards you lately and I get the feeling that you've been the same ones, those old feelings we had for each other when we were dating?" He waited for her to answer him. "Yeah, I know the ones...Larry...I met someone when at our old
apartment building." He wasn't expecting that. "Really?...that makes what I have to say easier." He took Terri's hand in his as he patted it. He looked soulfully in her eyes.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled she had a feeling she knew what he was going to say. She looked into his eyes and said "Let me guess, "You love me but more as a sister or a good friend?" Am I right? Of course I am right. Besides, I wouldn't ever want to hurt Kate or rip our families apart. I love you guys so much. We were caught up in the emotions of everything that was happening. The kids getting shot, Diane kidnapping me, Henna showing up. Then me acting like a fool and taking off."

Larry smiled at her and she continued. "Besides, I have met someone. I want to take it slow, but I think there might be something there. He makes my stomach flutter. No it is from being pregnant either."

She leaned over and kissed Larry on the cheek. It was a friendly kiss. She had tears in her eyes, but it was because she realized how close they were to hurting the people they cared most about. She waited for him to say what he had come to say....

[Moonlight Lady]

"That's exactly what I was gonna say to you." he told her. "I love Kate so much. I love you too, but it's a different kind of love, it's the same kind of love I have for Janet." He felt like a huge weight was being lifted off his shoulders. "I've been wanted to say all those things for some time now and
it just feels good to get them off my chest...So...who's this guy you're replacing me with." He loved to tease her. He wanted to meet the guy though. It just seemed to soon after Zack that she's dating. "Will I get to meet him?" He was playing the overprotective big brother now. "Larry if you do anything to embarass me infront of Richie..." she started to threaten him.
"Would I do that?" Larry wasn't very good at playing innocent.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled at him and said "I can remember at least a dozen times that you have embarassed me. One time in particular stands out. Rememeber, oh I don't know, that time when I first moved in with Jack and Janet?!"

Larry blushed and nodded. "I remember, I remember, but honestly I was just trying to help!"

She smiled and stood up. "Larry I am a big girl now. I can handle myself. Thank you for being there for me the past few days. I really needed it. To answer your question about Richie, yes you will get to meet him... Eventually... Larry I am not dating him. We are taking it slow. Who knows if something will happen. I just feel a kind of connection with him. He lost his wife in a car accident 3 years ago. He has a boy and a girl. I still miss Zack with all my heart Larry, I am going to take it slow and we are going to start as friends. Thank you for caring about me Larry."

Terri yawned and said "Well, I need to go to bed. Tell Kate I said Congratulations!! Oh and Congratulations to you to Daddy!"

Feeling mischevious she pushed him into the pool "That is the perfect end to pick on Larry day!!" Laughing she runs into the house...

[Moonlight Lady]

After she pushed him in the pool. Larry got out and walked back through Jack and Janet's livingroom, dripping water all over the place. Past them making out. "G'night you two, oh and Jack move a little to the left, Janet, you're not kissing him deep enough...just a little more.." They yell at him and he runs out "Okay okay, I'm leaving!" He sees Terri. "Oh Terri, I forgot to tell you something." She turns around "Yes Larry..what is it?" He shakes the water out of his hair like a dog and runs out the door laughing. He gets home and runs upstairs to Kate who's lying in bed watching Conan O'Brien. "Hey did you know Terri's dating some guy named Richie?" He locked the bedroom door and started peeling the wet clothes off of him. "What happened to you?" Kate laughed at him as he dripped water all over the place. "I decided to have last minute swim in my clothes, I suddenly got very hot."

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack and Janet were still in shock when Larry left the house, soaking wet. They didn't even question the drenched clothes- they were still raving about a new pregnancy!

"I can't believe it! Kate's pregnant!" Janet was saying, shaking her head.

Jack nibbled along her neck, causing her to moan loudly. "Oh, stop that, you," she exclaimed with a giggle, although she was enjoying it immensely.

"You know...we could try for another one," Jack whispered, pulling back so he could look at her with serious eyes.

Another baby? Janet mulled the prospect over in her brain. She kinda missed taking care of an infant, although her previous pregnancies had never been a walk in the park. Oh, the times she had spent feeding or changing a screaming baby at 4 in the morning...or the times she had to skip work to pick up a kid at day care because they were ill...

But it's all worth it, she decided. Just to see her little angels smile at her, extending their little arms and yelling, "Mommy!" whenever she entered a room....or how their tiny faces lit up with glee whenever she cooed with them or held them.

"Jack...let's do it!" Janet suddenly exclaimed. "Let's try for another one!"

Grinning, Jack picked her up in his arms, kissing her playfully down her neck and cleavage, and carried her upstairs where they made passionate love 'til the sun came up.

***

It was several days later when Janet closed the shop up early due to not feeling well. On a whim(and because of previous experience), she decided to stop by the drugstore to pick up a pregnancy test.

Driving home, feeling unquestionably nauseous, she thought to herself, If this isn't pregnancy, I don't know what is.


***

Jack was preparing dinner for the kids and Terri when Janet exited the bathroom, a white stick in her hand. She had done it so sneakily, that no one had suspected where she had gone.

"Where were you, Mom?" Bobby asked. "I have to finishing telling you my story about how-"

But he froze mid-sentence when he saw the tears fall down Janet's cheeks.

"Mom?" Bobby asked cautiously. Now the others were looking at her.

"Guys...I-I'm pregnant," she whispered happily.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie and Bobby gave each other a disgusted look. "That means, you and dad....Ewwww!" Jamie said as she stuck her tongue out. In her mind, her parents were not supposed to do things like that. It was gross! She couldn't even think about the baby at that point. She feigned being terribly sick. "Ahhh! The horror!" She squeeled as she and Bobby grabbed their throats and pretended to be choking. Both of them were laughing hysterically.


((Sorry Guys! Had to be funny! LOL! :lol: ))

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled at Jamie's antics. She was so glad that she was getting back to her normal carefree self. This would make the news she had much easier to deliver.

"I hate to break up the fun, but I have to tell you guys something."

They all looked at her with concern. Terri laughed and smiled "It isn't bad and I'm not running away!! Well, I got news that my house back east has sold and I need to be out by the end of the month. So, I need to head back there this weekend. Now that school is out we can leave."

Looking at Jack and Janet she asked "Is it still okay with you guys if she goes with me?"

"Oh and Jack, you and Larry need to plan on coming out there for a few days. After all who else is going to load all my furniture into the moving van."

She smiled and thought of the conversation that she had with Richie that night. He had been so charming volunteering to go with her. She liked him, but thought that it was too much to ask him since she had only met him a week ago.

"Richie, I am growing to like you but, Jack and Larry will be there to help and they tend to be a little overprotective."

"I understand!! I will miss you though."

"I will miss you too."

Terri had learned that he was a doctor and that he actually owned the old apartment building. She came to find that out one afternoon when they were talking.

She was deep in thought when Janet asked her something. "I'm sorry Janet, I wasn't listening. Can you say that again?"

[Number 9 Dream]

"I was just saying that, yes, it's alright Jamie can go with you this weekend," Janet said to Terri with a grin. She was so elated right now. She couldn't believe she was actually pregnant!

"And, yes, I would happy to go with you one weekend to help," Jack said in a chipper tone. "It'll give Larry and I plenty of time to discuss fatherhood as we make the trip up there."

Jack was beaming as he pulled out a chair for his wife and exclaimed, "Let me seat you, m'lady." He kissed her on top of the head and she giggled. Jamie and Bobby were still making choking noises but Janet simply laughed it off.

"God, honey, I can't believe you're pregnant...I can't believe I'm going to be a Dad again!" Jack said happily as he poured his wife some soda. He finished bringing out the plates for dinner and they all dug in, talking excitedly about the new baby.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Sounds like you need to be a little more careful next time dad!" Bobby joked with his father. "I think it's great guys." Bobby said honestly. "Easy for you to say, Bob! Their room is right next to mine!" Jamie retorted with a laugh. "They need sound proof walls! It sounds like Wild Kingdom in there!" Both Jamie and Bobby were laughing hard, even Terri was laughing with them. The comments were all in good fun.

"Seriously though, I think it's great." Jamie said as she smiled at her parents. It might be fun to have a baby around the house. She loved kids, so she would enjoy taking care of her new brother or sister, though she secretly hoped for a sister.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet blushed even more when Jack made panting, animalistic noises, causing even more hysterics around the table.

"Jack!" she gasped, although she too was now laughing.

"They gotta learn about the birds and the bees SOMEHOW, Janet!" he laughed. She slapped his arm playfully.

"I won't be made in to a demonstration!" she joked, feeling herself relax. For once, Janet wasn't uptight about something-- it felt good to joke around with her loved ones; she also felt good that Jamie and Bobby were most accepting of the new baby. Life was good.

"Now, you both know that you're expected to help Mom out with the new baby," Jack was saying. "That means changing diapers."

[LuLu Rogers]

Both Jamie and Bobby slammed their heads down on the table, pretending to pass out. They stayed there, still laughing.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was having fun watching the exchange, so she piped up "And 2 a.m. feedings and burping..."

At the disgusted look from Jamie she started laughing and said "Does anyone think we should tell Kate and Larry the good news?"

[Number 9 Dream]

"Of course!" Janet exclaimed, nearly forgetting she hadn't told her two best friends the news yet. She was so excited that her mind was elsewhere. "I'll invite them over for dessert!"

"Uh uh..." Jack interrupted, halting Janet from standing up. "Take it easy! Finish dinner and I'll call them!"

She rolled her eyes. "Jack, I'm not an invalid."

He smiled at her and got up anyway, rushing off to use the phone.

"So, Terri, are you all set for your move? It's great that Jamie can help you out," Janet said.

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry and Kate just got home from the doctor's office. Kate was on complete bedrest. "This stinks Larry, why can't I have a normal pregancy." He was worried about her. "Honey, just take it easy. Don't even think about blaming yourself, these things happen..I just want you and the baby to be healthy."
He hugged her tight and kissed her passionately before picking up the phone
to call Janet. "Hi Janet?"

Right away, she could tell that Larry's tone was one of concern. "Kate's on bed rest, I'm coming over..well bye." he hung up the phone and ran over.
"He's gotta stop doing that." Kate said out loud, but realized she was talking to herself again.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie sat down in her father's lap.

"Are you going to be all mushy with the new baby like you were with us?" She asked with a smile.

"Goochie Goochie Goo!" She said in a cute baby voice as she pinched his cheek. She couldn't help but laugh at the face he made.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri laughed at her friends. The made such a cute picture. It was at times like this that she really missed Zack. Shaking off the thought she answered Janet's question. "Yeah, I am as ready as I can be. Although I do need to go over to the apartment and get it ready. Which reminds me, I think tomorrow is the day that I am going to move into the old place."

She smiled and thought about how much she would miss her friends, but she knew that she had to do this. For herself if for nothing else. Besides they were right around the corner if anything happened and then there was Richie. She smiled as she thought of him.

Janet looked at her quizically wondering what could have put a dreamy look on her friends face. Terri smiled and replied "It will be nice to see Richie again too."

She knew that her friends wanted to meet him, but she was afraid that they wouldn't approve....

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack came back to the table after dialing the Dallas residence. "No answer," he announced. "They must be out."

"Aww, well I guess we can tell them tomorrow," Janet said, unable to keep the disappointment out of her voice. The group finished their meals and Janet insisted on putting away the dirty dishes(much to Jack's dismay). Jamie went over to her father and snuggled up to him, teasing him about being a "pushover." Janet merely smiled and set off to clean. However, the phone interrupted her.

"Hello?" she asked breathlessly.

"Hey, Janet, it's Larry...can I come over?"

"Of course! We were just trying to call you and-"

"Ok, I'll be right over then!" he said and hung up, leaving her to stare at the phone with confusion.

***
Several minutes later...


"Boy, this Richie seems awfully special," Janet said softly with a smile, nudging her blonde friend playfully. Her friend was smiling dreamily as she sipped on her coffee.

"I would love to meet him one day," hinted Janet. "Of course...whenever you're ready, that is. Larry and Jack might beat him up."

At the mention of Larry's name, the doorbell sounded and Jack stopped kidding around with Jamie and answered the door.

"Hey, buddy!" Jack greeted. "Hey, where's Kate?" he asked. Larry stepped inside.

[LuLu Rogers]

((I gotta go now guys. Gotta get ready for work. :rolleyes: I'll be back on tomorrow! :wave: ))

[Moonlight Lady]

"Where's Janet?" He finally caught his breath. Jack and Larry walked into the kitchen. He saw Jamie and Bobby sitting there. "Can we talk outside?" Larry looked worried. They walk out to the patio and sit down.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Sure," Janet said, worried that something was wrong. She quickly followed Larry outdoors, leaving the rest of them to gape in worry and confusion. Larry was pacing the front stoop, his breath coming out in clouds in the chilly night air.

"Is something wrong?" Janet asked.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Sure," Janet said, worried that something was wrong. She quickly followed Larry outdoors, leaving the rest of them to gape in worry and confusion. Larry was pacing the front stoop, his breath coming out in clouds in the chilly night air.

"Is something wrong?" Janet asked.


"Okay, here's the deal, Kate's on bedrest until she goes into labor, with the exception of going to the bathroom, showers and doctors appointments..if she doesn't stay off her feet, she could lose the baby...She'll have to have a c-section when it's time to have the baby." he ran his fingers through his graying black hair with worry. "Which means that, I won't be able to make the trip to Connecticut to help Terri. After what happened with the kids and now this, I really want to stay close to home.

[Number 9 Dream]

(( OK :D Talk to you tomorrow then :happyface :wave: ))



((I gotta go now guys. Gotta get ready for work. :rolleyes: I'll be back on tomorrow! :wave: ))

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet was shocked to hear that news. Poor, poor Katie! she worried. She hoped Kate and that baby would be safe, and if it meant extra bedrest, then so be it.

"Larry, you do what you have to do," she reassured him, patting him on the arm. She'd never seen Larry so distraught...well, not since the horrible accident, that is.

"We'll be here for you," she continued on. "Jack and Jamie can go help Terri and I'll be home with Bobby....it looks like I'll need some bedrest myself."

She saw Larry's face peer at her in confusion. "Huh?" he asked.

"Larry, I'm pregnant too," she announced.

(( Ok, I gotta head off for now myself! This was fun!))

[Moonlight Lady]

"Janet! That's wonderful...when are you due?" he asked her enthusiastically. "Don't worry, i'll be here for both of you and Terri" Three women in his life were pregnant. He, Jack and Richie would have their hands full. "Hey, have you met this Richie guy yet?" He needed to take his mind off his worries.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was concerned about Kate. She had heard the conversation between Larry and Janet... Yes she was evesdropping. She was bad about things like that.

She smiled at the way that Larry worried about her and Richie. There was only one way that she was going to change everyone's mind. She had to introduce them to him. That was tough for her. She so hoped they liked him. She was really falling for him. She knew it had only been a short time that she had known him, but there was just something about him. He was such a gentleman. He opened doors for her and pulled out her chair when she went out to dinner with him a few times. It was so romantic. She went outside to look up at the stars. Something that Zack had told her when they first started dating jumped into her mind.....

***Flashback***
Zack and Terri had just finished eating at an exclusive restaurant. They were taking a walk on the beach and stopped to sit on the sand.

Terri loked up and said "There are so many stars in the sky tonight. It is beautiful."

Zack looked at her and said "They are not half as beautiful as you are Terri."

She blushed and smiled. Then he said "You know what I think the star are? They are the souls of our loved ones, come back to watch over and protect us. At least that is what I like to believe. I want my star right over there.. That way I can look down on you all the time and make sure you are happy."

She smiled and they kissed.
***Flashback Ends***

Terri smiled at the memory. She had made her decision. She was going to throw a party when she moved into the apartment and then she would introduce everyone to Richie. She just hoped that her family liked him.....

[Number 9 Dream]

"Thanks, Larry," she said appreciatively, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Well, I'll be due way later than the others, that's for sure!"

Larry asked about this new Ritchie guy in Terri's life, becoming the everpresent overprotective "brother."

"I haven't met him yet but I'm dying to," Janet exclaimed playfully. "He better be a real winner or else he's got some people to answer to!" She flexed her muscles.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri woke early the next morning. She had an early doctor's appointment and then she was moving into her new apartment. Since she hadn't moved all of her stuff from home yet, she only had one suitcase. She had rented a car and loaded her suitcase into it. She was up before the others and left a note.

Janet and Jack,
Had an early doctor's appointment. Will
call soon. Am moving into the apartment
today.
Love You guys,
Terri

Terri smiled as she walked out of the doctor's office. She was 3 and a half months pregnant and had seen her babies on the ultrasound for the first time. She smiled as she remembered what happened.

Terri was called into the doctor's office and they weighed and measured her. Then the doctor told Terri she was going to do an ultrasound. That is when she noticed something unusual. The doctor then announced that Terri was expecting twins. Terri smiled at the thought. God does work in mysterious ways. Now she had to tell her friends. The person she called was Janet.

The phone rang and then Janet answered the phone "Hello?"

"Janet, it's Terri. Um are you sitting down? I have something to tell you that might shock you. I don't really know how to say it except to come right out and say it. Um, it seems I am expecting twins...."

Terri heard the phone drop to the ground....

[Moonlight Lady]

"Well, I better get back to her highness" He laughed. Janet gave him a look of warning. "You better not let Kate hear you call her that." He laughed again. "Oh please, like i'm afraid of her hormones..Remember when she was pregnant with LJ?...We had just moved to Connecticut...She had to stay off her feet then too and everytime I tried to unpack a box..she'd call me out into the livingroom...I spent at least three hours unpacking the same damn box because she kept asking for things...I remember you, Jack, Zack and Terri coming over when all this was going on because you were gonna invite us to dinner and I said something about losing a bet to Kate and I had to do all the work and wait on her hand and foot, remember how crazy she had me going running all over the place." They laughed as they thought about that.

"We ended up getting pizza that night because I burnt dinner." He smiled as he sighed, remembering their life back in Connecticut. "I miss living there sometimes." He kissed Janet's cheek and said goodbye. With that, he was back home. He walked in the door and his kids greeted him with breakfast ready.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet laughed, giving her friend a tight hug. Larry could be so funny sometimes, despite his knack for sneakiness and trickery.

Marriage has really softened the big lug, she thought with a giggle, watching him set off to his car. She hoped that everything went well with the Dallas family and their newborn.

She sighed and went inside, closing the door after her. 'Now it's time to get back to MY big lug'

***

Janet and Jack awoke the next morning to find a note from Terri, proclaiming that she had gone to a doctor's appointment for the afternoon. She also added that she would be moving in to her apartment today.

"Jack, I really hate to think of her moving in alone," fretted Janet as she poured herself a glass of OJ. Jack sighed and grabbed the paper, plopping down at the table. He looked particularly stressed and exhausted this morning, although he'd gotten a full night's rest.

"Yea, I know," he mumbled. "There's so much left to do, also...between getting her stuff from Connecticut, moving it back here, celebrating Jamie's birthday...the baby..." Jack folded the paper up and stared in to space, his eyes taking on a contemplative glaze.

"Hey," Janet said softly, rubbing his shoulders. "It's all for a good cause, right?"

"Of course, of course!" he said with a bit more optimism, "I'm just worried that I'll mess up somehow."

Handing her husband a bowl of cereal complete with milk, she sat in front of him, looking at him worriedly. She knew Jack must be feeling a bit stressed about the new baby, although he would readily deny it. Whether Jack admitted it or not, Janet knew him too well-- he was afraid of not being ready when the newborn came.

"Jack, it'll be alright...hey, where's the happy boy I'm so used to?" she teased. He smiled at her.

"You're right, honey...I'm just being silly," he admitted. She smiled back at him, finishing up her own cereal.

When she had gulped down her last drop of OJ, the phone rang from inside the living room. She quickly got up, signaling her husband to stay put and finish his own breakfast.

"Hello?" she asked.

"Janet? It's Terri...well, I've got some good news."

"Oh?" she said, gulping anxiously.

"I'm having twins!" shrieked Terri. Janet dropped the phone in her shock but quickly retrieved it.

"Oh my god, Terri, that's wonderful!" she screamed. "Wow, who would've guessed it?! TWINS!"

Jack poked his head in the living room, grinning deviously. "Oh, Zack, that little slugger!" he proclaimed with a laugh.

Janet giggled. "So, Terri, how do you feel about this?!"

(( Guys, Chelsea said I can take Jack again...she's grounded from her computer :( ))

[KissMyGrits]

Terri laughed as Janet asked her how she felt about it. "Terrified, elated extremely happy!! I am going thru all the emotions right now. Now I have to shop for two of everything!"

Terri suddenly became thoughtful as she asked "How is Kate doing? I heard Larry talking to you last night. Sorry couln't help overhearing."

"I wanted to invite you, Jack and Jamie to my apartment. I am having a housewarming party. Oh, and Richie will be there. Please tell Jack to be on his best behavior, I know he is protective of me but..."

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet giggled. Her friend's excitement was contagious! She felt so completely happy for Terri-- she deserved this treat after such heartache.

"I promise I'll keep Jack in check," she said. "Besides, we've got to meet this fellow...As far as Kate goes...well, she needs lots of rest, Larry said. If she does anything to harm herself, the baby might be born pre-maturely."

She heard Terri gasp on the other end at Janet's news.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri couldn't believe what Janet was telling her. It was so unfair to Kate and Larry. She needed to call them. So she hung up with Janet after promising to call her soon.

She dialed Larry and Kate's house and waited for someone to pick up. After three rings Kate answered the phone. Terri was happy for her friend, but she was also worried for her. "Hi Kate, it's Terri. How are you doing?"

"I am fine other than the fact that I am on bed rest until the baby is born."

"Kate, if you need anything please call me!! After all you and Larry have done for me, anything you need I will help with. Oh, and don't worry about my moving. You are more important. Between Jamie and Jack they can handle it. Larry needs to stay right there are pamper you...."

Terri and Kate talked for a few minutes and then Terri told her the news. "Kate, I have some news. I had a doctor's appointment today and well, it seems that I am having twins."

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate started to cry a little. "Terri...the doctor said that I might lose the baby if I move around too much..." She stopped when she saw Robin walk by.
"So, with the exception of the bathroom and trips to the doctor. I'm on bedrest." They talked a little while. "So Terri, how's Richie baby...Larry walked in to the bedroom and said to me...Hey Terri's dating some guy named
Richie...What's he look like, is he cute?" Kate was trying to be cute.
She absolutely loved Terri and Janet. She remembered when Larry introduced her to them at the Beagle.

**Flashback**

Kate and Larry decide to play a trick on Mr. Furley for eavesdropping. So they pretend that Kate is very sick. From there it snowballed into everyone thinking that they both were dying..Kate got excited at the sound of Larry's voice, slipped down the stairs and broke her leg and Larry announced that they were engaged.

***end flashback***

After the conversation with Terri ended. Larry walked into the bedroom.
"Hey Larry, can we please call the doctor and find out if I can at least lie on the couch during the day or outside during the nice weather? It gets so boring lying in bed all day." He sat down next to her, placing his hand on her leg. "Well puss, I think that they probably want you up here, but, I don't think it'll hurt to come down and lie on the couch. I don't think we have to call though." They walked downstairs where LJ was spread out on one of the couches. "Looks like you'll have some company son. You're mom's on bedrest until the baby's born." LJ was a great kid, he and Katie were pretty close. He put one of the classic sitcom channels on for his mom and helped Larry and Robin take care of her.

[KissMyGrits]

At the mention of Richie's name Terri smiled and said "He is very cute. Just wait until you meet him!"

Terri was shocked to hear Kate crying. She made a decision right then that she was going to help her friends. They had done so much for her. It was the least she could do for them.

The first thing she did was call a moving company and arrange for them to pack up her house in Connecticut. She was going to put her stuff in storage until everything was settled. Once that was done she called Mr. Furley.

"Hi Mr. Furley, it's Terri. I need to talk to you about the apartment."

"Sure Terri. It's ready for you whenever you want to move in."

"Actually that is why I am calling. Um, I am not going to be moving in after all. Larry and Kate need me. So, I am not going to be needing the apartment right now."

"Is everything okay Terri?"

"It will be." She said confidently.

WIth that she called Larry. She wasn't going to take no for an answer. She was a nurse after all. She would do anything to help her friends.

"Hi Larry, it's Terri. I need to talk to you about Kate."

Larry was strangely silent on the other end of the phone. So Terri continued.

"Okay, so the thing is I have been thinking and I don't really want to move into the old apartment all by myself. So, until I can find a place to buy I was wondering if I could stay with you and Kate. It would only be temporary. Besides she could use someone to help her. I want to be there for her Larry. I love her and....."

She heard Larry laughing on the other end of the phone and wondered what was so funny.....

[Moonlight Lady]

"Larry, why are you laughing at me?" She came right out and asked him and demanded to know what's so funny. "I'm sorry Terri...It's just that you said all that in one breath. Thank you so much...That would be a big help to me, especially with the kids back in school, sometimes Kate can be a handful when she's sick." Kate gave Larry a little kick in the butt. "Sorry babe, but you are." he said after putting his hand over the phone. "What about snowball? Last time you stayed here, she seemed to bother you. We can't keep her locked up all the time." Sure she could be a pain, when she got underfoot. Usually it was just him though. The little dog loved doing that to him, but, they all loved her. She was a wonderful little dog. "I never said Snowball bothered me, you just assumed." Terri set him straight, she didn't have a chance to get used to Snowball.

[KissMyGrits]

So it was decided that Terri would move in with Kate and Larry. She hadn't told Larry her big news about the babies. She had been too worried about Kate to think about telling him. She drove over to Kate and Larry's house and carried her suitcase up to the front door. She rang the doorbell and smiled when Larry opened the door.

Terri said "Hey stranger, long time no see."

"Hey, who you calling stranger?"

Terri smiled and walked inside. Larry grabbed her bags and she sat next to Kate on the couch. She was excited to see her friend and she hugged her.

"So, pretty boring huh?"

"Yeah, I hate being cooped up inside all day."

"Yeah, I would too. Hey did the doctor say you couldn't relax by the pool? Because if he didn't I have an idea."

"What are you cooking up Terri?"

"Well, I know how all you guys are wanting to meet Richie and I was planning on having everyone over to the apartment. Well, would you mind if I invited him over here to meet everyone? We could invite Jack, Janet and Jamie too."

[Moonlight Lady]

"I don't mind, Larry's doing all the cooking, it would be nice to meet Richie. It would be nice to have somebody who's not so overprotective. I love how Larry takes care of me and stuff, but, sometimes. He can drive me crazy."
Terri patted Kate's leg. "Now now...he only wants the best for you, don't be too hard on him." Larry walked into the kitchen with sandwiches for Kate and Terri. "Lunch anybody?" He put the platter down and they had lunch while they chatted. "Tell us more about Richie and don't leave anything out, starting with what he looks like." Larry rolled his eyes at Kate. "Don't third degree her honey."

[KissMyGrits]

Terri laughed at her friends. She missed the joking around. As she started talking about Richie her eye got all dreamy looking.

"Well, he is tall. About your height Larry. He has the most gorgeous suntan. He has black hair with just a slight touch of gray."

She smiled as she continued "Well, it turns out that he is a doctor. He is a peditrician of all things. He is a widower, his wife was killed in a car accident 3 years ago. He has 2 children. His daughter Amanda is 11 and his son Seth is 15. They are the cutest kids, just wait until you meet them. I know that you are going to love them. Oh, and he was thrilled when I told him about the twins."

Larry looked stumped for a minute then when he realized what Terri said he stuttered "Twins? What twins? Who's having twins?"

That is when Terri realized that, in all the excitement of the day, she forgot to tell Larry about her news. She said meekly "I am. I found out this morning that I am having twins. I guess with all the excitement that it slipped my mind. Sorry Larry."

[Moonlight Lady]

"You're having twins." Larry kept repeating, he was completely stunned. "He sounds very handsome, but, of course, I have my studmuffin right here." That snapped him out of his trance. Kate rubbed Larry's thigh as he batted his long thick eyelashes. "Oh stop, you're embarassing me." He suddenly got up and ran into the bathroom. "Poor baby, he's having sympathy sickness." Kate was glad to have Terri living with them. "Studmuffin seems to be a bit green around the gills." Terri laughed. Things were definitely back to normal. "I was wondering something....Have any of you heard from Diane...or is that a taboo subject around here?" Terri asked Kate. She didnt' even know why she wanted to know, curiosity maybe.

[KissMyGrits]

At the mention of Diane's name everyone got really quiet. Terri realized then that it was a subject she should never have asked about. She tried to lighten the mood by getting Larry to talk about the party on Saturday. After all it was only two days away and they needed to plan what they were going to eat.

"So, Larry do you have any ideas for food on Saturday? I was thinking maybe something like ribs and chicken? Then maybe some potato salad and baked beans. Oh, and some chocolate cake for dessert!"

"I see somebody has their appetite back. What no more morning sickness?"

Terri laughed and said "Yeah, I can talk about food, eating it is another matter all together. At least the rest of you can enjoy your meals. Oh, and we have to have music. We can hook the stereo system up out back."

Larry laughed and let Terri continue her plans for the party.

Kate commented on it "Boy, when she gets going on something, she really gets all into it. Doesn't she?"

Larry laughed and said "You have no idea..."

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie was still in her room asleep that morning. She rolled over and moaned in pain. She had no desire to get out of bed this morning. Her muscles were achey from her horseback riding lesson the day before. She had done an excellent job and had even taken Rikard over a few jumps. Jumping was her favorite thing. She felt like she was flying, free, without a care in the world. She had judged the last jump to quickly though and had flown right off Rikard's neck and onto the ground with a loud THUD. She hadn't told her parents about the fall, after all, she was tough. However, she didn't feel so tough this morning. Her tail bone was majorly sore and her side hurt whenever she took a breath. Maybe she should tell her parents what happened, since she thought she might have a cracked rib due to all the pain. She was still afraid to though. What if they told her she couldn't ride anymore? She'd be crushed. She decide to stay in bed as long as she could to keep from discussing the issue.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was still going on and on making party plans. When she said suddenly "I have to call Jack, Janet and Jamie. I almost forgot about them."

So she picked up the phone to call their house "Hi Janet! Are you and Jack doing anything this weekend?"

Janet laughed and tried to answer but Terri continued before she could say anything "Well, plans have changed and I am staying with Larry and Kate to help them. Anyway, I am not moving into the apartment and I want to invite you over to Larry and Kate's house for a party. Richie will be here and we are having all kinds of food. Oh yeah, and can you ask Jack if he would make his chocolate cake that I like? Thanks Janet!!"

Once again Terri was off like a whirlwind. Making all kinds of plans. Then she remembered that she needed to call Richie and invite him.

"Hi Richie, it's Terri. Listen, plans have changed for this weekend. Yeah, we are going to be having the party at my friends house."

"So you aren't moving into the apartment?"

"No, they need me. Kate is having a difficult pregnancy and I want to be there for her. At least until I find a house to buy."

"Okay, just give me directions and a time and I will be there."

Terri told him the way and they said their goodbyes and hung up.

Every time she talked to him she got a warm feeling all over.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet was up very early the next day, although Jack insisted she stay in bed a little longer and get rest.

"Honey, I'm not ready to be bed-ridden due to this pregnancy yet," she convinced him. He sighed and followed her downstairs, mumbling how she could 'really be persistent when she wanted to!'

"Hey, we better get the kids up soon," Jack noted as he saw the clock chiming 10 a.m. "Aren't we heading over to the Dallas' this afternoon to meet Terri's new boyfriend?"

Janet had almost forgotten! Terri had called late last night to tell her they would finally get to meet Richie! Terri had asked Jack to bring over his most famous chocolate cake as well.

I just need to keep Jack and Larry off his back!

Smiling, Janet poked her husband in the ribs and exclaimed, "You better be good today! Terri doesn't need you two to be playing overprotective brother."

Jack moaned. "But, Janet, I was looking forward to causing trouble," he whined.

Janet pushed him and said, "Go wake up the kids...I'll get dressed."

"Yes, master."

Jack plodded back up the stairs and knocked on Jamie's door before he entered. He saw her laying awake in bed.

"Oh, you're up already?" he said in surprise.

[Moonlight Lady]

After chatting for a while and a couple more runs to the bathroom, Larry decided that he was gonna lie down for awhile. "Hey, we're the ones who are pregnant Larry." Terri reminded him. "Well excuse me for being sensitive." he laughed as he stretched out in his recliner.

Kate and Terri continued to plan the little get together and set up a huge
list of food that Larry should prepare. "Isn't that going overboard?" Terri asked her. "Leftovers" Kate replied in a sing-song voice.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie smiled. "Yes, I'm up." She got up and winced in pain. She hoped her father wouldn't notice. However, once she got up she was hobbling towards the door. She knew he was going to notice, but she tried to remain optimistic.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Hey, what's the matter? Why are you limping?" Jack asked, noticing the way Jamie stumbled out of bed with great pain. He recalled that she was fine yesterday afternoon but then he took her to her horse riding lessons...

"Did something happen at the barns yesterday?" he demanded in a worried tone.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie sighed. "Well, you see, I misjudge one of the jumps and I sort of fell off. I didn't tell you because I was afraid that you and mom would freak out and tell me I couldn't ride anymore." She looked up at him, searching his face.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Well, I wouldn't take away riding lessons from you," he said grudgingly(although he had to admit it was the first thought he had...either that or killing the riding instructor for not watching over her more). "But I wish those guys would pay more attention to where you ride off to."

He sighed. "Do you want to come over to Uncle Larry's to meet Terri's new boyfriend? This way you can keep Dad in check and make sure I don't beat him up...although your Mom might be quite good in that department."

[LuLu Rogers]

"I guess, but can we get some asprin and an ice pack first?" Jamie asked as she rubbed her sore behind and winced in pain. "That smarts!" She yelled. She bit her lip. She had fallen many times before, but this was the worst. After all, Rikard was 18 hands tall, which in lamens terms ment he was around 6 feet tall at his shoulder. In other words, Jamie had fallen a long way.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Of course! You try and get dressed and I'll get some ready," he offered. He turned away as she started doing so and quickly backed out of the room.

He knocked on his son's door but there was no answer. He carefully stepped inside, nearly tripping over Bobby's baseball bat, which was sitting in a pile of his clothes. Unlike Jamie's pristine room, Bobby Tripper's was a complete pig sty!

His son was sprawled on the bed, snoring softly in to his pillow. Jack decided to creep up to him, hovering close to his face where he screamed: "Robert Tripper, get up for school!!! You're late!"

His son shot up in bed, nearly bumping his head on the wall behind him. "Oh, geez, Dad not that again!"

"And you fall for it every time," laughed Jack. "Come on, you've got to get up now...we're going over to your Uncle Larry's to meet Terri's new beau."

Bobby yawned. "Why is Aunt Terri over there?" he mumbled sleepily.

"She's going to be living there temporarily so she can be with Kate during their pregnancy...I guess women like to stick together."

"Ha, don't let Mom hear you say that! She'll make you her slave," Bobby quipped, sending Jack in to hysterics.

"Ahhh, boy...alright, come on- get up! We need to help out your sister today also...she fell off her horse last night."

"Dad, I don't want to play nurse today," Bobby whined, dragging himself out of bed.

Jack laughed again and exited the room, nearly bumping in to his daughter, who had gotten dressed in a nice skirt and blouse.

"Hey, you look nice, sweetheart...are you feeling ok?"

(( BRB, guys...I'll be back in 20 mins...keep posting!))

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry up early, even Snowball was excited about meeting Richie, she tore around the house happily yapping away. Larry sat at the kitchen table, head buried in his arms, catching a few extra minutes of sleep. Kate sat next to him. She sat quietly watching him. She decided it was time for him to wake up and get working. Terri walked in to see Kate carrying the dog over to Larry. "What are you.." Kate shushed her. "shhh...just watch."

She put the little bichon up to his cheek. He could feel her wet tongue on his cheek (the dog-not Kate)and started to giggle "Kate...please...I'm not in the mood." He opened his eyes to see his wife and dear friend laughing at him.

((Okay))

[LuLu Rogers]

"Do I look like I feel ok?" Jamie asked through clinched teeth. The pain was incredible now. "I am so freakin sore!" She whined. "If only Rikard weren't so tall, then I wouldn't be in this mess." She started to make her way downstairs, groaning with each step. When she hit the bottom step, he legs went weak and she hit the floor with a loud THUD. "Ahhhhhhhh!" She screamed. "Geeze! This hurts like the devil!" She said with a whimper. She was determined not to cry, no matter how bad it hurt.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Brace yourself on me, Jame," Jack said, offering his arm so Jamie could use him as a support to walk. "I'll get you that ice pack and aspirin pronto."

She did just so and he led her to the couch, where she gladly sat down, moaning in pain.

"What's the matter?" Janet squeaked, coming downstairs fully showered and dressed to see her daughter gritting her teeth in pain.

"Damned riding instructors weren't paying attention," Jack said, starting to feel angry. "I should really have a talk with them! I'm paying good money for her safety, not for them to have coffee breaks!"

Jack ran his fingers through his hair and quickly rushed off to get the much needed aspirin, glass of water, and ice pack from the kitchen. He placed the ice pack on Jamie's leg and said: "I know it's rather cold but it'll do the trick, honey."

"Are you sure you want to go to Aunt Terri's?" Janet asked gently. Jamie merely nodded and mumbled "Yes."

"Ugh, Bobby, get a move on!" Jack yelled up the stairs, feeling a bit more on edge. He really wanted everything to be perfect for when he met Terri's boyfriend.

Bobby slumped down the stairs, dressed in khaki pants and a button down shirt. "I'm ready!" he snapped.

"Watch that tone, Bobby," Janet warned, shooting him a look. Bobby merely grumbled and plopped next to his sister on the couch.

"Alright, I've got to make the cake," Jack said distractedly. "Bobby, you stay by your sister and make sure everything's good."

He sighed and rushed off to make his German chocolate cherry cake, which was always a hit at parties. About an hour or so later, the family was ready to hit the road, arms laden with cake, sodas, and chips for the party. They arrived about ten minutes later, feeling quite anxious about meeting this Ritchie character.

Larry answered the door, looking quite harried and tired.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Do you have a place for the dead?" Jamie mumbled as she braced herself against to porch railing. She should've stayed home in bed she thought, but she wanted to be there for Terri.

[Moonlight Lady]

He looked out the door to see Bobby helping his sister out of the car.
"Jack, you guys live on the next block, why did you drive over here...I mean, our backyards connect." Larry was a litte snippy for which he apologized for.
"Jack, I'm sorry, I'm not getting any help from the kids so I'm doing all the cooking, I didn't mean to bite your head off...Hey what happened to Jamie?"
he asked curiosly. Jack told her about the riding accent. "It's a good thing Robin doesn't like horses...She's a city kid." He chuckled as he and Jack walked into the kitchen.

Jamie limped into the house and repeated her question to her stressed uncle.
"You know where the guest room is Jamie and tell your cousins to get their butts down here to help me." he told her. Larry was not in a joking mood, he had too much to do.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Well, we brought over some chips, sodas, and cake for the party," offered Jack. He placed all the goodies on the counter and looked around.

"So, where's Mr. Wonderful?" Jack joked, which prompted a poke in the ribs from Janet.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie proped herself up on the couch. "Some party this is going to be." She mumbled as she rolled her eyes. She could tell her uncle was in a bad mood. She wished she could go home, but the back door looked as though it were miles away.

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry laughed at that remark. "He's not here yet, I'm sure the trumpets will sound upon his arrival." He replied with a cute little smirk. Well, now I can see why you drove over here buddy." Larry took the hors d'ouvres out of the oven and put them on a platter. Jack was amazed everytime he saw Larry working in the kitchen. He couldn't believe this guy used to be a womanizing used car salesman. It was like looking at a different person.

"Where are those damn kids!" Larry slammed a potholder down on the counter and stormed into the hallway. "ROBIN AND LJ GET DOWN HERE NOW!!" he screamed up the stairs.

[Number 9 Dream]

Larry yelled for the kids to get downstairs, sounding quite tense. He stormed around the kitchen, getting out various ingrediants to make a potato salad.

"Oh, how you've grown, Larry-etta," Jack teased as Larry put on an apron in order to avoid messing up his nice clothes. " You better remember to take that thing off before he gets here...well, unless you want to keep it on for when the fists start flying and blood starts spurting!" Larry merely grunted at him, not in the mood for jokes. He had a lot to do!

They bustled around the kitchen, preparing food while the women lounged outside by the pool. Jamie and the rest of the kids were now in the living room, looking bored as anything.

"Hey, kids, you want a drink?" Jack called. He felt weird not being able to cook, so he figured he'd make himself useful. Plus, Jamie looked very much in pain.

[LuLu Rogers]

"Nope. Got a surgen?" Jamie asked sarcastically with a laugh. When she laughed she cringed and grunted in pain. Everytime she took in a breath it hurt like hell. She had no idea what to do about it. She bit her lip.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri went outside to wait for Richie. She was dressed in a bright pink maternity bathing suit. She smiled when she saw his car pull into view. Then the butterflies started. He go out of his car, followed quickly by his children. She smiled as she said "Hi guys!! Your just in time Janet, Jack and Jamie just got here."

Richie smiled and said "Why do I feel like a lamb being led to the slaughter?"

Terri laughed "They aren't that bad. Although I do admit that they tend to be a bit protective of me at times."

Richie smiled and Terri turned to the kids.

"Hi guys!! I hope you like food! We have tons and tons of food. Amanda wait until you meet Jamie. I think you will have alot in common. She loves horses and takes riding lessons."

Amanda smiled and said "Cool. I would love to take lessons." Looking hopefully at her dad.

"Maybe sometime..."

"Which means no..."

With that they walked up to the house where they noticed that everyone was waiting with their noses pressed up against the sliding glass door....

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate and Janet looked at each other in shock. They couldn't get over how handsome this guy was and how much he looked like Larry. Speaking of him, he stood before Richie, eyes bugged out, mouth agape. It was like looking in a mirror. He shook his head.

[Number 9 Dream]

Before Jack could go outside, he noticed a car pull up in the driveway. Terri was already there, smiling widely as she chatted with a handsome, dark haired man.

"Guys! Ritchie's here!" he called to the others. Janet and Kate quickly came in from out back, giggling about something. Larry threw off his apron and gathered the kids, with Jamie moaning in pain as he held her arm tightly.

They pressed against the door eagerly, trying to get a good look at her new boyfriend. Terri brought Richie and two kids up to the house and rolled her eyes once she saw them waiting for her.

"Guys, this is Richie, Amanda, and Seth," Terri said dryly. "Will you kindly let them inside or are you gonna block the door forever?" She finally giggled when they obliged, letting him in.

"Nice to meet you, Richard," Jack greeted him, shaking his hand, which was very clammy and sweaty due to nerves.

Everyone said hello and greeted one another. Finally, when introductions were out of the way, they stood there, waiting for someone to speak to break the ice.

[LuLu Rogers]

Snowball scratched on Jamie's leg, wanted to go outside. No one else seemed to notice, so Jamie carefully eased herself up.

"Nobody move, I'll handle it." She said sarcastically as she hobbled to the back door to let Snowball outside. Snowball ran through Jamie's legs, which threw her off balance and she hit the concrete patio outside. "Ohhhhh Shrimp!" She yelled out. It was the only thing she could think of besides a few other choice words.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri hated the awkward silence. She felt like she was living in a gold fish bowl with everyone watching Richie and his kids. So she decided to go out back and take a swim.

She looked at Amanda and Seth and said "Race ya!!"

She took off running with the kids close behind. Richie laughed and took off after them. She dove in the pool and so did the kids. Then they started a splashing fight. It was a tremendous amount of fun and Terri couldn't remember being as happy in a long time. Richie soon joined in and it was the kids against the adults. Terri was oblivious to anything else around her.....

[Moonlight Lady]

All the cooking was done. Jack agreed to take over so Larry could relax.
Jamie limped up to Kate and asked her where the soft drinks were. "I don't know honey, Uncle Larry probably put them someplace, why don't you go ask him.

Larry had just sat down when she asked him to show him where they were. "Hello, have you been here before, you know where they are."
he snapped at her. "Larry, honey, take it easy." Kate smiled at him as she patted his leg.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Come on, let's go out back before we look even more rude," Janet hissed, grabbing her husband. The kids obediantly followed, not wanting to get their parents mad, especially Larry who was in a sour mood.

Jamie was already out back, petting the dog as she lounged in a chair. Jack sighed, sitting on the edge of the pool, watching the others have fun. He almost wished he had brought his bathing suit but he had forgotten to pack it with all the rushing around this morning.

Larry began tossing hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill on to paper plates, keeping mainly to himself. Jack decided it would be best not to interrupt him right now. Besides, Jamie was already chatting with him.

"So, Richie, Terri tells me you're a doctor?" Jack asked, trying to make small talk to Terri's boyfriend, who was doing laps around the pool.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie was pissed at that point. How dare her uncle get ill with her, she was hurt, after all.

"What the hell is your problem?!" She shot at him, her eyes firey with anger.

[Number 9 Dream]

(( Gotta go to work, guys...I'll be back around 10:30 tonight))

[LuLu Rogers]

((ok! Bye! :wave: ))

[Moonlight Lady]

((have fun Kristel ;) ))

"Excuse Me?!" Larry was shocked and now he was really getting mad. She knew better than to talk to adults that way. He walked over to snowball and sat down on the ground to pet and play with her, hoping that it would calm him down.

He could see Janet scolding Jamie in front of everyone. That used to bother him, not anymore, he was fed up with her babyish routine.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri and Richie lost the splash fight. They both cried "We surrender, we surrender!!" Laughing they got out of the pool and sat off to the side. They were talking to each other and then Terri noticed the exchange between Jamie and Larry. She excused herself and went and sat by Larry.

"Hey there. Is everything okay? You seem pretty tense about something?"

"It's nothing." He mumbled.

"Larry I know you well enough to know when something is bothering you. Did I do something to upset you? Usually you are so good with the kids, but today....."

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry sighed as he tried to control his anger. "Terri, you didn't do anything, it's just that...I'm soo damn sick of that babyish nonense, it's really been bothering me for some time now, I know it bothers Kate, but she's afraid to say anything...I'm really fed up Terri." She could tell when he ran his fingers through his hair that he was upset. "Larry, just relax...she just does it to get attention. I know it's annoying, sometimes it annoys me too." Kate sat down next to Larry in the shade and rubbed his back. "Hmm..There you go being supportive again." He took her hand in his and squeezed it. He kissed her cheek. He simmered down a little bit.

[KissMyGrits]

It was at that point that Richie came over to Terri.

He asked "I need something to drink. Can i get you something?"

Terri smiled "I'll come with you. I want to get some water."

So they walked into the house and took the opportunity to talk.

"So, what do you think of them?"

"Well, they are a little intimidating. It is weird how much I look like Larry."

Terri smiled "I think you are handsome."

It was at that point that they kissed for the first time. Terri swore she saw stars and her heart melted. She didn't realize they had an audience until they ended the kiss and she laid her head on his shoulder.

She smiled and said "We're being watched. Ever feel like you are living in a goldfish bowl?"

Richie smiled and lifted her head to kiss her again while her stunned friends looked on....

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate and Larry sat on the steps of the pool. He leaned over and kissed his wife. "Thanks, what's that for?" He smiled at her.

"I felt like kissing you that's all, do I need a reason to kiss you now?" he teased. "Can I get back to you on that?" she teased back. "So what do you think of Richie?" Kate asked him. "He seems like a nice guy, I just can't get over how much he looks like me..It's like looking in a mirror." Kate noticed that too, but Larry would always make her heart beat faster. "He's cute, but you're sexier." He was feeling pretty good right now. Jamie needed to stay away from him though.

Seems everyone was staying away from Jamie. Amanda and Seth were hanging out with Robin and LJ most of the time. A beautiful day and they were upstairs on the computer playing games.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie was getting totally ignored and she was down right sick of it. She needed to be at a doctor getting checked out instead of being here and getting chewed out by her uncle and scolded for nothing by her mother. God, she was sick of this! She really hated these people right now. Especially her uncle. He was being such a jerk! She eyed him from across the lawn, hoping that he could feel her gaze. She got up an hobbled toward the gate, making her way back to the house. Snowball got underfoot, causing Jamie to lose her balance and fall into the pool, soaking her aunt and uncle.

[Moonlight Lady]

Larry and Kate had just dried off when Jamie soaked them. Larry was fuming, Kate was just mildly annoyed, mostly cold and wet. "I'll take the dog inside...C'mon Snowy, you've had enough excitement for one day...I'll bring out more towels...Hey kids, Terri and Richie help me get towels." trying to hint to them that Larry was about to blow his stack. "DAMNIT JAMIE LOOK WHAT YOU DID...YOU BETTER START GROWING UP!!" he screamed at her and stormed inside and up the stairs. Richie grimaced, that scene didn't frighten him away though, he'd been known to blow his stack on occasion. He felt at home there.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie looked up. She was stunned. She hadn't fallen into the pool on purpose. She couldn't believe how upset her uncle was. She got out of the pool and attempted to wring some of the water out of her wet clothes. She turned away and walked through the gate to the back door of her house. She went inside and slammed the door behind her, collapsing on the floor.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was shocked that Larry had yelled at Jamie like that. She didn't want to say anything though. It wasn't her place she was just sorry that Richie had to see him. Not that she was embarassed, just extremely uncomfortable. She knew that Larry wasn't feeling good but still. She just sat by the pool staring into space.

Richie sat next to her and said "Penny for your thoughts?"

She smiled and said "It would take more than a penny to try and explain what just happened here. I don't understand it..."

"Hey I have been known to get upset a time of two myself. We wouldn't be human if we didn't."

Terri smiled and kissed him again. She was really falling for him. She felt like she could loose herself in him and not care about anything else. She knew her friends were probably watching her, but at that point she didn't care about anything except this man sitting in next to her. She just continued to kiss him deeper and deeper. Getting lost in him and forgetting about anything else in the world at that moment except for the man that was sitting next to her and kissing her.....

She decided that she could kiss him all night. She knew she was taking a risk at making her friends mad by sitting and kissing Richie, but she didn't really care at that moment in time. She didn't know how long they had been sitting by the pool kissing when she heard someone clearing their throat.....

[Number 9 Dream]

"What's going on here?" Jack demanded, rushing over to the poolside, where Larry was drying off. Larry's head snapped up, shooting him the angriest glare he'd ever seen on his normally good-natured friend.

"It's your daughter," Larry fumed, "do something about her!"

"Larry, it was an accident!" Jack said, feeling his voice rise with each second. "I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it."

[KissMyGrits]

Terri and Richie broke their kiss and looked up. What they saw was Janet looking at them with an angry glare in her eyes and a frown on her face. Terri was not sure what she did wrong, but she wasn't sure she wanted to know.

"Hi Janet!! Is something wrong?"

Richie had a smile on his face and was holding Terri's hand in his....

Janet looked like she was ready to kill someone and Terri knew that she was a likely candidate.

[Number 9 Dream]

(( Why is Janet mad at Terri?))

[Number 9 Dream]

(( Ok I got it now :D I'll be back to respond in an hour))

[Number 9 Dream]

"Terri, can I talk with you in private, please?" Janet asked sweetly, although her eyes were as fiery as lit coals.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled sheepishly and nodded. She knew it wasn't good if Janet wanted to speak to her in private. She went with her friend into the house and waited for what she was sure was going to be a good scolding.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet paced the kitchen, running her fingers through her jet black hair. "Honey, I have no right to judge you...but isn't it a little too soon to be kissing another man? I-I thought that it would take a little longer than a few months!"

[KissMyGrits]

Terri knew that Janet was concerned for her, however at the time she was fuming. Yes, she still missed Zack, but she was falling in love with Richie.

"Okay, then tell me. How long am I supposed to wait? 6 months, a year, 10 years!? I know that Zack has only been gone a few months but, but... Oh never mind."

[Number 9 Dream]

"Terri, I'm sorry," she apologized. Boy, now she felt horrible. What right was it of her to interrogate Terri like that? Janet had no idea HOW she would cope if she had lost Jack, so she couldn't possibly understand what Terri was going through.

"I'm just concerned, is all," she added weakly. "I know...it's none of my business."

(( BRB soon....wanna finish writing my fic))

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was still upset but she knew that Janet had her best intrests in mind. It just hurt her that her friend was quizing her on kissing Richie. She took one last look at Janet and sat at the kitchen table. Tears running down her face she said "I'm sorry Janet. I didn't mean to yell at you. I know you don't approve, but I thought it would be Jack that would be upset at me.... Not you.... Maybe I should have stayed in Connecticut.... No that isn't the answer... Oh I am so confused...."

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie layed there in the kitchen floor. She felt lower than dirt. Why had her uncle been so mean to her? Did everyone really hate her?
She looked out the window and saw the rain pouring down outside and the lighting flashing around her. "That's just how I feel." She whispered. She put her head down on the floor. "Maybe things would be better if I had never been born." She thought. She knew her uncle wouldn't miss her. She layed there and closed her eyes, hoping that either her life would end, or everything would just go away.

[I]Alone Again, Naturally-Gilbert O'Sullivan
In a little while from now
If I'm not feeling any less 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
Wants to know what it's like
When you're shattered
Left standing in the lurch at a church
Were people saying, My God, that's tough
She stood him up
No point in us remaining
We may as well go home
As I did on my own
Alone again, naturally

To think that only yesterday
I was cheerful, bright and gay
Looking forward to 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
Oh, 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

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
Leaving her to start
With a heart so badly broken
Despite encouragement from me
No words were ever [Spoken]
And when she passed away
I cried and cried all day
Alone again, naturally
Alone again, naturally

((I know I used the song before, but it fits. LOL))

[KissMyGrits]

Terri turned around and looked Janet squarely in the eye and said "Janet I know you love me. I love you too. How about if I agree to take it slow with Richie? I love him, but realize that I do need to slow down some. I'm sorry for getting mad at you!! I know you are just looking out for me and don't want me to get hurt. I am falling in love with Richie, but I need to take it slow."

She smiled and held out her arms.

Janet hugged her and she walked outside to Richie. She smiled at him as her heart did a flip flop.

"Richie, we need to talk."

"Uh-oh, why does that sound bad? Is this the good-bye speech?"

Terri smiled and led him to a quiet corner of the yard. She looked into his eyes and said "Richie, I could let my heart fall in love with you, but..."

"Let me guess, it's still too soon."

"Well, Zack has only been gone a few months. I guess what I am trying to say is that we can take it slow." She smiled at him and he looked at her and kissed him. It was a small kiss and they both laughed afterwards. Then they went to join the rest of the family.....

She smiled at Janet and whispered to her "Hey, so when are we going to go shopping for our new babies? I need to do some serious shopping and want to go with my best friend. Hey, I have an idea, if our doctor's say it is okay maybe we can fly to New York and do some shopping, take in a few shows. We can make a weekend out of it. Just me, you and Jamie. An all girl weekend!! We can do something extra special to celebrate Jamie's birthday while we are there!!"

Terri looked at Kate and said "The only thing that would make it more perfect would be if you could come too....."

Terri looked around and said "Speaking of Jamie, where is she?"

[Moonlight Lady]

When it started thundering and lightning. They all hurried inside. "Look Jack, I'm sorry I screamed at Jamie, but, i'm not sorry for what I said." Larry was only raising his voice now.

"Now, I can't speak for Kate, but, I'm sick and tired of her babyish, whiney "I'm so ignored" crap. All she did when the kids were in the hospital all she talked about to me, on the bench outside the hospital that one day, was how she's always pushed aside, everybody cares more about her brother and cousins than her, now do you really think I needed to hear that then...no...and then today...all she did was whine about falling off that damn horse...Which is really bad, i'm not saying it isn't and I'm sorry that she's in pain, but, she should have stayed home if she was so uncomfortable."

"Aww...Thanks Terri and Janet, but, after today, i'm staying off my feet.
I really shouldn't have been moving so much today."

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie eased herself up off the floor and hobbled up to her bedroom. She pulled an old family album out of her bookshelf. The cover read "Jamie Lynn Tripper-June 15, 1991." She opened it up to the first page. There were lots of pictures of her as a baby, some with her mother holding her and some with her father holding her. There was even a picture of little Bobby holding her. She laughed at the goofy smile on his face. She fliped to the next page and she froze. There was a picture of her uncle Larry holding her with a big grin on his face. Small tears fell down Jamie's cheeks. She fliped through a few more pages and stoped at another picture. It was her playing tee-ball with her uncle when she was 3. The caption read, "Uncle Larry's Little Slugger."

Jamie longed for those happier times. She knew she had made some stupid mistakes lately, but she was sorry for them, and she had learned from them. Her whole world was falling a part around her and she had no idea how to react to it, so she had done the best she could. She thought she was finally getting her life back on track when she went to her aunt and uncle's house that morning, but obviously, she was wrong. She didn't know what her uncle's problem with her was, but she knew he needed to get things sorted out. Until then, she would not be going back over to their house. Terri would just have to come to her house to visit.

Jamie collapsed on the bed and wept bitterly. She knew that she could do nothing to fix her mistakes, but she sure did wish she could.

Yesterday-The Beatles
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly, I’m not half the man I used to be,
There’s a shadow hanging over me.
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go I don’t know she wouldn’t say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Mm mm mm mm mm.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet smiled at her friend, loving the idea of going shopping for their newborns together. It's been so long since she had a "girls night" with any of her friends and she would really like to use that opportunity to shop for her newborn. She was sorry that Kate couldn't go.

"I would love to take a trip soon," Janet said excitedly. "You know how much I love shopping...besides, Jack's clueless when it comes to clothes shopping. You know how men are!" Both girls giggled like schoolchildren and hugged tightly. Janet was relieved her friend wasn't holding a grudge against her for speaking her mind about Richie.

I guess she realizes she needs to be careful with her emotions, Janet thought.

Janet, Terri, and Kate chatted cordially inside, unaware that Jack and Larry were arguing quietly in the other room...

"Now, I can't speak for Kate, but, I'm sick and tired of her babyish, whiney "I'm so ignored" crap. All she did when the kids were in the hospital all she talked about to me, on the bench outside the hospital that one day, was how she's always pushed aside, everybody cares more about her brother and cousins than her, now do you really think I needed to hear that then...no...and then today...all she did was whine about falling off that damn horse...Which is really bad, i'm not saying it isn't and I'm sorry that she's in pain, but, she should have stayed home if she was so uncomfortable," Larry was saying.

"Larry, I'm sorry for that, I really am. But she's going through her teen years right now-- of course she's going to be moody! Look, I see exactly what you see and the wife and I are trying to work through it with her. I can't understand why she feels ignored all the time, especially since Janet and I love her more than anything in the world. Maybe we don't show it enough..."

Jack was feeling glum now...maybe he was a bad parent or something. He had no idea where Jamie even was right now.

"Maybe I've been too permissive?" he wondered.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Jack, you and Janet are great parents. I know you love her, She just has to realize that she's not your only child and she can't always have your attention 24-7, especially with the new baby coming, we're all going to busy."

Larry had calmed down now, he was speaking in a calm tone. "Let me get you beer. Hey Richie, you want a beer?"

[Number 9 Dream]

"God, I'd love one," Jack said, grabbing a cold one from Larry's grasp. Richie joined the guys in the living room(probably feeling quite outnumbered by the estrogen levels of three pregnant women in the kitchen) and took a beer as well.

Jack sipped his beer thoughtfully. "Lar, what should I do? I don't want to be too rough on her, but she needs to know that lots of stuff need to get done right now." Jack sighed. "I don't want her to feel neglected but I also know that Janet's going to need a lot of attention herself."

[Moonlight Lady]

"Jack, I know you don't, but, you've tried everything else. She keeps saying she doesn't wanna be treated like a baby, but, she still acts like one. You need to start yelling at her more. Especially when she literally acts like a baby. I know she does it to be silly or funny, but, it's not, trust me."

Larry was honest but not mean with his words. Jack could tell by looking into he best friend's eyes, they were now warm and loving instead of anger and stress..

"We want cake and we want it now." Kate demanded playfully from the kitchen. "We all took a vote and we want cake" Janet chimed in. "Us..Cake..Get it" added Terri. Five children ran down the stairs falling over each other, snowball climbing over each one. "Did somebody say cake?"
Robin asked. All their ears were perked up.

[Number 9 Dream]

"I'll try to be a little more strict," Jack mumbled, feeling blush stain his cheeks. He hated to admit it, but he never knew what it was like to "come down" on his kids. Whenever he raised his voice, he immediately regretted it and felt like a complete ass. He tried to be his kids' buddy more often than "Dad"....and even though that was ok sometimes , it really didn't work when he was trying to punish them.

I'm a complete pushover, he realized numbly. Larry was right, though...He knew Jamie didn't mean any harm by it but she had to know that Jack was the parent, not her. After all, she wasn't 18 yet.

"Thanks, buddy," he said to his friend, who was now smiling at him. "I know you have my best interest at heart."

Suddenly the women called out for cake(and when pregnant women want chocolate, the men better listen!) so the guys got up.

"Come on, boys...get a move on!" Janet called playfully.

"I think I hear the faint crack of a whip in the distance," Jack joked, putting his arm around his friend.

[Moonlight Lady]

"You call that faint?" Larry thought he whispered that, but, he didn't. "What was that Lawrence?" Kate asked him, arms crossed, foot tapping the ground.
Larry turned to Richie "I'm in trouble aren't I?" Richie put his and on Larry's shoulder and nodded his head. "I'm afraid so Larry."

They scrambled quickly around the kitchen and then decided to send the boys in there to serve them cake. "Son, you're tougher than you think." Larry said as he sent his son into the tigresses cage. "Be brave Bob." Jack
saluted his son. "just don't get your hands too close to her mouth and you'll be fine." Richie prepared his son for battle.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Now, Bobby, as soon as your mother's bear claws get a hold of that plate, START RUNNING," Jack said. "When you see the teeth bare, you know you're too late!"

Bobby simply rolled his eyes, taking the plate from his Dad's hand and muttered, "You guys are supposed to be in your 40's and you're afraid of three tiny women?!"

"Never underestimate the power of chocolate, Bobby!" Larry hollered.

LJ and Bobby trooped in to the room, handing over the cake without any qualms. The young girls followed soon after, all equipped with tiny slivers of cake that were doled out by the men.

"Why thank you, honey," gushed Janet to her son. "My oh my, doesn't this cake look good, girls?" she said, devouring her first bite in ecstacy.

"That's just a cover up," Jack whispered to his friend. "Soon she'll be wanting more but we won't have any left, you see...so where do WE end up? On the floor in a bloody pile...it's a vicious cycle really. I feel kinda used."

Larry, Richie, and Jack enjoyed a good laugh as they kept their distance, nibbling on their own cake.

"So, Larry, how's Kate going to be through this pregnancy? Do the doctors think she'll be alright?" Richie asked.

[Moonlight Lady]

"I really hope so, I'm not afraid to admit that i'm worried, she's going to be 40 next month." Larry was terrified. "If she stays of her feet, she should be fine." Larry mentioned something about having an adults only dinner for her.
that night. The kids and I will do something for her in the afternoon.

"I think they're planning something Janet." Kate figured it was for her birthday next month. She sent her daughter to find out what they're talking about.
"Robin, honey, why don't you get a drink, you look thirsty honey." her daughter looked at her funny. "I'm not thirsty mom." Kate bribed her
"I'll give you milk money...I mean movie money." Robin agreed and walked into the kitchen. Janet and Terri laughed at Kate.

[KissMyGrits]

(Sorry, I was out to dinner and shopping with my friend...LOL!)

Terri laughed along with them. Suddenly she was feeling very cooped up inside the house. She needed some fresh air. She excused herself from the rest of the group and went outside. It was nice to feel the cool breeze blowing on her face. She was planning to head to the beach. However, she decided that she was going to go and check on Jamie. She had seen her walk back to the house and she wanted to make sure that everything was okay.

She walked up to the house and noticed that it was strangely silent. She walked into the house and started towards Jamie's room. She saw her laying on the bed with a blank expression on her face.

She smiled as she sat next to Jamie on her bed. "Hey there Jamie Lynn. I just wanted to make sure that everything was okay and that you are feeling all right. I wanted to tell you something. Even though we are not going to pack my house up as we planned I talked to your mom about the three of us going on a shopping trip. She agreed. It is an all girls trip. Plus we can take in a couple shows while we are there. I was thinking we could leave Friday night and fly out there and shop til we drop and buy a few things for the babies. How does that sound?"

Terri waited for Jamie to say something....

[LuLu Rogers]

"Sounds like fun!" Jamie said with a smile. She knew she could always count on her Terri Lou. "How are things next door?" She asked. "I'm not feeling as sore as I was earlier. I took and nap and a nice soak in the bathtub." She said thankfully.

She looked serious. "Is old iron claw Larry still on the war path?" She asked. He didn't scare her one bit. She grinned at Terri.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled at her and said "He seems to be settling down somewhat.. He is talking with your dad and Richie. I decided I needed some fresh air. So kiddo, wanna come back over there with me?"

She looked at Jamie hopefully. She really loved her neice. She just wanted everyone to be happy and talking again. She had come to realize that family was so important and that fighting really stunk... No matter what the reason. Yeah Jamie could be childish, but she was a moody teen with all kinds of hormones running thru her body and it was a confusing time.

"Plus I want you to talk to Amanda. She has been asking about your horseback riding lessons. She is trying to convince her dad that she should take lessons. Think we could convince him?"

She smiled at Jamie.....

[LuLu Rogers]

"We convinced my parents, didn't we?" Jamie said with a sly grin. "Let's go!" She and Terri walked back to the party hand in hand, when her uncle saw her, he furrowed his brow. She simply smiled and waved at him.

"Hi uncle Larry! The childish, whiney baby is back!" She said with a grin. He looked at her in shock. "Here's a tip, In this family, there are eyes and ears everywhere!" She grinned like a cheshire cat as she hugged Robin and gave hi fives to LJ and Bobby.

Jamie felt sorry for Robin and LJ. She'd hate to have Larry for a father. Her parents were so patient and understanding. She knew that they wouldn't neglect her when the new baby came, because she was going to be there to help out. Larry was only good at being the disaplinarian, which upset her for her cousins. Jamie knew that from now on, she had to try her very best not to cause her parents anymore grief. Her father didn't need her uncle on his back.

She walked over to the kitchen and sat in between Terri and her mother.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri tried hard to surpress a giggle and tried to cover it by coughing.. Janet just gave her a funny look and smiled. She knew that her friend had something to do with it. She didn't say anything however. She merely shook her head.

Terri still wanted to think of a way to include Kate in their shopping trip. Suddenly she had an idea. Her cell phone had a camera on it. She could take tons of pictures and send them to Kate.

Also, she would plan on buying things for the new Dallas baby. This was going to be a great idea. She looked at Janet and Jamie and asked "So, should our shopping trip be for this weekend or next?"

She then told Kate of her plan to include her in the shopping... She felt bad that she couldn't come with them, but she understood that her and the baby's health was more important than any shopping trip....

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie smiled. "Whenever the two of you would like to go is fine with me. Although, I will have to call Susan and tell her that someone will have to work for me at the barn." She said. She had been working at a local barn to pay for riding lessons, since they were so expensive, and she didn't want her parents to have to pay for them. Besides, it gave her a chance to be around horses all the time.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet was excited that the girls were so pumped about the shopping trip-- because she certainly was! She hated the fact that Kate couldn't come but she knew it was for her safety. It was bedrest until the pregnancy, no exceptions.

"Well, girls," Janet started, "I have no idea what the sex of my baby will be, so I guess I'll just pick out unisex clothes...but I do know I need new clothes of my own for I'll be filling out like a blimp!"

Janet was really excited. It would be nice to get away from the men for a weekend.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie leaned back in her chair and saw that the men were watching a game on TV.

"Hey dad, are the Lakers playing?" She yelled to her father who was enjoying a beer with the guys.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Yeah, and they're kickin' ass!" Jack bellowed, too engrossed in the game to watch his mouth around the kids. He felt himself getting a little too tipsy from the beers that kept getting passed to him from Larry. It felt nice to relax with his friend and get to know Richie as well. Turns out he was a really nice guy-- very much a gentleman but a nice conversationalist too. Jack couldn't get over how much he resembled Larry either!

"I guess I won't have to beat you up, Richard," Jack suddenly slurred drunkenly, patting Richie's leg. "You're a nice fellow."

"Well...thanks" Richie said politely, looking quite confused.

Janet shot Jack a nasty look and mouthed, "Cool it," to him.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie covered her mouth as she laughed.

"Somebody's getting a little tipsy!" She said to her mom as they both laughed. "Think we should get him home before he starts telling embarrasing stories?" Jamie asked as she gave her mother a wink.

[Number 9 Dream]

"Oh, if your dad does that, he knows he's in hot water!" Janet laughed, although she was quite serious. She recalled the time he'd gotten plastered at a very fancy dinner party before they were dating...needless to say, Jack made her quite embarrassed the night. If there was one thing Jack Tripper wasn't good at was holding his liquor.

The guys were getting rowdy in the living room as the Lakers scored a basket, so loud that the girls had to cover their ears.

"Men," Janet muttered, rolling her eyes.

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie stood up and loosened her belt, pretending to act like the men.

"Well ma, you know what they say, If you can't beat um, join um!" The women were laughing as Jamie scratched at her stomach and feigned rude noises. She even cracked up herself.

[Number 9 Dream]

Snorting with laughter, Janet cried out, "Yea, that's about right, isn't it?" The men were too oblivious to notice they were making fun of them.

About twenty minutes later, it was halfway during the game when Janet realized Jack was on his sixth beer.

She quickly rushed in to the room. "Ok, I think someone's had enough," she scolded, snatching it away from him.

"Janet," he whined, "you're ruining all the fun again!"

"I don't call mopping up your puke fun!" she hissed. "Jack Tripper, if you embarrass me in front of my friends and Terri's boyfriend, I'll kill you!"

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie looked at her mother, her eyes huge. "You are one brave woman, Janet Tripper! I couldn't take a beer from that man's hand!" She feigned being afraid as she pointed to her father.
"Be careful ladies, this could get ugly. I'll stand in front of you to block any flying objects!" Jamie was trying her best to be serious and not to laugh as she ran around in front of the table, pretending to dodge things.

[Number 9 Dream]

Janet couldn't help smiling, although she was now feeling quite ticked off at Jack's display. He was acting like a buffoon!

"So, Richie, did I ever tell you about the time Janet and I-" he was rambling until Janet slapped a hand over his mouth.

"He doesn't need to hear that," she snapped, blush rising to her cheeks. "Please, Jack, just stop."

[LuLu Rogers]

Jamie got serious now. She knew her mother would need her help. She nudged Bobby and the two of them went over to their dad and got on either side of him.

"Take it easy dad." Jamie whispered as she helped her father walk toward the door. "Goodbye everyone!" She yelled as she tried to keep her father from falling flat on his face.

[Number 9 Dream]

Jack's face was flushed and he was breathing deeply. Janet shook her head at him and started taking off his shoes and pants, stripping him down to his boxers.

"I can't believe you," she groaned. She couldn't help but smile, though-- even when he was drunk he was cute.

"Huh?" Jack mumbled, blinking. "Larry, is that you?"

Stifling a giggle, she said, "Do I LOOK like Larry?! Geez, Jack, not only are you drunk but you're blind too."

"Oh, Janet, it's you," he said dreamily, a goofy smile forming on his lips. "I love you, babe."

"I love you too, dear," she said dryly. "But the next time you do that, you're sleeping on the couch!"

Janet sighed and got up to change, slipping in to her silk nightgown. By the time she eased herself in to bed, Jack was snoring loudly. She switched off the light and promised herself she'd call her friends in the morning to apologize.

(( Ok, night night!))

[LuLu Rogers]

((Night!))

Jamie changed into her pj's and hit the pillow. She was exausted.

The next morning, Jamie woke up refreshed and in a good mood. She went downstairs and started breakfast. She whipped up some strawberry pancakes that her father had taught her how to make, scrambled eggs, and some bacon. She set the table and started the coffee, since she knew her dad would definately need some.

Her mother came slumping down the stairs.
"Morning!" Jamie said cheerfully. "Where's our party animal?" She asked with a grin.

Her mother pointed toward the stairs and she saw her father slowly making his way down. He looked horrible, his hair was sticking out every which way and his eyes were blood shot.

"Oh Look, It's Miss America! Nice hair!" She said with a grin.

"Bobby! Get your butt down here if you want some breakfast!" She yelled in a Broncish accent as she poured coffee for her parents.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri had laughed over Jack's antics. She thought it was funny and it was good to see that he accepted Richie. Even though they had decided to take it slow she knew there was something special there.

After the Tripper's left Richie and his kids said goodnight. They left with the promise to call soon. Then after helping Larry clean up most of the mess Terri headed off to bed. She had a restful sleep. When she woke up the next morning she was filled with all kinds of ideas. The first was that she needed to make plans for their upcoming trip.

She was listening to the radio and heard a wonderful song. "Eighth world Wonder" by Kimberly Locke. It expressed her feelings for Richie perfectly...

Woke up early this morning
Made my coffee like I always do
Then it hit me from nowhere
Everything I feel about me and you
The way you kiss me crazy
Baby you're so amazing

Seven days and seven nights of thunder
The water's rising and I'm slipping under
I think I fell in love with the 8th world wonder

I guess that I'm just falling
Deeper into something I've never known (yeah)
But the way that I'm feeling
Makes me realize that it can't be wrong
You're love's like a summer rain
Washing my doubts away

Seven days and seven nights of thunder
The waters rising and I'm slipping under
I think I fell in love with the 8th world wonder

It's only been a week but
It's coming over me.
It's making me believe that
You're the one for me

Seven days and seven nights of thunder
The water's rising and I'm slipping under
I think I fell in love with the 8th world wonder

Seven days and seven nights of thunder
The waters rising and I'm slipping under
I think I fell in love with the 8th world wonder

Seven days and seven nights of thunder
The water's rising and I'm slipping under
I think I fell in love with the 8th world wonder

Seven days and seven nights of thunder
The water's rising and I'm...
I think I fell in love with the 8th world wonder


Since school was out, they could leave anytime. It was a Sunday so Terri decided that they would leave the following Friday and spend the weekend. She was finishing making the final plans when she heard someone stirring in the other room. She got up and looked out and saw Larry around moving about the kitchen. She smiled and asked "So are you feeling better this morning?"

He smiled at her and said "No, if anything I feel worse. Damn hangover."

Terri smiled "Are you making breakfast? Do you want my help?"

[Moonlight Lady]

Robin was outside lying in the hammock when Jamie came over to her. Robin was totally ticked off about what her cousin said to Larry, she scowled as Jamie approached her and just turned away. "Hi Robin, what are you doing?"
What a moron -- what's it look like i'm doing. she thought to herself as she turned to Jamie, lifting up her shades. "Tanning before I go to the beach with my friends." Jamie asked if she could go to. Robin laughed "Yeah right, after the way you talked to my dad last night? Forget it!" Robin got off the hammock and slammed the sliding door open and then slammed it closed, leaving Jamie alone outside. "Robin, please stop slamming things, you're making my hangover worse, baby." She felt bad for her dad. She walked over to him and hugged him as she kissed his cheek. "I'm sorry Dad, um can we talk when you're feeling better?" He patted her hand and kissed her cheek. "Of course honey." She poured him a cup of black coffee and gently rubbed his back. "Can I get you anything Aunt Terri?" Robin offered.

[takeiteasy_LJ789]

Upon being shunned away by Robin, Jamie procceeds to the front lawn where she meets LJ. "Hey LJ want some help?" "Go away Jamie" LJ barked "What did i do?" asked Jamie "You snapped and cursed at my dad after all hes done for you. How disrespectful can you get?" "i don't care he yelled at me for no reason!" "You whined about falling off your stupid horse, you expected him to wait on you, you tripped over our poor dog and get my dad soaking wet after he got changed! You know it's not always about you learn to act your age not your IQ." LJ goes bursting through the front door slamming it shut behind him, leaving Jamie all by herself. "Again with the door slamming?" "Oh Sorry dad I forgot" "Thats ok just don't do it again" "Are you comfortable Aunt Terri?"

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled and looked at LJ and Robin it was cute how they were so concerned with her. She laughed as she said "Nope I am fine. Just finishing up making breakfast for you kids and your parents."

With that she placed omlets in front of the kids and gave one to Larry. She then proceeded to put one on a tray along with some orange juice, toast and coffee. Larry looked at her and asked "Where are you taking that?"

She laughed as she said "I do believe that Kate needs something to eat too."

"Oh yeah, I forgot."

Terri laughed and said "Men!"

She walked upstairs and knocked on Larry and Kate's bedroom door. She heard Kate call "Come in!!"

Terri walked in with the food tray in hand and smiled at Kate. She had a book propped up and was reading it intently. Terri smiled and asked "Good book?"

Kate looked at her like and said "Nope, but it is better than watching some of the stuff on tv..."

Terri laughed and asked "Hungry? I brought you an omlet, juice, toast and coffee."

Kate put the book down and nodded. She smiled at Terri as she started eating.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Terri, this is delicious!" Kate devoured breakfast. That was good, but, I'm still hungry...um...hey Terri...no forget it...nevermind." Terri looked back at Kate. "What?" she asked.

"Can we talk about what happened last night?" Terri sat up on the bed with Kate. "Between me and Richie or between Larry and Jamie." Kate gave her a look. "the second choice...I know how close you are to Jamie and all...I just have to get this out...I was really surprised at Larry for snapping like that, I don't blame him for being upset, but, I think he could've handled it better than he did...what really has me upset is how disrespectful she was to him and that little act she put on during the game...that's why I went up to bed early, My pregnancy isn't the really the only reason why I don't want to go on the shopping trip...I really really love Larry and I was fuming after she did that...I'm always overprotective when it comes to him.

Larry was out in the hall and was about to enter the room when he heard that. His heart melted. He was smiling. "Talking about me again huh, women." he teased as he walked over and kissed his wife on the lips.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri sat on the edge of the ned. She was thinking carefully about how to word her response. She knew that Jamie went a little over the top last night, but Jamie was a teenager and sometimes teens did and said strange things without thinking.

"Kate, I think Jamie is trying to find her place in the family. She can be moody. But what almost 14 year old girl isn't? I know when I was 14 I spent the good majority of my life in my room for one reason or another. Believe me I know exactly where Jamie is coming from. I think she is trying to change. It might take time and patience. And love, lets not forget love. I know she loves you and Larry, even if she doesn't always show it. She isn't perfect, but I love her all the same. Moodiness and all...."

She was hoping that Kate and Larry wouldn't try to make her choose between them or Jamie. She couldn't make that choice. She wouldn't make that choice no matter what it cost her.....

[Moonlight Lady]

"I know Terri, I was moody at that age too, but, I wasn't disrespectul, like she was, I'm glad that you two are so close though. She needs an adult she can trust, that she can talk to." Kate held Larry's hand. "I'm gonna go see what our daughter wanted to talk about." He walked down the hall and knocked on Robin's door. "I'm In LJ's room dad." Kate put her hand on Terri's
"I just want you to know, just because you and Jamie are close, doesn't change how much Larry and I love you and we'd never make you choose between us," Their love for Terri would not change despite their feelings for Jamie. They just didn't want her around until she could show more respect.

Larry walked into the room to see Robin and her brother talking about Jamie.
"Dad, something's gotta be done with her!" Robin protested. "Okay, tell dad what happened." Larry cleared the dirty clothes off LJ's computer chair and sat down, putting his feet up on the bed. "Well first she came up to me and started bad mouthing you, she wanted to go to the beach with my friends and I said no way!" Robin folded her arms, her face all red with anger. "Did she say anything else to you or was that it." he asked her trying to get the whole story. "No, I came into the house and slammed the door." LJ was next.
"Okay, what did she say to you son." Larry attentively waited for LJ to answer him.

[takeiteasy_LJ789]

"She started bugging me and I told her to 'Go away', but she asked why and I told her because she was bad mouthing you and stuff, then she flips out at me about how you had no reason to yell at her." "Well?" questioned Larry "What do you two think we should do?" "I say we should send her off to bording school where she'll get paddled for saying things like that to adults!" barked LJ "Well what do you think Robin?"

[Moonlight Lady]

Robin couldn't help but laugh. "As much as I like that idea right now, it's just a bit drastic, seeing as how Mom and Dad aren't her parents, I just don't want to see her around her anymore or at least until she can grow up and start showing more respect." Larry felt awful for his kids, that they had to hear him being put down. "I know this is gonna sound completely mental, but, how would guys rate me as a dad."

Hearing about his niece badmouthing him to his kids, really shook his confidence. "Be honest with me okay, I won't get mad. There's always room for improvement. "One thing though, As mad as we are at her, we really have to understand that teen years can be very moody, especially for girls. Robin, you have to admit even you have your grouchy days too. She's still family whether we like it or not right now." Larry loved these heart to heart talks with his kids.

[Number 9 Dream]

(( Welcome to the boards, Connor! :happyface :wave: ))




"Ohhh," Jack moaned, sipping his coffee. His headache was pounding, feeling like a jackhammer over his temples. Why oh why did he drink so much last night? Larry, Richie, and the girls must've thought he was such a fool! And poor Katie too...wow, he never even said goodbye or thanked her for such an excellent party.

He carefully nibbled on the pancakes Jamie offered him, not wanting to become nauseous.

That's the last time I do that again!

Janet sat next to him. "I think you owe Katie a phone call soon," she reminded him. "I was going to do it but I think you're the one who should."

"I will, I will," he mumbled. "I'm just so embarrassed. God, how much of an ass was I?"

"A big ass," Janet giggled. She ruffled his hair playfully.

[KissMyGrits]

After Terri made sure that Kate was settled she decided to pay Jack and Janet a visit. She wanted to let Janet know about the plans for their upcoming trip. They also needed to go shopping for a few new outfits for the trip. Terri wanted to make sure everything is perfect for the trip. She sighed again when she thought about Kate.

Terri knocked once on the front door and walked inside. She smiled when she saw Jack sitting at the kitchen table. He looked like something that the dog dragged in. She remembered the time Janet had getting him out of the house last night.

Terri said "Hi Jack!! Nice morning huh?"

Jack frowned and said "Ouch not so loud. The hammers in my head pound everytime you talk loud."

Terri laughed and said "Serves you right. Maybe you will go easy next time. Anyway where is Janet and Jamie? I want to talk to them about the trip."

[Number 9 Dream]

"I think Janet's in the bathroom and Jamie just went up to her room..Want me to holler for them?"

Terri nodded and took a seat at the kitchen table.

"Terri, I was so stupid last night...just want to say sorry," Jack said sheepishly. Terri simply laughed it off and forgave him(after all, he was a great source of entertainment last night).


Janet was quick to come down because she had heard Terri's voice from the bathroom. "Oh, hi, Terri!" she greeted her warmly. "How is everything?"

Jack went up to see his daughter. He knocked on the door, calling out her name.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri smiled brightly at Janet. She was glad that she decided to come back here. She forgot how much she loved these people. She started talking excitedly.

"Well, I wanted to talk to you about the trip. We are leaving this Friday at 6:30 a.m. Can Jack take us to the airport? We need to go shopping sometime before then. We do need new clothes for the trip. So I figured maybe today or tomorrow we can go to the mall and look for some clothes. When we get to NY we can either go shopping or we can check into our hotel. Whatever we feel like doing."

Janet smiled at Terri and said "Stop, breath in and out. I haven't seen you this excited in a long time!!"

"I am just so excited about spending time with you and Jamie!! I can't wait for Friday to get here!! So when is a good time for you and Jamie to go shopping with me? We do need new clothes you know. Since we are both pregnant!! Jamie needs new clothes for her birthday."

[Number 9 Dream]

"Well, how about tomorrow afternoon?" Janet suggested. She was starting to feel just as giddy as Terri as they discussed plans for their trip. It would be so fun for them to bond and shop, shop, shop!

"We can browse the mall tomorrow and then prepare for the trip to NY...and, sure, Jack will take us! Besides, he owes me for last night's antics!"

[takeiteasy_LJ789]

(( Thanks retrogirl, sorry i don't know your name ))

Mean while, back at the Dallas House...
"Sorry kids I have to go and get lunch ready or your mom will freak out. We can continue this conversation another time." Larry says as he gets up and heads to the kitchen. "So what do you think mom and dad will do?" questioned LJ "I don't know but the less of that girl we see the better! Why, what do you think will happen?" answered Robin "I don't care what they do if I don't have to deal with her." "I hear you." "Well..." said LJ "I promised a couple of the guys and Bobby I'd meet them at the movies. We wanted to see an early showing of the new Adam Sandler movie before the place gets swarmed. I'll see you later." After saying that LJ grabs his cell phone and wallet as he walks out leaving Robin to think about everything that happened.

[KissMyGrits]

(welcome connor)

With a promise to meet her early the next morning for their shopping trip. She decided to talk a walk to stretch her legs. She had so much to think about and to plan. She was sitting on the beach and looking out at the waves. So much had happened in the past few months. Who wouldv'e thought all those years ago that she would be where she is. Living back here and with all of the people that love her. Not to mention the fact that she is having twins. She sat reflecting on last nights events. She still didn't know quite why or how things happened the way they did. She just hoped that she could get everyone talking again. After everything that happened to her she realized that family was very important to her.

She had loved Jamie from the minute she was born. She had been in the delivery room with Jack and Janet. She thought back on that day.

***Flashback***

Janet was in the midst of another huge labor pain. This one was more intense and stronger than all the others. The baby was close to being born. The doctor was telling Janet to push. Janet was covered in sweat and breathing heavily. Terri was there for moral support and to help with the delivery. Jamie slipped into the world after 15 hours of labor. Terri took the baby and wrapped her in a cloth. Then she handed her to Janet and Jack. She stood back admiring the sweet baby girl in her best friends arms. She had tears in her eyes as they said hello to the little one. After a few minutes Terri took the baby to be weighed and measured. She had been a feisty little baby. She was the loudest baby in the nursery that day. Everyone knew that Jamie Lynn Tripper had arrived. Later that day when Jack was standing by the nursery window Terri had come to congratulate him. She had never seen a man with a bigger smile. He then told her how happy is was to finally have his little princess.

***Flashback Ends***

Terri smiled at the memory. She wouldn't have traded that day for all the money in the world. She had been there for Jamie that day. Just as she would be there for her now. She wanted Jamie to know that she could count on her for anything. Especially if she needed someone to talk to. Parents were good, but sometimes a teen needed a third party to talk to. That is what Terri was to Jamie.

Terri stood up and brushed the sand off her legs as she walked back to Larry and Kate's house.

[Moonlight Lady]

"What do you want for lunch my love?" Larry asked Kate who was relaxing on the couch. "I want things fixed between us and Jamie, I can't stand this anymore, We did alot for her, but Larry, she saved ours and Terri's life...we should be greatful...not treating her like this." Kate was getting upset and that wasn't good for the baby.

Robin heard her mother crying and ran downstairs. "Mom, please don't cry, I love you, whatever it is, we'll fix it." Larry was so proud of his daughter at that moment, he was proud of Jamie too and he loved her. Terri walked in the sliding glass door, Kate wiped her eyes. "Kate, what's wrong, is it the baby?" Terri sat next to her and dried her eyes.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri got back to Kate and Larry's house in time to see Kate in tears on the couch. Her first thought was that something was wrong with the baby. She immediately went into nurse mode.

"Tell me are you having any pains? Where are they? Any bleeding?"

Kate laughed thru her tears and said "Relax nurse Terri. It isn't the baby. It is my heart."

"Okay, now I am confused. When I left here everything was fine. Now, I come back and you are crying."

She looked at Larry and said "What did you do?"

Larry looked hurt and said "I didn't do anything! I swear all I asked her was what she wanted for lunch."

Terri looked at Kate and she nodded. Terri said "Sorry. Okay so if it isn't the baby and it isn't Larry. What is it?"

"Oh Terri!! I feel so bad about the way we are treating Jamie. I want things back to normal! I miss her smiling face!! We need her back over here" looking at the kids "We all need her!! She is family and she did so much to help us when Henna..."

Terri looked at her friends and smiled. She said "I know we need to get her over here, but she is mad and I don't think..."

Kate said "I have the perfect plan. You can call her and tell her that you need her. She would come over for you. Of course we need Jack and Janet here too. We can get them over here before you call her."

Terri squeaked "Me? Why me? She will kill me!"

She waited for her friends to explain this to her....

[Moonlight Lady]

Kate puffed her chest out, proud of her idea. "We are going to do an intervention." she declared. They do it for drug users and alcoholics so we are going to do one with Jamie. We'll just all get together and make it known first off that we love her and that we are sorry for treating her so badly and then explain why we've been doing this." Kate was very proud of this idea, all the dysfunction needed to end. "I'll be damned if i'm going to bring little Serena or Michael into this family which has become Soap, although Larry does all the cooking and cleaning so he's like Benson or something...Anyway, that's not the point. All these babies deserve to be born into a loving peaceful family or something close to it."

Larry, Terri and the kids stared at Kate for the longest time. "Okay you heard her. let's do this. Robin, would you call for your aunt?" Robin sighed. "Okay dad, I guess mom's right, can I call my friends first and let them know i'll be late?" Larry nodded his head and she made both calls, LJ called his friends too.

[KissMyGrits]

Terri was nervous as she waited for Jack, Janet and Jamie to arrive at the Dallas home. How had she let them talk her into this? She and Jamie had always been very close. Even though Anna was her daughter she had always had a special relationship with Jamie. Terri and Jamie always managed to get into trouble or just have fun together. She thought back on all the times they had together. The song "Hearts are for when you want to love someone" by Collin Raye is playing softly in the background.

Trees are for climbing (Jamie convincing Terri that climbing trees is fun)
And holes are for digging (Jamie and Terri digging a hole in her parents backyard)
And friends are for when your having fun (Jamie and Terri staying up all nighttelling scary stories.)
And hearts are for when you want to love someone (Terri telling Jamie she loves her)
Dogs are for hugging (Jamie and Terri petting a puppy they saw in a pet store at the mall one day when she was little)
And cats are for putting up with (The cat Terri had when she lived in Connecticut)
Birds are just for looking at (Terri and Jamie at the zoo watching the flamingos)
And heads are for when you have to wear a hat (trying on silly hats at the mall)
Dads are for being with (Jack holding Jamie when she was a baby)
And doing things with (Watching a Lakers game on tv)
And helping out Mom (helping Janet bake cookies)
And Moms are for talking to (Jamie and Janet talking about her birthday)
And telling things that you can’t tell anyone (Jamie telling Terri her secrets)
Ears are for hearing your father call (Jack coming home from work and calling out for Jamie. Giving her a big hug)
And eyes are for seeing when it’s dark (Jamie and Terri camping and looking out the tent into the darkness)
Legs are for when you have to run (Terri and Jamie running after the ice cream truck)
And hearts are for when you want to love someone (Jamie telling her family she loves them)
Brothers always take your things (Bobby taking stuff out of her room.)
And break your things (Jamie finding her broked CD)
And eat your candy (Bobby taking Jamie's valentines chocolate)
And sisters always tell on you (Robin is like a sister, telling on her for one of her numerous escapades)
And they cry a lot (Robin and Jamie crying over some secret)
When they got no reason to (Terri and Jamie crying)
Feet are for putting your shoes on (Terri and Jamie trying on different color shoes at the mall.)
And hair is for looking nice at school (Terri and Jamie doing each other's hair one night when Jamie spent the night at Terri's house)
And hands are for folding when your book is done (Terri reading a book to Jamie before bedtime)
And hearts are for when you want to love someone (Jamie telling Larry and Kate she loves them)

As the songs ends Terri smiles and hopes they can reach Jamie. She loves all her family and wants them together and smiling....

[Number 9 Dream]

(( Aww, that was really sweet, Michelle))

Janet, Jack, Jamie, and Bobby were all on their way over to the Dallas' that afternoon. Not only were they going to discuss the trip, but Kate also mentioned Larry needed to talk to Jamie badly. She only hoped things would smooth over.

They arrived moments later to Terri opening the door for them...

[KissMyGrits]

Terri walked to the door and let Janet, Jack, Bobby and Jamie inside. She smiled and them and hugged Janet and Jamie. She still had tears in her eyes from the memories and she went to go sit on the couch. She needed to compose herself before they started. Because she was afraid that she would start crying when they started. She was so emotional today. They needed to do this though. Jamie had to know how much they loved her and that she was needed and that she belonged in the family.

Hi Jamie!! Jack, Janet and Bobby." Jamie was looking at her strangely. Terri knew that she was expecting her to tell her she needed something from her. She waited for Larry, Kate, Robin and LJ to come into the room. She sat on the couch next to Jamie.

[Moonlight Lady]

"Everybody have a seat and get comfortable, Jamie do you need any ice or anything for pain?" Larry was trying to show her that he still cared very much for her. "Thanks, but, I'm all set for now." she gave him a small smile.

"Okay, well first of all I want to apologize for screaming at you yesterday and snapping at you before that. I don't hate you, never could I ever hate you, but darling, I sure was mad at you...It really infuriates me when you act like a baby, treating me with disrespect by badmouthing me to my kids. You're gonna be fourteen years old. I don't know, maybe you do it for attention, maybe you do it to be silly or funny, I don't know. I can't speak for any other members of my family, but, for me, it only drives me further away from you, it's not cute, it's not funny, it's just extremely annoying. I love you Jamie and I want to see you happy. I always will. You are such a brave person, I don't know if I've ever said it, but, Thank you so much for saving your aunt and I from Henna and Diane, we'll always be grateful to you for that, even though we may not show it sometimes." Larry sat back down and let Kate speak.

"Jamie, I love you very much, and always will, through the good and the bad, which is mixing in with the good right now. I don't know if I ever show it, but, it bothers me too when you go into your routine. That is one of the reasons why I didn't want to go on the shopping trip and it has the same effect on me that it has on Uncle Larry. True your uncle shouldn't have screamed at you, I'll agree with you there, but, you had no right to come back in with your snide little comments, showing utter disrespect towards adults, that macho bit last night at the party?...I was not amused...hell, I was offended. It was crude and grotesque and I never want to see it repeated in my home,
as far as badmouthing your uncle in front of his kids, I will not put up with it."
Kate was done, she looked over at Janet who had a shocked look on her face. She didn't know that Jamie had trashed Larry to his kids. She was furious, but, she waited for LJ and Robin to take their turns.

LJ was next, but since he was it the bathroom, the decided to take a break.
Larry and Terri brought drinks out to everyone and the relaxed a little, until LJ came back.

[takeiteasy_LJ789]

As LJ returns from the can, everyone sits down and listens intently. "Jamie, as you know I have a short temper and probably treated you poorly even though you were disrespectful to my dad. But I want you to know that I still care about you, even through all the times you've made me mad and annoyed me, which has been alot lately. And I want you to remember i know what your going through It happened to me less then 3 years ago and it's still happening to me, so if you ever need anyone to talk to im always here."

As LJ finished everyone turned toward Robin awaiting her speech.

[Moonlight Lady]

Robin stood up paced. "I know we haven't been as close as we were when we were smaller, but, you're still my cousin and I love you and I miss the good times. I was really ticked off at you for the way you've been acting lately, especially the way you treated my father. I really love him and I hated you for the things you said to and about him. It really hurt me, because he's a terrific father!" Larry goes over and puts his arm around her.
"I'm okay." Robin walked over to Jamie and put her hand on Jamie's shoulder.
You will always be loved, no matter how mad I get at you, no matter how much I *think* I hate you...You're one of us Jamie, you couldn't get rid of us
no matter how hard you try." Robin laughed through tears. "I'm sorry for being mean to you." She sat down in between LJ and Bobby. Terri was next.