Together at last

Let's see how the other side lives

I told Annie to call me when she was gonna land. And as soon as I knew she was gonna be ok she was just about to land with Jason. He leaned forward giving her hand a little squeeze. You're gonna be ok kid. He's gonna love you. And he knows you're coming but Farrah isn't? Yeah sometimes I help out when Farrah can't be there. Your dad loves me like family. So if he can love your sister's boyfriend like family he will and does love his daughter like family because you are his family. But remember you have to be Hallie. I know and I'm ready that's why you're here to help me. I can't wait to meet him. I bet he can't wait to meet you too.

Dad was front and center when the plane landed at the Napa airport and she walked down the steps of the plane and the pilot gave her and Jason their luggage. Jason leaned over to whisper into her ear a big smile on both their faces. As he gave a little wave at him. There he is Annie go to him. Oh gosh I can't believe it's him. Hey Hal! Welcome home kiddo. Jason stood there and waited as they had their welcome. Get in these arms you little punk he told her. Dad finally! She exclaimed mostly to herself. As they hugged. I hope you had a lousy time at camp because you are never going back. He told her. Hey now. Jason teased as he slowly approached. No offense dad chuckled I'm sure you and Farrah are great camp councilors and you two did a great job watching over her and her friends.

It's good to see you again he gave Jason a fatherly pat on the back. Likewise. He nodded. I missed you so much he told Annie. As he kissed her cheek. What happened to you Hal? He asked her. Something's changed did you get taller? So what's up dad how's Chesse and everybody. Jason looked over at her with a wink and a thumbs up as dad held an arm around her as they walked away Jason trailing behind. Great everybody is great and they can't wait to see you. 8 weeks is a long time a lot can happen in that time. A lot has been happening around here he told her. A lot's happened to me too dad I'm practically a new woman. What's the matter did I cut myself shaving? He asked her. No it's just I feel like it's the first time I'm seeing you. I mean in such a long time. She corrected. You look taller to me to dad. She told him. Come on squirt and Jason let's go home. He told her as he followed them along. He crossed his fingers over his chest subtly biting his lip and hopes that this works.

They got in the car and it felt like such a long drive. Dad said something about all her newsy letters. That he was really glad he bought her that personalized stationery. We meant to write dad but we... "we" he asked her. Jason held his breath. I got letters from Farrah. And Jason was sending out news letters to the parents to tell us all what was happening at camp. Oh I just mean that I met this girl at camp in Farrah's cabin and we got really close. Dad felt hat was great. She said they were practically sisters. Dial it down Jason leaned forward and whispered to her. She was a really lovely girl. "Lovely girl?" Dad asked as he laughed. Way down Jason muttered. What all of a sudden you're all proper now? He asked her. What did Farrah and Jason teach you. I know she's been going back and forth here to London but.... And you're still biting your nails he picked up her hand. Dad you noticed she teased back.

Noticed? He asked you've been biting your nails ever since you could chew he said back to her. But I've decided to stop it's a horrid habit. She said back. Lovely girl horrid habit? Did I send you to summer camp or finishing school he asked her? But Annie looked worried. And why do you keep saying dad at the end of every sentence he asked her. She said she didn't realize she was doing it. Then she asked if he wanted to know the truth why she was doing that. He said she missed her old man. She quickly agreed. She said her whole life then quickly said the last 8 weeks we had to remember that this was Annie we're talking about. She said she hadn't been able to say the word dad not once. And if you ask me a dad is a irreplaceable person in a girl's life. Think about it there's a whole day dedicated to celebrating dad's everywhere. Just imagine someone's life without a dad she said. And then listed all the ways she's missed or other people would miss about not having a father. So let me get this straight you missed be able to call me dad? He asked.

OMG OMG! She gasped beginning to sound like her old self as they pulled up to a ranch with our name on it. She got out of the car and looked up at the house in amazement. And then Sammy barked down at her. Uh oh I trained the girls I never trained him he's never met both the girls but maybe I've smelled like them both at one point or another. Chesse came running to hug Hallie. Hello gorgeous she ran right up to her. We missed you so much but don't you dare let your old man talk you out of going back to camp she told her. Welcome back Jason it's always nice to see you. Even if Farrah isn't here. You're a growing girl that needs adventure and boy was she ever on one as it was since she was not Hallie. Are you hungry I made corn bread and chili. Why are you so quite what's wrong? She asked her. Nothing Annie said. I'm just so happy to be home. Hm something's changed about you Hal I just can't put my finger on it. Jason had followed behind them felt like she knew he was coming that wasn't my favorite it was one of Hallie's and Jason's and dad's but Jason and dad would eat just about anything. I don't eat meat.

Really well it's the same old me. She said back up against the "wall" fingers crossed behind her back and then it was a problem when Sammy came to greet them. What's wrong with you goofball it's Hallie. Chesse said. Before Jason kneeled down and pet him. Oh I probably just smell like camp that's all. She lied. Jason followed Annie in. What's the matter with you it's like you don't even recognize her. She had a look around as she slowly looked around said it was better than the pictures. Chesse came back in asked her what she wanted to do first. Do you want to eat and unpack or unpack and then eat? Or we could eat while we unpack. She suggested and Annie was very surprised by that. I can eat in my room? Dad said when she was done there was someone she had to meet. Uh oh. And then she turned and saw a woman that wasn't her mother sitting outside. You're always eating she was telling him and asked him if he told her he said no. Then again she didn't exactly like me and I was pretty sure I did tell her about the she devil. Tell me what? Annie asked Chesse and Jason. I'd told him all about Cruel ella devil. I'm so sorry I can't be with you Annie. I remember saying to her. But she was on her own Jason better keep an eye on her.