A Place To Call Home

Hard Decisions

Two Months Later

A cool summer breeze gently moved through the overgrown corn field outside the farm house, the long shoots of corn danced with the wind. The old tractor remained still while some birds bounced around on it's steering wheel, the evening had become cooler now. Ellie was greatful for the weather change, it had been hot for days. The hot weather sometimes kept JJ awake at night, he normally ended up sleeping between Ellie and Dina. But she didn't mind, she loved watching him sleep. On the odd occasion they would play peekaboo with the blankets or tickle Dina's feet while she was sleeping, Ellie truly loved the family she had gained.

Ellie was sitting on the porches steps with JJ, they'd had a rough day. Tommy had visited Ellie and Dina this afternoon, they had ended up arguing over Abby again. He been given a lead about her location, she had been spotted travelling with a young boy in California. Ellie didn't want to go after Abby anymore, she wanted to stay on the farm with her family. Tommy was determined to find Abby still, he would end up getting himself killed if he went after her. His marriage with Maria was now over, they had separated over his thirst for revenge. He had brought it on himself, Ellie hated that they were no longer together. Dina had argued with Tommy, she had gone after him because he was putting pressure on Ellie about the promise they had made over a year ago. Dina didn't want Ellie to go after Abby again, they had promised Abby they wouldn't go looking for her after she let them live. Abby had threatened to kill Ellie if she ever saw her face again, they both planned to hold up their end of the bargain. She sighed deeply to herself and bounced JJ on her knee, she just wanted to forget about today. JJ smiled and laughed when Ellie made a horse sound, she told him that one day she would teach him how to ride a horse. She had so many things she wanted to teach him, she wanted to make sure he was prepared for the future in this crazy world.

" There you are." Dina said with a smile. " I thought you pair had done a disappearing act on me."

" You wish." Ellie smiled.

Dina sat down next to Ellie on the steps and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend, she rested her chin on Ellie's shoulder while she looked out across the field of corn with them. JJ was soon reaching his hands towards his Mom with a big smile on his face, he was such a happy little boy.

" Hey sweetie, what are you up to?" Dina asked, she took JJ from Ellie and sat him down on her knee. " Are you keeping Ellie company?"

" He's the best company to keep in these times, isn't that right potato?" Ellie asked.

" Are you sure about that?" Dina asked.

" Yep." Ellie replied with a smile. " But you're my favourite grown up company."

" I'm glad to hear that." Dina said before she cupped Ellie's hand with her own. " How are you feeling?" 

" I'm fine." Ellie replied.

" You'd tell me if you weren't okay, right?" Dina asked.

" Of course, but I'm fine... really, I'm okay." Ellie replied.

Ellie smiled at Dina and put her arm around her, she told her she was fine as long as she had her foxy girlfriend around. Her comment earned her a giggle from Dina, she went onto tell Ellie that she was more of a hippo these days than a fox.

" You wish!" Ellie smiled.

" Do fancy an early night then?" Dina asked. 

" Babe, not in front of potato." Ellie replied.

" Oh, yes sir!" Dina smiled.

" That's the brick master to you." Ellie said.

" Of course, super nerd." Dina said