Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 61 - Olivia's Birthday

The month between Melody's and Olivia's birthdays went very quickly. The Abernathys planned a quick, two-day visit to Oakland the weekend of her party. Although there was some discussion about whether Zack would accompany them, when Matt promised to spend Saturday night at the house so he wouldn't be alone, it was decided that Zack could stay home. He would be working during the day on Saturday, going with Matt and Ashley on a double date that evening, and attending church on Sunday.

"I suppose he can't get into too much trouble if he and Kelly are never alone," Susan mused on Friday evening when the decision was made.

"He will have company if not supervision," Greg agreed.

"Do you think that is enough?" Susan wondered. Given the recent developments in Zack and Kelly's relationship, she'd become more cautious about giving them too much unsupervised time alone.

"You were right when you said we have to trust them at some point," Greg said. "Given what you've shared with me about the role of religion in governing your own actions as a youth, perhaps the fact that both Zack and Kelly also regularly attend church, have been baptized, and profess to be committed Christians will work in their favor?"

That was their hope.

And so, Greg, Susan, Jessie, and Melody made the trip to Oakland early Saturday morning, leaving Zack at home alone.

c

It was mid-morning when Greg lifted Melody so she could ring Alan's doorbell.

"Welcome," Alan said, opening the front door and inviting them all in.

"Thank you," Greg said. "It is good to see you Alan."

"You too, Dad," Alan said, and uncharacteristically, he hugged his father in the entry while the rest of the Abernathys made their way to the living room around him.

Greg arched a brow, looking critically at his son.

Alan shrugged. "This will be the second time our family is all together ... without Mom. It's hard to get used to the idea she won't be here. I think she was looking forward to Olivia's first birthday as much as we are."

"There is no doubt she loved her, Alan. Having a granddaughter was very special to your mother. It is to me too, however I have been fortunate enough to live long enough to be here," Greg said.

"I know ... exactly. If you'd never come back ..." Alan sighed. "I'm just realizing how lonely holidays would be without the miracle that enabled you to come back to us. Julie feels the same way, by the way."

Greg smiled. "Is she here?"

"Not yet," Alan said.

"Then perhaps it is time for me to greet the birthday girl," Greg said.

Alan's somber expression turned into a grin as he escorted his father into the living room. As soon as they walked in, Greg discovered Olivia had learned to walk during the intervening month since he'd last seen her. Olivia was eager to see Melody and walked across the floor as soon as Susan had Melody's jacket off. Melody met the little girl half way, and the two greeted one another like old friends. Olivia began showing Melody her toys and the two started playing together immediately.

While Olivia and Melody played in the center of the room, Jessie stood to the side with Susan and Cindy, looking on.

"That is so great," Alan said as he watched them with a grin.

"Why is that, honey?" Cindy asked her husband.

"Because, this is what I kept thinking about the day Olivia was born," Alan said. "Having a child old enough to play with other kids."