"As you can see,by our awards and accolades,we hire only the best writers.We crave great writers.But you have such an impressive resume that it doesnt worry my that you'd be a great writer for the paper.I'd really like to hire you,effective immediently".Jim Feilds said."Well,I'd love to come write for you".Jane said,smiling proudly."Thats great news.Now,tell me about you,I like to get to know my new writers before I hire them".Jim said.Jane laughed softly."Im from Texas,originally,I have four kids,the youngest is a baby,she's staying in Texas while I get the transition to New York taken care of.We're moving from Paris,France."Jane said.Jim nodded.Jane took a breath and barrled forward with what she desperately wanted to say."Lets be honest with each other here,Mr.Feilds,Im the best you've got.You left the other resumes out on your desk,I looked at them.Im better than them.I have degrees from Vassar and Le Courdon Bleu.You would make bank hiring me".Jane said firmly.Jim Feilds leaned back in his desk chair.Oh God,Jane thought.
The Feilds started to laugh,heartilly."I like you,Jane,your just we need here.Its time we put the old New York bullshit aside for some fresh air and thats just what Im sensing you are.Your hired".He said.Jane let out her breath and smiled."Thats fantastic news,thank you so much.I can start in a few days,just let me know".She said."Of course,I have a contact at the Health Department because they have to go and make sure the new restuarunts are up to par before they open and they fax me open the lists of names and I send my food writers to take in the scene."Jim Fields said."Thats fantastic.Sounds easy enough to do".Jane said."Basically what you will do is wait for me to send you the address of the restuarunt,you go,ask a few questions,try a few things on the menu,comment on the staff and all,ask other customers what they think and then you write the review".Jim said.
"Sounds good.What would I be getting payed"?Jane asked."Five thousand a month plus eating expenses and you get your own office".Jim said."That sounds like a plan".Jane said."So,welcome to the New York Times".Jim said."Thank you very much".Jane said.She rose and straightened up her jacket and smoothed down her trousers and shook Jim's hand across the table."If you'll excuse me,I have to get to the airport,Im flying down to Texas to get my daughter."Jane said."Of course,I'll email you in w few days with your first assignment and we will go from there.If you have the time I can show you to your new office.We do have catalogues from which you can choose anything you would like for your office,its just one of those little perks we offer our employess".Jim said.
"Of course,its two,my flight isnt until five,I have some time".Jane said."Follow me".Jim said.Jane followed him down the long,light hallwall,past other glass walled offices to a corner office at the end of the hall with an amazing view of Park Avenue to one side and Madison and further from that,Central Park to the other."Is this one isnt what you'd like,we have one other office down the hall".Jim said."No,this will be great,thanks".Jane said."Welcome aboard".Jim said."Thanks".Jane said.Jim left to the ringing on his cellphone.Jane grabbed the catalogues and flipped through them,putting sticky notes on the things she wanted and sent them with an assistant to give to HR so they could take care of it and got a cab to the airport.Luke was expecting her call so she called him after she got through security.
"Hello"?Luke answered.Jane could hear Minnie babbling away in the background and smiled,putting her sadness that she wasnt already with her aside."Hi,honey,its me,just letting you know that Im about to board my plane soon".She said."Oh,hey mom,so it should be about four,five hours right"?Luke asked."Yeah,I should land around ten-thirty".Jane said."Alright,well,me and Minnie are just chillin out at the barn,she likes the horses.You wanna talk to her"?Luke asked."Yes,I wanna talk to her".Jane said."Okay,here you go.Minnie,mama's on the phone".Luke said."Mama"?Minnie asked."Hi,honey,its mama.I miss you".Jane said.Minnie babbled something and broke into a peeling of giggling.Jane laughed with her."I'll see you soon,baby".Jane said."She's gone,crooning somthing to the horses".Luke said.Jane laughed."All right,I'll see you soon,honey".Jane said."Bye mom".Luke said.They hung up and Jane pressed her cellphone against her forehead and closed her eyes.He was still mad at her.Her flight was called.
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Jane spotted Luke and Minnie as soon as she entered the terminal waiting area.She opened her arms,grinned and ran to them.MInnie squealed a cute "mama!" and Jane happily grabbed her and started kissing all over her chubby little face,enjoying the kisses she recieved in return from her sweet baby girl."Hey,Luke,thanks for bringing her".Jane said."No promblem,mom".Luke said."Are you mad at me"?Jane asked."No,Im just confused and a little dissapointed that you caved to him again".Luke said.Jane nodded and stared at her feet."I understand compleately"She said."Im flying back to New York in a few days so maybe I'll stop by then".Luke said."Sounds good,I'll see you soon then".Jane said.She kissed him on his cheek and hurried to her flight.
"Minnie,your just gonna love New York,its so lit up at night and there are plays and places for little kids".Jane cooed to her baby who was currently trying to pull her glass off her nose."No,no,stop".Jane said gently.Minnie's chubby hand fell away and and she started popping her lips."Who taught you how to do that"?Jane cooed,laughing at Minnie's face.Her chubby cheek dimpling everytime her lips popped.Jane hiked the diaper bag up on her shoulder and made sure the tickets were where she could get to them when they got to the door."Mama cant wait to get settled in up there,get your bedroom all set up,your gonna have a very girly nursery,and we're gonna go shopping.Mama got a job writing for a really big newspaper so we're gonna have a little money to have some fun.Your just gonna love it".Jane gushed.Minnie listened with big,enthralled,deep green eyes.Jane gave her a kiss.
They got to the door and Jane felt her cellphone vibrating in her pocket but she couldnt get to it.She handed her ticket over to the door ticket taker and they walked on and found their seats.Jane got Minnie settled in her carseat in the seat and covered her up."Time for your nappy little one".She sang.Minnie giggled."Minnnnie".Jane sang.Minnie giggled harder.Jane started tickling her chubby tummy and relished in the high pitched giggles her baby emited.Jane may not have been expecting motherhood at such a late age in life but it was great,having Minnie.She was like a reason for Jane to start all over again and live.After all those months of being cheated on again she came into Jane's life and gave her a good reason to breathe.
They took off soon after and Jane finally got around to seeing who had called her.It was an email.Janey,Im so sorry for everything,you know if I had a choice I would've made a better one.One where we all could have been together and been happy.We had a beautiful baby together,how could you not have a beautiful one?Myfeelings havent ever changed,I still love you,but maybe we just were never right for each other.And I know what your thinking,we lasted seventeen years,what changed?I changed and I shouldnt have hurt you like I did and Im sorry.Maybe one day you can forgive me and we can all start over again.You,me and Minnie.-Jake.
Jane deleated the email imediently after reading and wiped away the hot tears from her eyes.Everytime he did this to her she was affected.It didnt matter what scenerio,he always ended up hurting her even if he was trying to do something good for her.Jane looked at her sleeping baby next to her,the baby who had inherited almost all of her qualities but looked like her dad when she slept.Jane wished she could say another man was her dad but she hadnt spoken to that man in almost two years and it hurt her.She missed Adam but she was pretty sure he would never be with her again after the way she hurt him.It was a never ending cycle,she got hurt and then hurt everyone around her.Jane stared out the window and sighed softly.Honestly she was starting not to care anymore.
TBC
After the funeral and what Agness had said,plus the dissapointment of her family,Jane decided it was time to go away again.Any hope of remaining at home in Texas was utterly shattered.Jane didnt really want to go back to Paris and California was not an option.The more Jane thought about it she was craving the big city life.New York seemed as good a place as any to start over.On the Monday after her mother's funeral Jane flew back to Paris to request her test date at Le Courdon Bleu be oved up so she could get that taken care of and to take care of the flat.It was the first time she would be leaving Minnie since she was born for more than an hour.She got all of the photos around the apartment and all of Minnie's things packed up and sent the crib and other not so important things to Texas for her brothers or someone to ship to New York to her when she found an apartment.She was going to fly in two days to Manhattan and look around for a nice,affordable apartment.Then she would fly back to Houston and take Minnie with her.
It was exhusting and Jane was compleately worn down thinking about everything she needed to take care of before her second move in five and a half months.After searching through Trulia,NYApartments.com and other websites boasting to be the number one sight on the wb for your apartment search Jane called and left a message with the Landlady of a nice looking building in the West Villiage Jane fell back on her bed in the flat and happily,albeit,tiredly,fell into a deep sleep.She woke up a few hours later with fear gripped in her chest because she hadnt been woken by Minnie.It took a long moment of panicking before she realised her precious baby was still back in Texas with her family.Counting back the hours Jane was sad to discover it was far too late to call to talk to her.Jane felt the tears welling up in her eyes and started crying.She hadnt felt right since she slept with Jake,she felt dirty,like the tramp that Agness accused her of being.Jane launched herself off the couch and hurried to the bathroom where she turned the shower on as hot as it would go and scrubbed herself until her skin was red and irritated.Wrapped in her turquiose robe she trudged out to the balcony and sat.
There she she started to cry.Cry for all of her failures.Her marriage,Adam,Jake,life.She felt so terrible.She was missing her daughter and she missed having someone to hold her when she was sad or mad or upset.She wanted desperately to call Tricia but even now her best friend was resting up for the birth of her baby.Jane felt helplessly,utterly alone.The night air cooled her down but it did nothing to raise her spirits.The city that had made her feel so free and light just days before was now suddenly making her heart hurt.It took several long minutes of badmouthing Paris before she realised her beloved city was not the cause for her sadness,it was her own self making her feel this way.Jane padded back inside and fell into a restless sleep haunted by her failures.
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"Wood floors through out,granite counter tops,and will ya look at those windows!Where else ya gonna find windows like that in New York,huh"?Mrs.Johnson,the landlady asked in her thick Brooklyn drawl."True".Jane conceded,looking around the livingroom.The apartment was in a converted brownstone on the fifth floor.It had two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms,a newly renovated chef's kitchn with granite countertops and stainless steal appliances,beautiful bleached white oak wood floors,large windows in almost everyroom and a balcony in the livngroom and in both bedrooms overlooking the cute little garden.It was reasonable priced for eight hundred a month."I'll take it".She said."Is it just for you"?Mrs.Johnson asked."No,me and my five month old daughter".Jane said."Where are ya movin from"?Mrs.Johnson asked."Paris,France".Jane said."You aint illegals are ya,cause Ima gonna go ahead an tell ya now,lady,I aint doin business with some illegals".Mrs.Johnson said."We're not illegal,dont worry.I went to Paris for a change of scenery and to go to cooking school".Jane said."Good,then".Mrs.Johnson said."Do I need to sign something"?Jane asked.
"Its actually a really nice apartment,Luke,you'd like it".Jane said,balencing the phone between her ear and her shoulder so she could get Minnie feeding."Im sure its nice,mom,and I went ahead and FedExed everything you sent up".Luke said."Good,thank you so much.Im flying down tomarrow evening to get Minnie,will you meet me at the airport so I can catch a connecting flight back"?Jane asked."Yeah,sure".Luke said."Thanks,honey.God,everythings been so hectic,I feel so bad for Minnie,she's been through so much these past few days and now she's gotta get used to a new city all over again".Jane said."Yeah,thats sad".Luke said."Luke,honey,is something wrong,you sound upset".Jane said."Mom,did you really sleep with dad again"?Luke asked.Jane was silent for a moment."Yes,honey,I did".She answered quietly."Why"?Luke asked."I dont know why".Jane muttered."I'll see you tomarrow afternoon,mom".Luke said."Yeah,see you tomarrow,son".Jane said.They hung up and Jane lay there and wondered if she ruined her relationship with her children.
Her cellphone pinged with an email.Jane held the phone over her face and opened it,her head lolling off the edge of the bed,her hair skimming the floor."Hi,Jane,I dont know if you remember me or not,but Im Percy Freedman,we met a few years ago,I dated Joanne,anyway,I noticed on FaceBook that your moving to New York and looking for a job in culinary works and I happen to know of one.I moved to New York after Jo and I broke up but she told me that your a pretty great cook who knows her stuff.Anyway,I freelance sometimes for the NYTimes and their food critic and writer just quit suddenly,I suggested you to the food editor,James Feilds and he asked me to contact you for a resume and an interview.If your interested please send me a reply"."The New York Times"?Jane whispered.She sent him a quick thanks and asked him to set it up and then sent Jo a quick email letting her know.
Percy sent her a reply a moment later.I'll call Feilds in the morning and let him know.I think you'll like this job,if what Jo said is true.Anyway,Jim described the job to me,you just go around the city to different resturaunts,the paper pays for it and you just review the place.Its easy enough,pays well,I think it'll be interesting".Jane sent him a quick thank you again and fell asleep happy because it seemed like she was actually going to get a break.
TBC
They connected to the flight to Houston in Atlanta at four-thirteen Am and Jane settled in for the shorted,four hour flight back home.She hadnt been home in almost a year and she hated that her first time back since then was because her mother was dead.Minnie slept soundly in her carseat beside Jane in the other seat looking like an angel.Jane texted her brother Mitch that they were about to depart Atlanta and they would be in Houston around eight-fourty-five.He texted that he would meet her there.Jane turned her cell off again and watched as they started moving and then as they ascended into the sky.The sun hadnt yet risen over Atlanta and the city lights gave the horizon an eerie glow.Jane closed her eyes and dozed off as they departed the skys of Atlanta.
"Janey".Mitch Junior called as Jane and Minnie came walking into the terminal."Mitch".Jane said,embracing her oldest brother tightly."I hate we had to see each other after so long like this".Jane said."I know,Janey,Im sorry we didnt visit more,but there was work and the kids still bein in elementary school".Mitch said."I know,trust me,I get it".Jane said."Well,lemme see my newest lil niece."Mitch said,looking in the stroller."Well if she aint the cutest lil thing".Mitch said."Hi-hi".Minnie cooed."Jane,are you sure she's five months old,cause she jus' spoke to me".Mitch said."She's a baby genius".Jane said."Ah,like you were".Mitch said."No,she's even smarter than me,honest,she said Mama yesterday,she's holding herself up,holding objects already,she's so bright".Jane said."Thats good,we can talk more bout that later,sis,lets get back to the ranch".Mitch said."God I've missed you all".Jane said.
The ride back felt like an eternity.As they drove down the long dirtroad lined with lush,green Spruces,Jane's stomach dropped and she felt her spirits falling."Is everyone here"?She asked."Yeah,your kids got here a lil bit before you did".Mitch said."Im sorry I dont visit more often".Jane said softly."Janey,its all right,we all have things that keep us,but whats important is you came home".Mitch said gently."How's daddy"?Jane asked."His doctor heard about Mama and perscribed a seditive so he was sleepin when I left to getcha".Mitch said."Poor daddy".Jane whispered."He'll be okay,he's tough".Mitch said.Her brother slowed to a stop and looked at the steering wheel."Mitch"?Jane murmured."You know,this is the first time I ever saw daddy cry".He said."I know".Jane soothed.
There were cars all over the place and as soon as they came to a stop the front door opened and Jane's other three brothers came outside.They all wrapped her up in a tight group bear hug."Its so good to see y'all again".Jane said softly.Minnie started crying and Jane hurried to get her out."I'll take your things in,Stinky".Joel said."Thanks".Jane said.She carried Minnie inside.The younger kids were all still asleep in the TV room,the older kids and wives in the kitchen having breakfast."Um,Janey,I think nows a good time to tell ya,um,Mama left instructions that she wanted you to arrange the funeral".Mitch said."Me"?Jane asked."Yeah,um,she said that you had the best style and class of anyone she knew and she said that you would plan something perfect to honor her with".Mitch said."Oh Lord,help me".Jane muttered."You can borrow the truck and drive into town to Thayers tomarrow and meet with the funeral director,then go see the church and all,get an idea,a date".Mitch said."Thanks,Buddy".Jane said.
She went to the kitchen straight to her older kids and they all clung to her.Harley wrapped Jane in a tight hug."Im so sorry,Boss".He murmured."Thanks for being here".Jane whispered."Of course".Harley whispered.They all broke apart and Jane sat down and took Minnie out of the carseat."Oh my gosh,mom,she's gotten so big since we last saw her".Lauren said."I know,she was a month old".Jane said.Minnie smiled at her siblings,held out her hand and did the ever-cute grabby hand wave."Hi-Hi".She cooed."Aww,thats so cute,but mom,she's still really little,why is she speaking"?Lauren asked."She's smart".Jane said.Gabby took her and the kids fawned over her.Jane joined her sisters-in-laws in the kitchen."How are you doin,Jane"?Diana,Joel's wife,asked."Im sad about Mama but Im doing okay".Jane said."I have to say,it was a bit of a shock to hear you'd had another baby".Mitch's wife Melissa,said."I know".Jane said.
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"Mary-Elizabeth Anne Reynolds was born in Houston to Frederick and Martina Reynolds on December Eighteenth,1926.She grew up in Dallas and moved to Houston shortly after she married Mitchell Hutchinson in 1946.She had her boys in her first six years of marriage and then four years later had her only daughter.She was an active member here in church and in the town.She raised her five children to become successful adults and was one half of the Hutchinson Ranch and Farm where most of our local meat came from.She was an accomplished singer,dancer,poet and pianist and passed her accolades onto her only daughter.She ws survived by her husband,Mitchell Senior,her children Mitchell George Junior,Jackson Michael,John Landon,Joel Nicholas and Jane Elizabeth-Anne,her grandchildren Zoey,Nathan and Lisa-Anne Hutchinson;Rosie,Marta and Gracie Hutchinson;Lucille and Martin Hutchinson;Hayden Olivia and Riley Annaliese Hutchinson;and Lauren Elizabeth Adler,Gabriella Jane "Gabby" Adler,Luke David Adler and Margaret Amelia "Minnie" Adler;and her three great-grandchildren,George Elliot,Heather Michelle and Linda Simone Hutchinson."Father Flynn said.
Jane wiped her eyes with a tissue and she and her brothers stood and slowly walked to the front of the church and each layed a single red rose on the casket.Jane started crying and hurried back to her seat.John slid his arm around her shoulders and gave her hug."Its okay,sis".He said.Jane cried softly against his shoulder."Mama"!Minnie whined.Jane turned and looked at her a row back."Mama"!She cried,reaching for Jane."Give her to me".Jane whispered.She took Minnie and gave her a kiss."Its okay,sweetie,we'll go home soon and you can have some lunch".She whispered.Her cell vibrated."Dad's here,did you see?He brought all of them".Luke texted.Jane slowly turned and skimmed the chuch.She could see him and Agness but they couldnt see her.Jane turned back around and took a deep breath to steady herself."Oh dear God".She muttered.
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"Hello,Jane".Jane heard from behind her.Jane turned."Jake".She said sourly."How are you"?Jake asked."Im well".Jane said."Im sorry about Liz,its so sad,she was a great woman".Jake said."I know".Jane said."How's the baby"?Jake asked."None of your damn business".Jane snapped."Jane,please,lets just stay civil".Jake said."Why did you even come here,Jake?Why?Why did you come knowing what ypur mere presence does to me"?Jane asked."I wanted to say goodbye to Elizabeth".Jake said."Why did you have to bring them with you,you big jerk"?Jane asked."Did you just call me a big jerk"?Jake asked."Yeah".Jane said."I brought them because Agness turned into an over-bearing bitch".Jake said.He laughed softly and Jane reluctantly joined in with him."What did you end up naming the baby"?Jake asked."Margaret.I call her Minnie".Jane said."Thats cute".Jake said."I know".Jane said.
"Where is she"?Jake asked."Asleep upstairs".Jane said."Can I?See her"?Jake asked."Sure,follow me".Jane said.They discreetly went upstairs to one of the guest bedrooms."Shh".Jane whispered as they entered the room.Jake moved quietly to the bed and lowered himself to his knees beside the bed.Minnie was asleep on her tummy,head turned in Jake's direction,thumb in her mouth almost falling out.Jake smiled softly and softly touched one brown ringlet."She's beautiful,Janey".He murmured."I know".Jane said."I hear she's a smart baby".Jake said."She is".Jane said."Its fitting,your her mom after all".Jake said.Jane smiled softly.
Jake stood up and looked at her."You look beautiful.Having Minnie did wonders to you".He said."Thank you".Jane said softly."I've missed you,its so weird driving by the bakery and not seeing your car.Or drivng by the house and not seeing you in the garden".Jake said."Its been a little weird living in Paris,sometimes it gets annoying speaking French all the time and sure the food is fattening,but overall,Paris is great,I get to see Europe all the time.And Minnie will know French and other languages one day.But I miss America.I miss cheap MacDonalds,and free ketchup,I miss Wal-Mart and K-Mart and Macy's and KFC."Jane said.Jake laughed.Minnie stirred on the bed."Come on".Jane said.She lead him out of Minnie's room to her room and closed the door.
"Have you thought about coming back to California"?Jake asked."A little bit.But if I do I wont come back to Santa Barbara.I'd probably move to San Fran or L.A".Jane said.Jake looked a little sad."Im really sorry about how things turned out.Im by the balls,you know,Agness has really got her claws in me.But I just cant leave Micah,he's my little buddy.All the mistakes I made with Luke,I can fix with Micah.I cant undo what I have done to our children but I can do good by this one".He said."What about my baby"?Jane asked softly."You seem to have it under-controll".Jake said."I really hate you,you bastard".Jane said.Jake leaned in slowly and started kissing her.Jane let him lay her down.Jake pushed up Jane's skirt and pushed his pants down."Wait,somewhere in that drawer is a condom,Im sure of that,put it on".Jane said.Jake fished through the door and found one and put it on.
Jane pulled him down and they started kissing her again.Jane spread her legs for him and Jake settled between her legs and slowly slid inside of her and started pumping in and out of her.Jane moved with him,pushing against him."Oh,God,yes,Jake".She moaned.Jake groaned and started moving faster.Jane cried out and Jake stiffled it with a kiss."Jake!Oh,yes"!Jane cried.She started panting and gasping."Jake,yes"!She cried shrilly.She started to come and Jake kissed her to keep her quiet."Oh,shit".He groaned,jolting inside of her.He pushed deep within her,his seed shooting out into the condom.Jane flipped then over and started thrusting her hips,riding him as hard and as fast as she could.They're simultanious moans filled the bedroom and soon they were both on their second orgasms.Jane collapsed on the bed beside Jake.His hand slipped between her legs and he slid two fingers inside of her and started moving them in a circle.Jane moaned softly,relishing in the feeling.He pulled his fingers out and rubbed them over Jane's throbbing clitoris.Jane squealed and jolted against him."Oh,Jake,yes".She moaned.
Jane rolled over on her and started kissing down her body.He stopped and sucked one brown nipple in his mouth until Jane was writhing and groaning under him,begging him for more.Jake slid between her legs and kissed her on the swollen bundle of nerves.Jane screeched as he slid his tongue inside of her."Oh,dear God,yes"!Jane groaned.She rode over his tongue as another orgasm started.Jake covered her mouth as she started screaming his name,reaching down with his free hand and sliding his own throbbing member in his hand.He shot out all over the bed with a loud groan and his head collapsed on Jane's flat stomach."Oh,dear God,that was amazing".He panted."Yeah".Jane breathed.The bedroom door flew open and a fuming,angry Agness stood in the doorway."How dare you!How dare you,you dirty whore"!She screamed,pointing at Jane."Agness,stop".Jake said firmly."No!How dare you!You trashy little Southern Belle Wanna Be!Your a fucking bitch"!Agness yelled.
Jane and Jake pulled their clothes back on."You need to just calm down,Agness".Jake said."I need to calm down?!I need to calm down?!"Agness screamed."Your in here with your face between this sluts legs and I need to calm down"?!Agness screamed.Jake hopped up.Jane got out of bed and stared at them."She's a tramp,your an asshole and Im going back to California"!Agness exclaimed.She turned and stomped out of the bedroom."That woman,Jane Hutchinson-Adler slept with my husband"!Jane heard Agness announce to the house.Jane fell back onto the bed with big eyes and a dropped jaw."Oh,no,oh,God".She whispered.The kids cautiously came into Jane's room."Should we even ask mom"?Gabby asked."No,just dont".Jane muttered,covering her eyes.It had started a moderately well day despite the circumstances but it seemed it was to end badly and Jane was afraid of what was to come after it was all over.
TBC
Well,y'all,I've done it again,the Name Fairy has sprinkled her dust on me again,Im not sure since I havent posted a How You Move On in awhile,but Jane's newborn infant daughter's name was originally Olivia Katherine.Well,I have changed it and this time it will remain no matter how much I want to change it.Her name is now Margaret Amelia but Jane calls her Minnie.Dont ask me why Minnie,I was sitting in my third class today and that name just kept popping into my mind and I think it can be an off-set nickname of Margaret.Anyway,I ramble,here's a new chapter set in Paris.Jane gets some bad news and Minnie does something a bit remarkable for a baby of only five months.Yes,I know,time jump but I wanna get to the fun stuff in Manhattan,so bear with me.Enjoy!!!!
The lights of the Eiffle Tower shone through the night like a billion tiny stars.The residents of Paris were celebrating Bastille Day and they had been since the dawn of the day.But Jane and Minnie were enjoying sitting on the balcony of their livingroom of their flat watching the fireworks and the crowds from a safe distance.Three ambulances had just come and taken a few people away in the last hour and Jane didnt want to risk her sweet little girl."Look at the pretty lights,Minnie".Jane said,pointing.Minnie's tiny hand lifted and she reached for the sky where a brilliant aray of light had just exploded."Oooh".She cooed.Jane grinned.Her sweet baby who never ceased to amaze her everyday."Do you love it,baby"?Jane asked.Minnie grinned and clapped her chubby hands."Mama loves it too".Jane said."Mama".Minnie said frankly.Jane's jaw dropped."Did you just say what I think you just said"?She asked.
"Mama"!Minnie squealed."Oh my God!This is amazing".Jane said.Minnie was only five months old,none of Jane's other children spoke until they were several months old.Minnie was advancing quite quickly for a baby.At two months she was already holding her head up,at three months she could sit up,at four months she was holding objects in her hands,and at five months,her current age,she was already pushing herself up into crawling position.And now saying basic words.Jane pulled out her cellphone and entered the date and time into her cellphone memo pad and Minnie's newest accomplishment to put in the baby book.She dialed out an international line and waited for Tricia to answer."Hello"?A guy answered."Is this Tricia's number"?Jane asked."Oh,yeah,sure".The guy said.Jane heard the phone being exchanged."Hello"?Tricia answered."Who was that"?Jane asked.
"Janey!Oh my God,its so good to hear your voice,I miss you so much.How's Paris and Minnie"?Tricia asked."She spoke today".Jane said."She spoke?Wait,what"?Tricia asked."She said Mama".Jane said."She said Mama?Jane,she's only five months old,are you sure she didnt just coo and you mistakenly heard Mama"?Tricia asked."Oh,no,it was very clear,I said Mama first,I said Mama likes the fireworks too,and then she looked right at me and said it very clearly,Mama".Jane said."My God,Janey,you have a genius baby".Tricia said."I know,she makes me feel dumb sometimes and I was a baby genius according to my mama".Jane said."Show-off".Tricia muttered."Im sorry".Jane whined."I went in for my seven month check-up today".Tricia said."Yeah"?Jane asked."Im having a rather large baby according to my OB/GYN.Its already seven pounds and Im only seven months along"!Tricia exclaimed.
"No,way".Jane said."Yes,way".Tricia said."Good God,and I thought my sweet little ten pounder was heavy".Jane said."I applaud you for delievering vaginally,my doc is talking c-sections".Tricia said."Have the vaginal if you can because c-section healing time is like so much worse".Jane said."I know,me and Tyler are trying everything".Tricia said."Tyler?Who's Tyler"?Jane asked.Tricia hummed on her end of the phone,an excited,embaressed sound."He's my boyfriend".She squealed after a minute."Your pregnant and dating"?Jane asked."You betcha.Anyway,I was walkin around the mall and he came up to me and told me that even pregnant I was gorgeous and then he asked me to dinner and for my number".Tricia said."Oh my gosh!So sweet,how long have you two been seeing each other then"?Jane asked."Three months.I havent told anyone cause I didnt wanna jinx anything".Tricia said.
"Oh,Tricia,this is such good news".Jane said."Oh,Janey,I have some bad news."Tricia said slowly."What"?Jane asked in alert."Im,um,changing my mind about the baby names.I've decided to name her Alexandra Simone instead of Jane".Tricia said."Oh,good Lord,you had me worried.Thats perfectly alright,honey,I love the name you've picked".Jane said."All right,thank God,and thank you for not getting mad at me.It seems like everyone lately has been getting mad at me and its really pissing me off".Tricia said."Its all in your mind".Jane soothed."Im sure your right,super mom.Anyway,when are you coming home for a visit"?Tricia asked."Soon,as soon as my courses at La Courdon Bleu are done.I have two more weeks left until I get my Grande Diplome and then I can come home".Jane said."Will you be staying once you get back"?Tricia asked hopefully."No".Jane said softly.
"Janey,domt even worry about Jake,just come home,he doesnt rule your life".Tricia said."I know,T,but...I just love this feeling of freedom.I havent felt it since before I got married and now that I have it,I dont ever wanna let it go.Its so much fun,me and Minnie against the world."Jane said."Well,at least visit often then".Tricia said."I will".Jane promised.Her other line beeped."Lemme see who that is and I'll call you back as soon as I can".Jane said."I'll be here".Tricia said."Love ya".Jane said,clicking over to the other line."Hello"?She answered."Hi,honey".Her father said,sounding worn down and sad."Hi,daddy,you sound upset whats wrong"?Jane asked."Janey,honey,you need to come home to Texas".Mitch Senior said."Why,whats happened"?Jane asked.Jane heard her father start to cry on the other end of the line,something her father very rarely did."Daddy"?She squeaked,becoming worried.
Even Minnie stopped eating Jane's wrist and watched her mother with big blue eyes."Janey,sweetheart,late last night your mama went down to the barn to check on the horses before bed.Twenty minutes passed and she hadnt yet gotten back to the house.I went out to the porch and your mama was lyin on the ground a few yards away from the barn.She wasnt awake or breathing when I got out to her.I called for an ambulance and they took her on down to Houston General".Mitch said."And"?Jane asked slowly,scared of the answer."Janey,your mama had a hematoma of the brain and it burst,causing a massive anyuerism.It musta happened two weeks ago after she hit her head in the barn on the horse gate because of the amount of blood in the cavity.The doctor said she was brain dead and,honey,I had to turn off her life support because of her livin will.She didnt want to be kept alive like that".Mitch said.Jane started crying,she layed the phone down and layed her head back on her chair."Mama"?Minnie cooed softly.Jane stifled a sob and she looked at her daughter who's chin was quivering and her eyes were wetting up.
"When did she go,daddy"?Jane asked her father."About three hours ago,honey".Mitch said.Jane stifled another sob."Have you told the boys yet"?Jane asked."Well,darlin,Jack and Joel were already home,and Joel called Mitch Junior and I called John.They're all comin home".Mitch said."I'll come home.I'll head to the airport now.I can be home by the morning".Jane said."Janey,now dont you go doin anything that can hurt Margaret,you take your time and be careful,no sense in y'all two getting in trouble".Mitch said."All right,daddy".Jane sniffled."I'll see you soon,darlin".Mitch said."I love you daddy".Jane said."I love you too,Flapjack".Mitch said.They hung up and Jane carried Minnie inside and layed down on her bed and started to cry."Ohhh,Mama".Minnie cooed.She patted Jane's face softly and pressed a big wet kiss on her cheek.Jane kissed her back."My sweet little girl.You never got to meet the wonderful lady".She said.Her daughter's big blue eyes stared directly into her own light green and Jane knew she understood.
Even at ten-thirty PM Charles De Gaull airport was busy.Jane stepped up to the ticket desk."I need two tickets to Houston,Texas,the soonest flight you have leaving".Jane said to the pretty lady behind the desk."Yes,Madame,one moment".The ticket lady said.Jane bounced Minnie lightly,trying to get the cranky baby back to sleep."Economy,Business or First Class"?The lady behind the desk asked in a soft voice."Business".Jane said.The seats were slightly larger in Business than Economy and they served alcohol,Jane needed a stiff drink to calm her nerves.Her older children didnt take it well at all when Jane called and told them Nana Elizabeth was gone.Lauren had started cobbing like a child and Gabby wailed like a toddler would and Luke was very quiet."Cash,check or credit card"?The ticket lady asked.Jane slid her Visa across the counter and waited,jostling Minnie softly to stop her crying.The lady slid two tickets and Jane's debit card across the counter."Enjoy your flight and thank you for choosing AirParis"She said.Jane checked the flight time on the ticket."Ten-fouty-five"?!She exclaimed.She looked at her watch."I have five minutes".She muttered.She hiked the diaperbag/carry-on up on her shoulder and pushed the stroller as quick as she could to security.God must have been in a good mood because security let Jane through a new line first,gave her no hassle with Minnie and then the flgiht was delayed by ten minutes,giving Jane time to run to the Starbucks cart and get herself a venti caramel latte and a snack."You are so lucky you only eat milk right now,kid".Jane said to Minnie who was finally quiet and contently sucking on a bottle of juice in the chest sling.
Jane boarded and hooked Minnie's carseat into the seat and layed her in it."Go to sleep,kid,a trip to America doesnt mean you can ignore bedtime".She said.Minnie laughed and then yawned,making Jane smile."You always know how to make Mama smile,even when she feels like crap".She said.She kissed Minnie on the cheek and covered her up and watched her go to sleep.Jane hated that Elizabeth would never meet Minnie.It made her sad to know that the force of nature that had been Mary-Elizabeth Anne Reynolds-Hutchinson would no longer be in the Earthly world.She had been eighty-five,Jane knew her for fifty-three of them.Her mother had been born in Austin to affluent parents,she had married Mitchell George Hutchinson Senior when she was twenty-one after graduating Texas Methodist College with Honors in Biology,she had four boys in five years and then six years after the last boy she had one daughter and taught her how to be the best at everything.Jane felt like she owed the world to Elizabeth.She could imagine that everyone in the town outside of Houston where she had grown up was devastated that the pillar of the community was gone.
Elizabeth had been one half of a successfull marriage,a successfull ranch and she had seemingly made everyone around her's life a little better.Jane would miss her terribly.She had been extreamly close to her mother growing up,they had the perfect relationship of any mother and daughter.Jane's heart broke harded than it had when Jake cheated on her the first time or when she had to end it with Adam,but it measured up to her stillbirth with Caleb.At least she knew her baby son was in Heaven with someone special to watch him.Jane smiled softly,the plane taking off and said a quick goodbye to her mother.She would be missed.
TBC
http://www.jibjab.com/view/VdKdVXvOpgQNb
"Okay,I will see you two after school,have a good day".Miranda said.The girls jumped up and kissed her on the cheek and ran out the door to their ride to school."Okay,babies,lets go,mommy is very very late today".Miranda said,turning to the babies.They were already dressed and in they're seats ready to go whenever Roy showed up.A moment later he pulled up in the new,shiney black Cadillac Escalade.Miranda grabbed the carseats and hurried out."Late"?Roy asked."The queen is never late".Miranda muttered."In a sense,everyone else really is simply early".Roy said.Miranda hopped in and got the carseats strapped in and then fell back in her own seat and sighed.Roy got back in and pulled away from the townhouse.Miranda glanced at the babies.Spencer had Maggie's hand in his mouth again and was drooling.She couldnt help but smile."You cant eat your sister,no matter how sweet she is".She said,removing Maggie's hand.Spencer yawned and fell asleep.Maggie got fussy.Miranda fished around in her purse for her pacifier."You want your boo boo"?She asked.She popped it in Maggie's mouth and the baby drifted off.
The babies looked at her with wide eyes."Mama has a date tonight,kiddos".She cooed.She felt good for the first time in forever.He seemed nice but Miranda wasnt going to be fooled this time.She would be very careful,she had her most important possesions to make sure were alright and there was no way she would let some man come in and tear up their lives again.Her girls needed the stability and the safety.And now their father was on her tail,having called two ngihts before after he heard about everything from his mother who heard it from Regina and was threatening to sue her for custody since it looked like she wasnt doing her job as their mother.She silenced him imediently with a threat that ran even her own blood cold and then promptly hung up on him.She had snuck down to the twins rooms and just held them both for awhile.She couldnt bear to loose any of them.
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Either he was telepathic or he was just a patient man because when Miranda strode off the elevator with the stroller in front of her containing two sleeping babies,Alexander materialised at her side."Hi".He said.Miranda jumped."Hello".She said."I found out where the building was and thought it would be nice to pick you up".Alexander said,smiling.Miranda felt the corners of her mouth lift slightly."How gallant".She said.Alex peeked in the strolled."Aw,thats cute".He said."Do you like children"?Miranda asked."I love em".Alex said.Miranda inhaled sharply and went pale."Not like that".Alex said."Im sorry,that was rude,of course not,I just,um,got out of a bad relationship and that brought back memories".Miranda said."Thats okay."Alex said."I was going to actually drop the babies off with the nanny and my other children so we didnt have any distractions,would that be alright"?Miranda asked.
"Yeah,absolutely".Alex said."My car is out front".Miranda said.Alex followed her to the Escalade and helped her get the twins strapped in."I feel the need to mention again,that your babies are absolutely adorable".Alex said."Thank you".Miranda said.She climbed in and Alex follwed suit."Home,Roy".Miranda said."Yes,Ms.Priestly".Roy said.Her pulled onto Madison and Miranda settled back in her seat."How was work"?Alex asked."The same,I dealt with a load of incompetent idiots all day,people who dont know how to do their jobs and then I had to clean up the mess from it all".Miranda said."Sounds like you could use a nice evening".Alex said."I really could".Miranda said.She closed her eyes and heard Alex started humming softly.A noise that would normally annoy her to death,he made it soothing and nice.She felt herself drifting off and shook herself awake.Perfect way to end up dead with your children missing in a car with a perfect stranger.
They turned onto Park and Roy came to a stop in front of the townhouse."You have a nice house".Alex said."Thank you".Miranda said.She took the twins out and handed them off to Caroline and Cassidy."Girls,come here for a moment".She said.The girls turned and came back."Girls,this is Alexander Hutchinson,say hello".Miranda said."Hi".Cassidy said."Hello".Caroline said.They eyed him with large,frightened eyes and then looked at Miranda."Its okay,you four go on inside.Behave for Cara and help with the babies".Miranda said.She hugged them and they ran off with the babies.Miranda turned and gave Alex a smile."Im ready".She said."May I ask"?Alex asked."Remember that bad experiance I mentioned at my office"?Miranda asked.Alex nodded."They bore the brunt most of the time".Miranda said.She looked at her feet and then back at him,"Anyway,lets not waste time".She said.
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"I've been an editor for almost twenty-three years now,I got my start in London and then I moved to Paris and then New York.I've been at Runway here in New York for almost sixteen years".Miranda said."Thats really impressive,its so refreshing to hear about a strong,independantly successful woman who didnt use her husbands or family's fortune to get places".Alex said."What about you"?Miranda asked."I was born in Germany,my dad was in the Air Force and then we moved to San Fransisco for a few years and then I went to college in North Carolina at Duke and then went to grad school at Stanford and moved here".Alex said.Miranda cocked one groomed brow and smiled."Sounds great".She said.The waiter came back in and filled up their wine glasses.
"How do you like the wine"?Alex asked."Its wonderful".Miranda said honestly.It was just what she needed on a long,stressfull day like she'd had."So,Editor-in-Chief?That sounds like a crazy job"?Alex said."It is.But why dont I save that for another time"?Miranda suggested lightly,praying he'd take the bait."So there's gonna be another date,then"?Alex asked."I'd really like for there to be".Miranda said."Then we will".Alex said with an adorable smile.Miranda returned it.Alex tipped his glass in her direction and took a sip.Miranda took a sip and stared out at the view of the city at night,all the blinking lights,the electricity pulsing through her veins and she was glas she was a part of it on a night like this."Maybe we should get going.I dont mean to rush or sound like Im ready but I have to get home to my children".She said finally."Darn,I was having a good time just looking at you."Alex said.
Miranda turned pink and smiled bashfully."You flatter me."She said softly."You deserve to be appreciated every second of every minute of everyday".Alex said.Miranda's breath caught in her throat and she took a long sip of wine."Shall we split the check or one of us take it"?She asked."I'd like to pay this one".Alex said."Only if I get to pay next time".Miranda said."Its a deal".Alex said.Thats when Miranda realised he was holding her hand lightly across the table and it actually felt right,not at all like she was being held down or held back.She gladly laced her fingers with his and relished in it when he squeesed her hand.They requested the check and spent the next few minutes in a comfortable silence where neither of them felt obligated to speak,Miranda simply stared out at the beautiful view and Alex watched her,lightly caressing her hand.
TBC
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"The first thing you should remember about using a banana for sex is there are three different types of bananas:The first is the green banana,this banana is not fully ripe so its taste will be bitter and not at all enjoyable but it is very stiff and therefore perfect for penetration.The next is usually the best option for vaginal and oral pleasure:The yellow banana.It is sweet and semi-soft.What to remember with this particular age of the fruit is that it may break easily and become lodged in the vaginal canal if so used in this way.You should imediently seek medical attention and you should resist the urge to get the broken piece out of your body yourself because you may mush the piece up and it may travel to your urethra and uterus and cause a serious infection.The last age of the banana is the aged banana,this age is typically very limp and covered with black spots or bruises.Dont use this particular age in your vaginal cavity or serious infection may occur.Below are some tips and pictures for the different ways you can use a banana for sex."
Meryl read the list of tips and turned the page and shrieked.Because on that next page were four different pictorials of ways to use the fruit for sex.As she took the pictures in her eyes became the size of dinner plates.She mewed her lips and looked at the bunch of bananas on the counter.Don knocked on the door."Are you okay"?He asked.Meryl snapped her head in the direction of the door."Im fine"!She called."What are you doing"?Don asked.Meryl was silent."Mer"?Don asked."Its a bathroom,Don,what do you think Im doing?Playing the banjo"?Meryl asked rather snappishly.Don just laughed."Alright,I'll be in the livingroom if you need me".He said."Wait,do you have your pocket knife on you"?Meryl asked."Well,yeah,but why do you need that in there"?Don asked.
Meryl got up and slid the door open enough so she could glare at him."Just give it to me."She said.Don unclipped it from his belt and Meryl snatched it."Whatever your doing in there,I pray its legal".Don said."Barely".Meryl muttered.She slid the door shut and locked it back.She gave the knife a good wash down and layed it next to the fruit and picked the book back up and continued reading."For maximum pleasure,although this is not required,you can scrap away the top skin of the banana to reveal the moist underskin of the fruit,which will increase your pleasure and is very helpfull if you are unable to become moist yourself".Meryl's cheeks turned as red as the tomatos she had picked out of her garden a few weeks before.She whimpered softly and then picked up one of the more normal sized bananas and unpeeled it.She stared at it for a moment and sighing she picked up the clean knife and did as the book said and peeled away the outter skin.
"Step One:Oral Penetration:The easiest of all these steps,simply insert the banana in your mouth as you would during regular oral sex.This step is the safest and your can go deeper than you could with step two."Meryl gulped and looked at the fruit in her left hand."Ummm,no,sorry,Im not doing that one,next please".She said.She read down the step two."Gently insert the banana into your vaginal canal,staying close to the opening incase of breakage."Meryl sighed softly and pulled her underwear off under her dress."Uh,oh God,what am I doing"?She muttered.She cautiously spread her legs and stared at the banana and started laughing,hysterically and loudly."I have to stick the banana up where"?She squealed,holding her stomach and doubling over.
She wiped her wet eyes and took a few breathes."Alright,now that Im done with the initial paranoia,here goes".She said.She spread them again and as she did it the bathroom door slid open.She screamed and Don jumped back,covering his eyes."What are you doing"?!He exclaimed."Reading and Learning"!Meryl shrieked."With a banana"?!Don cried."Thats what the book said to use"!Meryl squealed.Don started laughing,softly and then all out,belly-clutching-crying-peeing yourself tears.He fell back on the bed.Meryl threw the fruit in the sink and stormed into the bedroom."Dont laugh at me!At least Im trying to do what the doctor says"!She thundered."Im never gonna look at bananas the same again".Don said in between laughs.Merly licked her lips and put her hands on her hips and waited,staring him down.He slowly began to calm down and met her eyes.Upon seeing her hurt expression his smile slid down slightly and he bit his lip."Sorry".He said."You done"?Meryl asked plainly."Yeah".Don said."Good,then fuck you,you asshole".Meryl said.She stormed into the bathroom and locked herself in again and fought off the tears.Don knocked on the door."Hey,dont be mad at me,wouldnt you laugh like that if you wlaked in on me and a banana"?He asked through the door.
Meryl got up and slid the door open a crack."You couldnt because you dont have a vagina"!She whined.Don tried to push the door open but Meryl pushed against it."I dont wanna talk to you right now you big jerk".She said.She pushed the door shut and sat down on the counter.The door slid open."You forgot to lock it".Don said."Then leave so I can".Meryl said.Don laughed softly and kissed her on the forehead."I appologise but I mean in my defense its not everyday I open the bathroom door and see you with your legs in two different zipcodes putting fruit where the sun dont shine".He said.Meryl snorted and started snickering."I dont even know what I was thinking,doing that".She said."Hey,to each his own".Don said.He eyed the bunch on the counter and started laughing again.Meryl smacked him."Shut up".She said.Don stopped laughing."Again,my applogises".He said.Meryl rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest."Just think though,hon,we'll have something to talk about with the doc tomarrow".Don said.
Meryl scoffed."Maybe we should just go home".She said."No,I can tell now that your really,really,really serious about this,so we'll stay.Why dont you go watch the game for me and I'll see what this book is all about".Don said."Fine,but I probably wont watch the game just to let you know,but have fun reading".Meryl said.SHe grabbed her panties and hurried out of the room before he said something else mean.
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Well,what didja think?Too much explicit detail?Not enough?Just right?Im eager to know and please,tell me what you think but dont be mean about it,just be professional,it hurts my feelings to get mean stuff in my inbox.Anyway,I would of course call it Hope Springs because its based on it,only a Strummer.Thanks,love Kaye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Im gonna meet you today".She whispered to her belly.But still,a fear settled in the pit of her stomach,that old fear from the last failed pregnancy,why arent you moving inside me?Why are you so still?You have to give me a sign that these last eight and a half months werent all in vain,please,just give me a little sign.And then the kicking from under her belly button started again she Jane could breathe again."Thank you".She whispered.she put one hand on her belly and smiled."Okay,my bags are packed,the baby's bagis packed,Im ready".She said,sitting up.She looked at her phone.Should I call Jake?Jane decided against it.She got up and slid a light jacket on and brought the bags downstairs and waited in the kitchen.A few minutes later she heard the gravel flying in the drive.
The front door clicked open and Trisha came hurrying in."How ya doing"?She asked."Ah,you know,in some pain,but its not too bad".Jane said."I called Di and she said she'd come by a little later and I couldnt get ahold of Jo at all.but I did call your daughter and she said she and Harley would be there when we got there".Trisha said."Oh,you shouldnt have called Lauren,she doesnt need to be there".Jane said."She made me promise to call her when you went into labour".Trisha said."Do you think I should call Jake"?Jane asked."I thought we had covered and closed this topic,you dont need him,Janey".Trisha said."I guess your right".Jane said."Are you ready to go"?Trisha asked."Yeah,I am".Jane said breathlessly.She picked up her suitcase and slid the strap over her shoulder."Lets do it".She said.She followed Trisha to her car and slid in the passanger seat."Its probably best if Im in there,so I can see what Im gonna go through in a few months".Trisha said."Close your eyes or you'll be convinced not to have the baby".Jane said.
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The next few hours Jane's pain went from Ouch to Yikes to Holy Shit.Five hours in she was convinced she was going to die and never see her baby."You arent going to die Janey".Trisha said."Im calling the bullshit,being pregnant sucks"!Jane exclaimed.Dr.Purceli came in."Lets check your progress".She said."I better be at ten because Im about to push and get it over with".Jane grumbled.Dr.Purceli checked her and sat up."Your at eight,just a little while longer".She said."Goddamn it".Jane said.She layed back and stared at the ceiling,blinking away tears."Only two more centimeters,Janey,not too much longer,dont cry".Trisha said."Im not crying because of that,Im crying because its hurting worse now".Jane said."Why didnt you just get the epidural"?Trisha asked."I dont want my baby coming out all doped up".Jane said."Yeah,but it wears off and you feel good at the same time".Trisha said."Who knows what crazy effects those drugs have on my kid's brain".Jane said.
She groaned and gasped as another one started and gripped Trisha's hand.Her door flew open and all three of her kids plus Harley came running in."Luke,what are you doing here"?Jane asked through it."Do you really think I'd miss you giving birth to my little sister?Oh hell no,I took the red eye".Luke said."Im so glad your here".Jane said."I took some PTO so I can stay a week".Luke said."Oh,thats great".Jane said."How are you feeling"?Gabby asked."Like hell".Jane said.They all came over and gave her a hug."How ya feeling,boss"?Harley asked."Ready for this to all be over".Jane said.Harley laughed and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek."She's only got two more to go and then it'll be time".Trisha said."Who do you want in here,mom"?Lauren asked."I dont care at this point".Jane said."How many can you have in the room"?Gabby asked."Three,I think".Jane said."Im staying".Trisha said.
"She needs to know what to expect".Jane said."Wait,are you pregnant"?Luke asked."Yeah".Trisha said."Whoa,thats freaky".Gabby said.She,Lauren and Luke exchanged a look."Now that we're this close,mom,will you tell is what your naming her"?Gabby asked.Jane took a breath."I changed it a few times since the shower,I should mention.Last month I was more or less settled on Luna Juliette and then I changed it to Lucy Jane.Then I reminded myself that your middle name,Gabby,is Jane.I went through Audrey Charlotte,Alicia Louise,until I realised that would be Alicia Adler and I didnt want to do the double letter thing.And now Im settle on one that I love."Jane said."What is it"?Lauren asked."Margaret".Jane said."Thats so pretty".Gabby said."Im definately calling her Maggie".Gabby said."Maggie Adler,I like that".Luke said."Actually,Im gonna call her Minnie".Jane said."Does dad know"?Lauren asked.Jane shook her head.
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"One more big push,Jane,you can do it".Dr.Purceli said."I am pushing"!Jane groweled.She shoved as hard as she could toward the bed and suddenly felt like she was being ripped apart."Holy shit"!She screamed,among other things."Thats it,Jane,one more push and the baby will be out".Dr.Purceli said."Thats what you just told me and its obviously the baby is not out yet".Jane said.She pushed one more time and felt a rush and then heard the most beautiful little cry in the world.Dr.Purceli held up the screaming,bloody baby and layed her across Jane's chest."My God,its about time".Trisha said,discreetly wiping her eyes with the back of her hands.Jane pulled the white blanket around the wailing little wiggly thing on her chest and cleaned her face off."She's so beautiful".Trisha said."Isnt she?Go get my kids".Jane said,not taking her eyes off the baby.Trisha hurried out of the room.
"I'll get her cleaned off while you deliever the afterbirth".The nurse said.She took the baby over to the weighing station."Do I need to push for the afterbirth"?Jane asked."Already delivered it".The doc said."Really?Oh,okay,sounds good".Jane said in surprise.The nurse brought the baby over wrapped in a pink blankie and a purple hat and Jane took her back."We'll give you some privacy".The doctor said.The room emptied,leaving Jane happily alone with the baby."Hi,Minnie,Im so happy to meet you,Im mommy,Im so happy your here".Jane murmured.Minnie's eyes rolled around in her head and she was grunting and sqeaking.The door opened quietly"Janey"?Trisha called softly."Come on in,we're all decent."Jane called.The kids,Harley and her friends came in and crowded her bed.They all started talking at once when they saw her."She is so perfect".Gabby said.Everyone wanted to hold her.By the time everyone left Jane was exhusted.The nurse came after she fed Minnie and took her to the nursery for the night and Jane happily fell asleep.
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Two week later Jane had made the decision to let Jake have the oppertunity to meet his daughter.But not where Agness could burst in and ruin it so Jane decided to do it at his office where it was probably the safest environment.But everyone stared at her as she walked through holding a carseat.His assistant,Martie,got up and stood in front of the door as Jane approched."Mr.Adler is busy today,Jane,you'll have to come back some other time".She said."Martie,take a good,long look at me,Im holding a carseat and it obviously has a baby inside,and Im going in there if I have to beat you up with the carseat.So move the hell out of my freaking way".Jane warned.She pushed the door to Jake's office open and stepped inside.He had his back to her sitting on his desk talking on the phone.Jane slammed the doors in Martie's face.Jake turned and looked at her and then down at the carseat."Im gonna call you back".He said and put the phone down.
"Janey,whats up"?He asked."I thought you might wanna meet your daughter".Jane said.She set the carseat down on his desk."My what"?Jake asked."Your daughter".Jane repeated."When did we"?Jake asked."From when we tried to get back together and then you left me,again,for Agness,again and she had a baby,again".Jane said."Why didnt you tell me"?Jake asked."I was hurt and mad at you and I didnt want you in my life.But I figured I'd be the bigger person and let you decide.So decide,do you want to be in her life or not"?Jane asked."Yeah,Jake,make a decision,me or her"?A voice said from behind them.They both turned.Agness stood in the doorway with a stroller in front of her,arms crossed over her chest,watching them."Agness".Jake said nervously."Are you fucking kidding me?!Your gonna let her freak you out"?!Jane exclaimed.Jake looked between the two women and then at his feet.
"I dont want you back,lets establish that right now,I dont trust you,but I do think my daughter deserves a father".Jane said."Make your mind up Jake,whose it gonna be?Me and Micah or Jane and your so-called daughter"?Agness asked."Wait a minute?So-called?This is his daughter".Jane said."How can you be so sure,Jake"?Agness asked."Excuse me"?!Jane exclaimed."How can we be sure that isnt some other guy's baby?I mean,Jane could've gone out and gotten knocked up by the first guy she met to get back at you".Agness said."Bitch,I know you arent calling me a tramp when your the one who ended my sixteen year marriage"!Jane exclaimed."He choose me because Im younger and sexier".Agness said."You know,up until a few months ago,I actually sorta liked you,but now I just wanna throw you off a pier into the Pacific".Jane said."If you choose her,Jake,I'll take Micah and I will leave you and you will never see him again".Agness said."Knowing how Agness is Jake,how can you even be sure he's actually your baby"?Jane muttered."Oh,he's Jake's,trust me,I think we both know".Agness said.
Jake looked at Jane sadly."Janey,Im sorry,Im really,really sorry.But Agness...has...a point.Im sorry".He said.Jane's jaw dropped."What"?She asked."He choose me,so bye-bye".Agness said."You know what,Jake,big mistake,you just had your last and final chance."Jane said."Janey".Jake muttered."No,dont even try to appologise,nothing you can say can fix this".Jane said.She grabbed the carseat off the desk and turned and walked as confidently out of Jake's office and down the hall towards the elevator.Minnie started fussing and Jane glanced down at her with tearfilled eyes."Its okay,mommy always makes a back up plan.I promise,we'll be okay".She whispered.
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As she strolled down a Parisian street late in the day,Jane couldnt help but marvel at how beautiful and the same it still was as it had been twenty years ago.She stopped in front of the Seine and lifted the baby out of her stroller.They had been there a little over two weeks,staying in a hotel with a great view of the Eiffle Tower while Jane looked for a flat."What do you think,sweet baby?Think you'll like Au Paris as much as much as mommy does"?She asked.Minnie cooed something and then she yawned."I think you will".Jane said,laughing."Bonjour"!An older French couple said as they walked by."Bonjour"!Jane called back with a charming smile.Paris had been amazing so far,Jane hoped it stayed that way,she'd spoken almost nothing but French for two weeks and a little Italian when she was in the Italian Quarter.Squeezing Minnie close to her and giving her a kiss,Jane felt free for the first time in a long time.
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"Your gonna have so muc fun,Jane,it looks so great out back".Trisha said,dancing around Jane as they walked through Sally's house toward the backyard.Jane laughed."Im sure I will,did everyone on the list RSVP"?Jane asked."Yeah,except your mom,she said she wasnt feel up to flying".Trisha said."Oh no,I hope my mama isnt sick".Jane said."She sounded a little tired but not sick when she called".Trisha said."I'll try to visit her after the baby comes".Jane said."Okay,close your eyes".Trisha said.Jane closed her eyes and heard the backdoor open and smelled the ocean below the backyard.Trisha took her hand and lead her outside."Okay,open".She said.Jane opened them and gasped."Oh my goodness,this is great,Trisha".Jane said.There was a large tent over the middle of the yard and it was pink and hanging down from the front of the tent in big shimmery letters was "Jane's Baby Shower".
"Okay,come to your throne".Trisha said.She lead Jane to a tall throne and sat her down.All her friends were there and Gabby and Lauren and some of her relitives from Texas had flown up."Wait until you see the cake,it looks great".Gabby said.Jane smiled and folded her hands over her belly."Im so glad you could all be here today for this,its so exciting,I cant wait to meet my little one,and you'll all get some pictures".She said."Have you decided on a name yet"?Her friend,Jenny,asked."Yes,but Im not telling anyone util the baby is born".Jane said."Does anyone know it"?Sally asked."Nope,no one".Jane said."No fair,you have to tell us,she's our little sister".Lauren said."Yeah".Gabby said."Its nothing off kilter like Daisey Boo Poppy LOve or something,its normal and cute but its a secret because I do have a few younger pregnant friends,if you get my drift".Jane said,singing the last few words."We would never".Jessa said in faux hurt."I mean,admittably it is a little odd but its more normal than some,I heard it in a movie and now I love it,so Im naming the baby with this name".Jane said.
"Give us a hint".Jo said."Nope,sorry hun,no hints".Jane said.The group collectively groaned."Enough with the name game,lets eat".Jane said."I already made you a plate".Trisha said.She brought Jane a plate that was baby pink and shaped like a diaper."Oh,wow,these plates certainly are something,Trisha".Jane said."Glad you like them".Trisha said.Jane nibbled on the end of a baby bootie quiche and her friends exchanged stories about their kids and their births,Jane talked about her's,it was all fun.She was very excited and the energy was doing great things to her."Janey,can I talk to you for a minute"?Trisha asked."Sure".Jane said.She followed Trisha off over to a bench by the edge of the hill that yard was set on."Whats up"?She asked."Remember how when I was younger I said I didnt want kids"?Trisha asked."Yeah,I remember,and you've also said it like everyday".Jane said.
"Janey,if I had kids would you be their godmother"?Trisha asked."You know I would".Jane said."Oh,good,cool,okay,um,there's something I have to tell you".Trisha stammered."Whats up,T"?Jane said.Trisha looked up and met Jane's eyes and stared at her.Jane shook her head."I dont know,what"?She asked.Trisha cocked an eyebrow.Jane gasped and started dancing in her seat."T-T-Oh my God,are you"?She asked.Trisha grinned and nodded."Oh my God!This is so cool,your gonna be a mommy"!Jane squealed."Shh,Janey,I dont want everyone knowing,I only just found out myself a few days ago."Trisha said."How far along are you"?Jane asked."Eight weeks".Trisha said."Did you want to have one or did it just happen"?Jane asked."Well,you know how when your in menopause you can still get pregnant?"Trisha asked."Yeah".Jane said."Well,I forgot a condom one time and bing,it happened".Trisha said.Jane smiled softly."Oh,Trish,I will be there for you every minute".She said."I know,thats why I told you first".Trisha said."Does,whoever he is,know"?Jane asked."Oh lord,no,he was bootycall and nothing more".Trisha said.
"Trisha,this is so exciting".Jane said."Yeah,maybe if we're lucky our kids will get into school together like us".Trisha said."When are you due"?Jane asked."September".Trisha said."Yay!They will".Jane said."Im really happy that your on board because Im like an emotional wreck and I dont know how to do anything with kids even thought all of my friends have kids and Im your kids godmother.Janey,what if it gets sick one day and I dont know what to do"?Trisha asked."You call me and I'll come running".Jane said."Your a superstar,this is gonna be one lucky kid.And I've already decided that if its a girl Im naming her Jayne Kristina or Jaymes Christian if its a boy.Either waa,Im naming my baby after my best friend".Trisha said."Not after your mother"?Jane joked.
"Oh hell no,Im not sussepting my angel to a lifetime of bad karma".Trisha said.Jane laughed as Trisha shuddered."Well Im flattered".Jane said."I knew you would be".Trisha said."I'd tell you mine but I dont wanna be a double standard".Jane said.Trisha made a face."Your no fun".She said."Im a mom,Im not supposed to be fun".Jane said.Trisha gasped."What"?!Jane exclaimed."Im not gonna get to drink and party as much.Oh man,my life is over".Trisha groaned,putting her head in her palms.Jane laughed and patted her on the shoulder."Yep,from here on out your life will twenty-four/seven be all about Jayne or Jaymes.Twenty-four/Seven worrying,concerning,stressing and loving.Its a hard job but its wonderful and rewarding when your kid walks across the stage at highschool graduation and acceptes its diploma,and college and its first job and the first true love and heartbreak,and weddings,its wonderful,I've loved every minute of it and Im looking foreward to it all over again.I didnt shoot all the way back to the starting line after crossing it,Im crossing into a wonderful,new place.Im in love with being a mom,you'll be fine,you'll be a great mom,if you remember the most important thing about motherhood".Jane said."What is it"?Trisha asked desperately."To love your kid unconditionally".Jane said softly,smiling.Jo came running over."Hey you two,no sititng in corners whispering,lets go party,its time for gifts then cake".She said.
Jane winked at Trisha and followed Jo back over to the party with Trisha tailing her."Okay,this first one is from me".Jo said.Jane clapped and Jo brought a huge package over."Oh,Jeez,what is this"?Jane asked happily.She ripped the paper off."Jo,oh my God,thank you,this is beautiful".Jane said.The Jeep stroller Jane had bookmarked on the baby website."Im glad you like it".Jo said.Di got Jane the entire layette,Trisha got her a carseat and a whole wardrobe of tiny little clothes;Jane got all sorts of pink clothes,she got the nursery set she wanted from Harley and Lauren,Gabby had knitted the baby a beautiful quilt in different shaded of pink.There were bottles,diapers,a christining gown from Sally,and all sorts of great baby things and things for her.BUt it was the cake that was the best thing of the whole party.It was a four layer chocolate cake with vanilla icing in the shape of a pacifier.
"Oh my gosh,this is gorgeous".Jane said."Reynoldo made it".Lauren said."My Reynoldo"?Jane asked.Lauren nodded."Your staff made everything for you".Di said."Oh my God,I am so giving everyone a raise".Jane said."Im sure they'll appreciate that.They said it was their gift to you".Trisha said."Its a perfect gift".Jane said.She smiled happily,the day had been great."Harley,since the token guy here,help me get all thsi to my car,would you"?Jane asked."No,you sit,Harley,Gabby and I got it".Lauren said.Jane lowered herself.The guests were starting to drift off and then it was just Trisha,Di,Jo and Jane.They all crowded in a circle and Jane slid her feet up on the empty chair across from her."Did you have fun"?Jo asked."I had so much fun".Jane said."I cant wait until mine".Trisha said off-handedly."What"?Di asked.Trisha's eyes got wide."Oh shit,Im such a loudmouth".She said.
"Your pregnant"?Jo asked."Yeah,I am".Trisha said grudgingly."Oh my God,I thought you didnt want kids."Di said."It was just one night and pop,pregnant".Trisha said."Wow,its just wow".Jo said."Im stumped".Di said."So am I".Trisha said."She's naming it after me".Jane said."You knew"?Jo asked."Yeah,when you came to get back in the party earlier she was telling me".Jane said."What if its a boy,you cant name a boy Jane,can you"?Di asked."No,if its a girl she'll be Jayne with a Y,if its a boy then he'll be Jaymes,also with a Y".Trisha said."How far along are you"?Di asked."Two months.Found out three days ago".Trisha said proudly.Jo took her hand."Im happy for you".She said."So am I".Di said."You know I am".Jane said.They all took each others hands.Harley and Lauren came outside."We're back,everythings in the house,your car needs gas".Harley said."Oh great".Jane said.She got up and patted her belly."I gotta go,I got things to do".She said."We'll walk you out".Jo said.
Jane hugged her kids as she passed them with her girls behind her.She stopped by the car and turned to them."Today was the best,you guys all did great".She said.She hugged them all and got in the car."Trisha,call me if you need me".She said."I will".Trisha said.Jane closed the door and backed out of the drive.She waved and pulled away towards home.She pushed the front door open humming to herself and shook her head and laughed softly at all the gifts just placed around the front door in the foyer.She put all the things she could lift in one of the guestrooms and went upstairs and layed down on the bed."Today was a good day".She said.And it had been a good day.
TBC
A/N:In the movie Jake tells Jane he's known her since she was twenty-three but I've changed some dates around,instead Jake's known Jane since she was nineteen but they werent married for twenty years since I wanted them to have not gotten married until after Luke was born,instead they were married for sixteen years.Other than that all mentions of them from the movie remain the same.
"Im having a little trouble finding the sex,again,Mrs.Adler,I dont think this baby wants you to know what it is".Kendra,the ultrasound tech at Santa Barbara Medical said.Jane sighed softly and stared at the screen in desperation."Please keep trying,I really,really want to know what my baby is".She said."Maybe,I can get a 3-d and see if that helps.See,on the original ultrasound,this green and grey swirly one we rely on determining factors that can often be wrong,but let me go see if I can snag one,we've had alot of pregnancies this month and I know we had this ne lady who was so demanding,she had to have a 3-d ultrasound and then we had this little teenager who wanted some cool pictures to show her friends at school.Its so sad sometimes.I'll be right back".Kendra said."Alright".Jane said.Kendra put the Doppler down and hurried out of the little room they were in.Jane layed backed and waited.
The door opened a moment later and a triumphent Kendra rolled in a high-tech looking machine and plugged it in."Ha!There were three other nurses and one very pregnant women all going toward it but I got there first.We only have three.We had four but this one mom a few months ago found out she was having another boy and she wanted a girl so she punched the screen and it has yet to get back from the repair".She said."Yay,go Kendra".Jane said,grinning."Lets take a look here".Kendra said,leaning and running the Doppler over Jane's stomach."Im so sorry its taken so long to find out what your having,you must be going crazy".She said."It has been.I found out when I was four months along and I had hoped that at my five month you would be able to tell but then it was in the wrong position.And now Im eight months along and I need to know so I can decorate the nursery and all".Jane said."Is this your first,I cant remember if we've ever talked about that".Kendra said."No,technically its my fifth but my last child was a stillborn."Jane said.
"Oh no,so this one I bet you've been a wreck".Kendra said."You betcha,everytime it isnt kicking I get scared and then the kicking starts up again and Im like,thank God'.Jane said.Kendra smiled."Alrighty,look right there".She said,putting her index finger on the screen.Jane looked."Thats a girl part.Your having a girl".Kendra said.Jane's face exploded into a wide grin."Oh my goodness,Im so excited".She said."Congrats".Kendra said,turning the machine off and cleaning Jane's belly for her."Thank you so much,Im so happy".Jane said."And everything looked great with her too,a little bigger than usual for thirty-five weeks,but a big baby is generally a healthy baby.And your weight is perfect,you've only gained thirty pounds but if the baby continues to get bigger,she's at seven pounds,three ounces right now,Im gonna predict eight and a half by the time delivery happens,and the placenta will weigh around five or six by itself,you'll be close to normal pretty soon after birth".Kendra said.She helped Jane sit up.
"So,your other kids,boys,girls"?She asked."Two girls and boy and one son-in-law".Jane said."Wow,sounds great".Kendra said."It really is,they're all so excited,my daughter got married a few months ago and she and her husband want a baby but I've convinced them to wait awhile so they can enjoy each other.I had her and her little sister and brother all before I got married which was something not done alot in the late seventies but I didnt want to get married pregnant and then I got pregnant again after the second one so we reschedualed the wedding for after he was born."Jane said."How long have you been married"?Kendra asked."We got divorced eleven years ago but we were married for sixteen years.This is his baby though;we tried getting back together a few months ago but he cheated on me".Jane said."What a jerk".Kendra commented."Yeah,well,now he;s back with the woman he married after we divorced the second time and they have a baby together and she has a son from someone else and its generally an ongoing awful thing.He calls me sometimes and asks me if we can work it out but we cant.He doesnt know Im pregnant.I generally try to avoid him and her at all costs".Jane said.Kendra was wide eyed."Wow,what a life you live".She said.
"Yeah".Jane sighed.Kendra giggled."Alright,given your age,I want you to begin your maternity leave today.Do you work"?She asked."I own my own bakery".Jane said."Oh yeah,which one"?Kendra asked."The Bakery,on Barone and Main"?Jane asked."Oh yeah,I've been there,you guys have great pastries".Kendra said."Thank you".Jane said."You make these things,they're made of this really light chocolate dough,and they have like three different ones with different fillings,lemon,vanilla-almond and chocolate I think and they're so good,what are they"?Kendra asked."My son came up with those when he was helping me in the kitchen when he was four,he calls them Luke Rockets".Jane said."Oh,that explains why they're called Rocket Pastries on the menu".Kendra said."They're really easy to make if you have a gentle hand.You stretch the dough until its almost see through and then you spread it and cut it into the size you want it and then you just fill it,you can put anything in them.But I recommand something smooth without lumps because you dont want the dough breaking".Jane said."Oh,cool,thank you so much,Im gonna make em for my mother-in-law".Kendra said.She helped Jane up."I'll see you in two weeks".She said."Alright".Jane said with a smile.
As she stepped outside her cellphone rang.Jane looked at the caller ID."Hey Trisha".She said."How'd it go"?Trisha asked."It was great".Jane said.She crossed the street to the parking lot."Did you finally find out what the baby is"?Trisha asked."Uh-huh".Jane said,pressing the unlock button on the censor in the direction of the SUV."Well,what is it"?Trisha asked."A girl".Jane sang.Trisha screamed and Jane almost dropped her cellphone."Whoa,my eardrums".She commented."Sorry,sorry,Im just so excited".Trisha said."Why?Its my baby,not yours".Jane said."I can still get excited".Trisha said.Jane got in the car and pulled the door shut."Yeah,I guess,now you and my kids can plan the baby shower".She said."Im so excited".Trisha said."I bet you are".Jane said.She started the engine."I gotta go,babe,Im in my car and the last thing I want is to get a ticket".She said."Alright,I'll stop by later".Trisha said."Alrighty,see you then".Jane said.she put her phone on the passanger seat and backed out,smiling to herself.
She had never been so excited,she was really happy this baby was a girl.She had a whole notebook full of little girl names that she wanted to look through.She had fallen in love with both of daughters names and Luke's name had popped into her mind the moment she saw him but this one was harder.With Lauren,Gabby and LUke she had paired them with her first and middle name and Luke got Jake's middle name and then Caleb's name had been Caleb Jacob,this one she would be naming from scratch.The drive home was easy with little traffic and Jane happily stretched out on the couch and turned the TV on just in time to catch her new favorite show,Baby Story.She was more than prepared for labour and delivery but something about seeing other women going through it eased the fear that it was hell only for her,even though she knew it wasnt easy.She had been in the room when Di had her son and daughter and when Jo had her triplets.Trisha was the only one who decided aginst kids at a young age after watching her mom have her her younger brother.
The front door flew open and Lauren and Trisha flew in."What did you two do,come together"?Jane asked."No,we met at the door,but Trisha called me,Im so excited".Lauren said."So am I".Trisha said."Lemme guess,you want me to make a list of who to invite,what kind of cake I want,what I can and cant eat and what I need"?Jane asked."Your a pro at this,yup,thats exactly what we want".Trisha said."Alright,Im not going to do it right now because Im tired and Im watching my show but I'll work on it later.Call Sally and see if she'll let us have it at her house,I love the view from her backyard".Jane said."I'll do that".Trisha said."Have you decided on a name yet"?Lauren asked."Nope,not yet".Jane said."Well,get a move on".Trisha said."Hold your horses,Trisha,its not that easy and I dont want to give myself enough time to change my mind".Jane said.Trisha groaned in frustation."I want to get something cute with her name on it for the party".She said."Sorry,bubby".Jane said.She laughed softly and turned the volume back up.
"I think we've been dismissed".Lauren said."I think so too".Trisha said."You have,bye".Jane said,eyes on the TV.Lauren gave her a hug and she and Trisha left,talking about what they were going to do with the decorations and Jane laughed.Her best friend and her daughter,what an odd match,Trisha was so firey and a little nuts and Lauren was so level headed and calm.Jane knew there would be some drama before it was all over."Im off the clock,I dont care".She muttered,getting back into the home birth of Alexander Martin.The baby started kicking and poking her arm or elbow or foot out of Jane's stomach and Jane watched in enjoyment.Everytime she poked where something lumped up the limb would instantly move but seconds later would return under Jane's palm."Hello in there,Im mommy".Jane said softly.She couldnt wait to meet her baby,she wasnt the youngest mom in the world and she wasnt the coolest mom in the world but she knew she was a pretty damn good one and that all of her kids had grown up to be great adults so she had no fear that this one would be perfect too.
TBC