asking, and Sera had
considered it, but wasn't sure if her son was ready, or even if she
could afford it. She told Deb that much, and Jeff added, "We
haven't done the paperwork to include you in our health insurance
yet. I forgot all about that. Do you have any health insurance
right now?"
"It expires at the end of the month.
Since Peter just up and quit his job, he lost his benefits, but
they were nice enough at his company to keep us insured for six
months afterwards. I've been checking out insurance rates and I
can't really afford them. I didn't realize you offered
it?"
"We have a basic insurance coverage
for the employees. There are specifics attached to it, like
liposuction isn't covered, but having a tree fall on you is...I
don’t think either of those things should be a concern to you
though. I can see about adding you in and check if mental health is
covered. My sister has a good counselor my niece went to when she
was about this age."
Sera smiled broadly at him. That was
another big worry on her list. "Thanks Jeff, that would definitely
take a lot of weight off my shoulders. I'm not sure if he'd want to
go see someone, but having insurance is… wow, even if it only
covers their regular immunizations. Anything helps."
"Mommy, can I spend the night? Jenny
said I could."
"Well hello to you too Missy." Sera
grabbed the little girl by the waist and pulled her to her and on
her lap. "Didn't you miss me?"
"A whole bunch, but now that I saw
you..." she looked at her mother sheepishly.
"I think your aunt and uncle have put
up with you enough for the last few weeks."
Deb had just had another girl of just
about the same age go sit on her lap. "Please mommy! We were in the
middle of an art project and we want to finish it together.
Please?"
Deb looked a little nervous, "An art
project?" Looking at Sera, "I don't even want to know...If Melle
stays, will you two clean up the 'art project' after you're
done?"
Both girls jumped off their mother's
laps and went on to the floor on their knees begging, "Oh yes, yes,
please, please. We promise we will clean everything up. Promise.
We're making presents for you." One of them added.
"Shush! You weren't supposed to
tell."
"It's not like they know what it is,
do they?" and then, suddenly noticing Jeff in the room.
"Who are you, do I know
you?"
“Melle! There are nicer ways to ask!”
Sera looked at her daughter exasperated.
Jeff shrugged and got up to introduce
himself shaking each girl’s hand. "I'm Jeff; I work with your mom
Melle. And you must be Jenny, pleased to meet you both."
The girls both giggled and then turned
to their mother's.
Sera and Deb exchanged a look that
said even the younger girls were smitten by good looks.
"Well?" Jenny asked her
mother.
“Well what?” Deb looked at her
confused.
“Can Melle stay if we clean
up?”
Sera and Deb looked at each and
shrugged, "Sure, why not?" Then Sera yelled out as they both ran
off, "but if you don't help clean up, you're never coming back here
again!"
"Music to my ears. One less, but
haven’t I heard that one before? When was the last time those two
ever cleaned anything?" Deb shot back at Sera.
"I know, I know, but I'm obligated to
reinforce," Sera explained, and then, "if only to practice. Maybe
one of these days I’ll get it right." Then getting up, she said,
"We'd better go, Emma's about to get her second wind..."
"Not that I'm counting or
anything, but this would be more than just a second wind, wouldn't it?" That was
Chad who decided to chime in.
Jeff also got up to leave, and Deb,
always the perfect hostess, said "You don't have to go you know,
just because Sera's a party pooper, doesn't mean we can't sit and
chat."
Jeff smiled at his hostess. "I
appreciate the offer, but unlike the rest of you, tomorrow I have
to go in to the office."
"You do?" This time it was Sera
asking. "I didn't see any appointments or anything?" It was Friday
night and the office was closed on Saturday’s.
"No, no
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