Missy & Bob

Section 2

Please note: This is copyrighted (©) by me, Tammtamm. Please do not copy it or save it without my permission. Thank you. Also, I've been writing in this story for nearly six years (yes, six years). It is currently 228 pages long and I may put every single page up on the web for y'all to read, but only ONLY if you send me feedback stories@iwuvjoey.com with Missy & Bob in the title. Any similarities between the characters and people in real life are purely coincidental. These are characters from my mind (although some names and characteristics were "borrowed" from Baywatch). This is purely for enjoyment purposes only. Any and all comments should be sent to me at iwuvjoey@iwuvjoey.com unless it's feedback pertaining to the story. Thank you.

"Missy! Missy! Are you okay? Open the door. It's me... Bob." Bob banged on the bathroom door. Missy turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around her.

"Bob?  I'm fine." Missy said as she opened the door.

"You've been in the shower for over an hour. Your mom is worried.   She was about ready to call 911 when I showed up." Bob stated.

"I'm sorry.  It's just that the shower felt like so good that I just let myself drown in it."

"It didn't help that you had a CD playing either." Bob was a little upset with her.

"I was just trying to relax.  I'm sorry.  I guess I lost track of time." Missy began to get upset.  Missy passed by him and went into the den.

"Fine, Jenny said you called looking for me.  What's up?" Bob sat down on the couch while Missy dried herself off and got dressed.

"I just wanted to let you know that I made an appointment with Dr. Feagel for tomorrow at 4:30.  It's the earliest she can get me in.  Do you think you can be there with me?  I don't want to go alone.  If you can't, I'll ask my mom or Jenny."

"Who would you rather go with you.  Me, your mom, or Jenny?"

"You."

"Fine.  I'll pick you up at four."

"Really?  You don't mind?"

"No.  I'm as much responsible for what's happening as you are and I want to be there with you."

"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you." Missy began brushing her hair.  Bob came over and took over for her.

"Let's not think of that.  Let's just think of being together now, with a baby on the way.  Speaking of being together.  We should set a wedding date.  My mom says if we don't that she will." both Bob and Missy laughed.

"Well, how big are we going to have it?"

"I don't know.  You always told me you wanted a small, intimate wedding.  Besides from the way you describe the fiasco that happened at Kenny's wedding to Jenny, I kinda like the idea of an intimate wedding." Bob said.  Missy handed him a scrunchie to put her hair up in a ponytail.

"How about New Year's Day then?" Missy suggested.

"That's less than three months away.  Are you going to have enough time to get everything ready?" Bob asked.

"That's what mothers are for.  Of course, we'll have enough time.  Let's go tell mom.  C'mon." Missy grabbed hold of his hand and led him to the kitchen.

"Mom.  We've decided on a wedding date." Missy said.  Her mother was putting the salad in the refrigerator.

"Oh, really?  When, dear?" Mrs. Nichols asked.

"New Year's Day." Mrs. Nichols looked at them with a stunned expression.

"So soon?  Are you sure."

"Absolutely.  And we want the wedding to be small and intimate." Bob said.

"Well, I guess Anna and I are going to be extremely busy this holiday season.  Have you told your mother yet, Bob?"

"No.  We just decided on the date.  You're the first one we've told." Bob replied.

"Oh, okay.  Well, you'd better tell her as soon as possible so that Missy, your mother, and I can start planning this wedding."

"I'm headed home now.  Missy, do you want me to drop you off at your apartment?"

"No, thanks, I'm fine here.  Will you be back later?" Missy asked.

"Yeah.  Walk me to the door.  Good-bye, Marilyn."

"Good-bye, Bob.  We'll see you later." Mrs. Nichols watched the two walk to the door.

"How about if we go to dinner tonight at Macie's? You know, to sort of celebrate?" Bob suggested.

"Okay. That sounds like fun."

"Great.  I'll call and make reservations for 7:30.  Be ready by seven." Bob kissed her on the forehead.

"You bet.  I love you."

"I love you, too." Bob said and left.  Missy watched him from the door as he drove away.

"Mom tells me you two have set a date." Kimberly said as she entered the hallway.

"Yes, and if you're nice to me, I just might let you be one of my bridesmaids."

"Don't start Melissa.  I'm not in the mood to argue with you." Kimberly got in Missy's face.

"Why not, Kimberly?  You always seem to get your own way with everyone except for me.  Are you mad because I tried to warn you about AJ Grant?" Missy said.

"Who I see is none of your business.  It's not my fault his brother raped you." Missy slapped a stunned Kimberly.

"Be warned, Kimberly.  Stay away from me.  I've warned you about AJ Grant.  If you don't want to listen to me, fine.  But don't you ever, EVER mention his brother or that word again.  Do you understand me?  Oh, what do you think mom and dad will do when they find out that you're dating AJ?  You think they will be happy?  I'd think again if I were you."  Missy said.  Mrs. Nichols came into the room.

"What in the hell is going on in here between you two?" Mrs. Nichols demanded to know.

"I think we've cleared the matter up, mom.  I have to go call Kerri.  Excuse me." Missy walked passed her mother.

"Wait, Missy.  I'm sorry." Kimberly said.

"You should be.  Excuse me." Missy again excused herself from the room and went into the den to call Kerri.   Except, she started crying instead. No one mentioned JJ Grant and the rape that had occurred when she was just fifteen.  It was taboo and everyone knew it.  Except Bob.  She hadn't told Bob because she had literally forgotten about it and JJ Grant until Kimberly had mentioned AJ.  The phone rang so she picked it up.  It was Kerri.

"Hi Kerri.  What's up?" Missy asked with a sniffle.

"Nothing.  I'm calling to see how you're doing."

"Other than having a fight with Kimberly, I'm doing just swell.  In fact, what are your plans for New Year's Day?" Missy asked.

"Nothing.  Why?"

"How would you like to be my maid of honor in my wedding?" Missy asked.

"I'd love it. That's fantastic. Listen, I've got some bad news for you.  I hope you're sitting down." Kerri said.

"What is it?"

"JJ Grant was paroled this morning.  He's out of jail." Missy dropped the phone. “Missy? Missy?”

"No...I don't believe it.  First I find out the Kimberly is seeing AJ Grant and now JJ has been paroled.   How did you find this out?" Missy said when she picked the phone back up.   Tears were coming down her face.

"Andie McCullough thought you might want to know, so she called the house. I found out when I called home to check the messages."

"Kerri, listen.  Could you come here after work?  I've got to go talk to my mom.  There's no telling what my father or my brother are going to do and we've got to get damage control down to a minimum."

"Okay.  I'll see you at four." Kerri hung up the phone.

 

"Mom, Kimberly.  I need to talk to both of you immediately please."

"What's up?" Mrs. Nichols asked.  Missy looked firmly at Kimberly.

"Did you know that JJ Grant was getting paroled this morning?" Missy asked Kimberly calmly.

"Yes." Kimberly replied in a whisper.

"Did AJ tell you this last night?"

"Yes." Kimberly replied again in a whisper.

"What is going on?" their mother asked.

"I just talked to Kerri.  Andie McCullough, who works at the prison, called my place to let me know that they paroled JJ Grant this morning.  Wait, there's more, mom.  Kimberly is seeing JJ's younger brother, AJ." Missy said.

"JJ was not to be paroled for another five years. Why did they parole him?"

"I don't know, but what I do want to know is why the DA didn't think to call us and tell us?"

"Kimberly...what has gotten into you?  That family is nothing but trouble." Mrs. Nichols said.

"AJ is not his brother, ma.  AJ is a pretty decent guy.  You gotta believe me." Kim pleaded as she looked at both her mom and her sister.

"No, I don't gotta believe you.  I've got to get a hold of your father before this spreads.  Missy, you call Jenny and let her know.  Okay?" Mrs. Nichols explained.

"Yeah, thanks mom.  Kimberly, I wish you would just tell AJ you can't see him anymore." Missy stated.

"I don't want to stop seeing him. I like him alot."

"I'm not going to waste my breath."

The phone rang. Missy answered it.

"Hello? Is Kimberly there?"

"Who's calling?"

"AJ."

"AJ, she'll have to call you back.  I'm in the middle of a long distance phone call." Missy said.

"Is that you Missy?"

"Yes, and I don't want to speak with you..."

"Wait, please!"

"What is it?"

"JJ wants to talk to you."

"Good-bye." Missy hung up the phone.

"Who was it? You look as white as a ghost."

"No one." Missy dialed her brother's home number.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Jenn. It's me again. Listen, I'm trying to do some damage control. I need you to tell Kenny that JJ Grant got paroled this morning.  We just found out a few minutes ago."

"Oh my god.  Did you know he was up for parole?"

"No.  It wasn't suppose to happen for at least another five years."

"I'm so sorry, Missy.  Is there anything I can do?"

"Yeah, tell Kenny not to do anything until we find out what the terms of the parole are and why we weren't notified that there would be a hearing so that I could have the chance to speak to get them to revoke it."

"Alright.  Call as soon as you find out.  Does Bob know about the parole?"

"NO!  I never told him I was raped.  I had put it totally out of my mind because JJ was in jail and I had dealt with it.  It was something I put in my subconcious and forgot.  Ya know?"

"Yeah, but, you should tell him now, in case things start to heat up with JJ being out."

"I have no choice.  I have to tell him.  Listen, I gotta go.   Thank you."

"No problem."

Missy didn't even look at Kimberly as she left to go get ready for dinner at MACIE's with Bob.

As she was doing her hair, her mom came into the room.

"Your father is going to call the DA's office and find out what's going on.  As for your sister, I have forbidden her to see AJ again."

"Thanks, mom, but you know as well as I do, she's going to see him.   You know, he had the nerve to call here and tell me that JJ wants to talk to me.  Mom, I'm so scared that JJ is going to come after me.  What if he does?" Missy asked.

"He wouldn't be that stupid, dear.  Don't worry about it.  Have you told Bob that JJ is out yet?"

"Mom.  Bob doesn't even know about the rape.  I put it in the back of my mind once JJ was in jail and therapy was over, it was like a bad memory."

"I understand, but you should tell him. Tonight."

"I know, and I will.  We're going out to dinner, I'll tell him then."

"I'm sorry, Missy. I didn't realize all the problems this would cause."

The phone rang.  Kimberly answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Kim. It's me, AJ."

"Hi."

"Are you ready for me to pick you up?"

"I think it would be best if you didn't, AJ." Kimberly replied.

"Is it because of what happened between Johnny and Missy?"

"There's more to it than just that. I'm sorry AJ, but I can't see you anymore than just friends. I have to go. I'll talk to you soon." Kimberly hung up the phone.

"Thanks, Kimberly. I know that was hard for you."

"Yeah, well...the thought of being around JJ makes me sick. I need to be by myself. I think I'll go up to my room.  Mom, call me when supper is ready." Kimberly hastily left the room.

"I'm glad she did that. For her own safety as well as mine."

"Don't worry.  She'll be okay.  Now, go finish getting ready."

Kerri knocked on the kitchen door.

"Sorry I'm late.  I stopped off at the drug store to get some of the latest bridal magazines since we have to get started ASAP on your dress and my dress and the bridesmaids dresses.  Speaking of bridesmaids, how many are you having?"

Missy and her mom started to laugh.

"Haven't gotten that far, Kerri. You want a soda or something?" Missy went to the fridge.

"Sure, a soda is fine. Thanks. Where's Kimmy?  I thought that she might have offered to help you."

"Um, she's mending her broken heart. She told AJ that she couldn't see him anymore.  I thought I'd give her a few hours to herself before I tried to talk to her.  We had a doozie of a fight earlier and I slapped her."

"Ahhhh, sisterly love.  It can be dangerous at times." Mrs. Nichols said. She was preparing a roast.

"Mom, do you want a soda?"

"No thanks, dear."

The phone rang.  Kimberly yelled down that she would get it.  A few minutes later she yelled down that it was for Missy.

"Hello?"

"Hello Melissa, this is Teri, DA Mitchell's secretary, can you hold while I transfer you to DA Mitchell?"

"Sure. Thank you."

"Good afternoon, Melissa.  How are you?"

"That depends on what you have to tell me."

"Well, I just got off my other line with your father a few minutes ago and please accept my personal apologies about not being informed about JJ Grant.   One of my assistants is handling this case now and apparently has been lacking of their duties."

"It's alright, Mr. Mitchell.  How did JJ manage to get early parole?"

"Actually, JJ is under house arrest at his parents house and is only allowed out to work at the community center as a janitor.  He is not to try to get in touch with you in any way."

"Too late.  He tried earlier this afternoon thru his younger brother AJ."

"Document it and send it to me. I'll see that his parole officer gets a copy."

"Thank you.  How long is he under house arrest?"

"The judge hasn't really decided that yet.  There is a hearing set for the Tuesday before Christmas."

"I would like to be there.  I also would like to speak on my behalf."

"Okay.  I'll send you a formal letter of attendance and it should be in your hands by the end of the week.  Okay?"

"Thank you again.  I'll talk to you soon." Missy hung up the phone.

"Well, what did the DA say?" Kerri and Mrs. Nichols asked.

"That JJ is under house arrest and is not to try in any way to get in touch with me.  Can we just skip the rest? I would rather plan my wedding." Missy suggested.

Kimberly came into the kitchen.

"Mom, I'm taking Bandit for a walk. Do you need anything from the mini-market?"

"No.  Supper's at 6:30 so don't be late." Kimberly kissed her mother on the cheek and replied, "I won't." and left.

Missy and Kerri looked through the various magazines, getting Mrs. Nichols opinion every so often on a dress.  Missy finally decided on the bridesmaids dresses and that their color would be Lilac with Kerri's maid of honor dress being purple.  Missy just couldn't decide on what she wanted her wedding gown to look like.

"Mom?  What did your wedding dress look like?" Missy asked after leafing through the last catalog.

"It was very simple.  Your grandmother hand made it for me.  There are some pictures in the big family photo album.  It's in the safe in the den.  Why don't you go get it.  I'm going to go freshen up.  Your father will be home any minute." Kerri's pager went off.

"It's Rick.  I'd better call him."

"Okay." Missy said and went to the den.  Mrs. Nichols went to retrieve her wedding gown from her closet and Kimberly called Rick.

Five minutes later, Marilyn Nichols came back into the kitchen with the dress.  Missy was still in the den.

"...date is New Year's Day. We've picked her colors...Oh, wow! Rick? Can I call you back? Mrs. Nichols just came in with the most gorgeous gown I've ever seen." Kerri asked.

"Sure.  Call me when you get home."

"You bet.  Bye." Kerri hung up the phone, "Missy told me that you lost the dress in the fire on Hansen street when she was real little.  It's really beautiful."

"Thank you.  Actually, it was in the attic of my parents house at the time of the fire.  When my father died, we brought it over here and kept it in the back of my closet.  Is she still in the den?"

"No, here I am. Did you know...Wow! Is this the dress?" Missy asked.  She put the photo album on the kitchen table."

"Yeah.  Remarkable, isn't it?" Mrs. Nichols stated.

"I thought it was lost in the fire.  May I?" Missy wanted to take it out of the box and hold it up to get a better look at it.

"Sure." Missy's mother helped her lift it out of the box.

"Mom, this is exquisite! It's an antique!  I love it.  Kerri, what do you think?" Missy asked.

"I think it's a beauty!"

"Mom, if it fits, can I wear it for my wedding?" Missy asked.

"I thought you'd never ask.  Yes, you may." Mrs. Nichols asked. Mr. Nichols came into the kitchen.

"Hi, daddy.  Guess what?" Missy asked, her face beaming.

"What?"

"Mom is going to let me wear her wedding dress for my wedding."

"I'm sure you'll look just as lovely as your mother did in it.   When is the big day?"

"New Year's Day."

"Wow, so soon.  I guess Jason and I had better get a start on the garage then huh?"

"Yeah. Kerri, help me put this in your car before Bob shows up.   Don't forget to take it out once you get home.  He said he'll be here around seven, but he'll probably get here earlier."

"Did you make that appointment, young lady."

"Yeah, dad.  It's for tomorrow at 4:30.  Bob is going to go with me."

"Alright.  You let your mother and me know the minute you get done with the doctor.  Okay?" Mr. Nichols kissed his daughter on the forehead.

"I will.  Excuse us." Missy and Kerri left the room to go put the dress in Kerri's trunk.

Since Missy had to finish getting ready for her date with Bob, Kerri decided to go on home.

"Missy, did you talk to the DA today?" Mr. Nichols asked after she came back into the house.

"Yes, right after you did.  He's going to send me a formal letter for me to attend the next hearing, which is right before Thanksgiving.  And I plan on telling Bob everything tonight." Missy stated for her father.  Mrs. Nichols gave her husband a knowing look so that he wouldn't start in on why Bob didn't know yet.

"I'll let mom fill you in on everything else.  I should go finish getting ready for Bob."

"Oh, are you two staying over tonight as well?" Mrs. Nichols asked.

"I probably should because it is closer to the doctor's office...I don't know.  I'll call you if we don't, alright?" Missy asked.

"That's fine, honey.  Just use your key if we're not up." Mr. Nichols said.

Missy went back to the den and Mr. Nichols got out the paper to read while Mrs. Nichols finished preparing dinner.  Kimberly came back in.

"Hi, mom.  Hi, dad." Kimberly said.

"How was your walk with Bandit?" Mrs. Nichols said.

"Usual.  Bandit dragged me all over the place.  We ran into Mrs. Cauldwell and Colleen, literally as they were walking in the park.  I think Bandit scared Colleen."

"Colleen just isn't use to big dogs.  Why don't you go on and wash up.  Supper will be ready in a few minutes."

"Okay.  I'll be right down."

As Kimberly went upstairs the phone rang.  Mr. Nichols answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is Kimberly home?" a male voice asked.

"May I ask who is calling?"

"AJ."

"One moment." Mr. Nichols cuffed his hand over the phone and said to his wife, "can you go tell Kimberly that AJ is on the phone?"

"She doesn't want to talk to him, that I already know."

"AJ.  We're just about to sit down to dinner.  I'll let her know that you called.  Okay."

"Thank you sir." Mr. Nichols hung up the phone.

"Why doesn't she want to talk to AJ?"

"AJ's last name is Grant, and he happens to be JJ's younger brother.   Need I say more, dear?" Mrs. Nichols replied.

"No.  I get the picture."

 

Kimberly went to the den to see Missy.

"Hi, Missy.  Is it okay if I borrow your fisherman's sweater tomorrow for school?"

"Sure.  You can borrow anything that you want in the closet as long as it's appropriate for your age.  Because if mom sees you in one of my skimpy outfits..."

"I know, she'll have a cow." Kimberly retorted.

"I'm sorry I slapped you earlier. You did get out of line." Missy put down the mascara to look at her sister.

"I know.  No problem.  Can I be in your wedding?"

"Of course you can. I'd like for you to be one of my bridesmaids.   Kerri is going to be my maid of honor and I'm going to ask Jenny to be my matron of honor and Colleen to be my other bridesmaid."

"I think Colleen may be a little afraid of me."

"Why?"

"Bandit practically ran over her today when we were walking in the park."

"Poor Colleen. I'm sure she'll just let it go.  Don't worry about it.  What time is it?"

"Almost 6:30. What time is Bob picking you up?"

"He said around seven.  You'd better go eat.  I'm sure Mom has dinner on the table by now."

"Okay. Can we talk sometime soon?"

"Sure. About what?"

"Just stuff.  We haven't done that for awhile."

"I'll make time just for you.  I'll let you know when.  Okay?"

"Thanks.  I'd better go get supper before mom sends dad looking for me."

"Bye, Kimberly.  I'll see you later." Missy went back to applying mascara on her eyelashes. Kimberly went to join her parents for dinner.

 

"Missy, Bob's here!" Mr. Nichols announced a few minutes before seven.

"Coming..." Missy said.  As much as she was looking forward to dinner with Bob, she wasn't looking forward to telling him about the rape and JJ Grant.  Missy practically ran into Bob as she was coming out of the den.

"Miss!"

"Sorry.  I'm trying to put this bracelet on.  Would you mind?" she asked.

"Not at all.  You look fantastic." Bob commented.

"Thank you.  You don't look so bad yourself.  Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, just let me say good-night to my parents." Missy said.   They walked into the kitchen together.   Mrs. Nichols and Kimberly were clearing the table and Mr. Nichols was drinking coffee and reading the sports page.

"We're leaving now." Missy announced.

"Okay, have a good time." Mr. Nichols said.

"Remember what I said." Mrs. Nichols replied.

"Good-night." Bob said and he and Missy left.

 

At the restaurant, they ate and discussed names for the baby and how they were going to handle the responsibilities of becoming parents.  Missy new the time was coming when she had to tell Bob, and she started to turn serious.

After they were served coffee and tea, Missy started to tell Bob everything.

"Bob, there's something you should know that I haven't told you because I put it in the back of my mind and forgot about it until earlier today.  Please, don't interrupt me until I've finished and promise me you won't get mad about the situation."

"How can I promise when I don't know what it is?"

"Just promise me. I know how short tempered you are and I believe that what I am about to tell you will get you pretty steamed." Missy stammered.

"Okay, I promise."

"Good.  There is no easy way to tell you about this so I'm just going to say it. I was raped when I was fifteen years old by JJ Grant. I had managed with the help of my family thru counseling and the fact that JJ received a fifteen to twenty-five year sentence to put it in my past and forget about it. JJ was released on early parole today with the conditions being that he not try to get in touch with me and that he was under house arrest at his parents' house." Missy couldn't even look at Bob.  She looked at his hands and saw them curl into fists.  She took a sip of her tea.  "JJ tried using his younger brother, AJ, to get in touch with me today.  There, I'm finished." Missy said. 

"That's where JJ's been all these years?  In jail?"

"Yes.  Why?  Do you know him?"

"Very well.  He was my best friend in junior high.  After I graduated from college, I tried getting in touch with him but his parents said he was in the service and out of the country.  I ..." Bob stopped himself.

"You what?  You can't believe that he would do such a thing.  Well, he did and now he's out on early release and I'm going to do everything I can to see that he gets put back in jail where he belongs." Missy stood up for herself.

"I was going to say that I'm sorry this happened to you and even more sorry that JJ is the one who did it.  C'mon, let's get out of here and go somewhere more private where we can talk about this." Bob motioned for the waiter so he could pay the bill.

"Let me just go to the ladies' room first.  I'll be right back." Missy said.  As soon as she got into the bathroom, she began to cry uncontrollably.  She was so relieved that she told him, but she was taken aback by the fact that he and JJ were best friends in junior high.  Once she was able to stop crying and reapply her make-up, she went back out to the table.

"You've been crying.  Your eyes are puffy." Bob said softly.

"I'm sorry.  It couldn't be helped.  Can we get out of here?"

"Sure.  C'mon.  Everything's set." Bob helped her with her coat and escorted her out of the restaurant.

Once they were on their way back to her house, Missy started to relax again.   Bob, on the other hand, was furious with JJ Grant.

"Do you mind if I don't stay over tonight, Miss?  I have something I have to do."

"Please, don't go over to JJ's house and start trouble.  Everything is under control."

"I just can't sit in the background and pretend nothing is wrong, Missy.  How else should I handle this?" Bob raised his voice, which scared Missy.

"I don't know.  Don't yell at me.  I don't know what to do.  I'm so afraid that he's going to come after me sooner or later and he's willing to use AJ and Kimberly to get to me..." Missy broke off and looked out the passenger's window.

"What do you mean, he's using AJ and Kimberly?"

"Kimberly has a crush on AJ.  She and AJ met at a dance last night and they were suppose to go to a matinee today.   He called to talk to her and I answered the phone.  He said that...that...that JJ wanted to talk to me."

"How did you find out that JJ was paroled?"

"Kerri had called home to check the messages on the answering machine and a friend of hers, Andie McDonough called and left a message letting me know that JJ had been paroled." Missy said.  Bob pulled into the driveway.

"Missy, I have to do this for myself.  I need to speak with JJ.  Does he know that we're getting married?"

"Not that I'm aware of.  But, please don't do this!  I'm begging you.   JJ's different from when you knew him.   He's really different.  Please don't go over there!" Missy cried.

Bob looked straight ahead, "I have to."

Without saying a word, Missy got out of the car and went into the house and straight into the den.  Her parents were in the kitchen when they heard the front door slam.

"Sounds like Missy's back.  I'm going to go see if she's okay." Marilyn Nichols explained to her husband.

Missy turned on the CB and listened to those who were already talking.   Mrs. Nichols knocked on the door.

"Missy, it's mom?  Can I come in?"

"Yeah." Missy replied as she grabbed the phone and sat on the air bed.  She dialed her home number for she knew Rick would be there.

"Hello?"

"Kerri, it's Missy.  Is Rick there?  I need to talk to him." Missy asked.  Her mom sat next to her on the bed.

"Hold on."  Missy heard the phone exchange hands. "What's wrong, Missy?"

"It's Bob.  You have to stop him from going after JJ Grant.  He's headed over there now.  Please go stop him.   I'll explain later.  I promise." Missy pleaded with him.

"Yeah, okay.  Are you okay?"

"Just worried.  Please hurry."

"Here's Kerri." Again, Missy heard the phone exchange hands. "Missy? You there?"

"Yeah."

"I take it you told Bob and he didn't take it so well?"

"How would you take it if someone told you that me, you're best friend, tried to kill someone?"

"Do you want me to come over?"

"I'll be alright, my mom's here."

"Well, turn on the base.  Rick will probably be on and don't worry.  Everything will be okay."

"Sure, Kerri.  Thanks." Missy hung up the phone and began crying.  Mrs. Nichols let her cry in her arms.

             

"May I help you?" Mrs. Grant answered the door when Bob knocked on it.

"Hello, Mrs. Grant. I'm Bob Cauldwell. I'm a friend of JJ's. Can I talk with him? It's urgent." Bob asked.

"Sure. Come on in. I'll go get him." Mrs. Grant showed Bob into the living room and headed out to retrieve JJ. Five minutes later JJ entered the room.

"Hey, Bobby! How've you been?" JJ asked and put out his hand for a hand shake. Bobby didn't return the gesture.

"JJ.  We need to talk about someone you hurt pretty badly, which, in turn, is hurting me pretty badly." Bob started.

"What are you talking about?"

"Melissa Nichols." Bob stared at JJ.

"This isn't a good place to talk. Let's go downstairs where we can talk behind closed doors." JJ suggested.

"No. I want you to leave her alone, you bastard. She's my fianceè now and if you come near her, I'll make sure your ass is back in jail before you can blink. I don't know what's happened to you since junior high, but I do know that I don't want to even see you ever again." Bob got up to leave.

"Don't you even want to hear my side of the story?" JJ asked.

"You're a vicious rapist. As far as I'm concerned, you have no rights. Hell, you don't even have any remorse for what you did. I'm ashamed to even have considered you my friend." Bob turned to exit the room. JJ ran after him from behind. Bob turned back just in time and punched him across the face. "Don't ever come near me or Melissa ever again." Bob said and exited the house. He saw Rick pull up just as he got to his car. Rick rolled the window down.

"Everything cool?" Rick asked.

"Now it is." Bob said and got in his car. "Sweet Stuff sent you, didn't she?" Bob asked once he turned the CB on.

"She was worried. What exactly is going on?"

"I will not discuss it over the air. Thanks for coming to back me up. Go on home to Powder Puff. I'm going to go apologize to Sweet Stuff."

"Okay. I'm turning this thing off. If you need anything, call. You know where I'll be."

"Thanks, TWIN2. I'm out." Bob turned his set off as well.

"Missy's really upset. She cried herself to sleep after she told me that Bob was headed over to JJ Grant's. She's gonna make herself sick with all this stress and worrying." Mrs. Nichols was wiping down the kitchen counters and explaining what went on in the den to Mr. Nichols.

"Now, Marilyn. You're going to do the same thing if you continue to do as she does."

"I can handle it. I'm not the one who's pregnant. Missy's very fragile right now." Mrs. Nichols argued then she began crying. Mr. Nichols got up and hugged her to comfort her.

"Now, now, Marilyn. Things will come together and work themselves out. You'll see. Meanwhile, we've got to let the kids do it on their own and stop worrying about them. If they need us, they'll come to us."

"Oh, Kevin, I can't help it. Missy's been through so much in her life. I just want to make sure that she's happy and these things keep popping up to get in the way."

"They're stepping stones, hon. Everyone goes thru them. Let Missy do it too." They heard a car door slam. "That must be Bob. Go on up to bed, sweetheart. I'll let him in, lock up and then I'll be up." Mr. Nichols said.

"Alright." Mrs. Nichols quickly left the room.

"Bob! Everything okay?" Mr. Nichols asked as he opened the door for his son-in-law-to-be.

"Hello, Kevin. Yes, now it is. Is Missy in the den?" Bob asked.

"Yes, she's sleeping. I know she told you about JJ Grant and being raped. That was really hard for her. Don't show her any sympathy about it. That's not what she wants. She's handling everything really well concerning JJ's early parole. Just be there for her and support her." Mr. Nichols advised.

"Thanks, Kevin. I will. Goodnight." Bob walked quietly to the den.

"Goodnight." Mr. Nichols locked up the house and went to join Mrs. Nichols in bed.

 

Bob tried not to wake Missy as he changed and slipped under the covers.

"Bob?"

"Ssshhh, everything's alright. I'm home. Go back to sleep." Bob kissed her on the cheek and cuddled up next to her. She immediately fell back to sleep.

 

"Hello?"

"Missy? I'm leaving work now. I should be there in fifteen minutes.   Be ready, okay?" Bob instructed. He was taking her to see the OB/GYN.

"Okay. See you soon." Missy said and hung up the phone.

"Who was on the phone, dear?" Mrs. Nichols asked, coming into the room.

"Bob. He's on his way here to take me to the doctor's. Also, I'm going back to my apartment afterwards. I've talked it over with Bob and I can't live in fear of JJ Grant. I'll call you when we get back from the doctor's mom. Oh, call Mrs. Cauldwell and see when she wants to get together? We have a wedding to plan." Missy said.

"Okay. Be careful. I love you." Mrs. Nichols announced.

"I will. I love you, too." Missy said and grabbed her purse and suitcase and took them out to the porch. A few minutes later, Bob pulled into the driveway. Missy began down the porch with the suitcase and her purse.

"What do you think you're doing? Put that suitcase down. I will get it." Bob ordered as he got out of the car.

"It's not that far to the car." Missy protested.

"I don't care. I'll get it." Bob replied sternly.

"Yes sir, boss sir." Missy mimicked. "Do you want to carry me to the car as well?" she joked.

"Sure! Why not?" Bob grinned and picked her up.

"Robert!"

"Now, don't argue with me. I'll carry you whenever I want to and now is as good a time as any." Bob walked over to the car with her.

"You're absolutely incorrigable, Robert Cauldwell!" Missy laughed.

"Good, you're laughing. I love it when you laugh." Bob said as he opened the door and gently put her down in the passenger's side. "I'll be right back. Put your seatbelt on." Bob closed her door.

"Righto!" Missy said and rolled the window down.

 

They arrived at the doctor's office in plenty of time and Dr. Feagel was waiting for them.

"I can take you right away, Melissa. If that's alright?"

"Um, yeah, sure. I guess. Bob, can you wait here?" Missy looked at Bob.

"Yeah, sure. I'll be right here." Bob assured Missy as he watched her disappear into the back office area.

 

Dr. Feagel escorted Missy back into the outer office an hour later. "As soon as the test results are in, I'll call you. I've put a rush on them so I'll be here in my office until they get here. Where will you be tonight so that I can call you once they are in?" the doctor asked.

"At my house. The number is 555-1280. Thank you, doctor." Missy said.

"You're welcome. Go home and try to relax, okay?"

"I promise."

"I'll see to it that she does, doctor." Bob added. Missy turned to Bob.

"Please take me home?" she asked.

"Let's go." Bob said and drove her home. Once there, he made sure she was comfortable on the couch before he went back out to the car to get her suitcase.  When he came back in, Missy was on the phone with Kerri so he went straight back to the bedroom and unpacked her suitcase.

"...here until Dr. Feagel calls back. Where are you anyway?"

"Still at work. I'm leaving here after I hang up with you. Rick is taking me out to dinner tonight. He said he has something to ask me and that it's really important."

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"A marriage proposal? Yup, I am. We'll see though. I don't want to get his hopes up. He's been very nervous since the night you found out you were pregnant. He's also been very loving towards me. Oh, yeah. Before I forget. JJ Grant's been calling the house at least once an hour. Did you check the answering machine lately?"

"I know, I'm going to call my lawyer after we hang-up. I've also replaced the tape with a new one. I'm keeping these as evidence of harrassment. Well, I'll let you go. I'll see you when you get home."

"Yeah, Missy. See you soon." They hung up the phone and Missy immediately dialed her parents' house.

"Hi mom. Is daddy home yet?"

"No...everything okay?"

"Yeah, I just need to talk to daddy. Have him call when he gets in?   I'll be home for awhile. Dr. Feagel is waiting for the lab results."

"Everything go okay today?"

"Yeah, mom. I'm just a little nervous about the results. I hope this second opinion refutes the first one."

"Try not to think about it dear.  I've got dinner cooking.  I'll have your father call you once he gets in.  Take care."

"You too, mom.  Bye." Bob returned from unpacking.

"How about watching a movie?  `Steel Magnolias'?" Bob suggested.

"Sounds good.  You put the movies in, I'll get us a snack.  Do you want a soda?"

"Sure." Bob said.  Missy disappeared into the kitchen and Bob fiddled with the VCR.

Kerri arrived home 20 minutes later and preceded to get ready for her date with Rick while Missy fell asleep in Bob's arms as they watched the movie.  At 7:30 Rick arrived to pick up Kerri.  Missy was still asleep.

"Hi, honey.  I'll just be five minutes.  Bob and Missy are in the living room.  I think Missy is still sleeping." Kerri said and kissed Rick on the cheek.  Rick went into the living room.

"Kerri was right.  Missy's still asleep."

"You look snazzy, Rick.  Taking Kerri somewhere special tonight, eh?" Bob commented.

"Yeah, I'm going to ask her to marry me as well.  Ever since you told me what you were going to do, I've been thinking about what my life would be like without Kerri and I realized that I do truly love her.  Out of all the girls/women that I've dated.  She is the one who understands me the best.  How did we luck out?"

"I don't know, man.  Hey, I'm going to be staying here for a few days.  I have a feeling that JJ Grant is going to try to stir things up a bit and Missy doesn't need the aggravation right now.  Good luck with Kerri tonight and have fun for me and Missy, too."

"Rick?  I'm ready now." Kerri came into the living room.

"Wow!  You look great." Bob complimented her.  Rick sat staring at her.  Bob threw a pillow at him.

"Yeah, you're absolutely stunning, sweetheart." Rick followed suit.  Kerri was wearing a slinky black dress with the simulated rubies that Missy gave her for her birthday and she had her hair up in a french twist.

"Thank you both."

"Okay, kids.  Don't stay out too late.  Tomorrow's a school day." Bob teased.

"May you and Missy have a quiet evening.  Goodnight." Rick said and escorted Kerri out the door.  Missy jolted awake at the sound of the door shutting.

"What?"

"Hey, sleepyhead.  You just missed Rick and Kerri.  They both looked absolutely fantastic." Bob said.  He turned off the movie.

"Really?  Cool.  Did Dr. Feagel call?  Did my dad call?" Missy asked as she sat up.

"No one called.  Guess what?"

"Rick's going to propose to Kerri tonight?" Missy said nonchalantly.

"You knew?"

"Kerri and I sort of figured it out.  She said that ever since the other night when I found out I was pregnant and you asked me to marry you, Rick hasn't been himself.  And then when he told her that he was taking her out somewhere special..."

"You figured it was a prelude to asking her to marry him.  You and Kerri are something else." Bob kissed her on the forehead.

"I'm hungry.  Let's go raid the kitchen." Missy suggested.

"Sounds like a good idea." Bob said. 

 

They were eating salads when Dr. Feagel called with the results.

"Melissa?"

"Yes, Dr. Feagel?  Are the results in?" Missy asked.

"Wait, let me get on the cordless."

"Yes they are.  Is Bob with you?"

"He's getting on the cordless."

"Here I am."

"I know how much you want these results so I'm going to tell them to you over the phone.  Melissa, you are pregnant, but I'm afraid that the fetus is detaching itself from the uterus wall. It is very likely that you are going to have a miscarriage within the next few days.  I'm so sorry."

"Oh my god." Missy was devastated.  Bob went out to the kitchen, phone still in hand.  Missy was crying.

"Isn't there anything that you can do, doc?" Bob asked.  Missy could not speak.

"No.  I'm afraid not.   I want to admit Missy right away to the hospital.  Can you two leave now and I'll meet you there?"

"Yes, let me just call her parents and we'll be there."

"I'm sorry, Bob."

"I know.  It's alright.   I'll see you both in a little bit in the emergency room."

"Goodbye, doctor." Bob said and hung up both phones.  He then dialed Missy's parents' house.

"Let me tell them." Missy whispered.  Bob handed her the phone.

"Hello?" Mrs. Nichols answered the phone.

"Mommy?  It's me.  I need you." Missy's voice was barely audible.

"What is it, honey?  What's wrong?"

"Mom, can you just meet me and Bob at the hospital? Please? The news isn't good.  We have to meet Dr. Feagel there as soon as I get off the phone with you."

"We're on our way.  You're father just walked in the door." Mrs. Nichols explained.

Missy hung up the phone and looked at Bob, "I'm scared." she said.

"I am too, hon, I am too." Bob wrapped his arms around her and they stood like that for a few minutes, "C'mon, we'd better get to the hospital." Bob suggested.  He grabbed the afghan off of the couch and they both left the apartment afraid of what they knew would be a horrific tragedy in the near future.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Nichols met Missy and Bob at the hospital.  Bob's parents' weren't far behind.

"I called your parents too, Bob.  I thought they should be here." Mrs. Nichols said.

"What did Dr. Feagel say to you?" Kevin Nichols wanted to know.

"She said that the fetus is tearing away from the uterus wall and that it is likely that Missy will miscarry at any time.  Dr. Feagel wants to admit her to the hospital tonight." Bob replied.   Missy couldn't speak.

"Oh, honey.  I'm so sorry." Mr. Nichols hugged his daughter.

"It'll be alright, dad.  It was meant to be.  God decided that Bob and I aren't ready to be parents." Missy managed to say.

"We'd better go inside.  Dr. Feagel is probably waiting for us." Bob suggested.  All four of them entered the emergency room where Dr. Feagel was waiting with a wheelchair for Missy.

Dr. Feagel explained why Missy would be in for a few days and had her fill out the paperwork that was needed.  Bob wanted a private room for Missy.  They were both in for a tough time and he thought it would be best if they could handle it without a stranger in the room with them.

Bob's parents arrived shortly after Dr. Feagel and Missy disappeared into an examination room.  Bob and Missy's parents were in the waiting room.

"Son, what's going on?" Mr. Cauldwell asked.

"I think they are going to induce a miscarriage." Bob said quietly.  Mr. Nichols explained to the Cauldwells that Missy would not carry the baby to term because the fetus was detaching from the uterus wall and that it would be very likely that Missy would miscarry in the next few days.  Bob just stared into space.

"Son, don't do this.  Melissa needs you and you both need all of us.  Don't shut us out.  Lean on us." Mr. Cauldwell sat down next to his son.

"Everything leads back to the accident, dad.  Everything.  Why didn't someone discover that Missy was pregnant when she was in a month ago?  They had to have known she was pregnant.  It would have been so much easier a month ago.  Why wasn't this detected?" Bob was getting angry.

"I don't know son...I just don't know."

"I need to call Kenny.  Excuse me." Bob said hastily and went to a pay phone.

"Hello?" Kenny answered the phone.

"Hi, Ken.  It's Bob.  Could you give me the number of that lawyer friend of yours?   Even if Missy doesn't decide to go to a lawyer, I want one." Bob said.

"Sure.  But, what else is wrong?  Did Missy get the second opinion?"

"Yeah, she did.  Dr. Feagel has admitted Missy to the hospital because she thinks that Missy will miscarry soon.   Apparently the fetus has detached itself from the uterus wall."

"Oh god.  I'm sorry.  Listen.  Let me find the number for you and I'll come to the hospital right away."

"Thank you." Bob quietly hung up the phone. His mother found him sitting next to it ten minutes later.

"They've moved Missy to her own room.  She's asking for you.  She's in room 343 in the B wing.  Dr. Feagel has sedated her so that she will get some rest.  Why don't you go see her?" Mrs. Cauldwell sat down next to her son.

"I can't mom.  I want to, but I can't.  How am I going to be there for her?  I don't know what to do.  I'm hurting too." Bob said, tears were falling down his face.

"I know, son.  But the best thing you can do is talk about your pain with your father and me and Melissa and her parents.  Your father and I understand.  My first pregnancy, I miscarried.  The pain gets easier, but it never goes away.  You know what replaces it?  The love that you and Missy share and the children that you two will have later on down the road and you will have children eventually. You have to believe that. Missy needs you, please go be with her." his mother insisted.  She handed him a tissue.

"Her brother, Kenny, is on his way.  Could you please wait for him and let him know where we're at?" Bob asked.  He wiped the tears off of his face.

"Don't worry.  I'll let him know.  Go on.  She needs you." Mrs. Cauldwell insisted yet again.  Bob got up and kissed his mother on the cheek.

"Thank you, mom.  I love you."

"And I love you." Mrs. Cauldwell assured her son and watched him disappear down the corridor.

 

"Where's Bob?  Why didn't he come up with you?" Missy asked of her parents and Mr. Cauldwell.

"He said he had to make a phone call.  You should be resting.  Your father and I will be going so that we can get to your apartment and pack a bag for you and be back here in a little while.  Just rest, okay?" Mrs. Nichols asked.

"Don't go yet, wait until Bob gets here.  I don't want to be left alone." Missy pleaded as Bob walked into the room.

"You won't be alone. I won't let you be." Bob said as he went over to the side of the bed.

"See.  We'll be back shortly." Missy's father kissed her on the forehead and her mother did the same.

"You're in good hands, Missy.  If you need anything, call me or Anna." Mr. Cauldwell also kissed her on the forehead.

"Thanks for coming, Jason." Missy replied.

"Thanks, dad. I'll call later. I promise." Bob said.

"Okay, kids.  Goodnight." Mr. Cauldwell left the room.

"I'm sorry I took so long, Missy. I went and called Kenny." Bob said.

"Why'd you call Kenny and why have you been crying?  You never cry." Missy asked.

"I called Kenny because I wanted to get the phone number of his friend, the lawyer. I need some legal advice concerning the way you and our baby were treated when you were admitted last month after the car accident. The treatment has basically destroyed our lives and killed an innocent baby. Our baby. It's hurting you and me and I want to know what we can do to see that Dr. Adams is banned from medicine." Bob said.

"Is that also why you were crying?" Missy asked.

"Yeah, I guess so. I was really liking the idea of being a father and teaching our baby everything our parents taught us. Just the idea of being a dad and actually liking the idea made me smile. You know, when I was still in school, I use to say to my parents that I never want to get married and have children, that I wanted to explore the world...and then I met you.  You changed my life, you made me see that spending my life with another person was more exciting and appealing than traveling the world alone.  We will have children, someday. But for now, as you said earlier, it just isn't meant to be." Bob said. Missy placed her hand on his cheek. 

"I love you and I wish that everything was alright with our baby.   I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. I'm sorry that I have to go through this. I never thought that losing something would hurt so much." Missy said. She laid back down on the bed.

"Don't be sorry. This will make both of us stronger.  We'll get through this together, you'll see.  Just don't shut me out.  Don't forget that I'm by your side through all of this.  I'm not going to let you shut everyone and everything out." Bob said.

"I promise.  I'm getting really tired..."

"It's okay, close your eyes.  I'm not going anywhere.  I promise you that." Bob said and held her hand while she drifted off to sleep.  He was planning on staying the entire night.

 

"I wonder if Bob went home?" Rick asked as he and Kerri entered the house after arriving home from the proposal dinner.

"I don't know. I'm going to go check Missy's room..." Kerri said as she took off her coat.

"Wait. There's a note here on the fridge, Kerri.  It's from Missy's mom.  Missy's been admitted to the hospital.  I'm to call my parents as soon as I see the note." Rick said.

"The news wasn't good." Kerri somberly said.  Rick began dialing the phone.

 

Kenny arrived a few minutes after Bob dozed off.

"Bob...Bob?" Kenny whispered in his ear.

"What?" Bob jolted himself awake.

"I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner. I couldn't get my car to start.   Here's Brian's number." Kenny handed Bob a business card.  "How's Missy?" Kenny then asked.

"Hanging in.  I'm not sure, but I think that Dr. Feagel is considering inducing the miscarriage. Why else would she admit Missy into the hospital?" Bob said.  He got up and moved to the window.  "We're both trying to stay strong for each other right now, when I know she wants to break down and cry until she can't cry anymore just as much as I do.  Missy was hoping to go back to work next week at her store with Kerri, but now, I don't know if she'll be able to go back for at least another month or so.   It's just a chain reaction right now and it's got me going crazy.  I don't know which end is up right now."

"You'll do just fine.  I know you will, bud.  And I know my sister.  You'll both survive this crisis and move on to the next one." Kenny joined him over at the window.

"I hope so.  I sincerely hope so." Bob tapered off.  They both stood there.

"Well, I have some good news of my own to share with you and Missy.   Jenny's book is finally published and out in the bookstores." Kenny shared.

"That's great!  Missy was waiting for that news.  It'll cheer her up.   Congratulations, Ken, you're married to an author now." Bob moved back over toward the bed.

"Thanks, listen, I'm going to be going on home now.  I'll see you tomorrow.  And I promise to check in on Missy too."

"Great.  Thanks again for your friend's number." Bob said.

"He's expecting you or Missy to call. Call me and Jen if you need anything." Kenny gave Bob a hug and left the room as his parents came back into the room.  Kenny motioned for them to be quiet since Missy was still sleeping.

"Bob, we brought some things for Missy and we left a note on the fridge for Kerri so she wouldn't worry." Mrs. Nichols said.

"Thank you, Marilyn. I'm sure Kerri will stop by later if she can.   I'm going to stay the night here, with Missy.   I think she should see a friendly face when she wakes up."

"She also needs to see a rested face. Why don't you go home and get a few hours of rest?  She'll most likely sleep until morning." Mr. Nichols suggested.

"I don't know..." Bob hesitated.

"If something happens, she'll call or someone else will.   If you want, you can stay at our house. I haven't taken down the airbed yet." Mr. Nichols again said.

"Alright, alright. I'll go home to your house for tonight.  I just don't like leaving her here all alone." Bob said, looking at Missy resting peacefully.

"C'mon, son.  Visiting hours are over.  We all need our rest.  Missy will be fine.   You have to believe that." Mr. Nichols said while Mrs. Nichols unpacked the small suitcase that she brought for Missy.

"I do believe it, but, I still don't want her to be alone here." Bob protested as Mr. Nichols walked with him out of the room.

to be continued...

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