My Heaven And My Hell

The Best Made Plans 5/21/05

Nikki's POV

I called home to talk to Donna and I called her cell she's not picking up. I'm worried So I call Jenny to see if she knows anything. Donna answers the phone.

"This is the Grey's residents." She answers.

"Hey Donna I've been trying to reach you. Tried the home and your cell. I thought you would be home by now." I tell her.

"No. Her parents had engine problems. She sent them money to help. But They won't be here till Monday." She groans.

I'll come back right after our gig. She's not your responsibility." I say.

"You're right she's your disaster." She hisses quietly.

"I was going to hire a nurse, but you strangely volunteered. Just try to keep the peace for the kids. I'll see you tonight." I expected a slamming phone.

"Ok I'll see you then." She says softly and hangs up.

I don't rub Jenny in her face. I'm not that big of a dick. She insisted on going with me to Jenny's court date. She insisted on staying with Jenny. I should have hired a nurse. Jenny can be difficult if she feels caged up. An after effect of being kept housebound by her psycho husband for several years. I'm amazed her gentleness and ability to trust survived it.

I'm not understanding Donna right now. I'm starting to wonder if she is up to something.

Donna's POV

I hang up the phone and glance at my husband's whore. She is cuddled up in the big recliner with the girls watching cartoons. The other children are lounging on the couch including Ryan. She's even won over my children.

How can I sully Nikki's image of her. For Christ's sake He ran to her rescue when she fall off the wagon. He's willing to protect her from an ex lover. He deals with her supposed PTSD. She has anxiety and nightmares. I caught him on the phone once practically cooing to her trying to calm her down.

I'm trying to save my marriage and Nikki needs to not only get angry. He needs to despise her. This is gonna take some thought. Isn't there some old saying Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.

Charlie's POV

I've been keeping an eye on Miss Donna. She looks like she might pop her cork any moment. Gun, Decker, and me have been running interference since we got home yesterday from school. The girls have been keeping her distracted as mush as they can. We've been running errands for Mom so she doesn't have to. Storm has been a go between. So far we've managed to keep the peace. I'm not a stupid kid I know my Mom is the other woman. I know it's wrong so does my mom that's why she takes Donna's shit quietly. Well most of the time. But Nikki has mostly been good for Mom and I like him being my Dad. I don't want that messed up. I'm a big brother I take my job serious. Mary, Frankie, Elisa, and the babies Mama is carrying are innocent. I won't stand by and let them get hurt if I can do something about it. Mama needs to rest with as little stress as possible.

Jenny's POV

I'm not blind to the fact the kids are trying to ease the friction between me and Donna. They are doing a pretty good job. I hate the fact they feel the need. She finally comes in the living room and sits near Ryan. He leans into her. I carefully whisper to Frankie. She gets down from the recliner skips to her Mama and crawls onto her lap. She snuggles her. Maybe Saturday morning cartoon time can go calmly. I hate the pain meds. They make me so drowsy. I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open. I glance at the kids. I always wanted a houseful. Brandi had ran off and lost custody. Her kids live with Nikki and Donna now. They come here as often as they can. I look at Donna her sweet veneer slips for a moment. She has a decent center. I might have liked her if we weren't in love with the same man.

Nikki's POV

I roll in late. One of the kids have turned on the electric candle that sits in the window. It's a welcoming soft glow. I smile Jenny is very sentimental. The light is always left on for me when I'm coming in late or absent from the home. Charlie says that's how his Mom says I love you. She will say it back if I say it first. She just shows it all the time in sweet gestures and gentle touches. When I started sleeping in the spare room for the children's benefit. She decided I needed my own space. I didn't set up my bedroom in the den. She did, every antique piece and bedding picked by her to please me. Sometimes she comes quietly to me in the night then disappears by morning. I walk through the house. I run my hand over the top of my dining chair it's larger and more ornate then the rest. She makes sure I know I'm the king of her castle.

I check on Jenny first she's sleeping soundly. Deciding I need a shower I head to the bathroom. The warm water feels good on my muscles. I wash, rinse and get out. I wrap a towel around my waist and head to my bedroom. Donna is asleep. I don't want to wake her. I slip a pair of sleep pants and slide into bed. She rolls into me and cuddles close. I shouldn't but I except her affection and close my eyes. I wish she had always done this.