“That’s what I said. I want to discuss with you what we can do and how we can do it. How about I have lunch with you tomorrow at the clubhouse so we can throw some ideas around?”
Bitty laughs. “I’d love to, Victoria. I’ll think about ideas in the meantime.”
“Great, that is fantastic. Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Chaos worked in the yard cleaning the area while Corey organized his room, right before helping me empty cabinets in the kitchen where we found baking trays, rolling pins, and all the baking and cooking ware you could ever need.
“We won’t have to buy anything for the kitchen, Corey,” I say as I slide a toaster back into a cabinet.
“Do you think the lady was sad to leave everything behind?” Corey is wide-eyed at the number of things in the cabinets.
“If she wanted them, she would have organized to take them. I think she just wanted to be with her family. You knowthingsare not as important as people. If I could have you and Chaos,orhave the house and things, it would be very easy to choose you and Chaos.”
“I would choose you, Momma,” Corey quickly says as he launches himself toward me, hugging me tightly. We both have happy tears running down our cheeks.
When arms wrap around both of us and Chaos states surprisingly calmly. “What’s going on? Who do I have to kill?” both myself and Corey laugh.
“Nobody needs killing, Dad. We are just happy,” Corey quickly tells Chaos, right before he turns in my arms so he can wrap himself around Chaos.
“Okay, let’s get to the mudroom, Corey. We’ve got things to sort out,” I quickly drag him along after me, and of course, Chaos follows. “Have you finished in the yard?” I ask.
“Yeah, I’m going to order a bike shed, a garage, a cookout area, and anything else we need. Hammer can put it all on his list of things that need doing. I’ve got to get back to work tomorrow or Target and Winter will kick my ass.” Chaos holds the box of shoe cleaning equipment that was in a cabinet I’ve opened, while I take a look at what else we can either use, donate or get rid of.
We work from room-to-room, laughing and enjoying ourselves. I remember my call to Bitty and quickly tell Chaos. “I’ve asked Bitty to help with the fundraising. I’m not sure what we can do, but something that can help victims would be good. Even if it’s just money to boost a charity that will be better than doing nothing.”
“That’s a good idea. Bitty has been feeling left out for a while, and I overheard Mia talking, and she’s going to get things right in the kitchen. But getting her to feel useful is a great idea, Vicky.”
Nodding in agreement because I know she needs to feel she belongs, and that’s something that sadly she has missed of late.
“I can help fundraise,” Corey adds, and he is looking at me with such a serious face that I can’t help but smile.
“You can. I’ll make sure you can help us, but how I don’t know yet.” I mess with the top of Corey’s hair, and he rolls his eyes and sighs, which has Chaos laughing at him.
When my phone buzzes I know I have a message, so I quickly take my phone out of my jeans pocket and am surprised to see it's Star.
Star: Don’t forget our ladies’ night. I’m thinking the upcoming weekend. Saturday night. I’ll tell Kya and she can get the girl gang organized.
I turn the phone so Chaos can see the message. He simply nods and waits for me to finish.
Victoria: No problem on Saturday night. Let me know the time and I’ll make sure I am ready. Are you picking me up? Or what is happening?
Star: I’ll make sure you get picked up. I’ll speak to you during the week at the clubhouse.
Victoria: OK.
Well, that was organized without too much fuss. I’m sure Star will give me my outfit for the night during the week too. She was the one making sure we got them, so I’m leaving her to do it.
I can’t wait actually, because I think it’s going to be great fun!
