FicWad

“Hello everyone! For those of you that are new here, welcome! For those of you that have been here before, welcome back! I’m Moon and this is my channel, Adventures with Girl in the Moon. I live in my converted van with my two cats. And we travel all over North America. I’m in Arizona right now. I’m heading east to see my family for Thanksgiving.” I turned my camera around and showed where I was. I was set up for a few nights on some BLM land. I’ve been in this area before.

“Some of you have commented that I’ve been away or not fully engaged for the last few weeks. And you’re right. Sorry about that guys, I’ve been with a friend and his family for a few weeks. They went to Joshua Tree with me. You all saw a little bit of them in those videos. And you know that’s something I don’t really do on this channel. So, please be kind to the children and respect their privacy.”

“And some of you seem to think you know who my friend is. Some of you are right. But I am asking that you don’t comment on it or the children. I will continue to remove comments on him or the kids.”

Some of my viewers recognized Pete and had commented on it. I had removed the comments as I saw them since I did care about the privacy of the kids. Pete lived a public life to a point. But they all deserved as much privacy as I could give them. But I had noticed an uptake in my viewership on the videos he was in.

“But I’m back on the road again. I’m planning on taking a few weeks to travel back home. And I’m excited to take you guys with me.”

I filmed my stay in Arizona. I went on some hikes, and went to some small towns. Met new people and filmed it all.

My days had gone back to the normal schedule from before I had stayed with Pete and the kids. The cats and I adjusted back to it fairly quickly. But I wasn’t having as much fun as I’d had before. And for the first time since the first few months in Luna, I was lonely. I hadn’t been lonely since I had adopted the cats. They had been the best companions. They still were, but they weren’t the humans I loved.

I traveled through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and into Louisiana. I filmed as much as I could. I had neglected the channel a bit while I had been with Pete and the kids. I was trying to make up for it, and get a bit of a backlog of footage. I liked having a few videos worth of film so I could be a week or so ahead.

I talked to Dale and the kids every day. We were reading Alice in Wonderland. They were enjoying it, but not as much as they had liked Harry Potter. Dale and I were talking daily too. I liked her a lot. She is so warm and welcoming. I wanted to meet her in person.

I talked to Pete as often as we could. It wasn’t as often as either of us would have liked. But it could have been a lot worse. I talked with Bronx every few days. He was fine, happy with his family, and from what he told me, he had a crush on a girl. He wouldn’t tell me much about her. Only that he liked her and wanted to ask her out.

A few days after I had to leave Pete and the kids, my period started. I wasn’t surprised, but I was a little disappointed. I knew the chances I would get pregnant were very slim, but it would have been nice. I decided that I would start taking my pills because I was too old to start having babies. And because I didn’t want to be disappointed again.

Pete had asked me how I was doing with my new knowledge. I told him the truth. I was ok. Yeah, it had been a punch in the gut. But when I thought about it more, I realized nothing had changed for me. Not really. I couldn’t go back and change things.

Pete was only going to be in Europe for about three weeks, then home with his folks for almost the same amount of time. Then he was leaving for just over two weeks. He will be home in California on December the 11th. I was planning on being at his house on the 12th.

A few days before Pete would be home for the Thanksgiving break, Dale called me. When I answered she told me she wanted to talk to me without the kids. She had an idea and wanted to know if I could come up and visit them for a few days before I had to go to my Mom’s house. She hadn’t said anything to anyone about it in case I couldn’t make it.

“They miss you so much. All of them do. Pete told me yesterday how badly he wanted to see you. And the kids ask for you all the time. I try not to call you every time they ask. I know we call a lot. But I know they would be so happy to see you. And I would love to meet you in person. Do you think you could come for a visit?” Dale asked me while we were talking.

“Yes, I’ll come up for a visit. Pete gets home the day after tomorrow, right? I think I can make it there by then.”

Dale beamed at me through the phone. “That would be wonderful! I won't tell the kids or Pete. Let them be surprised.” Dale chuckled a little. “I haven’t been able to surprise Pete in years.”

I was in New Orleans when Dale asked me to come for a visit. I changed my travel plans and headed north the next morning. I called my Dad to let him know I would visit after Thanksgiving instead of before. And I told him why. He was happy for me and was fine with our visit being pushed back.

I called the kids as normal and read to them the day before I would arrive in Chicago. I was trying to time my arrival so I would be there for bedtime and we would be able to read together. Pete’s flight wasn’t going to land until late and he wasn’t going to get there before the kids went to sleep. But, he would be there before midnight.

Unfortunately I was not able to make it to the Wentz’s home before the kids would go to bed. So I pulled over and called them. We read one chapter and then I said goodnight. I told them I was still heading to my Dad’s house and I was running behind. I was sorry I had to keep the call short but I needed to drive more that day before I could stop for the night.

I got back on the road after the call with Saint and Marvel. I was still a few hours away. I finally made it to Dale and Peter’s home around 9pm. Dale had told me to pull all the way down the driveway and park in the back so Pete wouldn’t see the van when he got dropped off. When I got there both Dale and Peter came out the back door to greet me. Dale was all smiles and hugs.

“Oh, I’m so happy you’re here!” She said as she hugged me. “Pete’s going to be so surprised.”

“Thank you so much for inviting me.” I said as I hugged her back.

Peter hugged me too and told me the cats and I were welcome and he was also looking forward to surprising the kids and Pete. I gathered up my overnight bag and the boys and headed in. Bowie had rushed out to greet the cats and I too.

Dale showed me the guest room she was giving to Pete and I. She had the kids on the top floor in Pete’s old bedroom. I put my things down and got the boys settled. She insisted on feeding me. She’s a wonderful cook. She fussed over me like my own mother would have. It was sweet of her to do so.

I was sitting in the kitchen with Dale and Peter getting to know them when I got a text from Pete letting me know their plane had landed safely. He was waiting for his bags and then he was heading to his parents house. He’d let me know when he got there and maybe he could call me when he got settled? I answered him letting him know I would be disappointed if he didn’t call.

A little less than an hour later a car pulled up out front and Pete got out. His driver helped him get the bags out of the trunk. Peter opened the front door and went out to help his son with the baggage. They were talking about Pete’s flight as they came in the door. Dale was in the front hall waiting to greet her son. I was tucked away in the kitchen.

“Pete, Honey, are you hungry? Want me to make you something?” Dale offered.

“Yeah, I’m starving, and exhausted. And I probably stink too. It’s been a long day of traveling...” Pete and his parents had been walking through the hallway and into the kitchen as he was telling them that. He stopped in his tracks when he saw me leaning against the counter next to the sink.

“Hey Honey.” I said with a half smile.

“What...? You’re here? When? How?” He was totally surprised and at a loss of words.

“All your Mom’s doing. She invited me to come visit.” I still hadn’t moved from where I was. I was just grinning at him. He was still in the doorway.

His mouth was still open as he stood there stupidly staring at me like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. He turned his head to look at his mother.

She beamed at him, thrilled she had surprised him. “You all miss her so much. Saint keeps asking for her. You wanted to see her, so I invited her to come for a visit.”

Pete hugged his Mom and said, “Thank you. I didn’t expect this.” He gave his Mom a kiss on the cheek and then turned to me. I pushed off the counter and crossed to him. He met me halfway.

He wrapped his arms around me and buried his face in my shoulder. “I missed you so much,” he murmured.

“Missed you too.” I told him.

He pulled back enough to raise one hand to my face and gently ran his fingers over my cheek. His other hand rested on my hip. Cupping my cheek, he leaned in and kissed me. It was sweet and gentle, and it was still wow.

“Come on, let's get you fed. And then you can take a shower. You do stink.” I told him with a smile. He flashed his grin at me and went to sit down as Dale puttered around the kitchen making him something to eat.

I sat with Pete and Peter at the kitchen table and talked to them. I told Pete about how we arranged my visit. Peter and Dale filled him in on how Marvel and Saint had been. He was disappointed they were asleep, but agreed waking them up wasn’t the best idea.

“When did you get here?” He asked me.

“About two hours ago. I was trying to get here before the kids went to sleep, but I got stuck in a traffic jam on I55 outside of St. Louis. Tractor trailer jack-knifed. The kids don’t know I’m here.” I told him as he ate the plate of food Dale had put in front of him.

Pete finished his dinner as we chatted with his parents. Once he was done, he was ready to get a shower in and then some sleep. I helped him take his bags up to the room we were sharing. He went and took a shower and then joined me back in our room.

I was tired and ready to sleep if that’s all he wanted to do tonight. Just being next to him would be enough for me. I had missed him more than I wanted to admit to myself.

He came into the room freshly showered and in a pair of pajama bottoms and a tee-shirt. I was in a tee-shirt and shorts. He looked exhausted. I had the bed turned down and gestured for him to climb into bed. He did and I turned off most of the lights, leaving just the bedside lamp on. I climbed in on my side and turned off the light. I rolled over to face him. He was ready to wrap me up in his arms and hold me tight. I took a deep breath and relaxed into his arms. This felt so right.

“I can’t believe you’re really here.” He softly said.

“I was in New Orleans two days ago. Your mom called and asked if I would come up and visit. She said you’d told her you wanted to see me. So here I am.”

“I’m so fucking glad you’re here.” He kissed me deeply after he said that. I kissed him back with just as much passion.

“Let me take care of you. “ I said as I moved to kiss his neck.

“What’d you have in mind?”

I just rolled him onto his back and proceeded to slowly kiss and touch him all over and then when I had him all worked up, I took care of his pent up energy. After I made him cum, he had no energy left. He tried to apologize for not reciprocating. I assured him this was what I wanted and to just go to sleep. He needed it more than I did. I cuddled up to him and we fell asleep.

The next morning I woke up before Pete did. I wasn’t ready to get out of bed if I could spend just a little bit more time next to him. I looked over at him. His hair was splayed over the pillow, he was smiling softly in his sleep. He looked happy and content. I felt pretty content myself. I cuddled up next to him and wrapped my arm around him. He reacted in his sleep and rolled over to snuggle into me. I stayed there half asleep until I heard the rest of the family getting up. Once I heard Dale and the children go down stairs, I got up and used the bathroom before heading down to surprise the kids

As I was walking down the stairs, I could hear Marvel and Saint talking to Dale in the kitchen.

“Granma, when is Daddy gonna get up?” Marvel was asking.

“Soon, Honey, he got in really late last night. He needs to sleep.” Dale was telling her.

I came around the corner at this point to see the three of them in the kitchen together. Dale was at the stove cooking for the kids and the two of them were sitting at the kitchen table.

“Good morning.” I said as I walked in. Both of the kids were surprised to see me. But Saint was the fastest to get out of his chair and run to me. I barely had time to open my arms for him.

“Moony!” He cried as he ran towards me.

“Oh my sweet Sir Saint! I’ve missed you so much.” I told him as I picked him up and kissed his cheek. He’s a bit big for that, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to hug him. He wrapped his legs around my waist and his arms around my neck. He clung to me like a spider monkey.

Marvel was at my side almost as soon as I had picked up Saint. I moved the arm that was around Saint’s back and placed my hand on her head. “Hello Miss. Marvelous. I’ve missed you too.”

When I looked over, Dale had a very familiar smile on her face. It looked just like the one Pete gets with the kids. I think that anyone that loved her grandkids as much as I did was ok with her.

“Would you like some coffee?” She offered. I nodded and headed to the table so I could put Saint down. He didn’t want to let go of me. But he did once I told him I would be right back. Dale poured me a cup and I added milk and sugar. Then I took it to the table and sat down with the kids. As soon as I sat down Marvel wanted to be held and hugged. I was happy to do so.

“When did you get here?” Saint asked me.

“Last night after you two were asleep. I’m sorry I couldn’t get here before you went to bed. I wanted to.” I told him.

“Are you gonna stay with us Moony?” Marvel asked me.

“For a few days. But I still have to go to my Mom’s for Thanksgiving.” I told them.

Saint had moved his chair as close to me as he could. He leaned over and rested his head against me as I held Marvel. I wrapped my free arm around him.

“I’ve missed you guys so much.” I told them. I sat there and just cuddled with the kids talking to them as Dale made breakfast for us. Peter joined us before the food was ready. Dale made waffles, sausages and eggs. Before we started eating, Pete showed up in the kitchen.

“Dad!” “Daddy!” The kids cried as soon as they saw him. I was forgotten as they rushed into his arms. He scooped up both of them and hugged them tight. There were a lot of kisses, hugs, I missed yous and I love yous before they all joined us at the table. We had a wonderful breakfast together.

Saint had a little bit of school work that he had to do that day. But once he was done with it, the four of us spent time together hanging out at the Wentz house. Both of the children needed lots of attention. They were so happy to have their Dad and I with them. I was happy to be there too. I had missed these people so much. I was sorry Bronx couldn’t be there too.

After lunch, the four of us piled into the bed Pete and I were sharing and we read together. Alice wasn’t as exciting as Harry, but the kids were still enjoying the time together.

“I like it best when we can read together like this and not over the phone.” Saint told me when we were done reading for the day.

“I like it better when we’re all together too. It’s not the same over the phone is it?”

He shook his head and said, “Can’t hug you when you’re not here.”

“I feel the same way.” I assured him. “I miss cuddling with you too. But, this won’t be for very much longer. When you guys go back to California, I’ll be there.”

“Will you stay forever?” Marvel asked me.

“I’ll stay as long as I can and as long as you want me there.” I told her.

Pete and I hadn’t talked about how long I would stay with them in December, but neither of us were worried about putting a timeline on it. I just wanted to be with Pete and the kids. They wanted me there. We’d figure it out when we needed to.

Later that night, when the kids were in bed and it was just Pete and I in our room, we talked about a few things.

“You were in New Orleans? Not in Oklahoma?” He asked me as we got ready for bed.

“Why would I be in Oklahoma?” I asked in disbelief. I looked over at him to see him standing in just his pajama bottoms, and a jealous look on his face.

“Well, you know, dancing cowboy, I was away...” He kind of mumbled as he looked down.

“Honey, why would I want the cowboy in Oklahoma when I can have the rock star in L.A.?” I asked him. I watched his face when I said that. His look changed to hopeful as he started to smile. I crossed over to him and rested both hands on his chest and leaned into him. His hands found my hips and held on. I looked into his eyes and said, “I’ve always liked rock n roll more than country. You have nothing to worry about. I never wanted the cowboy. But I do want you.” My arms circled his neck and my lips found his.

It didn’t take long for his pajama bottoms to fall to the floor. My tank top and panties were quickly discarded. After I had shown him just how much I wanted him, we were laying together in bed. I was on my back, he was on his side with his head propped up on his hand.

“I wanted to ask before, but did we get lucky those last days together?” He asked me as his hand gently caressed my abdomen. His tone was very hopeful.

“No. I’m not pregnant.” I told him.

“Oh. You sure? I mean, it’s only been a few weeks.” He asked. I could see a flicker of hope flash over his face.

“I’m sure.”

He kept his hand on my abdomen. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I guess I’m a little disappointed. I was really getting excited by the idea of a baby.” He smiled at me as he said that. “But we can keep trying if you want.”

“I started taking the birth control.” I told him.

“Why? Don’t you want a baby?” He seemed confused and a little hurt.

“I don’t need one.” I told him earnestly. He gave me a questioning look. Smiling at him I said, “I’ve been thinking about it. A baby would be welcome. So very, very welcome. To have one with you, that would be amazing. But, I can’t deal with the disappointment again. I spent too much of my life peeing on sticks and being disappointed every month. It made me so unhappy. I don’t wanna go back to that. I don't want you to find me crying on the bathroom floor when my period starts. I can’t do that again. It was too hard.”

“We don’t have to put any pressure on ourselves. Just see if it happens. You know I don’t think that you’re a failure.” He told me as earnestly as I had just been.

“I know.” I gave him my half smile and reached up and cupped his cheek. “But I would be that hard on myself. I’m happy with my life. It’s taken me a long time to be comfortable and happy in my own skin. I’m ok with what I have.” I pulled him down and kissed him.

Resting his forehead against mine he only said, “Ok.” But I don’t think he was very happy about my decision.

I was only able to spend five days in Chicago. My first day there was Saint’s last day of school until the week after the holiday. Pete, the kids, and I went out most days to do something. Sometimes Dale and Peter would join us.

The third day I was there Patrick, Elisa, Declan, and Antero came over for a visit. Elisa and Dale had been arranging playdates for the kids. The four of them were close in age and got along well. Saint and Declan were good friends. Patrick and Elisa wanted to meet me. The boys wanted to meet the cats and play with their friends.

Patrick is tiny. I didn’t realize he was shorter than me, and I’m about an inch shorter than Pete. Elisa is just as tiny. But they both were sweet and ready to like me. They had watched a bunch of my videos over the summer and the kids sometimes still watched. They had an idea of who I was and what to expect of me. To be honest, that made it easier for me. I was a little star struck on Patrick. He was just so sweet and cute! And so were Elisa and the boys.

Pete ordered a big lunch for us so as to not burden Dale with cooking. Dale and Peter visited for a while too. After all, Patrick has been Pete’s bestfriend for twenty years. They loved him and his family too. I had a great time and really liked the Stump family.

That evening, before dinner, but after Patrick and family left, a chapter of the book was read together. Pete had Marvel in his lap on my right, Saint was tucked up under my arm on my left side. Peter was sitting in his chair listening with us. Dale joined us a few minutes in and sat next to Saint.

When the chapter was done, I closed the book and asked the kids what they thought. This was normal for us. I always asked them about what we had read. It got them thinking about the story we were reading. And I knew this would help with their reading comprehension and other critical thinking skills later in life. But, mostly I did it because I liked talking to them and hearing what they thought.

The fourth night I was there I brought up Christmas with Pete as we got ready for bed. I wanted to know what the kids really wanted for Christmas and what he had already gotten for them.

“Pete, what do you want to do for Christmas? Are you planning anything special for the kids?” I asked as I climbed into bed.

“I haven’t really had time to plan anything too elaborate. I was planning on just a family day at home with lots of presents of course. Treats, and dinner. Probably have to find a place that I can get catering from. But I haven’t had time to really do much yet. I have wish lists for all three of them on Amazon. I’ll have most of their gifts delivered when we get home.”

“I could help you. I used to be a pretty good cook. I’m a little out of practice, but I remember how to maneuver around a kitchen. I can cook Christmas dinner for us. I make a fantastic pecan pie.” I told him. “And I used to do a lot of baking. Cookies, breads, cinnamon rolls. Let me do the cooking for us for the holiday. I’ll make a nice dinner and breakfast too. Maybe do some cookies the week of? Think the kids would like to decorate cookies? Do you think you’d like to do that with us?”

“Cookie decorating is a must. You have to have Christmas cookies. That would be really nice. I was thinking about trying to cook, but I’m a little intimidated at the thought of roasting a turkey. I’d like to give the kids a nice Christmas. This year has been so hectic, I just want to slow down and be together. I wanna make good memories with them.”

We were sitting up in bed together. He reached over and took my hand. “I want them to have fun. I want it to be a good Christmas. Marvel and Saint still believe in Santa. For Saint, this might be the last year he believes. I would really like to give them a magical Christmas.”

“We can give them a magical Christmas.” I assured him as I leaned my head on his shoulder. “When do you want me to get there? The day y'all get home or the day after?”

“I’ll give you the keys and the codes before you leave if you want to get there early.” Pete offered.

I thought about that for a minute. “You know, that might be a good idea. I could get there a few days before you and get some things ready for you. Like, I can make sure the fridge is stocked. Or, get other supplies, gift wrap, or the tree or whatever would help you.” I mused the idea over.

“That would be a lot of help. I hadn’t thought about that. You ok with doing that?”

“Sure. I can definitely do that. I wanna help make this a great Christmas for them, and for us.”

The last night I was in Chicago, Dale made a special dinner for us. We sat around the dining table, all six of us and had dinner together. Pete, Dale, and Peter were asking about my family and who will be at Thanksgiving with me.

“Your brother and his family, will they be in Savannah?” Pete asked me.

“Yeah, they’re at Dad’s now, but they plan on being at Mom’s on Wednesday.” I answered.

“Where do they live?” Peter asked.

“Brooklyn. They love living there.”

“How long has it been since you’ve seen your family?” Dale asked me.

“Too long.” I smiled at her. “I was last in Georgia about this time last year. The last time I was in South Carolina was last March. We had Abby’s twelfth birthday party at the farm.”

“Who’s Abby?” Saint asked me.

“Abby is my niece. She’s my brother's daughter. Would you like to see a picture of her?” He nodded and Dale spoke up asking to see a picture too. I pulled out my phone and showed them all pictures of my family.

Dale smiled at Abby’s picture. “She’s so pretty.”

“I think so too.” I grinned at her as I said that.

I told them all about my family as I showed them pictures.

“Amy is about a foot shorter than Dad and probably a hundred pounds lighter, but she rules the roost. It’s hilarious to watch her put him in his place.” I was telling Dale as I showed her a picture of them together.

“Maybe this summer we can work something out and we can all meet.” Peter said.

“That would be nice. Dad wants me to bring Pete and the kids out to the farm next summer.”

“How much land does your Dad have?” Pete asked.

“He has just under a hundred acres. About forty acres of it isn’t developed. That's where we would camp, build forts, and play as kids.”

“Bronx is going to love that.” Pete said with a big grin.

Laughing I said, “Dad’s already excited about teaching him to fish and how to make a backcountry camp. They’re going to get along just fine.”

“Will your Daddy like me too?” Marvel asked me.

“My Daddy’s gonna love you. You and Saint. He is gonna show you all the animals and teach you how to ride the horses. And if you want, he’ll take you both out and camp with you in the back pasture.” I told her with a big grin. My Dad was going to fall head over heels for the kids. He loves being Pops.

That night after we had put the kids to bed, Pete and I headed up to our room earlier than normal. We wanted some alone time together. More to just be together, talk and cuddle than for sex. We talked about what preparations I could do for them before they got home in December. I got a list of things the kids wanted. And we had a menu for all of Christmas day planned out.

As I was making notes on my phone about what the kids wanted for Christmas I asked him, “What about you? What do you want for Christmas?”

He looked up from his phone where he was similarly making notes and said, “Just having you there will be enough.”

“That’s no fun. You can’t unwrap me under the tree.” I flashed him a grin.

“Who says I can’t unwrap you under the tree?” He put his phone down and leaned over to kiss me.

“Well, maybe after the kids go to bed.” I smiled back at him. “But you need something under the tree. What would you like?”

“Anything. If it’s from you I know I’ll love it.” He kissed me again.

Our discussion on presents ended there. Our last night together was slow, sweet, and loving.

I left the next morning after lots and lots of hugs and kisses from Marvel and Saint. I gave a sincere thank you to Peter and Dale for inviting me. Both of them wanted me to come back when I could.

Pete pulled me off to the side to have a little more privacy to say his goodbye to me. He pulled me close and wrapped his arms around my waist and laid his forehead against mine.

“Thank you for coming. I needed this. I needed to see you. I wish I could take you with me, or make you stay longer. I know I can’t, but I still wish I could.”

“I do too. I’ll miss you. 21 days. That’s all, just 21 days and you’ll be back. I’ll be waiting for you.” Then I kissed him. “Goodbye, have fun, call when you can. I’ll call when I get settled tonight.”

“Goodbye, be safe. I...I’ll miss you.” He told me.

I smiled my half smile at him and got one more kiss. I stepped back from him, waved at the Wentz’s and got into Luna. The boys ended up in the passenger's seat as we headed southeast.