Holiday Hullabaloo

Chapter 32

The Wiggles took Jill to a tall apartment building where, they were told, Gertrude now lived. 

The elevator was out of order, so they had to climb the stairs to the top floor. 

This was a workout for all of them, especially Jill.

She was breathing heavily by the time they got up there.

"Jill, you alright?" said Murray putting his hand on her shoulder.

"Yes, I'm fine. I've climbed up this many stairs before" said Jill.

"Well, you didn't have a human being inside you then" said Greg.

"Wiggles, stop worrying" Jill giggled. 

She went through an open door into an apartment with a balcony overlooking Wiggletown. 

Gertrude was standing on that balcony, leaning on the railing.

"Gertrude?" Jill whispered.

Gertrude looked back and saw her friend with the Wiggles, then she abruptly turned away. 

"You brought a children's band? Are you trying to tease me about what my husband put me through?" she sobbed.

"No, dear, no. They're my friends. They're just here as friends" said Jill.

"I don't want you here" said Gertrude.

"I know. But couldn't I have a moment?" said Jill.

"You promise you'll leave... when I ask?" cried Gertrude.

"I promise."

Gertrude let Jill in and faced the Wiggles. 

"Good afternoon, Ms Goldstein" said Anthony politely. 

"Good afternoon. I know why Jill brought you here, gentlemen, but it's futile. I haven't any children for you to meet, and I expect Jill told you why" said Gertrude.

"Yes ma'am, she did, but we came for you" said Greg.

"Me?"

"Yes, you. We came to try and make you feel better" said Jeff. 

"We knew someone in the same emotional state as you, ma'am" said Murray.

"Did that someone have post traumatic stress disorder?" Gertrude inquired.

"No. But he did do a lot of threatening. Almost killed us" said Greg.

Gertrude softened. "What happened to him?"

"We didn't give up on him. We helped him through it" said Murray.

"And now he's married to me, and he's wonderful" finished Jill. 

"We could do the same for you, madam. We're probably not great at making a match for you, but we could at least cheer you up" said Jeff. 

"It's true; it's part of their profession. Please give them a chance" said Jill. 

Gertrude took another look at the Wiggles and softened more. 

She was about to say if she agreed, but before she could, Jill collapsed. 

"Jill?" said Greg.

"What are you doing?" Gertrude gasped.

Jill was grabbing her sides and groaning in pain. 

Terrified, Gertrude locked herself in the other room. 

"What do we do?" said Murray.

"We certainly don't leave her" Jill strained.