A couple days after the funeral everything was still the same, gloomy and quite. The kids went back to school. They tried to be happier then they were but it was hard, school was a distraction for them. Jessica stayed with Ann throughout the day to keep her company and help with the baby. Some family would stop by and bring food for them and see how they are or help clean. Jessica hadn't spoke to her mother ever since the funeral.

"Ann, please eat." Jessica says

Ann was sitting on her bed holding Kali.

"Let me take the baby." Jessica sits next to Ann and holds Kali as Ann takes small bites of her salad.

"Thank you for everything."

A small smiled appeared on Jessica's face.
"Anything for my big sis."

"I really miss you being around."

"I miss seeing you and the kids."

"It's been all about me, tell me how you've been."

"Busy, work is going really good. I was prompted about 4 months ago and now my boss not only wants me writing articles but doing some photography. It's all falling into place, my dream."

"I'm so proud to hear that my little sister is chasing her dreams! Let's get to the really good stuff, do you have a boyfriend?"

Jessica cleared her throat and played with her ponytail that was on her wrist.

"I was dating someone, but it didn't really work out."

"Oh, I'm sorry...

... You know your birthdays coming up."

"Yea it is haha."

"We have to do something pregnant lady friendly for your birthday."

"You're pregnant?"

"Hell no! But you, Jane, and I. Jane's the pregnant one."

"Ahh, that's right."

"Can I plan something for your birthday?"

"You don't have too!" Jessica giggles.

"Please, it will get my mind off everything." Ann pouts and looks at Jessica.

"I guess so. But I don't know how long I'm staying for."

"You're thinking of leaving?"

"I don't know yet... I have to get back to work sooner or later."

**

Later that day Jane invited Ann, the kids, and Jessica over for dinner. Jessica drove them over.

"Nervous?" Ann says looking over at Jessica

"Huh?"

"To see mom."

"She'll be there?" Jessica says alarmed.

"Yea..."

"I don't know."

"You'll be fine. She's just our mom."

**

When they arrive everyone showers the kids and Ann with kisses, hugs, and "how are you". It was a bit overwhelming but it felt nice for he kids and Ann to spend time with their family and get out of the house. Dorthy showered the kids with love and hugs. They decided to go out to the creek while the adults talked.

Sarah spent time at Jane's so it was nice for Jessica to see her.

"Jane I love your house, it's so cute." Jessica says

"Thanks!" Jane says

Ann looks at Jessica and starts giggling.

"What?" Jane says irritated.

"Nothing." Ann laughs.

"Yes, I know. I painted the living room pink! I bought the wrong color okay." Jane says

"Hello Jessica." Dorthy says

Jessica clears her throat and looks at her mom.

"Hi." Jessica says softly.

"Can I hug you?" She says

Jessica nods and Dorthy gives her a small hug.

"Do you eat?" Dorthy says examining Jessica's small figure.

"Yes, I eat."

"Oh, okay." Dorthy puts her head down and shakes it.

Jessica looks out the door and sees the kids sitting on a little bridge near the creek.

"I'm gonna go outside." Jessica says

When Jessica goes outside she sees the kids quietly sitting on the bridge.

"Hey aunt Jess." Quinn says turning his body around.

Jessica gives him a small smile and sits next to Paige.

"What's up?" She says

"Nothing, I just thought I would come sit next to my favorite niece and nephew."

"You wanted to get away from them, didn't you?" Quinn says

Jessica giggles. "I guess."

"Do you love grandma Dorthy?"

"Yea."

"You never talk to her and she doesn't talk to you."

"It's a long story. Some people just don't get along all the time. But don't worry about it." Jessica smiles hugging Paige.

"I just want to go home." Paige quivers her lip.

"Me too, I don't like all this attention. Everyone's treating us differently like we are sick little puppies." Quinn says

"It's tough, I know."

"Was it like that when grandpa Al died?" Paige says

Jessica takes a deep breath and nods her head.

"Yea..."

"You must have really loved him."

"I did. He was my best friend."

**

May 2000

"Great job today Jessie! That was a great home run!"

"Thanks daddy! It's all because you are the best coach."

Jessica rod on Al's shoulders as they walked into their small Minnesota home. Dorthy was in the kitchen making dinner while Jane was out with her girlfriends and George was over at the neighbors.

"Al put her down. You two aren't animals." Dorthy huffs.

"We're celebrating! I got a home run." Jessica exclaims hoping off Al's shoulder.

Al gives Jessica a small smile and looks at Dorthy who was angry.

"Go clean up, you're all dirty Jessica."

"But daddy and I were going to go out and play."

"Jessica Phyllis Lange, now!"

"Daddy!" Jessica pouts

"Listen to your mother. We can play another day."

"Fine! I wanted to show mom. Just because she never comes to any games!"

Dorthy let's out a sigh as Jessica runs up the stairs.

"Dorthy, you have to loosen up."

"Al, she's getting bullied at school! The girls call her a boy all the time. You're turning her into a tomboy. She's going to get made fun of, they will break her heart!"

"They won't make fun of her, after she's done with them." Al swings his hands in a punching motion and chuckles.

"That's what I mean. She's a girl, not a boy! At this age Jane was playing with makeup and Ann was having fashion shows. Jessica is spending days with a boys baseball team and playing in the mud wearing flannel and baseball caps."

"Jessie's different, she isn't a girly girl. Why can't you just let her enjoy herself."

"Damn it Al! Her teacher is calling me telling me that kids are bullying her because of how she dresses and acts. I try to buy her nice clothes!" Dorthy grows quite and covers her face.

Al wraps his arms around her.

"She really wishes you were there to see her today. Seeing her face after she hit that home run was just amazing. I love seeing my little girls happy. Different things make them happy and that's all that matters. Is that they are happy."

As Al walked up the stairs he saw Jessica still in her uniform sitting on the stairs.

"Hey little one, what are you doing here? Your mother told you to clean up." Al stops and sits next to Jessica.

"Mom found out about those girls."

"What girls?"

"The girls that call me a boy." Jessica softly begins to cry.

"Mommy probably thinks I'm a boy too because I'm not like Jane and Ann."

"She doesn't think you are a boy Jessie."

"I don't want to be like the other girls. I want to be different."

"And that's okay. Different is good. The only opinion that matters in life is your best friends opinion, and your mothers." Al chuckles.

"You're my best friend?"

"Of course. Forever and always sweet girl."