Here's the final chapter. A big thank you to Mistress Lynn and LadyCibelle for editing this story for me. As Paul Harvey would say, "Here is the rest of the story."
*
We arrived home and were greeted by the kids; you would have thought we had been gone a week.
"Did you have fun Mommy?" Molly asked.
"We had a wonderful time, Honey. The only thing that would have made it better was if you and Robbie were there," said Chrissy. "The comedy club was only for big people."
How she could keep a straight face, I didn't know. After hugging the kids, she looked at me, smiled and then hit me on the arm.
I mentioned to Molly and Robbie that next time we would go out again like a family.
"When Jessie when?" asked Molly.
Oh, no I did it again. I spoke before I thought. Molly ran into the kitchen and came out with her calendar. "Circle the day like you did last time Jess," said Molly.
I went down about three Saturdays and circled it. Now I had to figure where I would be taking them. For now, the two kids were happy that they would be going somewhere. I grabbed our overnight bags and took them upstairs. Chris stayed downstairs and was telling mom what a wonderful time we had.
Later at the cookout, we acted more as a couple. This time the family knew we were together. As we all talked and had dinner, I had an idea. I mentioned it to Chris and she thought it would be great.
While the kids were away playing yard games I spoke out, "Everyone, mainly the mom and dads. I have an idea. Chris and I are taking the kids to Kings Island Amusement park in three weeks. I think it would be a great idea if we all went. We could take three or fours cars, or whatever is necessary and spend the day at the park." I said it low enough that none of the kids could hear. The last thing we wanted was for any of the kids to feel left out.
Chris continued, "We can take turns watching the little kids and everyone can go on a few rides." She looked over at Mom and Dad. "I think you two should come along also. Even if you don't ride anything there are a lot of shows that you can see."
Dad smiled, "You know, I think that would be fun; by the way, mom and I would ride a few rides too. Maybe not the roller coasters but the train and boat rides I think we can handle. Count us in," said dad as he gave my mom a hug.
We knew all the kids would go for it. One by one, the adults all said they would get back to us within a week. I told them that I could pre-order tickets and get a discount. I mentioned to Chris to invite Sharon, Ryan and RJ. They were almost like family anymore.
When it was bedtime, it was so hard to say goodnight to Chris. I hugged and kissed her and invited her up to my room.
"Jess, as much as I would like to, I don't think it's a good idea. The last thing we need now is for one of the kids to get up looking for me and me not being there. Maybe we can get together next weekend somehow. Until then you will just have to settle for the kisses and grabbing my ass like you're doing now," said Chris as she laughed.
I kissed her a final time and went up to my room. I fell asleep thinking about how wonderful she really is. I made sure I got up early to see her off to work. I just felt I should be there for her.
It was a rough week for me. I only saw her for a few minutes in the mornings. The one day she had off, I had to go in early and that really sucked. She did get the plans together for our family outing to Kings Island. Every morning I looked at the calendar and saw that Molly had crossed off the days. She sure was a sweetie.
Chris told me one morning that my brother Bill and his family were all going as well as Sharon, Ryan and RJ. Of course, mom and dad, and Sue's family planned to go also. I figured out the number of adults and children going so I could order the tickets. I would be getting them at a small group discount. We had some other relatives who said they might be there but were going to just buy their tickets at the gate in case they had a change of plans.
We finalized the plans at the cookout the next Sunday with everyone that was going. We had our itinerary pretty much figured out and decided to go in five vehicles. Just too many kids and the drive would be over two hours.
My sister Sue told me she and Chris talked earlier that week. She wanted Sue to know that she had told me about her past plus how she'd felt abandoned by both Sue and mom but forgave them later. Sue also mentioned that there were many things that Chris didn't remember, and she wanted to let me and Chris know the truth since we were getting serious about each other.
She asked if Chris and I could go up to my room with her to talk for a few minutes. We would have privacy there. Sue began her side of some of the events that Chris did not remember.
"Chris, there are things that happened after your mom died that I think you should know. I waited to tell you because you were somewhat under Kyle's influence then. Mom and I needed to know that you had a clear head before telling you these things.
"Some of this stuff you might remember and others, probably not. You hallucinated during this time. To begin, you had a breakdown at your mother's funeral. Mom and I called an ambulance and had you taken to the hospital. They medicated you there for depression.
"It was your brother Ray who called the Auctioneer and the firm sent over Kyle to handle the sale. Kyle wasn't an auctioneer but a worker and packer for the company. I think you found that out later. Ray told him to sell everything and send him his half of the profits. Your brother is still a bastard for leaving and not contacting you. He did take a few belongings of your mother's. Probably felt a little guilty.
"Kyle was never alone with your kids. Mom took them home with her and watched over them the full time you were in the hospital. We weren't going to leave them with a stranger. They missed you so much but they weren't allowed in the hospital. Mom or I would stop by at least every other day to see you. You were pretty much out of your head.
"You would talk about how you were tired but had to feed the kids and bathe them. I felt so sorry for you but there was no way I could tell you the truth. I asked the doctor and he said you were delirious but after he got your meds adjusted you would be all right.
"Eventually you were a little better but always sleeping. We believe that's about the time Kyle started coming to see you. One day we went by your apartment and Kyle showed up with some movers. He said he had permission to sell your furnishings at your mom's action. We didn't believe him and he produced the power of attorney that had your signature on it.
"We couldn't stop him. You weren't related to us and he had the proof on his side. He was staying at your mom's trailer and getting everything ready for the auction. We took most of the kid's clothes and even yours back to our house since most auctions don't want to deal with clothing. In the next two days, Kyle set up all your mothers' furniture in the auction house. He said he wouldn't be taking yours till the day before the auction.
"I came to the hospital to see you and you told me that you were selling all your things and moving away with Kyle. I couldn't believe that he had such an influence on you. When you told me Kyle said I had abandoned you and he was taking care of you and the kids I couldn't believe it. I tried to tell you the truth but you wouldn't listen to me.
"I came back two days later and the nurses said your boyfriend had taken you home. I went to your apartment and Kyle wouldn't let me in. He said you were sleeping. He also said that you wanted to see the kids.
"The next day I brought them to see you. You hugged them and kissed them. They missed you so much. It was then you told me that you would be moving in with Kyle. I couldn't believe my ears. Again, I tried to talk to you but you wouldn't listen. You even said you were doing it so the kids could finally have a real home.
"The auction was the next day and you would be leaving right afterwards; there wasn't anything we could do. We thought about calling family services but we didn't have proof of anything and besides, the kids wanted to be with you. We yelled and screamed at each other before you told me to stay out of your life.
