Part 610

A mass of little bodies rushed from the school as the bell sounded for dismissal. It was complete chaos with witches, mummies, little vampires, soldiers, boy-band & Britney Spear look-a-likes, and a wide variety of other ghouls and goblins. Halloween in an elementary school. Sarah said a silent ‘thank you’ for NOT getting the teaching job she’d applied for when she first arrived in Orlando as she searched the sea of children for her little princess. It was one thing to deal with candy-induced hyperactivity at the youth center but to have to deal with it in a classroom was a completely different story.

Spotting Jesse, Sarah moved towards her but as soon as the little girl saw her, she didn’t have to go any further. Jesse pulled away from the teacher escort and broke into a run.

"MOMMIE! MOMMIE! Is Daddy home yet?" sang the little girl excitedly as she danced around Sarah.

Sarah laughed seeing herself in her daughter. "Not yet, baby. I told you this morning that it would probably be after dinner before he got back."

Disappointment spread over Jesse’s face and tears threatened to fall as Mrs. Dugger approached.

"Mrs. Dorough."

"Hi, Mrs. Dugger."

"I wanted to talk to you for a minute if I could."

"Is there a problem?"

"Not really. Jesse has just been out of control today and hasn’t been able to get any work done."

Sarah looked down at her daughter with a frown. "I’m sorry, Mrs. Dugger. Jesse’s a little excited because her daddy is coming home today."

"She did mention that."

"Is there anything I can do with her at home?"

Mrs. Dugger handed Sarah a folder. "This is the work she didn’t get done."

"Thank you. Hopefully, either tomorrow or the next day, my husband and I are going to come up here so he can meet you and we can spend the day with Jesse, if that’s okay."

"That would be wonderful. I know Jesse’s looking forward to that."

As Mrs. Dugger left, Sarah took Jesse’s hand and led her to the truck. "If you don’t get this work done, we’re NOT going trick or treating. Got it?"

Obediently, Jesse said, "Yes ma'am."

Becca had insisted that Sarah come to the house with Jesse that afternoon rather than making the long drive out to Cocoa Beach and back before going to the Youth Center. She and Garrett were going to go with Sarah and Jesse to the Halloween party and Sarah was extremely grateful.

As Sarah drove to Becca’s, Jesse told her all about her day. Jesse loved school and Sarah was thankful. It had made their decision to send her home so much easier.

Becca was waiting for the two with milk and cookies for Jesse and as Jesse bounced into the kitchen, the two friends followed.

"Have you heard from Nick?"

"He called about an hour ago. They got held up in New York and had an hour lay-over in Atlanta but they should be home by the time we leave the party." Watching her friend holding her back, Becca asked with concern, "Are you okay? You look tired."

"I am. I’ve been up since about three with Braxton-Hicks. I want to blow off the party at the center but I can’t."

"Why not?" asked Becca motioning for Sarah to sit.

"I promised Rachel we’d be there. She’s got a surprise for me. Personally, if it weren’t for Jesse, I’d be hiding at home waiting for ‘D’. Halloween just isn’t my favorite holiday any more."

"I hear you but we’re past that. Tell you what. You stay here, turn off the lights, and rest. I’ll take Jesse and Garrett out trick or treating," offered Becca knowing that Sarah had to be at the youth center that night. She knew what the surprise was that Rachel had and was responsible for making sure Sarah was there.

"No offense, but I really don’t want to be here alone," frowned Sarah.

"I understand but you don’t have to go upstairs. You’ll be okay and besides, if I let you go out and something happens to you, I’ll never forgive myself. Not to mention what Howie would say."

Sarah knew Becca wasn’t going to hear her protests and quite frankly, the thought of being able to rest was extremely enticing. "Okay, but leave Garrett with me."

"No! Now stretch out on the couch and take a nap."

"I have to help Jesse with her homework."

"I’ll help her. REST!"

"Yes, mom," smirked Sarah. "Just wake me in time to get into my costume."

"What time do we need to be there?"

"Seven," yawned Sarah.

"Not a problem. We have enough time to get Jesse’s homework done, go trick-or-treating, and fix dinner. I’ll wake you when we get back."

"Bec, thank you!"

"Just consider it payback for all that you did for me. With Howie out of town, someone has to take care of you," smiled Becca.

Sarah lay back on the couch and as she listened to Becca and Jesse in the kitchen working on homework, she drifted off to sleep dreaming of her reunion with Howie. She was just as anxious for him to be home as Jesse and truth be told, THAT was the reason she was so tired. She just wasn’t use to being without Howie.

Part 611                        Index