The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 25 - Time for Study and Back to School

            Greg called ahead as the Abernathy family left the Los Angeles International Airport after dropping Matt off and before driving across town, and discovered Julie was thrilled with the prospect of a visit. It didn't matter that it wasn't planned, and she didn't mind in the least that they were just dropping by because they happened to be in the area.

Roughly thirty minutes later, Greg was parking the family's SUV alongside the curb in front of Julie and Elliott's house.

"Welcome!" Julie came out to meet them as Greg stopped the car and they all got out.

"Hi Julie," Susan and the children called while Greg came around the car to hug his daughter.

"Imagine this, I get to see you twice in as many weeks," she told him looking pleased as she invited them all inside.

"I am pleased to see you too. Are you and the family well?" Greg asked.

"We are. Are you? I know you just dropped Matt off at the airport. That has got to be hard, Susan. I don't know how you do it," Julie commented.

"It is," Susan confirmed. "But that's what Michael and I agreed was best for him for the time being. He's beginning to think about colleges though and wants to look at some California schools this year, so he may be back."

"I'm sure that would be nice for you. How are you feeling?" Julie asked her kindly while looking appraisingly at her father's wife.

Greg arched a brow and looked between his wife and his daughter.

"I'm fine Julie. Very well, thanks for asking," Susan told her.

Julie smiled then called the rest of her family to join them for a visit.

The Abernathys didn't stay long ... only an hour or two, intending to be home again for supper. But it was a nice way to spend the afternoon and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

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"Does Julie know?" Greg asked Susan as she drove on their way home.

"She overheard Richard at the party, so she thinks she does," Susan told him. "I haven't confirmed it, but her guess is right."

"I didn't know that," Greg remarked. "We're going to have to say something to the rest of the family relatively soon."

"Why? I'm not showing yet," Susan replied. "And I probably won't for another month."

"No, but it is a courtesy to let them in on our joy," Greg explained.

"Not yet," Susan said. "Let's wait until next week, or better yet, let's wait until Labor Day."

"Why Labor Day?" Greg asked.

Susan shrugged. "Why not Labor Day? Maybe we can have them over for a barbeque and announce it then. Just the family though ... and Richard and Marion of course."

"Can the babies come too, Mama?" Jessie asked from the back seat.

"Maybe, if their mom and dad think they're old enough," Susan said. "They may be by then."

"I wonder if Alan and Cindy could come," Greg mused. "It would be nice to have them too."

"I agree. Make it a much smaller group than we had for your birthday ... un-birthday," Susan hastily amended. "That would be nice."