But four young Oysters hurried up, All eager for the treat

I hate to say it but what Johnny is going through makes me appreciate what I have so much more. We have a big comfortable house. Far nicer than that tiny place where that was the family home where Johnny and I grew up.

I have a husband who still adores me as much as I adore him. Hans and I still love each other deeply. There may have been a few little bumps here and there, however we have weathered them well together.

We have our three wonderful children.

Our oldest son, Picasso. His temper is as hot as his hair colour but he's a good boy at heart. He's been cooking meals for the family for some time. He says it's a good skill to get before leaving home.

Leaving home? Our son is making plans?

Elizabeth, the middle child and our only daughter. She's doing very well at school, both academically and socially.

And our sweet little Leonardo. Our baby.

Sigh, but he's going to hate me saying that soon. He's a growing boy, not a baby. He'll always be my baby, no matter how big he gets. Just so much harder to snuggle.

The kids aren't perfect. A cop brought Picasso home after he broke curfew. That he did it for the sake of his uncle Johnny doesn't make it right. He left home a bit too early to get some more pictures of his aunt.

Dad would be pleased to know we still earn our keep via art in some form or other. I made a fair amount of cash playing for tips in the park on Saturday. Hans paints and plays. We should form a band but we'll need to dig up more performers first. Johnny plays a pretty mean bass these days. I should ask him.

Picasso does want to be a hot shot designer someday, but that's still not a regular 9 to 5 type job. It's just a more practical application of art then the Grant family usually goes for.

I'm a bit worried that Picasso is taking his assignment for Johnny a bit too seriously. He's been gone most of the time over the weekend, we've barely seen him.

--------------------------

Mom shouldn't really worry so much. Finding out more about Auntie Alaina was only part of the reason she didn't see so much of me. The other part of the reason was meeting some of my classmates. Like my best friend Fern, we meet outside the local library.

And this is Sophia. We meet in the art gallery. I saw Auntie Alaina, with a guy and took their photo.

Eventually though, Dad rang to warn me it was party time. I had the pictures that Uncle Johnny needs so I drove straight home.

It was important for me to be here because

The party was a birthday party, for both Leo and I.

I blew out the candles on the first cake.

I wish.

I wish.

Oh damn it, I have no idea what to wish for. That no girl does to me what has happened to Uncle Johnny? That it comes out ok in the end? That there is world peace in our time?

Mum thinks I'm a dead ringer for Dad. I don't think so, but I'm not going to argue. She's having a little bit of a hard time coping with me being an adult. She seems to think that I'll be out of here and she'll never see me again. Honestly? In a town this size? You trip over people all the time.

Then my little bro had his turn.

Mum hates that Leo is growing so fast. I'll try not to mention that Lizzie's birthday is fast approaching. Mum might cry.

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So, Picasso, did you get any pictures of your Aunt Alaina? Should we ask Johnny over?

Yes, Mum, Uncle Johnny will want to see this. Auntie Alaina has been quite busy.

Auntie Alaina has been hanging around Jeff Smith.

I recognise Mr Smith. He's a politician, one of the local Yes Men.

She seems very fond of him.

Where was that?

A little tiny fishing hole way at the edge of town. They shouldn't have driven there from in town though, I had the chance to follow them.

That's Richie Libros who works for the city council.

He's recently married, I think Auntie Alaina had to work to convince him to her side.

Dave Pierce, one of Alaina's coworkers. He's also married.

He wasn't acting very married when I found them.

Two politicians and a cop. That is very interesting.

Who's the red head?

He's one of the local sport team, I think he's Travis Kane. I think Auntie Alaina might just like him, I don't think he'd be exactly helpful.