"And then we're going to see an off Broadway play! I'm so excited," Mendalie told her mom.

Standing in the bookstore, George listened to Mendalie telling Pepper about a trip she wanted to go on with some friends over Christmas break.

"But Mendalie," George said, "What about Christmas morning?"

"Dad, I'm sorry but I'm getting a little old for that," she told him.

"It don't matter how old you get," he told her. "You're our little girl. There's no changing that."

"I know. But I won't be able to do this again. John Carnes will be there signing autographs!" she said.

"Oh of course, John Carnes," he said, confused. "Who the hell is that?"

"George!" Pepper said.

"He's the lead in the play and he's going to be this huge star someday," she explained.

"Someday," George repeated.

"Dad; Come on?" Mendalie pleaded.

"We can have Christmas with her when she gets home," Pepper said.

George sighed. "Okay."

Mendalie smiled and hugged him. "I love you dad."

"You better be careful up there," he said.

"I will," she assured him. "I got to go call Belinda!"

"Don't you want to go up and see Runa?" Pepper asked.

"No. Not right now," Mendalie said. "She's been acting strange lately."

"Strange?" George asked.

"Yeah, I don't know," Mendalie said. "I think she needs to get past all this 'Brian' stuff. I mean, I hope she gets over it soon but she just doesn't act like she cares if I'm around or not."

"Well, maybe it's the holidays. I'm sure she'll come around again, honey," Pepper said.

"Yeah," Mendalie said. "Probably"

Mendalie left. Pepper looked at George, concerned.

"I better call Ellie," George told her.