June 1st-
Jessica took a leave of absence from work. She didn't plan to go back until September. Jessica got everything ready for her trip. Her first stop was to Germany. She planned to travel all of Europe for the summer. She wanted to create a book, a photography book. That was her goal.
Jessica was finished packing. Her flight left late on a Saturday night, June fifth.
Jessica's bills were all taken care of. She packed up everything.
Jessica went into her closet. She got on her tippy toes and pulled down a box. The box was filled with money that she had set aside over the years for this trip.
As she set down the box she dropped the lid onto the floor.
Jessica bent down and reached for it under her bed. As she moved her hand around she felt something strange in her hand. She pulled it out from under her bed and saw that it was one of Kali's stuffed animals. Jessica held it in her hand and looked at it.
A single tear fell from her face and onto the little toy bunny.
Jessica hadn't herd from anyone at home since Ann left. Jessica looked at the bunny and set it on top of her suitcase. She thought to herself if she was doing the right thing or not.
**
That night-
Since Jessica had cancelled her cable for the summer she sat in her studio playing with different props.
Jessica walked around with a glass of wine in her hand listening to music.
*phone rings*
Jessica runs over to her phone and answers it.
"Hello?" Jessica says happily turning down the music.
"Hey, it's me. Your sister Jane." Jane says softly.
"Oh, hi. How are you doing? What's up?"
"Well, my body is in so much pain right now. And I'm just holding my little girl in my arms."
*gasp*
"You had the baby! Oh Jane, congrats!" Jessica covers her mouth and smiles.
"Thank you... I would really like you to come out for a few days and meet her."
"I would love to, but I have a flight to Germany this Saturday."
"You'll be able to make your flight. I just want her to meet you."
"Okay, I'll see what I can do."
"Good."
**
June 2nd-
Jessica was able to go get a flight out to Minnesota. She was also able to change her flight to Germany. She was leaving Minnesota to Germany.
Jessica left her little New York apartment. It was the last time she would see it for a long time.
**
Late that night Jessica got in to Minnesota. She got a small room in a hotel close to the airport. She got an uber to the hospital to see Jane and the baby.
Jessica found Jane's room. Jane laid peacefully in the hospital bed holding the little baby girl.
Jane moved her head to Jessica and smiled.
"Jane, how are you?" Jessica runs to her bedside and takes her hand. The baby was swaddled in a pink blanket.
"I'm good. My body hurts like a bitch, but I'm good. She makes it all worth it."
"She is adorable, what's her name?" Jessica leans down at looks at the cute baby.
"Lillian Grace."
"Wow, she looks just like you, congrats."
"It's weird. I never thought I would be a mom. My heart is full."
"I'm so happy for you and Rick. This is great."
"Thank you for coming...
Ann told me what happen, have you been okay?"
"I've been just fine. Let's not talk about me."
"Are you excited for Germany?"
Jessica nods as she stares at Lillian.
"Aren't you scared to go alone?"
"No, I'll be just fine."
"You've always liked your space."
The next day-
Jessica stuck around the hospital and helped Jane out a bit while Rick was at work. Jessica's brother and cousins stopped by a few times, Dorthy did too.
Things were still awkward between Jessica and Dorthy, but things got better.
Jessica didn't see Ann and the kids at all.
Jessica helped Jane to the bathroom then held Lillian while Jane was in the bathroom.
"You're such a beautiful little girl, aren't you? I'm so lucky to have a beautiful niece. Your cousins will love you. Paige, Quinn, and Kali. I'm pretty sure you and Kali will be the best of friends..." Jessica rocks Lillian back and fourth.
Jane slowly walks in and watches them.
"Jessica, you'd be such a great mom." Jane says sitting down.
"Heh, I don't plan to have kids. But thanks, Jane."
"She's so precious."
Jessica nods and rocks her back and fourth as she slowly starts to fall asleep.
"Have you herd from Ann?"
"She was here when she was born, but no. She's moving and she got a new job. So she's been pretty busy."
"Oh..."
"She isn't mad at you Jess."
"She isn't?"
"No, it was just a bad time for you two."
"Alright..."
**
June 4th-
Jessica was getting ready to leave. Jessica visited Jane for a little bit and then went around town.
Jessica decided to stop at her dads grave. It was the first time she had visited since she left for college. Last week was the anniversary of his death. Jessica was so overwhelmed that she hadn't thought about her Dad in a while, which made her feel guilty.
Jessica went and picked up a bouquet of flowers. When she got to his tombstone she looked at all the flowers and decorations around it.
Jessica started to cry. She sat on the ground and ran her hand on the side of the stone.
"Hi, Daddy.
I miss you a lot. You were a great dad. I hope heaven is treating you well and your eating all the subs in the world."
Jessica sets the flowers up then stares at the tombstone.
"I hope I'm making you proud. I know lately I've probably been disappointing you. And that's the last thing I want to do. It's just things have been tough. There always thought around this time.
But I can't wait to go to Europe. It may seem like I threw away all of my opportunities, but this is another great one. Work will be waiting for me when I get back.
I think I just need to do this and get my life together. Take time to myself, like I've always liked, and have new experiences.
And don't be mad at me for not being close to everyone here. I try my best, but it's hard for me. I know all you want is for us to all get along. I'm trying. I can't sometimes. I've always been better off alone.
I love you, Dad. And I'm sorry."
**
When Jessica was heading back to the hospital she drove past Ann's neighbor hood.
Jessica stopped for a moment then turned her car around.
She pulled into Ann's driveway and saw the for sale sign with a big SOLD sticker on top of it. Jessica parked the car and took a deep breath.
She got out of the car and walked up the walkway to the door.
Jessica knocked on the door and waited for Ann to answer.
When Ann answered the door her hands were full with papers and other things.
Ann was taken by surprise seeing Jessica at her door.
"Jess" Ann says faintly
"Hi..." Jessica puts her head down and smiles.
"Come in, come in. It's a little crazy here." Ann says opening the door a bit more.
"You sold the house?"
"Yea, they want me out soon. I haven't been able to find a good apartment yet."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear."
"So, I herd your leaving for Europe? Sounds like a great trip."
"It is. I leave tomorrow morning."
"Hmm, nice." Ann sits down and so does Jessica.
"Lillian is so gorgeous."
"She is... she reminds me of Jane."
Jessica nods.
The room grows quite for a few seconds.
"Where are the kids?"
"They're at Jimmy's moms house."
"Oh..."
"Enough of the small talk Jess. I'm so sorry for how I left things."
"Don't apologize, Ann. Really, please. I was out of line."
Ann stands up and hugs Jessica. She begins to cry.
"Ann, don't cry."
"I just felt so bad. The kids haven't been home in two weeks. They hate me!"
"They don't hate you!"
"They do! They are so angry that we are moving out of this house.
Jimmy and I built this house. It was Or dream home. I have to sell it now. I can't afford this on one small teacher income."
"You'll be okay, I'll help you."
"Help me? I can't ask you for money. You're my little sister."
Jessica grabbed her purse and pulled out a key.
She opened up Ann's hands and put the key in Ann's hand.
"What is this?"
"The key to my apartment. Take the kids out there and stay for as long as you need. Rent is on me. Don't worry about bills or anything, alright?"
"I can't, this is too much."
"Just take the keys, Ann. You need this."
Ann looked down at the keys and clenched onto them. Tears flowed down her face as she began to sob.
She hugged Jessica. "Thank you. Thank you so much." She mumbles
"I love you and the kids."
"We love you..."
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