The Little Ones - The Road Is Long free porn video

AUTHOR'S NOTES: this is a continuation of my article 'little ones-first steps' which was recently published here on FM. The people, places, and events are all real, and I am involved with this family as part of a research project I'm working for. You really need to read my first installment before reading this update! In this update, I've decide to introduce two of Helena's sisters, and how they fit into the picture. While I was planning not to do another update on this family until early November, recent events concerning them have changed my mind. Indeed, little Helena (the family's almost four year old daughter, through her eyes I've decided to tell this story) has celebrated thanksgiving holiday (in Canada, thanksgiving occurs in early October), and is beginning to deal with a huge family crisis. Thus, an update is being given now, as the situation has become very fluid. While the amount of time actually elapsed in this section is quite short (a little over seven days) the crisis and family development covered here is massive. The next update will come after Halloween, a holiday these people are REALLY into: the costumes are already on the drawing board, and they are ingenious, if I may say so. As well, Helena will have celebrates two birthday parties, as we'll start to see below. We also hope to have a more concrete update on Tom. All names and personal data have been removed or altered in order to protect people's privacy and the integrity of the project. As per my native Canadian custom all spelling used is British English, as opposed to American English. There is also one place where a metric measurement is used. A quick conversion, given here for those who may not use metric, is this: one cup equals roughly 250 ml. ©2012-all rights reserved. Any unauthorized copying, mass storage on any electronic media, printing, re-use on any website save Fictionmania, electronic transmission over any system, or re-use is expressly forbidden. Users of electronic readers may download one copy for their express personal use solely on their personal device. Such users will keep the title, author, and copyright block fully intact. Any removal or alteration of such information will be seen as an attempt to void the given license. THE LITTLE ONES - THE ROAD IS LONG - PART IIA BY STEELHEAD2 A loud knock on their door woke them up. "Time to wake up, and face the day, kiddos!" offered mama as she entered the room. Helena rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and looked at her mother. Mama had taken baby Earl and was changing him. Bobby had just rolled over in his bed. Helena rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom. She returned to find mama dressing the baby. "What's the weather like today, mama?" asked Helena. "It's cool-you'll need your sweatshirt on out there today, honey! Came mama's reply. She then went over tickled bobby until he sat up in bed. "Now the two of you get dressed, and come down to breakfast. We have a busy day ahead of us-we have a lot to do!" mama chided. Helena moved to get her clothes for the day-purple trousers and matching top, and her tie dye sweatshirt. Mama helped her dress, and once Bobby was dressed, they moved down to breakfast. "Today we're having bacon, eggs, toast, and grapefruit. The cereal today is rice crispies, and there is Danish left for each of you," Mama explained as they entered the kitchen. Mama moved quickly to feed her children. Once the eggs where ready, mama prepared the rest of the meal. She sat her little ones down and gave them their plates. Helena looked her breakfast over-the fried eggs, the crispy bacon, the sliced up, peeled grapefruit sections sitting in a small plastic bowl, and small bowl of cereal-all held her eye. She smiled as she looked at her cherry Danish. Mama then brought over the larger breakfast cartons of milk and plastic cups of fruit punch. They laughed as Bobby picked up some of his bacon and put it in his mouth. Mama offered, "All men, no matter how old, have the same table manners-terrible!" she held her infant son and gave him his bottle while the other two ate. Helena enjoyed her breakfast, and soon the food was gone. The only problem was the foil cover on her juice. She had left this part until last, and finally she just used the end of her spork to puncture the foil. Once they had all finished up, they helped mama to clean up. "Mama, why can't we sit at the main table? There is no one else here," asked Helena. "Because you can't, honey. You have your place, and that place is right there. You wouldn't want daddy or Uncle Tom to sit at your little table, now would you? The main table belongs to certain members of this family. So no, you can't sit at it-not now, at least. But maybe someday you'll get there!" explained mama. She then reached out and gently held her daughters' shoulders, and said in a soft whisper;" now you just have patience!" Helena smiled and nodded her agreement. "So what do we get at the farmer's market today, mama?" asked Helena. "We'll get a supply of apples, pumpkins, potatoes, and a few other things. Then we'll go and get our turkey! If you three are all very good, you may even get a trip to, oh let me see, how about McDonald's? This is thanksgiving, and you all deserve something nice for your holiday, don't you think?" Helena felt good but strange at the news-fast food only came every few months, and then most often at a holiday. But as she looked at the calendar, and heard mama's words, she remembered it was a holiday! They then moved to the front door, and after mama had swaddled the baby, they headed out. It was still early when they reached the market. They picked up all their produce, and soon their buggy was full. As they shopped, mama explained the rest of their weekend, "First, we need to pick up our turkeys. We'll have lunch next, and then we'll go home this afternoon, and make some pumpkin pies. Mary and Jo-Anne (Two of Helena's older sisters) will be coming home early to help us out. But we'll take the rest of the weekend easy." There was no disagreement from her little ones. As they shopped, Helena noted the seasonal change. The peaches, raspberries, and peppers of only a few weeks ago had been replaced by apples, potatoes, and onions. Mama had purchased a large basket of apples, and it was placed in the old wagon that the two kids pulled. They worked hard, and even after mama handed each one a pumpkin, they pushed on. Mama's wagon held a lot of stuff as well. Once they finished, and had lugged everything to their van, they sat to rest. But once everything was in the back, they all hopped in, and rode off with renewed vigor. The next stop was the butcher's. With fourteen mouths to fed (baby earl has not yet started solids), the meat order was large. But today, each child was handed a turkey to carry. With pride, they carried their holdings. Bobby stopped to look in one cooler, but mama pushed him on. "What's wrong with that meat, mama?" asked Helena. "That, my child, is not real meat at all. It is called luncheon meat, and it's so full of fat and junk that it's just horrible. It's expensive, and it's no good for us. So we just don't buy it," Mama explained. Indeed, if one thing can be said for this house, they eat very well! Once that errand was finished, they drove to MacDonald's. "Now what do you two want to eat?" asked mama. "Big Mac!" replied Helena. "Chicken nuggets!" offered Bobby. Mama smiled and got their order. This was a very rare treat, and the children smiled as they were served. They ate, and then they went home. At home, they unloaded their stuff and put most of it away. The pumpkins, however, where taken, washed, peeled, and made ready for cooking. Mary and Jo-Jo both arrived right on time, and soon, they all could smell the pies cooking. Once cooked, most would be frozen: mama sold pies for money, and some were consumed by the family. "So mama, what is left for pies this year?" asked Helena. "We still have apple and pumpkin to do, dear. Then we'll do mincemeat and raisin. Then we stop until next spring, when we start all over again!" mama happily explained. The two final pies that day where a little deeper and a little bigger: they were the family's own thanksgiving treat. After pies where finished and set to cool, dinner was started. The meal for the evening consisted of spaghetti with meatballs, Caesar salad, rolls, and carrot cake, which had been baked the night before. Soon, their dinner was on its way. As the girls worked, the rest of the family started to arrive home. Daddy arrived and greeted his wife and daughters in the kitchen. "Smells very good, ladies," He said, before turning to his wife and asking, "So, any problems today? How was your day, honey?" Mama answered, "Today was fine. Everything went well. Now go and get ready for dinner!" Helena's other sisters and brothers arrived from school. Everyone seemed happy. Grandpa was dropped off, and he eyed the cooling pies with a big smile. "Smell delicious!" he commented. "Yes dad-I know! And they'll taste even better!" replied mama. The old man reached out and patted Helena on the head. She smiled up at the old man. Only Uncle Tom arrived home silent. He just arrived in the kitchen and sat down. "So what's new?" asked mama. "Nothing, nothing at all," Uncle replied as he rubbed his eyes. His hair, now cut short, was greasy and messy. His top was stained, and he hadn't changed his clothes in a few days. Uncle Tom had not gone to either program or work for a few days-he had taken to wondering the streets, and that was a topic of family discussion as well He then got up and left the room. Helena felt sad-she worried about him. With everything on the go, two of her older brothers started to set up for dinner. They moved chairs, set up tables, and placed the folding chairs, the ones the older children used for dining, in place. Helena grinned as the bench she ate at was placed on the floor. Mary had fetched the baby's seat and the carpet swatches, and then she placed everything on the floor. Mama playfully chased Helena and Bobby out of the kitchen. "You two go and wash up, and when you come back, dinner will be served! Now vamoose!" she said. After washing, Helena and bobby returned. Taking her plate, Helena made her way through the line. A big helping of spaghetti-nice meatballs-a big scoop of sauce dumped over the pasta-a small bowl of green salad-and finally a roll where placed on the thick piece of plastic. Mary then told them, "Once we get you two settled, I have bibs to put on you two! Now mama asked me to get them, and this is a messy food, and we just need to protect your clothes! OK?" Helena looked up at the tall, broad girl, and meekly offered a quick 'yes'. She loved her sister, but she knew what refusing her would bring-the yelling, or worse a hard, painful smack on her bottom from daddy. At the end of the table, Helena was handed a carton of milk, asked what kind of dressing she wanted for her salad: "I want the thick creamy stuff," she replied, and a package of creamy salad dressing was promptly placed on the plate, and finally a foil pouch of juice was put on the plate by another sister. Her spork, the only utensil she used, finished the deal, and Helena moved to seat herself. Mary placed Bobby down, and put his diner in front of him. She then put his bib-a piece of thick flannel-on him. She then came around and did the same to her little sister, before going and getting her own supper. Soon everyone was seated, and grace was said. As they ate, Helena looked up and surveyed the others. From her vantage point, she could see everyone else, even though she was on the floor. Everyone but Uncle Tom was eating and talking-Uncle tom has picking at his supper. Mama looked at him, and told him, "I know life is hard, but you need to eat. Do I have to start taking your dessert away too? Some days I really worry about you! And you know-it could be a lot worse than this!" Uncle Tom then slowly started to eat. Helena then got back to her own dinner. She looked at her little brother, and his face was full of sauce. She giggled at the sight. She carefully removed the straw from the juice pouch, and carefully punctured the packaging .The fruit juice was cold and tasty, and Helena decided to save her milk to drink with her cake. She ripped open the dressing package, and dumped it over her salad. She used two fingers to press the remaining dressing out of the package, just as her father had taught her sometime before. Once dinner was done, Helena got up and cleaned her plate when she was told by mama-not that anything was left. Mama used a wet soapy dishrag to wash her hands and face, and she repeated the same procedure with Bobby. She removed their bibs and got them their cake. Thick slabs of carrot cake, which topped with thick white icing and walnut crumbs, had been placed on small plastic plates and then distributed to the group. There were new small red sporks for the little ones to eat dessert with-the old plastic spoons had been retired the week before. The yummy carrot cake was so good, Helena offered, "Mama, you are the best baker ever!" "Thank you, honey! But I can't take credit-your sister made that!" came the reply as the family laughed. After dinner the girls moved to clean the kitchen. Helena dutifully got her stool and was soon drying the dishes. The boys put away the tables, washed the floor, and arranged the room for evening use. Soon, everything was done, and the children looked with pride at their work. Daddy appeared with grandpa, and he asked no one in particular, "Would anyone like to go with us on a nice walk?" Daddy moved his arms in a broad hand beside hand motion to illustrate his question to his two smallest sons. Bobby responded with a loud 'yes!' and he went to get his shoes and heavy sweater. "Helena, how about you, honey?" asked daddy. "No, not tonight. I think I'm going to play a game with mama and Mary tonight. But maybe tomorrow, daddy!" responded Helena. "OK, OK," said daddy. He then added, "Do you want me to take Baby Earl off your hands for a while honey?" as he spoke to his wife. "No-the baby is almost asleep now. I'll put him down for the night soon. And you all be careful!" mama replied. With that, daddy, grandpa, and several of the boys left for their walk. Mama then went and got the games. "We have cards, four in a row, and snakes-and-ladders. Which one will it be?" Jo-Jo answered with, "We'll play a quick round of four in a row, and then we can play hearts," after everyone agreed, the board was set up, and play started. They played for a while, but then mama asked, "Where is Uncle Tom? Did he go with daddy?" Mary answered, "No, no he didn't. I think he's downstairs in his room," Mama then said, "I think I'll go and check on him," Helena looked at her mother who was busy with the baby. "No, mama. I'll go down and look in on him. I'll be right back!" she offered. Then she headed down the stairs and into the basement of the house. Helena was surprised when she got down into the basement and found no lights on. She turned on the lights and approached Tom's door. She waved her hand under the blanket, and was surprised when she got no answer. She then poked her head under the blanket. "Uncle Tom?" she said. She then saw her uncle move quickly and jump from his hammock. "Are you all right?" she asked. "Oh, I'm fine honey. Why are you down here?" he asked. "I just came down her to check on you because mama asked me too. Why are you sitting down here in the dark?" Helena replied. "Oh, no reason. I've just been thinking," Uncle Tom replied. He then lay down in his hammock, and rolled on his side away from his niece. "Go away!" he said. Confused, Helena left. She then returned upstairs, and told mama what had happened. "Next time he is to be checked, I'll go, sweetie. Something's not right down there!" mama said. The group then moved to play cards. They discussed life, schools, and their problems. The older ones felt strange in school. They were laughed at for being poor, and for needing special help. Mary offered, " I was called a pathetic little urchin today by a classmate. And then she added that I was retarded!" Mama then spoke and said, "You are not retarded-you are lagging behind. You need special help to catch up to the other teens in your school. You also need special help in order to become strong capable young women. There is no need to rush: you will go to school until you turn 21, if you need too. You should report that kind of thing to Miss Tax, your special needs adviser. She can help you!" After playing several rounds of cards, the others returned home. "You need to go and check on your brother this minute!" Mama told daddy. Daddy then moved and went downstairs. He returned several minutes later, and he then called a family meeting. "All of you need to keep a close eye on Uncle Tom for the next while. If he starts acting strangely, you need to tell either your mother or me right away ! Any questions?" Daddy instructed in a hushed tone. Everyone just nodded their agreement. Later that evening, mama took her smallest charges up to bed. As mama changed and prepared baby Earl for bed, Helena asked her mother, "So, what exactly is 'acting strangely'? What do I look for?" Mama replied, "You'll know. Believe me you'll know," Mama then gave Helena a big hug. Once they were all settled into bed, mama turned out the lights. It took Helena a while to fall asleep. The next morning was Saturday, and everyone got a bit more sleep. Helena was woken up by her mother a little later than usual, and told to dress and head down for breakfast. "How did you two sleep last night?" mama asked. "Not well. It was hard to fall asleep, and I had a few bad dreams," Helena offered. "You and everybody else!" replied mama. Helena dressed and once her brothers where ready, they all headed downstairs. "Smell pancakes" said Bobby. "Close, kiddo. Waffles this morning!" corrected mama, before adding, "We have a busy day today, kiddos. So you need to eat up and get ready to do some work! We have good dishes to get out and clean, a kitchen to prepare, and a yard to work in," The two little ones then went through the line and got their breakfast. As Helena motored to the start of the line, Mary told her, "These waffles have blueberries in them!" "Goody! I love blueberries! Remember going to pick them?" Helena said. "Yes, I do! We went four times this past august! How could I forget?" countered Mary. Mary then took a large cream coloured plastic plate, and placed three big waffles on one side. Next came two sausage patties. Then came a small plastic bowl of fruit cocktail, a paper container of corn flakes (seated in a small plastic dish), and small packets of pancake syrup, blueberry jam, and whipped butter. The usual carton of milk ( but now 500 ml instead of the usual 250 ml-the extra is for the cereal) and a small bottle of orange drink where added last, as was the yellow plastic spork that Helena ate with. But something new was added that morning-a plastic knife. "What's this for?" she asked. She then followed mama, who had bobby's plate, to the table. As she emptied the small packets of syrup onto her waffles, mama told her, "The knife is so that you can start cutting up some of your own food. Now anything that requires a sharp blade, like meat, I'll gladly still do. But for soft stuff, or for butter, I think it's time you started to try and do it. You're a big girl today!" Helena beamed as her mother demonstrated the use of the knife with the spork. "Now you try it, honey," Mama instructed. She then tried herself, and soon she had it down. The hardest part was the cereal. Helena fought with the box until she was frustrated-then she just ripped the top open and poured out the cereal into the little bowl. She then carefully poured in some milk, and ate it. All in all, it was a nice meal, designed to support a day of work. "Where's Tom?" asked daddy. Daddy then went downstairs. It took a few minutes, but soon daddy appeared with Uncle Tom. "Now go get your breakfast and go take a shower! And you need to decide to tell us what's going on, or what's wrong!" daddy yelled. Helena watched painfully as her uncle slowly moved through the lineup. He only took a little bit, and then he sat down. "Plastic plates-packets of everything-milk in cartons- just like eating in a prison!" he whined. "Now you listen here!" said mama. She continued with, "Things happen here for a reason. I have to be fair: I have to be clean, and I don't like waste! Can you imagine if I had common milk? Or common syrup? The tiny ones there would get nothing, and things would be just gross! So everyone, even you, get a fair share when service happens this way! So that's why I do it!" She then moved over to where uncle was sitting, and said, "Only one waffle? At this rate, you'll starve-and in a kitchen of plenty! I just don't know!" Uncle Tom then went silent, and slowly ate his breakfast. "Now go and take yourself a shower, and change your clothes!" ordered daddy. Uncle Tom had not bathed in several days, and he hadn't changed his clothes in a while, either. His striped top was stained and his matching pants where filthy. Uncle Tom then slowly walked out. Helena finished her breakfast and looked at her little brother. He was shaking his bottle of drink, and then with one motion he punctured the seal with the end of his spork. His actions said more than his words could. After breakfast cleanup, mama, with baby earl strapped to her backside, led her girls out into the garage. She opened some boxes, and soon, the girls were busy taking packages and boxes to the kitchen. "Just place them on the main table, and then come back for the next item!" mam instructed. Working in tandem, soon they had everything in the kitchen. Next mama opened the boxes and laid out the family's good dishes, glasses, and cutlery. A plastic bucket was filled with soap and warm water, and with great care, each item was washed. Mama took Helena and sat her down in front of a pile of silver. Mama took a rag, and after dipping a corner of the rag into polish, cleaned a piece of silver. "Now you try honey," Mama instructed. Helena took a spoon, and looked on in awe as the dark purple scrubbed away. "Now you polish all this silver the best you can!" said mama. Helena worked with a smile. Soon, she was busy polishing the silverware. Some pieces where badly stained, and it took all of Helena's strength to polish them. It took a while, but eventually, all the silver was clean. Mama checked her work, and apart from a few spots, her work was good. Mama returned with a funny shaped plastic container, and told Helena, "Now I want you to sort out all that good silver! Each piece goes into the slot that has the pieces' shape. See, the forks go here," "I think I got it, mama," offered Helena. It took a while, but Helena sorted out all the good silver. Once everything was finished, the girls looked with pride at the clean china. "Now all of this is very old, and fragile. So you need to be very careful with these! Most of this stuff came from my grandmother when she died. It is precious to me! And it's not replaceable!" explained mama. After finishing the dishes, the girls cleaned. Helena helped to scrub out the toilets and wipe down the floors around the basins. Mary once called out, "Helena, come here!" and Helena came promptly. "Up you go! Finish polishing this mirror, please, as I can't reach!" offered Mary. Helena was then handed a cloth, and Mary picked her up and held her high. She wiped the thick white glass cleaner off, and rubbed hard to finish up the mirror. "Superb! Now back down you go!" said Mary. It took a long time, but before the day was over the house was clean. Daddy led the boys and grandpa back into the house-they had worked outside all day, cleaning things and washing windows and gardening and raking up. Everyone was tired, hot and hungry, but their house was now spotless. "Now I want everyone down stairs and wash your hands in the big set tub! And be sure to do it carefully, and use lots of soap-after washing, I have a nice treat for tonight with supper!" explained mama. Mama smiled and took the little ones down to the big sink. Everyone moved, one at a time, and washed. Mama placed a stool beside the tub, and after washing her own hands lifted first Helena, and then bobby up. "Both of you worked hard today! I'm proud of both of you!" said mama. Daddy offered, "You two are good little helpers! Bobby cut up the branches and help wash the basement windows. And what did you do, honey?" "She polished the good silverware and cleaned the toilets!" offered mama. The group then took all the clean dishes and put them away. Mama and some of the children moved to start cooking supper. "So what's for supper, mama?" asked Helena. "Tonight we have pork chops with rice, coleslaw, fresh pea pods, and green salad. You'll also get orange juice in a cup tonight. Then later, both of you little stinkers will get a nice bath!" mama explained. After a while, the lovely smells of food cooking filled the house. "Why don't you take bobby and go play for a while?" mama asked Helena. "Sure mama!" replied Helena. She got her little brother and both of them went to play upstairs. Soon, mama called 'supper!' and the family came together to eat. Helena waited patiently with her little brother for their turn to go through the line. Finally, her Jo-Jo smiled down at them, and she waved them in. Helena got her plate and then got her supper. As if by magic, with each step through the line her meal came together. First the rice, then the chop, then a small dish with pea pods, then a small bowl of coleslaw where all placed or her plate in turn. Helena then went and got her milk, and poured herself a plastic mug of juice before getting her spork. Looking behind to check on bobby, she made her way down to her seat. Mama cut up her meat, and then she settled in for her dinner. All were hungry, and all wanted to eat. However, Uncle Tom was the last one through the line. "I'm not very hungry tonight. Just a little," He whispered. He moved very slowly, and when he sat down he looked terrible. "Tom, talk to me!" said daddy. "What's wrong? You need to tell us, so we can help. Heck, not only are you scaring the children, you are now scaring me! Do you want to go to the hospital tonight?" added daddy. "No! No hospital! Nothing is wrong and everything is wrong! Oh god, why am I here? To live in this house of freaks?" Uncle Tom whined. Mama then yelled, "And just who are you calling freaks?! You have more then you had before, and a little appreciation would be nice! Of course, you can always leave..." Uncle Tom then started to cry. Daddy ordered him, "Now you eat your supper, and after dinner I'm taking you to the hospital! End of story!" everyone was looking up from their meal at Tom-and everyone felt sorry for him. After finishing up their dinner, the plates where scraped and piled. "So, what's the treat?" asked John. "Oh, I almost forgot!" replied mama. She then disappeared downstairs and returned with a box of ice cream cones. She then handed out the cones. "A little reward for everyone's very hard work!" said mama. "Or to take the mind off of ones troubles," She added as she tried to give Tom his cone. But he refused to take it. Mama frowned, and sat down with her own ice cream cone. Helena enjoyed her treat; even though the situation was stressful-she sensed something was going on. As soon as dinner was over, daddy left with Tom. "Phone us is something is up," Mama said to daddy. "Maybe now he'll get some help. This is just plain weird!" Helena said to mama. "Yes, it is! But we need to be careful, honey," Mama replied. The kitchen was then cleaned, and the dishes washed. Mama gave Earl a bottle while the others played. Then it was shower time-each older child was allowed twelve minutes of hot water each to wash. All the daughters went first, one at a time. Then the older boys went. Finally, the last one had showered and changed into clean clothes. Then it was the youngest ones turn. Mama got out the big tub, and after filling it with water, she added hot water until it felt pleasant. She then made bobby and Helena toilet, and then they got their bath in the tub. Soon, both where clean, and after drying, they were given fresh clothes. They then watched mama bathe the baby. "So, when will you wash, mama?" asked Helena. "After you all go to bed, I'll have myself a shower," explained mama. They all then played cards for a while. The phone rang soon after. Grandpa went and answered, and then got mama. "So their keeping him?" she asked. Soon, she hung up, and called a family meeting. "Uncle Tom is staying in the hospital tonight. Some of us need to go downstairs and get some of his things so daddy can take them to him. Any volunteers?" explained their mother. Mary raised her hand, and Helena did as well. The two of them then headed downstairs. The two girls entered and got their bearings. "So, which pants do you think we should bring up?" asked Mary. "The pink plaid ones or the yellow ones," Helena responded. They decided on the yellow pants, and Toms' good flowered top. They added two pairs of panties, socks, a gold sweater, and a pink sweatshirt. Finally they got a couple T-shirts. "So, do you think tom will be alright?" Helena asked. "I don't know kiddo. I really don't. In fact, I think something is very wrong with him! Look at how strangely he's been acting!" replied Mary. They then went back upstairs, and handed mama the stuff they had gathered. "Thank you!" offered mama. After a while daddy came home, alone, and he took the clothes and left. In fact, he was still gone when Helena went to bed. As she drifted off to sleep, she saw a vision of her uncle crying. The next morning was Sunday. Everyone got up and went to church. Helena offered a prayer for her Uncle. He still wasn't home, and everyone was worried. The family all had pizza for lunch, and that afternoon, the family went for a walk at a local nature site. The leaves where changing colours and they saw several animals. As they walked, mama asked Helena, "So what do you want to be for Halloween? That holiday is coming, dear," "I'm not sure yet. I'm not interested in that yet. You know, there's only one thing I'm interested in right now-getting Tom back in one piece! " Helena replied. "I get it, honey. But I think all of us would agree with you," Mama replied. She bent down and hugged the little one, and whispered in her ear this: 'You have a kind, good heart. Don't worry about Tom-he'll be fine, and hopefully he'll be back soon and back in good health! "That evening, daddy went to see Uncle Tom. "He'll be in for a few days. They say he just needs a rest," Daddy explained on his return. The next day was Monday. It was still dark when Jo-Jo entered the little ones room, and woke Helena. She whispered, "Please go and use the can, then I'll help dress you. We have lots of work to do in the kitchen, and we need your help. So mama wants you up NOW!" Helena rolled over, shed her heavy blanket, and went to the bathroom as ordered. Jo-Jo then helped her dress in old work clothes, and the two of them went down to the already busy kitchen. She then washed her hands, and soon, Helena was busy ripping up bread in order to make stuffing. She then helped peel carrots while mama sliced them. "What is that bright line over there?" Helena asked as she looked out the window. "That's the dawn, honey. The sun is now starting to rise," explained Mary. After carrots came potatoes. Helena helped to wash and peel. "We're well underway, so I'll go and wake the rest. They can start the turkey now," mama commented. A short while later, daddy and all of Helena's brothers appeared. They took over the kitchen and with manly pride, got the turkeys ready. Daddy took bobby and gave him two battered aluminium pans. I want these lined with this foil, son. And I want the foil overhanging the pan's side, and I want it tight with no leaks! Got that?" he asked. "Yes, daddy, I got it!" bobby replied. The small youngster then went about his job. He carefully pushed the thick, heavy foil sheet into every corner of the pans. He ripped off more foil and added more cover. "All done, daddy!" he beamed. His father, who had been scrubbing out a turkey using the kitchen sink, looked over the job. "Good boy! Now wash your hands, and come help us stuff these birds!" daddy ordered. Soon, two birds had been cleaned, washed, stuffed, and covered. They went into the massive oven to roast. Breakfast was a simple sandwich, as the massive stove was fully engaged with their holiday feast, and everyone wanted to enjoy that! Baby earl woke, and mama went and got him: after changing and dressing came his bottle. "You two have worked hard-why don't you both go back to bed for an hour? I'll need more help then," urged mama. The two little ones agreed wholeheartedly, and soon both where back in their beds and sound asleep. After a while, mama returned and woke them a second time. They returned to the kitchen and helped finish making the meal. There was gravy to stir and turkey to sample. The eating area was then prepared. "Now everyone needs to be very careful with these plates!" mama urged for the tenth time that weekend. Daddy then ordered, "Now go and wash, and change. I want to see good, special clothes worn at our good, special holiday meal!" Mary took Helena and bobby, and led them up to their room. Mama was sitting in a chair, smiling at daddy who was leaning against a wall and smiling back at his wife while looking her in the eye. "Now you two little people wait here, and I'll be back in a minute to help you change and get ready! And please: don't spill anything on your good clothes! Eat slowly and carefully!" she instructed. Soon Mary returned wearing her fancy party dress. She helped Bobby dress in his good trousers, shirt, and sweater, and Helena into her fancy red trousers and white striped sweater. She then led them back to the kitchen. Instead of the usual lineup, mama did all the serving. She had changed herself, and she was wearing a good new apron over her clothes. Daddy came around with glasses of tomato juice. "Now you two need to be very careful here-these are real glasses, and they will break if you drop them! So I'm trusting you!" he explained as he set the drinks down. Mama finally brought over two plates to their table, and set them down. They had real, metal forks and knives. Daddy then sat down, and after saying a long grave complete with prayer, and he lifted his juice glass: "A toast-to us and to this new house!" mama added "Here! Here!" and they all clinked their glass together. After a drink, mama raised her glass and offered, "To our future here! And to our well-deserved success and happiness!" the glasses clinked again. Then they all ate. Helena watched herself very carefully, as she didn't want to spill or break anything. In truth, she found the fork hard to manoeuvre: it was smaller than her usual spork and not as handy. But she survived, and no food was spilled. Then came the beautiful pumpkin pie. "Err.. mama, is there something else you need to tell us?" asked Jo-Jo. "No, what do you mean?" replied a perplexed mama. "It's just that with the way you've been acting, I've been waiting for a special announcement. You know the one about a special delivery sometime in the next few months. Is there one coming?" Mama thought for a minute, and then laughed and answered, "Oh, no! There is no new baby coming anytime soon. And why? Do you want a new baby brother or sister?" Jo-Jo then giggled, and offered, "No! Ten brothers and sisters is quite enough, thank you!" Clean up that evening was done slowly and carefully. Everything had to be put away in boxes after cleaning. Helena was tired, and soon she was ready for bed. She slept very soundly that night. With the holiday over, things quickly returned to normal. Everything was back to normal the next morning. Breakfast was served on the usual plastic plates, and the usual plastic sporks where used to eat with. Then it was off to preschool. The trio arrived with gusto. Glen was waiting for them at the front door. "I hear you three had a very bust, confusing weekend! We can talk about it now, if you'd like," she offered. "First, I want to get baby earl off my back, and get this jacket off. But then we can talk," replied Helena. "Oh sure, you can do that! I'm sorry!" replied Glen with a giggle. They entered the cloak room and placed their things in their cubbyhole. After dropping off the baby, and putting their lunch away, the both sot out Glen. They found her in her office, and she took them in right away. Glen took them into the meeting room, and sat them down. "So, I hear Uncle Tom was up to something this weekend! What happened?" glen asked. "He just went slow. He's stopped eating like he should, he's stopped changing his clothes, he stinks, and he slept all day. He argued with both mama and daddy, and he told me off! Does he want a fat lip? But I do think he's a little sick," explained Helena. Glen then asked, "So, have you noticed that Uncle Tom is missing? Do you know where he is?" Bobby spit out "Hospital!" and Helena answered with, "He's in the hospital. I had to go and get clothes for daddy to take to him! We know where he is! But we don't know what kind of shape he's in!" "Well, don't you two live in a small town! There are no secrets there, and I probably should have phrased that question differently. Uncle Tom has mild depression. He is now under a special doctors' -a psychiatrist's-care. But we think he will be fine. Now how do you feel about this?" Glen offered as she pressed on. "I feel scared for him. But I've never had this happen before. I've always been happy, and I've never known someone to lose the happy, if you can follow me," Helena admitted. Glen then smiled at them, and explained, "We're trying to fix his happy! We'll talk about this over the next few days. Now, are you eating and sleeping well?" "Yes, we are! Why do we look skinny or tired?" replied Helena. Glen then broke out laughing. "Good, now you two both go off to class!" she said. As Helena went to leave, she turned to Glen and asked her, "Can you take us to see him?" glen looked at them, and finally answered with, "I'll check, but I think so." Helena then took bobby off to class, and went to play. She got herself a book-she loved books and the centre had a nice display of them. She settled into a peaceful corner and read to herself. Then it was off to see Tammy, and she drew pictures with her for an hour. But as she was leaving Tammy's room, Kristina appeared. "This is for you and Robert. It's an invitation to my birthday get together. I want you two to come," she said. "My brother's name is bobby! We all call him bobby! Why can't you? And I'm surprised-why would you want us at your party? Aren't you afraid we'll stink it up? Or embarrass you in front of your high heeled friends? I mean your mama doesn't like us one little bit-so why invite us? " Helena yelled. "I'm having two parties-one for here and one for family. But both will be the same. And his real name is Robert. And I really want you to come-you are my friend, and mother is starting to like you. Now just consider this, please. I'll see you at playgroup later," Kristina offered as she moved off. Helena then went down to visit earl. She cornered Dorothy and asked her to read the card "It seems that Kristina has invited you and bobby to her party next Friday night. It will be held at the community centre down the street from here. And no present is required of you. Dinner is provided. Sounds good to me!" Dorothy explained after she looked at the card. The day passed quickly, and soon, Helena and her brothers where back at home. Helena showed mama the card, and asked her, "What should I do? I don't really like her, and why would she want us at her party?" Mama replied, "Well, do you want to go? I mean, she has asked you-maybe things on her end are changing. But I think you'd be best served by going," Helena thought for a minute, and announced, "I will go. And I guess I should take bobby as well. And mama, about yesterday-is baby earl our last baby? Or will you have more?" mama laughed, and replied, "For now he's my last. But maybe later I'll have another- I'm only 40, and I have a few good years left. But you know handling all of you is work enough! Don't you think so? And would you be happier in a house with less people instead of more? Some people think I have too many children, and that I overwork you all!" Helena then smiled, and answered her mother with: "No! I don't work too hard! We all work hard and pull our weight. And I love everyone one of us! And I'm only happy here, and I want to stay here! What kind of stupid question was that, anyway?" "Nothing...nothing at all! God, I love you!" replied mama as she reached out and hugged her youngest daughter. "Hot turkey sandwich with fries, gravy, and mixed veggies for dinner tonight. Go and get bobby and get ready," mama ordered. "With pleasure, mama!" came the reply. Helena then went, found her little brother, and after toileting and washing up, they all went for supper. The supper line was back to normal. Helena watched as her sandwich was made and put on her plate. There where French fries and a spoonful of mixed vegetables. Then Mary dropped a big scoop of gravy on the sandwich and fries. "Careful sweetie: this stuff is piping hot!" warned Mary. Next came a small bowl of cream of mushroom soup, and the usual milk and foil pouch of fruit punch. There was grace, and then they started to eat. This time Helena ate as she was used too. And she enjoyed every bite! Mama smiled down at her smallest charges, and offered a piece of advice, "You know, Helena-the soup is supposed to be the first thing you eat-that's our appetizer! And bobby, those crackers are supposed to go in the soup- they are not for eating with the turkey you've fished out of your sandwich!" bobby stopped for a second, looked at his mother, and went back to his plate. Helena however, decided to finish her soup then. After dinner, there was fudge tart, and after that clean up. As Helena dried the dishes, she asked Jo-Jo, "So why are we supposed to drink the soup first? Does it taste better, or is that some kind of rule?" Jo-Jo looked up, puzzled, and replied, "That's just the way it is, kiddo. I don't think there's any law about it. It's just something we do!" She then handed Helena a clean plate, and Helena asked another question, "So, is it the same with crackers? I mean do they have to go into the soup? And why do you take them out of the plastic and just break them in half, while John crushes them inside the wrapper?" Jo-Jo was then cleaning the small soup bowls, and replied, "Again, I'm not really sure. But most times crackers do go into the soup, and that's just the way things are. As for the other part, Mary just drops her crackers into the soup whole-it is a matter of choice, kiddo," Helena was then busily drying the bowls, and asked one more question: "Are we somehow responsible for Uncle Tom? Did we have something to do with his problems?" Jo-Jo then replied, "Nope, absolutely not! In fact, we have been very good to him, kiddo. You know, I've given that question a lot of thought, and I've decided that his problems are deeper then hunger or needing a roof. From what daddy has said, something bad happened to him before he came to us. Some bad men abused him. You remember the 'bad touch' chat? They touched Uncle tom in a bad way. Maybe now he can't forget it. We'll just have to wait and see what happens to him. Miss Tax told me today that we're not to blame or even involved in his behavior- that all we can do is be supportive and try to help him. But she also said that if he can't get better, he'll have to go and live someplace else. So I just don't know! I really don't," Helena was surprised-how could a man touch another man? And where did this happen? After kitchen clean up, and helping Mary bake cookies for the next evening's meal, Helena decided to find her father. He was sitting in the living room, watching TV. "Daddy, can I talk to you about something? I have some questions for you," She asked. "Oh, boy-what now?" her father asked under his breath. He then clicked the TV off, and offered his daughter a seat. "So, what's on your mind?" he asked. "Daddy, what does 'abuse' really mean, and how can a man abuse another man? How can a man touch another man? I mean, I know you touched mama, and that's how I got here! But how does it work between men?" Helena offered. Her father then took a deep breath, exhaled, and finally said, "Most men in the world only touch women. But some men, for some reason, are attracted to other men. That's called 'homosexual' behavior. And while I will tell you this- it's very wrong and I think it's immoral-but if you see someone who does that, don't judge. We all have our faults, and no one is perfect! But how does that relate to touching? You've lost me, kiddo," "Well, daddy someone told me that a man bad touched Uncle Tom once. How did that work?" replied Helena. "That is not touching, kid. That is called rape, and it occurs when someone forces their touch on another. In Tom's case, that occurred when he was living in a filthy transient centre. Some other residents there grabbed him and forced him to have sex with them. I've only found out about that recently, and I must ask you to never share that with anyone outside of this house! Do you understand that?" "Yes, daddy! Yes, I do! So how bad will it get before Uncle Tom has to leave us? On one hand, he scares me, but I don't want to see him back on the streets," replied Helena. Daddy then hugged his daughter tightly, and replied in a gentle whisper, "We'll see about that. If this continues then yes, he'll have to go. But if he gets better, and so much for all of us depends on him getting better. Even things he himself wants-like a good job or the gender thing-depend on him pulling himself up and moving on. So we'll wait and see, and do that with an open mind. We have to give him that much, at least. But I will say this: you are very important to me, and you have a lot of problems already. I will not all Tom to become another problem for you or for us as a family. You have my word on that. You have a right to be a child, and too be happy," Helena the responded with, "I know all that. It just hurts to watch this happen. I wonder why." End part IIA