The next morning, after a huge breakfast, Kat and Jennifer got alone with Mandar to talk about TJ and her needs. “We hope you don’t mind us bringing this up with you Mandar,” began Kat, “but, well, we, um…” “What Kat is trying to say is that we are concerned about TJ’s needs right now,” continued Jennifer, “she has been through a very traumatic experience. What she really needs is, well, um…”

“A stable home life,” continued Kat, “she needs a family type home and she needs friends that can help her grow into a beautiful and strong woman…” “With those around her that love her and can guide and counsel her when she needs it,” continued Jennifer, “but please don’t think we are saying you can’t provide this for her. But you are away so much of the year and we, well, um…”

“Are just trying to be helpful and, you know, make suggestions,” continued Kat. “Oh my dear Kat and Jennifer,” he responded, “please do not think I would be hurt or offended by your ideas and help. I am so glad you decided to bring up this subject right away. As you know, I am not exactly a family type man and I certainly would not know what to do with a girl like TJ, but I was unsure how to approach the subject.

You are so right, I am away most of the year and what would I do with TJ while I am gone? She would not enjoy traveling around with me since I would have little to no time to spend with her. And I would not want her to be home alone while I am gone, that would definitely not be a good thing. You are absolutely correct when you said she needs stability, family and friends right now. TJ does seem to get along so well with the other girls you brought with you.

And I am most certain that you two would make wonderful, shall we say, adopted, mothers for TJ. So I am just overjoyed that you two, as representatives of Steve, would invite TJ to join your team and wonderful family. Let us go tell TJ the wonderful news right away, shall we?” He then walked out of the library, leaving Kat and Jennifer staring at each other.

“That certainly went well,” said Jennifer, sighing. “For who?” asked Kat, “I can just imagine the look on Steve’s face when we get the opportunity to tell him what his “representatives” did.” “Or Sky,” added Jennifer, “or Mr. B.” As they all went out into the back garden Mandar continuing talking. “Of course, I will look after her financial needs,” he said, “and I know you will enjoy taking her shopping and looking after any other needs she might have.

And I will give you money for shopping for yourselves as well, for new clothes every 3 months and any other things that lovely women such as yourselves would naturally need.” Kat and Jennifer did a lot of sighing that morning, but they did keep a smile on their faces as well. They found TJ, the other girls and the cats in the middle of the garden, talking and giggling together. Mandar told TJ the exciting news and she was ecstatic upon hearing this and gave Jennifer and Kat each a huge hug.

Then Mandar and the girls went back to the house to get ready for lunch. Jennifer and Kat stood staring at each other. “That certainly went well,” said Jennifer, sighing. “For who?” asked Kat, also sighing. The next day everyone returned home and Mandar came along as well. Kat and Jennifer talked to Sky alone and told her what had happened. “That’s wonderful news,” said Sky, smiling and hugging them both, “I’m sure that you two will be amazing adopted mothers for TJ.”

She then went into the library to spend time with TJ and Mandar. Jennifer and Kat sat looking at each other. “That certainly went well,” said Jennifer, sighing. “For who?” asked Kat, also sighing. They then followed into the library. “Steve knew what he was doing when he picked you two to be his representatives in emergencies like this,” said Mandar again to Kat and Jennifer. “Well, really, we don’t…” began Jennifer. “Now, now,” said Mandar, “I know you likely don’t think of yourselves as qualified for such tremendous responsibility. But if Steve picked you, then I know you have the qualities needed for the position.”

“I totally agree with you Mr. M.” said Sky, “I even told Steve that he did the right thing in choosing them.” “There, you see?” said Mandar. “Danger is near!” yelled Jennifer, and the girls quickly got their guns out and Annelie checked the outdoor cameras but could not see anything out there. But, suddenly the silent Red Alert sign began flashing and Carolyn called upstairs for Kat to come immediately. Kat and Angel went down to the lab while Jennifer remained in the library to protect TJ and I.

“Patrick injected himself with the nowhere drug!” exclaimed Carolyn. “Yes,” said Melissa, “we didn’t know he did it until it was too late and we were not sure what he might do, since he could get violent.” “I needed to do it,” said Patrick, “so we could practice the antidote on me before trying it on Steve.” That was all he said and then he just sat there staring. Suddenly he jumped up and went after Carolyn but Kat easily stopped him and got him to sit on a chair.

“We have the antidote ready,” said Melissa. First they asked Patrick questions to see what his reaction would be and if he knew anything at all. He knew nothing at all, he was just in the nowhere state like I was. Melissa injected him with the antidote, but all that happened was he fell asleep. Angel went back upstairs to tell everyone what was happening. “Men can be such idiots at times,” said Sky sighing. After 3 hours everyone from the lab came upstairs to the library and Patrick was back to normal.

Carolyn was ready to give me an injection but she said I should be lying down since it will put me to sleep. So, Sky and Jennifer managed to convince me to go lie down, but once I began walking, I became very agitated and would not go. I pointed to Melina, so Sky asked her to come along. Once in the bedroom they had me lie down, with Melina on one side of me and Jennifer on the other side, just in case I became violent.

Poor Melina looked rather worried though and asked Sky if it was okay for her to lie beside me. “Of course it is,” she said smiling, “you are doing something important to help Steve, so please don’t worry.” Carolyn gave me the antidote and I was soon asleep…

To Be Continued.

©2024 Steve McLeod.