Oh, no!! I was hoping that it wasn't so, but I knew Linda had died in her sleep.

In a strange way it reminded me of last year when Pres. Obama's grandmother died a few days before the election.

One last Christmas, birthday, and the joy of seeing the ones she loved the most accomplish what she'd wished and hoped for them. An election with history-making results, the ultimate accomplishment of a child she had sacrificed to raise and raise well. Two days.

Then I think... maybe Linda knew she had made her peace, laid the foundation and didn't need to witness the end, the victory. And because we are seldom prepared to accept the end, even when we know it's inevitable, could cease a loved one's suffering, we are never prepared to deal with, much less accept it.

DNR becomes such an ugly word, a near-murderous concept. I don't like that only Imani, perhaps Rafi knew. Micky should not have been done that way... not again.

Micky, Rafi, and Imani are suffering. Too bad they have gone off in three separate directions to grieve separately instead of bonding together. Their prior hurt was still too close to the surface.

Micky immediately felt left out, unheard... again. Rafi has lost her mommy... again. And the poor orphan Imani is perhaps feeling alone, abandoned... again. This time by the surrogate family she'd just found.

Micky's rejection, anger and blame might push her to retreat and leave, believing that with Linda gone she not only doesn't belong but has no right to be there. Isn't wanted. It doesn't seem fair; but his behavior is understandable. Classic old Micky.

Lady, you have been writing the hell out of this story. There is nothing but love, admiration, and support behind your decisions. However, this wasn't the really difficult chapter. The following one(s) are. The what next? Saying good bye and sharing grief with others who respected and loved Linda, but perhaps were not privvy to her short-comings as a mother because she was such a free spirit, and then moving on. Moving on is the hardest.

Sorry for the long rambling. This was an emotional chapter on many levels. 

Until next time...

Finally!! Micky was able to put in on Imani! I love that he can't get enough.

What's with the screeching?! I got a feeling the ex maybe showing up and acting a fool.

FINALLY! That was making love at it's finest.

Now please don't tell me Linda passed away in her sleep,and that's what the Lound screeching cry was about. Not before her birthday party. And she has a chance to find out about Micky and Imani. that would be too heart breaking.

And please don't let Imani think that Micky is paying her for having sex with him by paying off her debt to the city.That would really cheapen what they shared.

can't wait for the next update and to see what the screeching was about. Please hurry if you can.

It's about time they made love. It was hot!! I hope Linda is okay!!

Author's Response: It's about time??? You are a mess!

Nooooooooo!!

Author's Response: :(

nuh uh linda can't go nowhere yet!

Author's Response: Sorry g.

Great update!!

This chapter was very touching... and sad... and so I cried. (Or I'm PMSing.) Whatever it is, the scene in the car between Micky and Imani got to me.

The scene was well-written and teeming with the emotions of two lonely people reaching out to each other, not for gratuitious sex but desire based on their connection. It wasn't cheapened by the fact that they were stranded in the vehicle. 

...And then you zinged us with a cliffhanger of a damn tow truck driver with horrible timing.

In the next chapter, I hope that there are no regrets on top of their natural awkwardness. 

WTF!!! I just knew that they were going to give into their passion and the tow-truck finally shows up!?! I would have been more pissed then anything else.

Author's Response: Awe...SweetPea...not in the SUV.  Thanks for reading!  :-)

GO AWAY TOW MAN GO AWAY come back in bout 15 minutes DAMN DAMN DAMN

Author's Response: LMAO Lisa...Thanks for reading. :-)

Ohhh...you left us hanging.  How  embrassing for Imani.  I guest they forgot where they were in the heat of the night.  I'm glad they are rescued and didn't complete their first time together in a vehicle.

Thanks for the update..

Mickey planning this party made me think of the fact that we all seek our parents approval/love in some form.

Author's Response: Yes...Sweet Pea we really do.  Some of us, more so than others.   Parents have an immense power.   Thanks for reading...and for the awesome review!  :-)

This was a great update.  I am glad that everyone is getting along so well and that Linda is having talks with her children before dies and that she is apologizing for being such a bad mother,  Thanks for a great read.

Author's Response: They are all coming to that place of understanding and respect.  They are like a family now...a real family.  They love each other, they disagree, they are all opinionated, but in the end there is the love.  Rafi is so rough and strong.  She is truly modeled after one of my sisters.  All hard on the outside, soft and squishy on the inside.  Job commands her to take everyone to task--occupational hazard.  Thanks for reading.  I'm grateful you've stuck it out.  It's so long.  I must learn to write shorter stories...LOL!

Rafi's and Linda's talk was so sweet. The shopping excursion was cute. I hope she doesn't get to upset for what Micky has done. She has to learn to accept help. Nice update!!

Author's Response:

They've always had a silent communication.  Shopping excursion...yes indeed and more to come with that!  Imani is just a storm you have to let rise, conquer, and settle.  There's just no other way around it.  She's holding them at a safe distance too...

Thanks for reading.  Glad you enjoyed.