Walking aimlessly around the ship, I played with the star around my neck. Being around Mal has stirred up a lot of memories. River was right. I am missing home. I found myself sitting on the floor next to Wash as he piloted the ship. "What's on your mind?" He asked, looking down at me. "You think I can call home?" I questioned, still playing with the star. "I don't see why not." Wash nodded, giving me control of the screen and controls to call home.
I took a deep breath and started the pattern to call. Before I hit the last necessary button I stopped and looked at Wash. "Could you get Mal and Zoe before I call. You guys should say hello." I smiled, nervous. Wash quirked an eyebrow but went to get them. I took a deep breath and pushed the last button before they got back. After a second my Ma's aging face popped up.
"Flora! You find a ship to get you to find work?" Ma asked, sounding hopeful. "Yes ma'am. I think you'd like the captain." I smiled as Wash came back with Mal and Zoe in tow. "Good evening Betsy." Mal came into her view beside me. "Mal! Wonderful to see you again!" Ma beamed, fixing her hair. "Hey, Grams! Where's Teddy!" A small girl's voice rang out.
Wash and Zoe turned to me, surprised. "Rosie! Momma's on the screen!" Ma yelled out to the girl. A squeal of delight came from off screen until my daughter's face popped up. "Momma! You'll be back soon right?" Rosie asked, showing me a toothy grin, her two top teeth missing. "Yes flower. Just a little bit longer. I'll bring you a present like always too." I couldn't stop smiling.
"I can't wait! Is that Uncle Mal?" Rosie asked, pointing to Mal himself. I nodded, bringing her to squeal and clap her hands. "I just wanted to check on you two. I guess everything good?" I asked my Ma. "Yes Flora. Everything is good. You go do your thing. We need to go find Teddy. We love you." Ma waved, Rosie nodding and waving in the background. The screen soon went black.
"So, a daughter?" Wash cleared his throat. I nodded, still smiling. "She's something else." Zoe grinned. "She has her daddy's hair. Dark like chocolate, but eyes like the sea." I sighed. "That little one has your heart don't she?" Mal asked ad Wash sat back in his pilot chair. "She is my heart." I looked him in the eye.
"Good to know but now we just have to keep you out of the trouble as much as possible. Real shame too. You're one of the best." Mal mused as Zoe shook her head at him. "Well my friends, you two need to go. I need some time. With my sweetie." Wash gave Mal and I a hard look. "Say no more." I put my hands up defensively and walked out with Mal. "She's a pretty girl." Mal commented, trying miserably to small talk. "Yes Mal. She is. Now say what you really want to." I laughed.
"She asked if you where coming back soon and you said yes. Will you be?" He asked, looking rather serious. I thought for a second and turned to him. "As soon as possible. I just want a place with a job and move her and Ma out there. She doesn't have any friends yet. Her only attachment is Teddy, her daddy's childhood toy bear." I replied. "Are you happy?" He asked suddenly. I stopped in my tracks. Was I?
