G IV: Chapter 6

Rachel decided to start a fire to read in front of. It was always relaxing to read with the crackling background noise. Of course, being the bookworm that she is, Rachel could read a book in any noise. Even a hurricane.

When she finished the book she figured she would go swimming. She still had some more time before Jennifer woke from her nap. Unfortunately she forgot to put the fire out.

Brian walked into the living room to find flames leaping from the fireplace and igniting the floor in front of it. He shouted 'fire' while getting the extinguisher ready.

Rachel heard Brian's shout and came running to help. When she arrived, she realized he had it all under control. She rushed to hug him when the fire was out.

"OH! It's all my fault, I'm so sorry! I forgot to put it out when I left. I'm sorry!"

"It's okay, no harm done. I saw to that." Brian said with a grin.

"Yes, you are quite the hero aren't you?" She returned the grin, but hers had some guilt behind it. "I'm so sorry Brian, really I am." Her grin changed to a sly smile, "Can I do anything to make it up to you?"

Brian smiled wider.

Daphne heard Jennifer fuss and went to get her out of bed. She couldn't resist the urge of attacking the babe with 'the claw'. The giggles that came from Jennifer were intoxicating. Daphne reveled in the sound, her favorite sound.

The two of them stayed in the nursery and played for a few hours before Jennifer was hungry.

Even though his wife's subtle offer was very tempting, Brian decided he would tinker with the fireplace and attempt to make it fireproof. Rachel figured she would stick around, in case he changed his mind. She played some chess, but it was getting pretty late.

After another hour of Brian's tinkering and Rachel's chess playing, Rachel decided to go to bed. Another hour later Brian went upstairs to watch TV and fell asleep on the couch.

Daphne headed upstairs to wake Brian and send him to bed, then go to bed herself when she passed away. For a moment she feared she was going to fall down the stairs but she gained her footing. She knew what was happening, she had seen this all before.

"Oh I can't wait to see you Charlie." She managed to say before changing form.

Rachel came running upstairs when she heard the commotion, and Brian woke from his sleep. Rachel watched the happenings with mixed emotions, she liked Daphne - a lot - she was a great friend and this was a sad time. On the other hand, she had never seen anyone die before and she was amazed.

Brian stared in horror as his mother was ripped from his life. He watched as she shook hands with the Angel of Death and went willingly into the afterlife. When she disappeared Brian cried out in anguish and the tears fell.

This was going to be tough on the family.

The next morning Rachel ate left over salad for breakfast and Jennifer had oatmeal. After that the two of them went out to the garden. It hit Rachel then, that she would be the only one tending the plants today. She set Jennifer down on the ground, then picked weeds with teary eyes.

She didn't get the garden completely done before she had to get ready for work, so Brian came to take over.

Brian mirrored Rachel, he watered and weeded with wet eyes. When he looked around at what he had left to do, he realized that most of these plants were brand new. Barely sprouting. It was like Daphne knew they would need a fully stocked garden. Jennifer sat next to him playing with her toy, unaware of the torment her father was enduring.

After the garden was finished Brian showered and dressed, then took Jennifer for a stroll. He figured it would clear his mind a little bit. For the most part it worked, he felt better when he got back home. Jennifer seemed tired, so he put her down in bed.

When he came out of the nursery he was greeted by Rachel. She had apparently come home from work and sat in the hot tub waiting for Brian to get home.

She wrapped her arms around Brian, "I love you honey."

"I love you too."

"I'm going to take a shower real quick, be out in a flash." She said.

Brian nodded and watched her go into the bathroom. He heard the water turn on and silently followed behind her. Unknown to Rachel, Brian watched as she washed.

His feelings finally over took him and he opened the shower door, then stepped in there with his wife.

For a few moments, painful thoughts were forgotten and bliss surrounded the couple.