My tomorrow are all mine

Chapter 9

Weeks later Fern and I have become very close and have a lot in common. At least the old Florence from years ago and Fern have things in common. I still find myself thinking back and crying about the life I had and wonder how I let it last that long. If I didn't get that letter by mistake, I would have died there. Would I have never left? I watch Fern and Daisy dance in the living room and smile. Still wiping tears away. Thinking about the child I lost and mourning the loss a bit more. Fern and I had a heart to heart one day and filled her in on my mess. She cried with me and then told me about the baby they lost after Daisy. We were a mess that night. We watched some movies all together and when my nightmares started up Fern helped me through those too.

We went shopping and I got leggings and a sweatshirt with some bras and shirts. I got socks and underwear. Then we picked out a coat. She looked at me and I could tell I was human again. I was alive again. She cared and I was safe finally.

" Alright so hair" She says " You need some TLC."

" I agree." I say " It's been a few years."

" Years," she says, turning and looking at me. I shake my head yes and she rolls her eyes. " Okay let go then." She takes my hand and walks into the beauty shop. When the lady gives me a look she speaks up. " A ready shitty truck." she said no more and did not question anything.

When she was done washing and fixing my curls I looked in the mirror. Then Fern through the mirror and she wipes a stray tear from her cheek. I pay the lady and Fern treats me to lunch. We take our time and bond more. She asked about my life before him and I told her about college and my parents een my foster mom. Then she looks at the clock and says, "Oh, we have to go. The boys are going to be calling soon and I have to get Daisy first or she will be so mad she missed another daddy call. When we get back to her house the phone is already ringing. She grabs it quickly.

" Hi baby" She says " She's right here." she passes the phone to Daisy." She talks to her dad while I go unpack my new clothes. My arms and face look and feel so much better and I have gained a few pounds. " Flo come here. Someone wants to speak to you." she yells. I walk out to the kitchen and they pass me the phone.

" Hello" I say

" Hey chickadee, how are you feeling?" I hear a deep rough voice say with a bit of a drawl. " I heard you were not in good shape." His voice almost whispered " That killed me a bit." I look around and the girls are gone. My chest hurts trying to form words.

" I am doing well now." I say " Gunner?"

" Chickadee?" He says

" Thank you, your letter saved my life and I know I probably would have not been breathing later that day if Fern didn't show up." I admit

" I want to kill him, but I can't. I hope I never see him. He might not make it out." he says and his voice cracks. Is he crying? " I am glad I could help. I hope you enjoy yourself. According to Fern you two are besties now."

" oh yeah she's awesome." I say

" Okay Chickadee, I just wanted to check on you. Good to hear your voice." He says " Tyler wants to speak to his wife. So I'll let you go. I'll see you soon."

" You too" I say, not knowing how to end the call with him.

" Hey Chickadee?" he says

" I will be expecting a very big smile and hug when I finally get to see you." He says. It makes me blush and I don't know what to say. I hand the phone to Fern and she starts talking away. I walk back to my room and think back to everything he has helped me through and I have not even seen him or met him.

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Before I knew it, it's the end of April. Tyler is already home and he fills me in on a little bit about Gunner. We got to know each other. Gunner calls every day and talks to me and we get to know each other a bit. I got my ticket two days ago and today will be my last day with my new family. I have really found the Florence I used to be and opened up about my life. Tyler says Gunner is really excited to come home. Said they all picked on him about the hug I promised him. Which makes me laugh.