Mama’s little genius

Ring his neck is what she should do!

Peter had said “Let’s have kids, they’ll be fun, we can take them to Disney World” and Cathy had been stupid enough to believe him. But in all honesty, she had wanted kids, too. She just had no clue it would be so difficult.

Frankie was more than a handful, yet she couldn’t help wondering if things would be different if Peter hadn’t been stuck on an aircraft carrier in the middle of who-knows-which ocean half-way around the world. He had only been gone a few months but it seemed like years.

Peter didn’t seem to be taking Cathy’s concerns very seriously. Her anguished letters to him were becoming an endless source of hilarity for him and his shipmates. Her last few letters had kept them in stitches for so long that their commander wanted to know what all the commotion was about. After reading the letter to him, Peter was henceforth under strict orders to inform the commander of the arrival of the next installment of the many adventures of ‘Peter’s little man’.

At least Cathy felt she was doing her part at keeping up war-time moral. She also knew now not to include any mushy stuff as she didn’t need that humiliation on top of having a ship load of people know she was an inadequate mother.

Divorce Ruined

“I want a divorce, Mitch,” she said casually, in between licks of her double chocolate ice cream cone.

“Sorry, Marisa, we can’t afford one,” he replied in an equally casual tone as he also enjoyed his ice cream cone, this one of mint chocolate.

They were sitting on a bench in the middle of an extremely busy, loud and raucous mall waiting for their kids to come out of the cinema where they were enjoying the latest Harry Potter movie. Mitch had his arm around Marisa’s shoulders and she had her head resting on his. They switched cones midway.

“Well, how much does a divorce cost?” she asked, taking a lick of the mint chocolate.

“The divorce itself not much I’m thinking, if you only count the lawyer fees and if it’s an amiable one.”

“Are there ever amiable ones?” she asked.

When Dreams Turn Real, ch1

Dani gingerly rolled over and groaned. The ever-present pain was merely a dull ache today. She should be grateful. For the past three months it had been far worse, a searing agony which brought tears to her eyes with every move. But now she was finally out of the hospital and in her own home, though now she had no one, not a nurse nor doctor not even a visitor. But still, she should be grateful. She would be grateful. After all, she was alive and Tony was not.

That was a hurt which she knew would never be removed from her soul. Her bones and flesh may have been brutally broken and bruised, and in time they may eventually be completely healed. Although with such injuries they likely would always pain her somewhat. The loss of her beloved brother, however, she would never get over.

“Oh, Tony, how I miss you,” she muttered sadly, a tear slipping slowly down her cheek to sink into her pillow. How she wished she’d never asked for a ride in his new car that night. If they had just stayed home maybe....

The Verbal Contract

"My kingdom for a croissant,” she muttered to herself as she tried to ignore her grumbling tummy.

At least she thought it was only to herself.

Several minutes later, in walks her husband with a croissant in a bag for her and a smirk on his face. 

“Now your kingdom is mine. You have to give it to me, you know. It was a verbal contract.”

Psychically Connected

She awoke at precisely 5:28AM. Why that time? She imagined it had to do with him. They were psychically connected, after all. 

The first thought to enter her mind was, “He must have landed by now…but safely?” 

His flight left at midnight and was to land nearly four hours later, so he must be on the ground by now. The hurricane had luckily cleared away just in time. He was likely still at the airport, even though he only had carry-on. Nothing goes quickly at the airport, after all, and when you have a piece of equipment which “looks potentially dangerous” he’ll likely have to unpack it and show them precisely what a helium leak detector/ mas-spectrometer actually is and explain extensively how very un-dangerous it is.

A Grand Irish Wake

The three old men stood side by side, laagers in hand, tears in their eyes, singing in perfect harmony. Long removed brogues suddenly appeared as they sang.

♪ ♫...Look at the coffin with golden handles...isn’t it grand, boys,  to be bloody well dead? Let’s not have a sniffle. Let’s have a bloody good cry and always remember, the longer you live the sooner you bloody well die…♩ ♬ 

“Ah, Tommy would have loved to be here,” Michael said sadly, wiping away a tear.

“To be sure he would,” Patrick replied after a generous gulp from his mug, “Tommy loved a wake better than anybody.”

Friends No Matter What

 Logan cradled the scraggly tabby as lovingly as he would a long-haired Angora primped and ready for show.

He took her out to the reception area as he gently cooed, “Let’s go see your mama and tell her you have to stay overnight. A night of peace is what you need, Bellisima. It’s convincing Mrs. Silverstein that’s going to be tough.”

He plastered a smile on his face before facing the Cat Lady as everyone affectionately called her.

That done and after sending a softly weeping Cat Lady away--probably to find yet another stray to bring to him-- he went to the back scratching the cat’s ears.

“Simone, Bellisima needs rest.  Could you....?”  He froze in his tracks gaping at the last person he expected to see here at his vet office.

Payback’s a bitch

Jimmy stormed up the porch steps, rage like he’d never felt running through him. Just as he lifted his fist to pound unmercifully on the door, it swung open. Logan stood staring down at him like an imperious Czar confronting an infidel.

“I thought I’d be seeing you,” he said, looking both defiant and resolute.

His unflappable nature was something Jimmy was used to, but right now, at this moment? It only infuriated him more than he already was. His fist reared back slowly and plowed right into his mouth.

Wincing, Jimmy cradled his hand in the other. “Damn you!” he cursed loudly.

Friends Turned Lovers

Sitting on the sofa, watching another of her favorite chick-flicks with her head resting on Logan’s shoulder Claire felt utterly content.

“I love you, Logan,” she whispered.    

She cringed at her own stupidity. What had possessed her to say that to him? It would ruin everything. He would never want to see her again and he had been the only thing keeping her from swallowing the end of a rifle.

Had she looked at Logan just then she might have seen the goofy grin spread over his face, but it swiftly vanished. Surely she hadn’t meant it the way he’d hoped for so many years. She was just a friend and married to his best friend no less. No, she would never see him as she does Jimmy. They would always be just friends.

Now and Forever by Alexandra Heep

 Every once in a while, a friend will allow me to post one of their creative pieces, a sweet poem, thoughtful reflection or a chilling tale. This time I thank Alexandra Heep, who blogs at a Heep of Everything for the honor of hosting one of her many poems.

Now and Forever by Alexandra Heep

Now - it is here in the blink of an eye
It can stay and make a moment so still
Or float on like a cloud and pass you by
It can move quick as lightning if you will

Forever can't be without many now's
For some it is pain, for others it's joy
It's also part of many vain vows
Hard to keep, hard to hold, never a toy

Now and forever beginning or end?
More than words, more than time, they're destiny
Either can break, sustain, or even mend
They cause and affect, never cease to be

Use either wisely and pay them respect
Sages know they bring what you don't expect

Ch2 Insanely Eccentric

“You’re insane! You do realize that, don’t you?” Ben growled.

Jordan grinned at his older brother as he lazily folded his shirt before placing it carefully into his suitcase. “And I keep telling you when you’ve got enough money it’s called being eccentric,” he replied.

“Eccentric is showing up at a business meeting wearing a flowery bonnet and a loincloth. Going to Europe with a complete stranger is insane,” he retorted.

Jordan straightened up looking pensive. “I should do that. Would any of those sourpusses at our corporate meetings even crack a smile if I showed up wearing a loincloth and flowery bonnet? Be worth doing it just to see their reaction.”

Ben glared at him. “Will you be serious for a minute?”

 “I am. I’ve been working on my abs. I could get away with a loincloth. The flowery bonnet, though... not so sure about that,” Jordan said.

Ben made his typical growling sound and tossed a pillow at him. “What are you thinking, Jordan? This woman could be a psycho or worse. You don’t know her,” he said anxiously.

Ch1-When Idiot Meets Moron

 

Jordan sighed and he quickly looked about to find the echo. He had just heard another sigh, one which wasn’t his own. He caught a view of a particularly pretty, though miserable looking woman. She was beautifully dress and sitting three seats away from him at the end of the nearly empty bar. She was also nursing a drink and she certainly looked like he felt.

“Had a rough night too, huh?” he asked.

She lifted her head and gave him a wistful smile. “No more than usual,” she replied, a tiny hitch to her voice belying this completely.

He knew he should stop talking, but misery loves company, and man, did he need company; if it came in the package of a nice lady all the better. He’d take anything right now even if it came with a smack across the face for his impertinence. To be alone was to be thinking and he didn’t need that, not tonight, perhaps not for a long time.

Quashing Rumors

Dominique grinned and said, “Kid, you got a lot to learn about high school.There are no secrets here. That’s why everyone thinks you’re ...uh...well. I’m not going to spread that obviously wrong story.”  

Alana turned a deep scarlet. She hoped no one in her inner circle had heard the latest and worst rumor ever. But that obviously wasn’t to be.

“What?” Jake asked frowning. “What are they saying about you, Alana?”

“Nothing, it’s nothing,” Sandy said patting Alana reassuringly on her arm. “It’s false and that’s all anyone needs to know.”

Jake looked ready to rip someone a new one. “It’s Luke, isn’t it? They’re saying stuff about you because of him. I told you this would happen and he probably doesn’t even care. Or he started the talk himself. I’ll kill him!” he shouted angrily.

What It’s Like To Be Born

Ow! What’s going on? Who’s squeezing me? Hey, where did my nice, warm water bed go? Oh, I don’t like this at all! Stop pushing me!

What’s all the squeezing about? Ow! My head hurts. Watch the head! Ow, ow, ow! Uh, what a relief. Whoa! Turn off that bright light. Where’s that awful light coming from? Hurts my eyes. Oh, no, more squeezing. My shoulders are going to cave in if they keep squeezing them together like that. Owwwww!

Ugh, at least the pressure’s off but damn, it’s cold! Oh, I don’t like this one bit. No warm water, too much light and ...wait, what are you doing to me? Leave me alone! Get that thing out of my mouth. Stop poking me. Stop doing whatever it is you’re doing and get me back where I was. I was fine there. I was happy there. Yes, it was cramped but I liked it that way. I was very secure in there. Now this stinks. I’m cold, I’m hungry and I wanna go back!

“Oh, she’s perfect. Look at her, Charlie.”

Hey, I know that voice. She’s real nice. She used to rub my tushie when I was restless. She used to talk to me all the time. She made all sorts of plans for me. She was making a blanket for me. Wonder where it is? I could really use it right now!

“She’s beautiful, Jeanie. Our baby’s wonderful. I love you.”

Hey, I know that voice too. He used to tease me. He called me a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. He ain’t too bright. I was just dancing to the music I was hearing. Somebody named Shakira, I think. Really groovy stuff. I liked it. But I heard all sorts of music. He might be dumb but he does have a nice singing voice. What song did he sing to me?  

♪ ♫… La, la, la....even though we ain’t got money...I’m so in love with you, Honey…♩ ♬ Yeah, I like that song. Sing it now, Mr. Man. Who is that guy? Why’s he rubbing his nose with mine? It tinkles, but I kinda like it.

Whoa, where are they taking me now? Oh, that feels nice. She’s warm and she looks nice. Oh, it’s the pretty voice from before, the tushie rubber. Nice face. I like her, too. Oh-oh, what’s that? Hm, I like it whatever it is. Creamy, tasty, fills up my tummy. This nice lady sure knows how to treat you after a hard day. Oh, yeah, I like that just fine.

Whew! So, that's what it's like to be born. That was rough for a while. But it’s okay now. I’m warm, they’re holding me tight and my belly’s full. This is good. Life is good. I think I’ll stick around for a bit. But right now I need to sleep. I’m exhausted! Nighty-night.

Be the Teddy Bear

“So, how was the tennis lesson?” Michael asked, a smirk on his face. He raised the glass of iced tea to his lips and watched Gina narrow her eyes over the rim. Oh, how he loved getting her all riled up. Now, if he could do that in her boudoir he’d be all set.

“I should smack you upside the head for setting me up with that fruitcake,” she shouted.

“Didn’t he fix your backhand?”

She glowered and put down her empty glass making the ice clink within it. “Be the ball, he told me. Be the ball! Who says that except for new age gurus?” she said, exasperated.  “I wanted to be the racket just to beat him with it.”

Michael spit out his iced tea in a fit of laughter. “I was hoping you would. I thought you’d have fun doing it,” he said. “You need some fun, Babe.”

“Don’t do me any favors, Michael, or I might just kill you and save myself trouble.”

What Do Brothers Know Anyway?

“Zach asked you to the prom?” Paul shouted, his spoon suspended midway to his mouth.

“Yeah, is that a problem?” Annie asked anxiously and slightly hurt. Was it so unbelievable that Zach might like her enough to take her to the prom? Yeah, he was cool. Okay, he was captain of the football team. All right he was a senior and she a lowly freshman. Yes, he was everybody’s dream guy. But still, Annie thought, she wasn’t that bad.

“No, it’s not a… problem,” her brother said slowly. “It’s just, well, I’ve never liked to share my toys. Zach’s been my best friend since we were babies.”

The Kiss by Carolina Chapman

The Kiss, a poem by Carolina Chapman

She kisses him goodbye as her heart softly whispers
Please, oh please look into my heart
I need a solution, an answer not an ending
Their lips touch as he holds her close

Please don't say goodbye my Angel
Stay in my arms forever; that's where you belong
His heart silently breaks as his dreams crumble
How could this happen? We are meant to be

Be my friend she says,
please be mine! He pleads

Silently, she cries as the words she longs to speak
Refuse to be spoken

Kiss me my love, listen to my heart
I Love you, I want you, I want us,
These feelings, I don’t understand, I’m scared

Their lips part, Causing his heart to harden and break

As he drives away, he promises
“I will never forget my Angel or my love for her”
He leaves hardened and empty as his heart and his love
will forever belong to her

They each longed for a future together, yet
Her fears, turned the beginning into a goodbye.

Her heart fills with tears as it weeps, come back my love
Hear the words my lips are afraid to speak

Both cling to the hope that someday, somehow they will be together again.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carolina Chapman is a charming, sweet, lovable lady who claims to have been in a writing slump and this poem was her first attempt after a long hiatus from writing. Well, I do believe she's now quite out of said slump, don't you think? You can find her other writings on topics as diverse as health and fitness, beauty and style, Relationships, religion, home and garden, and personal finances at Helium.

It Can Always Be Worse, part 2

Diane was supposed to start her new job on this Thursday morning, but she awoke puking her guts out, sneezing her head off and with a fever that left her soaked in sweat and then alternately shivering from chills which wracked her body. 

She was not going to work, that was obvious, but she also wondered if she would survive at all. It was the worst bout of flu she ever had and when she spoke to the person at the temp agency and told them she was ill the woman's response was as nasty as could be. 

 "If this is the type of service we can expect from you, don't bother calling us anymore. We need serious people who are willing to work despite a little cold."

Diane was about to cry, but her stomach lurched again and she just didn't have the energy after that, even for tears.

It Can Always Be Worse, part 1

Miss Woodhouse

Diane was coming to the realization that it could always be worse. This week was a testament to that. Murphy's law was in full gear and she lamented she wasn't even Irish.

"You'd think I'd catch a break," she muttered to herself.

It all started on Friday morning when her beloved dog, Miss Woodhouse, named for her favorite Jane Austin character, came down with a mysterious illness and by Saturday she had gone to doggie heaven leaving Diane so lonely she could cry. Cry she did, in torrents.

That little cocker spaniel had been her constant companion, her best friend and possibly her only true friend since leaving home to strike out on her own in this big, unkind, unfriendly city. She was so depressed she even considered going back home to the suburbs. Now that was depressed!

Still The Dad

             

“Dad, this is the thing...”

Kevin had a feeling of foreboding when he heard this from his son. He was the Dad, he was supposed to be in charge, yet here he was at the kitchen table facing what looked to him very much like a pair of parole judges in teen garb. He had the fleeting notion he should have acquired the services of a good lawyer. They were smiling indulgently at him, too. Was this a ploy to get him to lower his defenses so they could go in for the kill?

“ You’re the best Dad anyone could have,” Lydia started.

“ You were my coach for almost all my little league teams and you’re at all my football games,” Jimmy said.

       

“You came to my dance recitals and concerts and even took me to girl scouts”

“And you never complain when we have our friends over.”

       

There was a pause. This wasn’t a bad start, Kevin thought, but what else was coming? He had to ask.

“But...?”

No Good Can Come From It

Monster bike

Georgie was certain before she even said anything that they would not heed her warning. Perhaps it was because she was only eight years old. Maybe it was because she was merely a girl. Or it could just be that her brothers were stupid!

John and Paul just never paid her any mind. Despite this, Georgie couldn’t resist telling her two older, and according to them, wiser brothers that no good could come from their newest attempt to create a monster.

Now that's Ironic

 “Alanis Morisett is an idiot! She has no idea what ironic is,” Henry snarled just before flipping the bird to a passing motorist on the early morning, congested freeway.

Gerri bent her head and pressed her lips together to keep for bursting out laughing. Her car pool buddy was in rare form today and that poor Canadian pop singer was likely to take the brunt of his wrath.

“I don’t know about that, Henry. Isn’t it ironic that it should rain on your wedding day? It is supposed to be the happiest day of your life and everything should go perfect. To have it rain on you must be.....”

“Just a tropical depression. Some people like it to rain on their wedding day...something about it being good luck,” he retorted before swerving in front of a tiny smart car.

Frustrated Love

Frustrated love

“Janie,” Kimberly said tentatively. “Do you remember when I told you to get on with your life and forget about Travis?”

Janie looked shrewdly at her friend--or should she say Travis’ friend? “If you plan on telling me that Travis is currently in love with you, you best take your head start now because I can’t guarantee I won’t want to kill you,” she said jealously.

Kimberly hooted with laughter. “Me and Travis? Don’t be ridiculous! We’re like brother and sister. You know that,” she said dismissively.

“Doesn’t look like that from where I sit. You’re always hugging him and kissing him. You’re lucky I haven’t punched you yet,” Janie replied with a menacing scowl on her face.

 “Truly, Janie, we’re just friends. I like...uh, someone else. But anyway, remember I told you to go out with other guys so Travis could get to know the real you and not the one always tongue tied and blushing whenever he came into the room?”

Janie looked at her incredulously and made an impatient “tiff” sound. “I should hope so. I’m not completely brain-dead from all this studying. What of it?” she said returning to her books.

“Well,” Kimberly replied slowly, a tiny smile tugging at the corners of her lips, “I think it worked.”

Janie, looking down at her textbook and adding something to her notes said, “What worked?”

“My plan. I think Travis likes you now,” Kimberly said unable to hide her excitement.

Janie blinked several times before saying, “Don’t tease me, Kimberly. I could very easily break your arm if I get the notion.”

“I know, but I’m not teasing,” she said.

Skeptical, Janie raised an eyebrow and asked, “All of a sudden?”

“Not so suddenly, no. I first noticed it when I casually said something about you and Larry having a fight. He seemed unduly interested and he asked what it was about. When I told him it was because Larry had made fun of him when he pulled a hamstring at the last soccer game and you got all pissy with him after that....”

“Pissy? I am never pissy. I decked him. You should have told Travis that,” Janie said, irritated.

“Whatever, the point is you should have seen the look on his face when I told him. It was like I’d just told him he was gonna be king for the day.”

“You’re exaggerating. It means nothing,” Janie replied, unimpressed.

“I’m not! But I didn’t tell you the rest. He said, “Well, that’s nothing to break up for.”  And when I said you weren’t broken up yet, that you were just ticked off, his face fell down to his knees.”

“So?”

“So! Don’t you see? He was hoping you and Larry had broken up! And when you finally did break up with Larry, Travis was almost skipping when he heard about it. I’m telling you, he likes you now, Janie,” Kimberly said earnestly.

“It means nothing. You’re just getting my hopes up for nothing. He has a new girlfriend every time I blink, each prettier than the last,” Janie said miserably. The frustration at seeing him going from one girl to the next was enough to make her scream. Never, not in all the years they’d known each other did he take a second look at her.

“Janie, ever since I suspected this I’ve been watching him carefully and guess what?” Kimberly said.

“You’ve decided he’s too cute to pass up and now you’re going for him,” she replied wearily.

“Oh, for cripe’s sake! I just told you we’re only ever gonna be friends,” Kimberly said exasperated. “I’ve seen Travis staring at you when he doesn’t know anyone’s watching.”

“What makes you think he’s staring at me?”

“I can tell. He gets this glazed look in his eyes and smiles absently and when you move he follows you with his eyes with such a look of longing. He got hit in the head the other day at practice because he was too busy watching you.”

“It’s soccer, Kim. You’re supposed hit the ball with your head. it’s called heading the ball,” Janie said exasperated. “Truly, you are pathetic when it comes to sports.”

 “I very well might be, but when it comes to Travis I can read him like a nursery book. He wasn’t heading the ball. He got hit because you were talking to that really tall guy, what’s his name?”

“Greg?”

“Yes, that’s it. He looked mighty jealous to me. Haven’t you noticed how he laughs at your jokes and wants to talk and be with you lately? And don’t you remember what happened last week? He said I should sit up front with Kevin because he was too tired to talk about the game with him. You know how your brother always wants to go over every single play ad nauseum,” she said rolling her eyes.

“Kevin’s very annoying that way. Even Travis can’t stand it. So what?” Janie said shrugging.

“But if he was so tired that he couldn’t talk to Kevin then why did he spend all that time talking with you? Huh? Tell me that! I heard it, Janie....well, heard some of it. I was desperately trying to keep Kevin talking to me so he wouldn’t interrupt you two in the back. You two were having yourselves a nice little chat, from what I heard, weren’t you? Laughing and joking,” Kimberly said smugly.

Janie recalled it quite well. She would never forget it in fact. It had her floating for days afterward but she didn’t think much of it until now.

The game had ended spectacularly when Kevin took a corner kick that went right over the goal keeper’s head winning the game just as the buzzer sounded. Kevin was exuberant with his single-handed win and just wouldn’t shut up about it.

 “Did you see how the ball curved right in? It was as if it knew where I wanted it to go!” he shouted gleefully.

“You were wonderful, Kevin” Kimberly gushed. “Everybody said so, but that wasn’t the only thing you did the whole game. You were amazing throughout.”

Janie rolled her eyes. “Laying it on a bit thick, isn’t she?” she muttered to Travis who laughed.

“That’s cuz she likes him. Has since kindergarten. Don’t tell her I said so or she’ll kill me,” he whispered to her.

 Then he whispered something to Kimberly and she nodded. Next thing Janie knew they switched places and he slipped into the backseat with her and Kimberly sat next to Kevin still praising him endlessly.

Janie couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed how he smiled at her, how close he sat next to her and how often he leaned toward her to speak as if to block out the others up front. “We did, I guess,” she slowly said, astonished. Could Kimberly be right? Did Travis like her now? It was too good to be true. But surely he was merely being friendly, wasn’t he?

Janie stared unseeingly at her book daring herself not to hope. It had been five very frustrating years. Why would Travis suddenly like her now? It didn’t seem possible.

“Oh, hi, Travis,” Kimberly said brightly, kicking Janie under the table.

Janie’s heart did a back flip. She chanced a glance up and saw him smiling and coming towards them. He dropped into the seat next to Kimberly but he was looking at Janie.

“Hi. What you girls up to?” he asked.

 “I’ve been doing research for the project due next week and Janie has a massive amount of studying to do or she won’t pass mid-terms,” Kimberly said dramatically.

“Of course she will,” Travis said dismissively, “She’s smarter than anyone here.”   He then smiled at her making her cheeks glow with joy.

Kimberly gave her a look that said, “Didn’t I tell you?”

“Thank you, Travis, but...but I’m not so sure Kimberly’s not got it right. This stuff’s making me crazy. The more I read it the more confusing it becomes,” Janie said breathlessly.

“Then maybe you need some time off studying. Travis, why don’t you take her for a bit of a break? Walk around the building for a few minutes. Better yet, get some ice cream. It’ll clear your head. Go on! Come on, Travis, get her out of here before her brain explodes!” Kimberly said eagerly. She actually pushed Travis out of the chair and forced Janie’s hand into his. Then she pushed them both out the door.

She stared after them as they walked down the hall still holding hands talking softly. She sighed happily, shook her head and muttered, “The things I do for love.”

“You talking to yourself?” Kevin said in her ear.

Unknown to her, he had come silently behind her and caught her by surprise. She shrieked and jumped a mile into the air making him howl with laughter. Big mistake on their part. The librarian, indignant at the interruption of her quiet, threw them both out of the library.

“Well, that was uncalled for. She didn’t have to throw me out. It was your fault I screamed.You scared me,” Kimberly whined.

“Sorry, but I was bored. Want to go somewhere with me?” Kevin said casually.

“Uh...like where?” she asked, astounded.

He grinned slowly, took the books out of her hands, put his arm around her waist and said, “Let’s wing it, shall we? Could be fun.”

Kimberly gulped. Had he finally figured out she was desperately in love with him? And more importantly, did he finally like her too? Had her frustration with love just ended as Janie’s had? Would miracles ever cease?