| Chapter 63: Thanksgiving “Honey, can you get me the silver platter?” Sandy wiped her hands with a dishtowel. “Here ya go,” Lauralee handed it to her as she tossed the salad. “Need any help in here?” Denise poked her head in the kitchen. “You know, sometimes I feel like this kitchen can do everything by itself,” Sandy sighed. “Self-cleaning ovens, ice making refrigerators, whew!” “The contractors did a nice job,” Denise smiled. “Only the best for my mother. You should’ve seen the look on her face when I gave her the brochures for her birthday,” Lauralee laughed. “Well, looks like everything is ready.” Charlene, Dominic, Catherine, Ursula, Denise, Sandy, Alex and Lauralee all sat around the dining room table. Lauralee was a little nervous about having Alex’s family come down, but Sandy insisted, and Denise happily accepted. Sandy brought the turkey out as the group gave her a round of applause. “That’s some turkey Mrs. Deverson,” Alex smiled. “Alex, how many times have I told you…” “Sorry, that’s some turkey Sandy.” “He’s right Sandy,” Catherine nodded her head. “My complements to the chef!” Ursula put her napkin on her lap. “Shall we say grace?” Charlene looked on as Sandy sat at the head of the table. “Lau, would you like to do the honors?” Sandy grabbed her hand. “Absolutely,” Lauralee grabbed Alex’s hand as they all bowed their heads. “Lord, thank You for this meal we are about to receive. There are so many things we are thankful for this year: family, friends, loved ones, and the life we have all led. Lord, make us strong mentally and physically, and watch over all of us in the coming year. We are grateful to You above all things. Amen.” “Amen!” they all said as they served dinner. ~*~ “So, you excited about Europe Lau?” Denise asked. “Very. I can’t wait to see Europe. Last time I went didn’t turn out as well,” Lauralee sighed. “You’re gonna love it,” Alex smiled. “The fans there are so friendly, though a little more overzealous than here.” “You promised to bring me something remember?” Dominic ate a mouthful of mashed potatoes. “First chance I get,” Lauralee laughed. “Doing heavy promotion?” Ursula asked. “Lots. Radio, TV, magazines; Riley said we were really requested there, so we want to get in as much as possible.” “You hear from any of the girls?” Catherine asked. “Bianca called me from Hawaii this morning and is working on a nice tan. And Elizabeth called; saying that Brian’s family is really nice. Veronica and Laura are having a relaxing holiday at home.” “You all deserve the rest. I can’t even imagine the work you put in,” Charlene commented. “All for the music,” Alex patted his stomach. “Well I’m full, and I’m sure the turkey coma will kick in anytime.” ~*~ “Think you know who hit Stone Cold with the car?” Alex asked Dominic. They were in the back porch. “Well, I think it was Triple H, but it could be anyone,” Dominic raised his hands. “So you liked Survivor Series then?” Lauralee sat him on her lap. “Yeah. I watched it at Anthony’s, cause Mommy said it was too much money.” “Too much?” Lauralee looked at Alex. “Uh huh. Mommy said we have to ‘tighten the belt a little,’ but I don’t know what that means.” “Tighten the belt huh?” Alex looked back at Lauralee. “Lau, what’s a bill collector?” Dominic shifted his weight to look at her. Lauralee was shocked. “Those are big words Dommer. Where did you hear them?” “I heard Mommy talking to Aunt Sandy the other day. She said that and bank… something.” Lauralee exchanged a worried glance with Alex. “Uh Dom, why don’t we play a video game? You can set it up and I’ll be there in a minute OK?” Alex smiled. “OK!” Dominic ran to the wreck room. “You all right?” Alex put his hand on her shoulder. “I… don’t know. I need to talk to my mother.” “Go ahead. I’m gonna play with Dominic.” They separated as Lauralee went into the kitchen, where Sandy was putting the dishes into the dishwasher. “Uh Mom, can I talk to you for a sec?” “Sure honey, what’s up?” “Is Aunt Charlene in trouble?” Sandy stopped. “Where did you hear that?” “Dominic asked me what a bill collector was and said he overheard her talking to you about bankruptcy.” “I didn’t think he was… honey sit down,” Sandy and Lauralee took a seat. “It seems that Charlene’s ex hasn’t paid child support in a few months, and defaulted on their mortgage. She can’t work a second job, because the money earned will go directly to Dominic’s child care.” “But, why didn’t she come to me? I have money now. I can take care of the mortgage, the bills. She wouldn’t have to file for bankruptcy.” “I think she didn’t want to ask. You know how proud Charlene is. She’s never asked for handouts. She didn’t want to feel like she was asking the rich relative for a favor.” “That’s ridiculous,” Lauralee stood up. “And I’m gonna tell her now.” Lauralee walked into the living room where Charlene, Ursula, and Catherine were having a conversation. “Aunt Charlene, can I talk to you for a minute?” Charlene stood up. “Sure Lau.” She followed Lauralee into her bedroom and sat on her bed. “What’s up?” “Are you in any kind of trouble?” “Me? That’s a ridiculous question to ask,” Charlene looked around the room. “You’re lying. I can tell when you don’t look at my face.” Charlene’s eyes welled up with tears. “Yes I am.” “Aunt Charlene, why didn’t you tell me?” “Because I didn’t want to ask you for any money. Lau, I’m too proud. I didn’t want you to think I was asking for a handout.” “Aunt Charlene, you’re family. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you or Dominic. You’re like a second mother to me, and Dom’s like my little brother. I never want to see you in any kind of trouble. I just want to make sure that you’re taken care of.” Lauralee sat next to her on the bed. “It’s just been so hard,” Charlene wiped her face. “How much you need?” “To get the collectors off my back… about 10,000 dollars.” Lauralee stood up, got her checkbook, wrote a check, ripped it out and gave it to Charlene. “Here’s 25,000: 10,000 for the bills, and another 15,000 to hire a good lawyer to nail that bastard for back child support and the mortgage.” “You know I’m gonna pay you back every last cent right? With interest.” Lauralee held her hand up. “Don’t worry about that right now. The thing to do is pay off the debt and get your money back OK?” Charlene grabbed Lauralee in a hug. “I’m so proud to call you my niece.” “And I’m so proud to call you my aunt,” Lauralee squeezed her back. Chapter 64 Contents Chapter 62 |