| Kelly's Journey Chapter 23: Julie's Wedding By Stanman63 Edited By Nora Adrienne with Special Thanks To Terry Naut and to Heather Rose Brown for the Illustration! Synopsis:The wedding goes off as planned, and Johnny and Kelly receive signs that their love is still strong. Yet Johny still is reluctant to admit to his love for her. Then she learns about her siblings, and Aunt leaving to start a new life, leaving Kelly distraught. |
 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was the next day at breakfast before I hooked up with Johnny again. I just had to know what Mark got from everybody. I wore Julie's Drum Major Pep Rally Uniform. It was really cute with its red top, blue shorts, white anklets and tennis shoes. The taupe pantyhose simply added to the effect because I could tell that Johnny appreciated what I wore by his very evident erection.
"Hello Kelly, why are you here?" ['DAMN! She looks HOT in that outfit! I'm gonna need a very cold shower after this!']
I sat down with my meal after pecking him on the cheek, "Simple, I want to know what Mark got yesterday, I know that Julie called you after the party. Now spill," I smirked. ['He can't refuse me when he gets this excited.']
He sat down with his meal, after adjusting his crotch, "OK, guess it's OK for you to know. Pastor Patrick gave him a rod and reel with a case full of lures." ['I still get excited when I see her, am I gay for wanting sex with a guy turned girl?']
I started in on my cinnamon oatmeal after the Silent Blessing, "That's cool. Mark likes to fish, and camp out. Now he can go to the cabin and catch bass and catfish. Good thing that there's a cleaning table outside for gutting fish." ['If only Johnny would try to make a play for me, I'd let him have his way with me, but HE must decide.']
Johnny smiled at me as he stirred his oatmeal after the Silent Blessing, "Yeah, and Father Downing gave him a hunting rifle that shoots tranquilizer darts instead of bullets." ['It's so easy to talk to her, as if my betrayal never happened.']
I giggled, "We both know that your daddy hates guns, that rifle must've been your dad's idea. Mark likes to hunt deer, and this way, he can without going against his wishes." ['Poppa Woods must have accepted Mark if he's making this effort.']
Johnny poured us both a glass of orange juice, "That's what dad said. And his son gave him a set of his and hers thermal undies and coveralls," he smirked. ['Julie never was much for camping out, but she got into it with Mark's influence. Will Kelly and I have that kind of rapport?']
I buttered us both a piece of wheat toast, "I can see her out in the woods, but in a fairy dress, not thermal gear. She's too much of a city girl." ['But with my living on Grandpa's farm, I'm used to being out in the weather now.']
Johnny drained his glass of juice, "Yeah, that's what she said when she found out. Dad gave Mark a set of mechanic's tools and garage full of different car parts." ['Mark has always been gifted in repairing cars, and anything with a motor. Now he can indulge in his hobby.']
I passed him his while I ate mine, "Mark sure is a good handyman. Ever since he showed up, he's been repairing all sorts of obsolete stuff and making them run as good as new. Grandpa has used him when he needed an extra hand on the farm, so I know that Mark's good." ['And Granny simply adores him too.']
"That he is. Coach Hornsby gave him a mini gym." ['Sitting there across from me is the Girl Of My Dreams, yet I betrayed that Dream. Will it ever come true?']
I sipped on my coffee, "Oh? Guess he knows that Mark was an All-Star Athlete in his school, like you were. Why didn't he use his scholarship?"
Johnny finished his breakfast, "Because it's from the church he use to attend, and he refuses to have anything to do with linden. And Police Chief Emeritus Branch gave Mark a set of martial arts weapons," he sighed.
I finished my oatmeal, and set my bowl by Johnny's, "Well, Mark needs to bone up on his skills if he's to be a match for Julie with her black belt. If he doesn't, she'll trounce him easily," I smirked as I placed our dishes in the 'washer.
"True, And Doctor Benjamin gave him a sauna," he laughed and shook his head. ['If she was a bit quicker, then she'd not have met Mark as she did.']
"Oh my! I can just see Julie and Mark in it now. Those two will become prunes with all the time that they'll be in the tub," I giggled.
Johnny wiped down the table and refilled our cups, "No doubt about that. Grandpa Moore gave Mark a shed filled with all sorts of tools."
I placed our dirty crocks in the 'washer, "If Grandpa did that, then he made sure that each tool was top quality. He has several sets of tools that he repaired and then set aside. Guess that he gave Mark a complete set and a shed to house it, probably room for projects too."
Johnny spread his hands, "Then Mark will be a handy man and mechanic, not a bad way to spend your time tinkering with things. Dad's tinkering is in the kitchen," he smirked. ['Why is it so easy to talk to Kelly even after my betrayal? Is my Heart ready?']
I giggled, "OK, I know you love his pies, but what about Principal Rudy? He's pretty good at grilling, even if he is stickler for good writing skills."
"Oh. He gave Mark a monogrammed pen and pencil set with stationary. And he got together with dad about grilling."
"Rudy was always harping about penmanship, he only gave those to students that passed his strict requirements in penmanship. And if he and your dad are speaking together, no doubt Rudy will go into business with Poppa Woods." ['Let's see if he notices.']
Johnny blushed, "Yeah, and Coach Cartwright gave Mark a set of golf clubs, said that Mark needs his own, so he gave him his old set." ['Poppa Woods huh? Either she has finally accepted dad as her 'POPPA' or is saying she's ready.']
I placed my hand on his, "Well, Mark might not be as good as Tiger Woods, but he sure can putt." ['Yes, Johnny, I am ready.']
He smiled and kissed my hand, "Augustus Armstrong gave Mark a free membership into the Tri-County Grid Iron Club." ['She wants me, but I am not ready yet.']
"Yeah, he'll like that, being able to play Indoor Football and joining the other spots teams will keep the athlete in him happy, but what about Julie?"
"Sorry, I forgot that she is included too."
"Kelly, [sniff,sniff] please, [sniff,sniff] I am not yet ready. [sniff,sniff] My Heart is still heavy. [sniff,sniff] Please give me time," he wept.
I hugged him until his tears dried, then wiped them away with a napkin, "Oh Johnny! [sob] I Love you with all of my Heart, [sob] and Soul! [sob] Only My Lord is ahead of you. [sob] I will wait, [sob] but please,[sob] don't take too long!" I wept.
Then, we went and sat by the pool, basking in each other's presence. After awhile, we got up to tend to business, but not until we went into the Playhouse and made love. This time, it was an equal sharing between us. Before, I was in charge as we sated our passion, but THIS time, it was a most beautiful sharing of our bodies, and souls.
NOW I knew the Love that momma and daddy shared, and why momma couldn't find another husband. Oh, she had found companionship at times, yet she had not found a new Soul Mate. She had lost herself in her new job in order to quell the longing in her Heart that had led to me staying with the Woods until I came to live with my Aunt Debbie, and my grandparents. Now, I knew how my grandparents, the Woods, and momma felt about Love.
This is what Johnny thought afterwards: ['I can't believe it! Kelly and I made love today! It was so natural, as if she was born a girl, even though I know that her girl's groin is due to her wearing a gaffe. It was almost as if she was a total woman, NOT a half-woman. Oh, I know that she is chemically castrated, and that what she has in her groin is for peeing.
But after listening to linden's spiel about Kelly being an abomination, I CAN'T see her as my wife! THAT is whats keeping me from proposing to her. It all started with guys in the school saying how weird Kelly was to dress as a girl, and if Kelly and I were gay. It got worse over time as Kelly became more feminine, thanks to the drugs given to her by that quack.
I can not,in my Heart, capitalize linden's name.He lost that right when he caused me to betray Kelly. He is the cause of all the heartbreak in our family.
But it all came to a head when linden finally used his disciples to get me to betray my Dream Girl! I should have resisted, but I let their bigotry, fear, and hatred overcome my Love for her. After we shared a most wonderful weekend, I STILL betrayed her, causing her to despair!
Even though I did physically fight them, and win, Kelly almost died in her despair, and it took her going through a Hell that I created for her for her to finally overcome, and start living again. She has forgiven me, but until she is finally a girl in body, I cannot forgive myself.
==========================================================================
A month later, Julie had her wedding. She had it in Pastor Patrick's Church with Pastor Patrick officiating. Father Downing wanted to, but he got to officiate at the wedding banquet instead. He looked amazing in his white robes as he gave the Blessing, and the Banquet Hall was all decked out in silver and gold drapes on frames to hide the basement class rooms. It was really the Church's Fellowship Hall.
Julie was gorgeous in her ivory gown that complimented her blond tresses, and Mark was the epitome of good taste in his black velvet tuxedo. I was seated at a table with Johnny who wore a matching tuxedo in navy blue while I wore a matching gown in cream.
"Wedding Guests, thank you for coming to the Banquet. Tonight, we celebrate the Marriage of Julie Marie Woods to Markus Leonard White. They met when Julie was looking for a Soul Mate, and Mark heard her Heart cry out. When they met, their Hearts merged and they found Love. After waiting to see that their Love was strong, they have found it to be steadfast and true. Tomorrow, they wed. May the Lord Unite them in Holy Matrimony and Bless their Marriage. AMEN."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At the Wedding, I, as her Maid Of Honor, presented her with a set of matching bracelets, necklace, and earrings, "Julie, as per tradition, these gifts as Something Old from Granny Moore. She wore these to her Confirmation."
Granny spoke, "Yes Julie, I give them to you as a Confirmation of your Love and Marriage to Mark. May you two have as much Joy as we have in our Marriage," she wept. ['Seeing her here is just like seeing Terri marrying Stu. I can see their Love for each other, may they grow old together.']
Julie wept as we placed the jewelry upon her, "[sniff,sniff] Thanks, you two! [sob] I will treasure them always. [sniff,sniff] Granny Moore, [sob] you have adopted me as your granddaughter ever since you've known me. [sniff,sniff] You and Grandpa Moore are my only grandparents." ['Momma and daddy both lost theirs before I was born.']
Granny wiped her eyes, "Well, why not? Your parents and you and your brother adopted Kelly after Stu died."
Momma gave Julie a matching watch, Julie, as per tradition, I give you something new. May this watch help you to enjoy each moment of wedded bliss," she said as she placed it on her wrist. ['I also pray that you do not know the Heartache of being a widow.']
Julie smiled as momma placed it upon her wrist, "Thanks, Momma Moore, I know that I'm at the beginning, but I hope that Mark and I are as happy as you and Poppa Stu were, and as happy as momma and poppa are," she said as she hugged and kissed momma.
Momma Woods gave Julie a silver phoenix brooch, "Julie my daughter, when my parents left their home country of China, they felt reborn. This phoenix became the symbol of their new life in America. When I married your father Charles, my momma gave me this, so by tradition, I give you something borrowed." ['I plan to give her the complete set, over time.']
Julie smirked as Momma Woods placed the brooch over her heart, "Thanks, momma, I truly am a phoenix, I came through a bitter rape to find new life and love in Mark. Let the Rose be Kelly's symbol, although she too is a phoenix." ['Maybe we should both drive a Trans Am then.']
Granny gave her a gold belt with sapphire crystals embedded in the weave, "Julie, by tradition, I now give you something blue. This belt of sapphires was a part of my wedding dress, just as the slip is from your mother, and the gown is from Terri. We've each given you a part of our wedding dress to help launch you into wedded bliss. May you and Mark know both the Love of newlyweds and the Love of life partners and Soul Mates." ['I am so Blessed that Joe still Loves me as much as he did when we wed.']
Julie wept as she hugged and kissed her, while Granny wiped away her tears after buckling the belt around Julie's still small waist, "Thanks, y'all! Your precious gifts are from the Heart, and I will treasure them forever as symbols of True Love." ['Oh Kelly my sister! One day, you too shall know this joy. I pray it won't be too long.']
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Then Sister Mary started the Wedding March. The wedding was a beautiful portrayal of Love and Joy as Poppa Woods escorted Julie to the altar, I couldn't help but to cry. Here my adopted sister was finding her Soul Mate and mine was across the aisle from me, a distance too great to be ignored.
Fear was keeping Johnny and me apart, HIS fears of hurting me, and fear of me NOT being a woman! Why could he NOT accept my body? What kept him from me?! He had told me as much when I saw his eyes last time we spoke. I could tell that he still Loves me, but had to overcome his fears.
========================================================================
A month later, I was back at the Woods Estate, we were having our Annual Remembrance Meal to remember Daddy. We have it on the anniversary of his death. During this time, we each place our pledge to the Tri-County Police Benevolence Fund which supports disabled Police Officers and the widows of Police Officers. We usually donate several thousand dollars each year.
It was getting dark, and the Woods were tidying the patio up while my family spent time relaxing as we had prepared the feast. I was sitting by myself, wearing a sundress and matching hose when Mark and Julie sat by me, "Hey, Kelly, how are you doing?" ['Who'd ever believe that this beauty was ever a father?']
"Pretty good, Mark, I am almost through with college. I'm going to be a Counselor at old my Alma Mater," I replied. ['I was always happy there, now I can help other like me at the school and the Free Clinic in the Community Center.']
"Well, one thing for sure is that nobody will ever see you as anything but a woman." ['Even knowing her history, all I see is a woman.']
I hugged him, "Thanks, Mark. That means a lot to me." ['Can anybody see the boy that I use to be?']
Mark smiled mischievously, "Yeah, they'll just be sorry when you get the monthly visit from 'Aunt Flo'," he sniggered. ['Been a waiting to prank her, now I have.']
"Gee! Thanks a lot! You know that's impossible for me!" ['Is he pranking me?']
"I know that, Kelly, I'm just pranking you." ['I can see the laughter in her eyes. She's full of laughter like Jule said.']
"I scrunched up my face like I do whenever I suppress a giggle, "Yes, I can take the pranks as well as dish them out. Nice to know that you can prank with us." ['Wonder how to prank him back now.']
He cupped my chin in his hand, "When I married Julie, I knew then that you would be family. For a while, I wondered if my new sister was a freak, but now I know that you are no freak. You are a very beautiful woman of whom I am honored to call my sister." ['There is no hint of boy about her at all.']
I couldn't help but cry tears of Joy over what he said to me. Even though I had yet to have the surgery,to him, I was a woman, "Mark, you have seen my heart. I am a woman, just as much as Julie. She chose the father for her Love Child well." ['Julie, your gift of naming your twin son after my dad, and daughter after me is more than I can ever repay.']
"Stu and Lee may have been sired by an unknown father, but they are my children in my heart. I am glad that you will be their 'Auntie Kelly.'" ['My parents still think the kids are mine. They'd NEVER believe that Kelly fathered them.']
"I know, besides, who'd ever believe that I was ever a boy?"
"Thank you, Kelly. From what Jules says, you two are practically soul sisters." [' For my money, you two ARE sisters and best friends to the end.']
"Yep, we are sisters from different mothers," I blushed. "How corny could I get?" ['Will I one day call Mrs. Woods Momma Woods? Strike that. I already am.']
"And the prettiest Valedictorian ever," announced Johnny as he strode up.['Has she forgiven me?']
I jumped when I heard him, then turned to him and smiled, "Thanks, Johnny. How are you doing? I am still hurt, but I still love you." ['And always will, my friend.']
He looked straight at me with a tear in his eyes, "I am fine, can we talk, later?"['Please say yes.']
"Sure," I sighed.[What else can he say to hurt me? He already broke my heart.]
Then Mister Woods looked sternly at his son from where he was sitting,"Don't hurt her anymore, son, please. She is as dear to me as you are." ['I can see that Kelly is ready for more hurt.']
"Johnny, Kelly loves you, remember that. And remember your vow to treat her as a sister," implored Mrs. Woods. ['I don't want to go through that suicide hell again.']
"Johnny, Kelly is my daughter, remember that," said my Momma. ['If you hurt her again... Oh please don't.']
"No, my brother has suffered also, he won't hurt her anymore," advised Julie. ['Come on bro, don't hurt her again.']
"If he does, he is a fool!! If I was not crazy in love with Julie, I would make a play for Kelly my self," stated Mark. ['Julie knows that I fancy her more, she also knows that I would pick Kelly next. And she approves of my choice too.']
Grandpa touched Johnny on the shoulder, "My son, I know that you love my granddaughter Kelly. When you defended her honor against Linden and his followers, you proved it. But you also drove her to despair. Please, son, don't hurt my Rose. She is dearer than life itself to me," he pleaded. ['I promised not to hurt him, but what will I do if he does it again?']
Granny stepped up, "Young man, I know that she loves you, I can see it in her eyes now. You have the Power to hurt or heal her now. Will you help her Heart to heal from the hurt so that she no longer fears you? Or will you end your friendship?" ['I have done all that I can Kelly, now it's up to him.']
Aunt Debbie hugged him, "Johnny, I am like Kelly. I know the journey that she is going through. Like her, I am a Rose, but I have come through into a spring of hope. You too are a Rose. but your journey is different. Will you allow your Heart to heal and blossom into a spring of new hope? Kelly is ready, are you?" ['Only I can truly see their hearts, both are ready, but only they can choose their path.']
Johnny looked at me and saw that I was all to ready for more hurt. If he hurt me again, I'd mourn for our broken friendship and go on. I was stronger now and would not despair ever again. I had faced that demon and had overcome, thanks to the love of my family and new friends. Now the only question was would Johnny hurt or heal?
He sighed and turned to everybody, "Don't worry, I promise not to hurt her," he pledged. [After her despair, I'd die before I'd ever do it again.']
I saw the truth in his eyes and knew that he'd never hurt me again. I reached out and stroked his face, "I have to trust you, Johnny, otherwise, our Love means nothing." ['I may dread what you say, but I know that you will not hurt me again. I can see it in your eyes.']
Taking me my the hand, we went to a secluded spot where he made his announcement, "Kelly, I
am going to college out of state. I have a scholarship with my Dad's Alma Matter. Like you, I need to get away from here and the heartache." ['Dear Lord! I MUST leave her! I am deathly afraid that I will hurt her if I stay. Am I a coward for leaving?']
I began to tear up, "I am glad for you. This is your chance, go for it with My Love, Johnny." ['He needs his distance now I guess in order to deal with his feelings as I have with mine.']
He gently kissed my tears away, "I thought that you would be mad at me." ['Has she forgiven me?']
"No Johnny, I can't be mad at my best friend, I still love you as much as ever," I sighed. ['Too bad that we aren't ready, because he is the only one for me.']
"You mean to tell me that we are still the best of friends even after the cabin?" he asked, his mouth agape."Am I that lucky?" ['I still see her as my Dream Girl, but I need something to tell me that she is ready.']
"Yes, if you want to be." ['What will My Johnny do now? Should I get ready to call for help if he faints?']
Then he hugged me close and wept tears that soaked through my sundress, "Oh, Kelly. I thought that I had lost you forever! After I dropped you off home, I kicked myself for what I did." ['Hell, until now, I've done it daily. Now to do it for being so dense.']
Then I looked into his eyes, "Even best of friends get mad at each other, Please let's not fight anymore, but pranking is allowed." ['When and if he pranks me, I'll know that everything is back to normal.']
He looked far away, as if he was looking into the future or possibly a private dream, "Alright, but I am still undecided about you.THAT is why I must go away also. I MUST know in my Heart exactly how I feel about you. You are my Dream Girl, but I do not know if I will ever be ready for you. And by going away, I know that I will not hurt you. Besides, there's the old adage : 'Absence makes the Heart grow fonder,'" he sighed. ['This is what I need.']
We hugged and wept, wept tears of unrequited Love. When we finally we through, we saw our families were there, crying as well, "That's O.K. We are still best of friends. But I was hoping that you'd be there for my surgery," I sighed. ['Lord, only You can help me.']
"Me too, but my schedule will prevent me being there. But if I could be there without hurting my schooling, I would," he promised. ['Lord, please, let it be. Or do I sacrifice for My Dream Girl.']
Then he went inside as he cried over his dilemma as I wept over our tumultuous love. I was comforted by my family while Johnny was comforted by his. At that moment, I would have gladly welcomed my death, but the Love of my family was a balm upon my breaking heart. Then I felt a Peace that surpassed my understanding. Somehow, I knew that everything would be alright.
Momma came over and hugged me and wiped away my tears, "Kelly, are you alright?" ['Why must he cause her to cry so much?']
I looked steadfastly at her with the conviction of my resolve, "Yes Momma. As Aunt Debbie says, I am a Rose. Now it is time for me to enter the Spring of my New Hope. My upcoming surgery, I do for me, and me alone. Although I do want My Johnny there along with my family, the decision must be his and his alone." ['Lord grant me the strength that I shall need.']
Momma, my grandparents, Aunt Debbie, and I went into the Guest House. Momma and I and went to the kitchen and made a batch of peanut butter oatmeal raisin cookies with macadamia nuts along with spiced apple cider for our movie night while they went to the living room to set up the movie. All during the kitchen time, momma was waiting for me to open up about Johnny, but I was not ready.
I needed to deal with it on my own. I knew that Johnny was leaving in order to better deal with his feelings for me. He was still confused about whether he was gay for loving me. Physically, I was still a male, even though I was a woman in all but my groin. His confrontation with Lindsey was still hounding him, and until he could find peace about it in is Heart, he could not be free to Love me as I Love him.
My way of dealing with his going away was to simply wait as best I could. I had my new career of counseling to fill my days as well as helping my grandparents on the farm and volunteering with the Church and Community Center, but would it be enough? Or would I need even more to occupy my mind?
After we made the snacks and took them to the others who'd chosen the latest 'Godzilla' movie. They knew that I am a 'Big Daddy 'G" fan and did it to honor me. I am not the only fan though, Julie, Johnny, and believe it or not, Grandpa are fans too. We each have our favorite "Godzilla Pal," but love to see him trounce the guest monster(s) in the movie.
"Well, Kelly. What have you decided about Johnny?" ['She needs to voice her thoughts.']
"Aunt Debbie, I have decided that as much as I love Johny and want him to be here for my surgery, That I MUST go through it for me. I can not and will not wait for him. If I do, I may NEVER be complete. I am doing it for me and me alone," I sighed. ['Just as it should be after the betrayal I guess.']
Granny smiled, You've come a long way since you've come to live with us Kelly. Now, it is time for Debbie to leave." ['I'll miss my daughter, but she goes with good reason.']
I hugged Aunt Debbie, "Why are you leaving Auntie? I thought that you were happy here? And what about your shop?" ['Am I ready for her to leave?']
She placed her hands upon my shoulders, "Kelly, my luv. You no longer need me, but Mark and Julie do. I'm now able to be a mother and Auntie to a baby as I've longed to do. After this, I'll be ready for raising children."
"OK, Auntie, [sigh] I know THAT longing. I hope that in time, that you get to be the mother of your own children. Too bad that they can't come from you. " ['Just as I can't have my own.']
"Ah! But I can!" ['Now to share the good news.']
"You mean carrying a child from the implanted egg from your mother, or sister?"
She giggled, "Yes, I see that you've read the reports too."
"Yeah, I did. [sigh] But I still want to be a Birth Mother like Julie is. I'm not really jealous, but the longing is still there," I sighed.
"Me too, Kelly. Me too."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, everybody met at the hangar housing the Osprey. It was a military version converted to civilian use. Mister Woods bought it from the factory because he wanted the option of carrying the compact cars which Julie, Mark, and Johnny drove, the cars were at the school already, awaiting them.
Its cockpit contains a pilot and copilot station and a door for each with a lavatory behind the pilot, small efficient kitchenette behind the copilot with five passenger seats on each side. The gangways are behind the last seats on each side with a cargo section between the twin rudders and rear wings. The main cargo hold for luggage is in the nose behind the forward radar/sonar/radio assembly. Fuel is contained within the main wing and under under the passengers.
We were ready to send them off to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, "Mister and Mrs. Woods" Alma Mater as well as my "parents". Johnny was going to play football there as well as other sports. He was one of the very few athletes that excelled in multiple sports. Julie and Mark were going as well. Julie was going to learn Nursing as well as Childcare while Mark learned to be a Doctor.
"Well, you guys. I hope that you take good care of the twins. After all, this is their first flight on the Osprey." ['Mine to Disney Land in Florida with them was great.']
"Oh, don't worry Kelly. We have a studio apartment there on campus. And our schedule let's one of the three of us be there with the kids as well as your Aunt Debbie who's agreed to be their nanny," informed Mark. ['Springing this on her might be cruel, but her Aunt Debbie volunteered.']
I turned to her, "So! THIS is why you're leaving! Well, I will miss you Auntie. But the twins need you all the more," I announced as I hugged her. ['Now she can help My Johnny as he goes through the rest of his winter. Mine is practically over.']
"Sorry, Kelly, about the surprise. But until last night, I hadn't really decided. Part of my surprise is that I want for you to take over for me at my store with Granny." ['She is ready now to take over with Granny.']
I hugged her, "That's OK, Auntie. You've been teaching me about running your shop while I've been at college, guess that it's my time to learn how to fly," I sighed. ['Am I truly ready for Life without her guidance? Only time will tell.']
Johnny hugged me close and kissed me deeply, "The only thing that makes this bearable for me is helping to care for the Love Children by Julie. Seeing them will be a balm upon my heart. They both seem have your hair and eyes you know, with Julie's face." [Will she guess from that about her being the father?']
"Then you'd best stop them before they steal anything else," I giggled. ['Thanks Johnny. That silly joke is needed right now.']
We gathered together into a group hugfest, then the travelers boarded the Osprey and lifted off into the wild blue yonder. We stayed there, waving and looking at the plane as it winged its way to their destination as it shrank from our view. Then we gathered into our respective autos and and drove to the restaurant that Mister Woods had chosen for our get together afterwards.
Needless to say, we reminisced about our missing family as we imbibed huge quantities of wine. Luckily, momma had made sure that we had chauffeurs to chauffeur us home later so that we could get rip-roaring drunk. But instead of getting drunk, we remained stone cold sober despite the wine's alcoholic content. The absence of the others was too much for wine to overcome.
Instead of going back with Granny and Grandpa, I went back to the Guest House with momma. I needed time with her now, and I knew that she needed time with me while Granny and Grandpa spent time alone together at their old homestead, getting it ready for their expanding family.
They were ecstatic about their great-grandchildren by me and Julie and wanted to set up a Playhouse/Guest House for them and playground in the barn out behind the house. Grandpa had been using it to house his farm equipment, until it outgrew the barn. Now the stuff was housed in a bigger barn with added extensions.
The upper ceiling area was built to be the apartments while the lower area became the playground and garage. The silo housed the water heaters, generators and supplies. I had been there to help them remodel the barn and knew that the travelers would really enjoy their home away from home.
Helping Grandpa to work on the barn for them was a bit of a trying time for me. Before, any houses that I lived in were ready-built. Getting grungy as I cleaned out the barn as well as
I was in my room, weeping my eyes out when momma came in and hugged me, "Kelly, you're crying because of Johnny," she stated matter-of-factly. ['I knew that her heart would break as mine did over Stu.']
I bawled my eyes out as I soaked her blouse with my tears, "[sniff,sniff] Oh, Momma! [sniff,sniff] I Love Johnny with all of my heart! [sniff,sniff] My Heart is breaking now! [sniff,sniff] If THIS is what being in Love means, ['gulp] I don't know if I want it!" [Lord, where is my peace? Please take the pain away!']
"My child, my child. I know why you are crying! I too know about the broken Heart. Your tears will become tears of Joy in time. It is alright to grieve and mourn over Johnny. But can you give him up?" ['Is Johnny truly her other half as Stu is mine? Even today, I feel Stu in my Heart.']
"Yes, Momma, I can and have given him up, but I still want him! Will my Heart forever be torn in twain?" ['Does My Johnny feel the same way?']
She looked me in the eye after drying my bitter tears, "My daughter, before you were born, Stu and I had a falling out because I got pregnant with you. At that time, MY Heart broke until I learned to give him up. I still hurt, but thanks to my family, I could continue. Then your father returned to me. He was frightened to be a new father, but his Love for me and you overcame his fears. We never separated or fought after that. I still miss Stu. He was the best thing in my life until you, Kelly. Then I had two best things." ['May she know that too Lord.']
"You told me that before, you know. Why did you two not have any other children? Truth to tell, I'd have enjoyed being Big Sis to a baby Bro or Lil Sis," I sighed. ['Why not, Lord?']
Momma began to cry, "[sniff, sniff] "We wanted more children, [sniff,sniff] but due to complications with your birth,[gulp] I can not conceive again. At least you grew up with your best friends. Y'all are truly brother and sisters," she sighed. ['When will Johny and she get back together?']
"Yeah! We were the Three Musketeers. Now with Mark, it's Four Musketeers. He makes a wonderful addition too." Good choice, Sis.']
"Yes, your Aunt Debbie, Stu, Chuck, and Lynn were the Fantastic Four when we were younger. Now it looks as if soon, Julie and Mark will start upon the next generation of Super Friends," she smiled. ['Will she and Johnny start a family?']
"HEY! Don't forget about me and Johnny!" ['Is that My Heart speaking?']
Momma hugged me close, then looked me in the eye, "Now you know as I did with Stu, Beloved Daughter. My Heart knew that he was the One. Just as your Heart knows that Johnny is the One for you." ['The Heart speaks True. Thank You Lord, for revealing her Heart's Calling.']
"So, my heart calls out for My Johnny, does his call out for me?" Or does my Heart call out in vain? I can Live without his Love if need be, but I will be lonely." I sighed. {'I Give it over to You, My Lord. My Love for Johnny is Yours.']
Momma smiled at me, "Most assuredly, my Beloved Daughter, his Heart is even now Calling out for you." ['Kelly, be patient.']
"And that's why you still feel daddy in your Heart even though he's in Heaven?" ['May our Love be as strong.']
"Yes, Kelly. And when you spoke up at Father Downing's Chapel, THAT'S when I felt his Love for me again, in my Heart." ['Oh Stu, I can feel your Love for us even now! One day, Beloved husband, we will be together again.']
"Thanks, Momma. My Heart is beating again. Even though I miss My johnny, I know that he will return one day. Even if I am old and gray, I will be True to him. Although, the waiting will be a waste of since we can't snuggle each other if apart, I giggled.
"Well, there's always every girl's favorite substitute," she giggled back. ['Time to prank her but good.']
I pulled out a plastic sausage from my bed-side table, "You mean B.O.B.: Battery Operated Boyfriend?" I deadpanned. ['Gotcha momma.']
"KELLY! YOU VIXEN! I WAS GONNA PRANK YOU!" she laughed.
"Gotcha!"
After a pillow fight, we went to her bedroom and listened to a C.D. of Love Songs as we watched a video of a fire in a fireplace while we told each other about our misadventures in school. Then we nodded off and slept late, bonding as Mother and Daughter.