Living on Pluto

Cassandra was racing toward Julie's mom's house.  She glanced at her spedometer and saw she was driving 50 in a 30.  She knew she should slow it down a little, but all she could think of was darling little Franky disappearing to who knows where.  Her heart went out to her friend and her precious little Rose.

Her cell phone rang, and she took a quick glance at the caller ID and saw it was the hospital.  "Talk to me sweety," she said as she hit the answer button.  Cassandra's heart wrenched as she heard the tears in her friend's voice. 

"Mom said David picked him up four hours ago.  She thought David was going to bring him to see his new little sister."

Cassandra let up on the gas and allowed the car to slow to about 30.  "I'll find him sweety.  I'm going to check on your home first to make sure its ok."

"Oh my God I never thought of that."

"That is what I am here for to watch your back."

 

Her heart sunk as she approached Julie's house and saw a very large U-Haul parked in front.  There was a busty blonde standing in the yard holding Franky.  Tears were falling down the child's face.

Cassandra got out of the car.  She heard Franky crying, "I want my mommy.  I want my mommy.  I want my mommy."  Just then David came out of the house with another guy carrying a coffee table.

"What is going on here?!" she demanded of David.

"Go away Cassy, this is none of your business!"

"I am making it my business," she replied, blocking their path to the U-Haul.

David and his buddy set the coffee table down in the grass.  His buddy walked away lighting up a cigarette.  The busty blonde approached still carrying Franky who continued to cry, "I want my mommy.  I want my mommy.  Aunty Cassy I want my mommy."  He started to squirm, twisting and fighting till the blonde finally set him down.  He immediately ran to Cassandra and hugged her legs.

"I don't want to have anything to do with that bitch anymore,"  David stated frankley, "I love Tiffany."

"Your WIFE is in the hospital with your newborn DAUGHTER that you haven't even met yet.  Do you even know your daughter's name?"

"I'm sorry its over."

"I'm taking Franky with me."

"He is not your child...you have no rights.  Besides where is he going to live?  A home without power or furniture is not a fit place for my son to reside."

"What?!  You shut off the power?!"

"I had to, its in my name and I am moving."

Cassandra couldn't hold back any longer.  She balled up her fist and punched David in the face.  His head shot back and blood started to drip from his nose.  He glared at Cassandra.  "Tiffany call the police."  The blonde obediently pulled out her cell phone and dialed.  David looked down at his son who was still clinging to Cassandra crying.  "Come here Franky."

"Over my dead body," Cassandra snarled.  She picked up Franky and dashed to her car.  She took off before anyone could catch her.  Her heart raced as she sped down the block then pulled into a convenience store. She helped Franky buckle into his car seat before driving off in the direction of the hospital.

Cassandra was glad to see the U-Haul was gone when she parked in front of Julie's house that evening.  The power company had told Julie that they could have her power back on by the next day.  Cassandra braced herself as she unlocked the front door and walked in. 

The place looked like a hurricane went through it.  Not a stick of furniture was to be seen, but there were papers and various garbage littering the floor.  She walked into the kitchen.  Almost every cupboard door was open, all of the shelves were bare.  She opened the refrigerator, it was still stocked with food.  As she wandered through empty room after empty room, she almost felt the emptiness that Julie would feel when she saw her home in this condition.  She swore to herself she would not let that happen.  Julie was going through enough.  As she walked into the nursery upstairs, it seemed out of place to find it fully furnished.  She guessed that since David didn't have ready access to the baby he would have no use for the baby's stuff.  She walked into the master bedroom, which was empty except for Julie's clothes scattered across the floor, dresses hung up in the closet.  "At least he left her her clothes,"  Cassandra said to herself.  She grabbed a large empty box she had seen in the hall, and packed some of Julie's clothes, and some stuff for the baby.

She carried the box out to the car, and came back for the bassonette she had seen in the nursery.  As she sat in her car she called her mom and Julie's mom, explaining the condition of Julie's house.  Both ladies agreed they would help get her house back to being a home.  A single tear rolled down her cheek as she considered the amount of pain this would cause her friend.

Julie felt comforted by the familiar surroundings of Cassandra's home.  Johnny and Franky were playing up in Johnny's room.  She smiled as she thought about how Franky thought this was all an adventure.  She looked lovingly at the precious little baby girl in her arms.  She tried not to think about the fact that at three days old, she has yet to meet her father.  She was so small and perfect with those miniscule little fingers clinging to her giant finger.  Those little fingernails were so unbelievably tiny.  Rose looked so peaceful sleeping in her arms.  She envied the baby, not having a care or worry in the world.  She silently swore to protect this baby from all possible harm that she could.

She worried over Cassandra.  She had told her that David took pretty much everything, but she absolutely refused to let her see her home or help fix it up.  She was thankful that her friend spared her more pain then she already felt.  She still couldn't believe this was happening, it all seemed so surreal.  She considered the fact that he had been cheating for years.  She was definately better off without him.  That fact did not lessen the sting that was inflicted by the complete rejection of divorce, especially in this special time that should be bringing a couple together.  She remembered how happy they were when Franky was born.  David didn't go on any "business trips" for at least a month.  She shook her head.  She has been a fool.

She heard the front door open as Cassandra came home. "How goes my house?"  Julie asked as Cassandra entered the room.

"I think it will be ready for you to go home tomorrow night"

A glimpse of sorrow crossed Julie's face as she considered being in an empty house alone with her children.

"Of course you are welcome to remain here as long as you want to sweety."

"No, I need to go home and pick up the shambles of my life."

"You want me and Johnny to stay over a night or two?"

"That's okay," Julie said, "We'll be fine."

"Whatever you wish sweety!  I'm going to go make supper."

She walked out into the kitchen.  Julie could here the sounds of pots and pans.

A short while later Steven came down the stairs.  He completely ignored Julie and went straight into the kitchen.  She heard him shout, "Why isn't my dinner ready yet?"

Concerned, Julie laid Rose gently in the bassinet and began to approach the kitchen quietly.

"Sorry Steve, but I was working on Julie's house all day."

"I don't see why you are getting in the middle of her business.  You should just stay out of it!"

"She's my friend, Steve, my longest and deepest friend.  Something you obviously wouldn't understand!"

Julie could see Steve lift his hand and Cassandra flinch back.  Then Steve struck her hard across the face.

Julie stepped into the kitchen.  "What are you doing Steve?" she asked as she got into his face.  She could smell the sour scent of whiskey on his breath.

"JULIE NO!" Cassandra cried, grabbing Julie's arm and trying to pull her back.

Julie turned to her friend.  "But he hurt you Cass.  He's not going to get away with it."

"Don't worry about it Julie, he's just drunk."

"That's no excuse!  I'm calling the cops!"

"No Julie don't!  For my sake pleeease!"

Julie glared at Steve.  "Just this time Cass, and only for you."

Steve chuckled.  "Never knew you were such a spitfire Julie.  Maybe after supper you can show me just how much of a spitfire you are."

Julie looked at him in disgust.  "You make me want to vomit."

 

Later that night Julie and Cassandra were sitting in the guest bedroom talking.  "I can tell this wasn't the first time," Julie told Cassandra, "How long has this been going on?"

Cassandra looked extremely ashamed.  "A couple of years."

"So when you slipped on the stairs 6 months ago and broke your arm?"

"He pushed me."

"Oh my God Cassy, why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to worry you."

"I want you to come home with me tomorrow."

"I can't do that."

"Why not?  Why can't you leave him?"

"Its really not as bad as it seems.  He only gets angry when he's drunk."

"Has he hurt Johnny?"

"NO! He would never do that!"

Julie shook her head.  "Its only a matter of time Cass.  Mark my words, its only a matter of time."

"Franky sweety, do as mommy says and go to bed!"

Julie was starting to get frustrated with her situation.  This was the third night back in her house.  She was trying to put Franky to bed.  Rose was wailing because she wanted changing.

"But I want to say good-night to daddy!"

"Daddy isn't here sweety.  You'll just have to go to bed."

A fresh set of wails from Rose pierced the air.  Julie carried her over to the changing table, gently laid her down, and got to work changing the diaper.

"Can I wait up for himj?" Franky whined.

Julie had removed the diaper and was reaching for the wipes when the doorbell rang.  Julie rolled her eyes.  "Oh my God!  Franky, daddy isn't coming home tonight.  Will you please go to bed?"

The doorbell rang again.

Franky folded his arms.  A sour look marred his little face.  When will he be coming home?"

She slipped a new diaper on Rose, who stopped crying and started making baby noises.

"I don't know sweetheart, I think he'll be gone for a very long time this time."

"But I want my daddy!"

"How about Aunty Cass?"  Cassandra put in as she stepped into the doorway.

Franky cheered and ran into Cassandra's arms.  A black eye prominent on her face.

"Isn't it your bedtime little guy?"

"Can you read me a story Aunty Cassy?"

"Sure thing buddy.  What do you want me to read about?"

She carried the excited little boy off toward his bedroom.

Julie finished dressing Rose, then carried her down to the kitchen to fix her a bottle.  She reflected that whenever Cassandra was around, it was like having an extra set of hands. 

She finished the bottle and was sitting down in the livingroom to feed Rose when Cassandra joined her.

"Franky is just like Johnny,"  Cassandra laughed. "Always so eager to hear a bedtime story."

"Cassandra," Julie interrupted in a no-nonsense tone of voice.

"But what do you expect?  Kids will be kids."

"Cassandra."

"What?" she responded in an irritated tone of voice.

Julie just gave her a disapproving look.

"I was leaning over to grab the handle on the car door to get little Johnny out, when Johnny decided to open it himself and caught me in the eye.  It's nothing."

"You're lieing to me."

"It really is nothing."

"Come on Cass, we were born in the same hospital, almost on the same day.  We've known each other all our lives.  I can tell when you are lieing to me."

"Don't worry you're pretty little head, I'll be fine.  Are you ready to meet with your lawyer tomorrow?"

Julie sighed.  "You'll watch the kids?"

"Any time Julie, you know I'm dependable."

 

The meeting with the lawyer was not as dreadful as Julie had expected.  One thing it had done was make the divorce much too real.  As she drove home, Julie realized just how easily she had gotten used to the lack of David's presence.  Of course who had time to worry about such things when you had two children to look after, one being a newborn.  Julie winced.  That last thought was like an arrow in the heart.  Rose was now 7 days old...one whole week...and David had yet to meet her.  Then she thought about Franky last night, crying for his daddy.  Tears came unbidden to her eyes.  She would rather suffer a million broken hearts rather than see her sweet little Franky hurt like that.  She did a silent prayer of thanks that Rose was much too young to understand or remember her parents being together. 

She pulled up to her house, hitting the remote for the garage door.  Cassandra was standing in the front yard with Rose in her arms, the portable bassinet sitting next to her.  Franky and Johnny were playing in the sandbox.

"How were they?" Julie asked asked while she ducked under the closing garage door.

"They were perfect little angels.  How did it go with the lawyer?"

"It went well, she expects I can get almost anything I want."  Tears sprang suddenly into Julie's eyes.

"Sssh, it's okay sweety,"  Cassandra said giving her friend a lingering hug.  "You know he's no good for you.  You deserve better."

Julie sniffed loudly and began to settle down.  "I know, it's just that my babies are suffering."

"I know honey, why don't you give him a call and demand he come meet his daughter."

Julie smiled and sniffed again.  "I'll give him hell!"

"You know you've wanted to."

"You know it!" Julie laughed, wiping her sleeve across her tearstained face.

"Franky, Johnny, time to come in!" Cassandra called as Julie walked into the house.

 

It took the ladies longer than expected to get the boys fed and down for a nap, especially since Johnny decided it was more fun to paint his "Daddy's Little Boy" T-shirt with grape jelly rather than eat it.  The ladies laughed about how he used the grape jelly to give himself a new punk hairstyle as well.  Of course Franky wanted a bath too since Johnny was getting one, and neither boy would consent to lay down till the other one could lay down too.  During all this, baby Rose decided she wanted to play instead of eat, or lay down for her nap.

 

By the time all the kids were fed, cleaned and napping, both ladies were exhausted.  They both slumped down in chairs in the living room.  Cassandra handed Julie the phone.  Julie took the phone reluctantly and let out a long deep sigh.

"It's now or never," Cassandra stated frankly.

"You're right."

Julie dialed David's cell number.

"What do you want Julie?" came the annoyed voice on the other end.

"I just wanted to know when you were going to come and meet your little girl."

"You now it's difficult."

"You're little boy is crying for you too."

"Julie, I'm staying away because I don't want to cause you any more pain than necessary."

"What about your children?"

"They will be okay.  We'll set up visitation later."

"They are not okay David, Franky is having trouble sleeping."

"Alright," he sighed.  "I will come tomorrow afternoon, is 2:00 alright?"

"Well I'm sorry for twisting your arm!  Yes, 2:00 should be fine."

"I'll be there!"  He hung up before she could say any more.

She looked at Cassandra.  "2:00 tomorrow."

"I'll be there," she responded in a determined tone of voice.

 

Cassandra left an hour and a half later, trailed by a whining Johnny.  Julie smiled to herself about how Johnny and Franky seemed to be as good of friends as her and Cassandra.  Then she thought about how their mothers were inseparable.  She remembered hearing something about their mothers meeting at 10 years old when Cassandra's mother moved in next door.  Three generations of best friends.  That must be some sort of record.  Even more than that she remembered always thinking of Cassandra's mom almost as a second mother.

 

After supper, Julie was playing hungry hippo with Franky in the living room.  Baby Rose was sleeping peacefully in the bassinet.  Little Franky laughed histerically as he grabbed the little marbles with his hippo mouth.  Julie couldn't help but laugh with him. 

"Well little guy, it's about time for you to go to bed," she said in a cheerful voice.

"Aww mom do I have to?"

"Yes sweety, go get your jammies on and I'll be in to read you a story after I lay little Rosey down."

Franky slumped his shoulders as he walked up the stairs.

Julie quickly laid the baby down and set up the baby monitor.  She went to the bookshelf and picked out Franky's favorite book and went to join her son.

After she finished the story, Franky laid smiling in his bed.

"When is daddy coming home?"he asked.

"He's going to come to see you tomorrow."

A puzzled expression crossed the little boy's face.

"Isn't he going to stay here?"

"No sweety, daddy moved away.  He does love you very very much, and will come and see you every single time he can."

Franky had a troubled look on his face.  "Why can't he live here with us?"

"Mommy and daddy found out that we would be happier if we lived in different houses, but remember sweety, we both still love you very much."

"And Rosey too?"

"Yes honey, and Rosey too."

Franky grinned contentedly and snuggled deeper under the covers.  Julie smiled lovingly and kissed him on the forehead.

"Good-night my sweet little Prince."

"Good-night mommy."

Julie crept quietly out of the room carrying the baby monitor with her.  She sat down in the livingroom to watch T.V. and started dozing.

She had no idea how much time had passed when the doorbell woke her up.  She opened the door to find Cassandra standing on the other side.  She was holding Johnny in her arms, his head snuggled against her shoulder.  Her face was white with rage.  A look of pure anger and hatred burned across her features.

Stunned by her friends appearance, Julie took a step back.

"He didn't," she whispered softly.

"He did," Cassandra grated.

"I'm going to kill him!" Julie ranted as she paced back and forth in her living room like a caged tiger.

The ladies had cleaned Johnny up and put him to bed.  Cassandra had made sure to take pictures of the belt marks across Johnny's back, and handprint on his face.  Apparently Steven was offended that Johnny tried to cover up the words "Daddy's Little Boy" on his T-shirt.  He felt it disrespected him.

"He's just a child!"

Cassandra grimaced at her friend.  "I'm sorry Julie, you have enough issues of your own, I shouldn't have troubled you with this."

"Are you kidding me Cass?  You are my second skin, what happens to you happens to me!"

"He's safe now though," Cassandra pointed out after a pause.

Julie started toward the door, "I'm going to give him a taste of his own medicine."

Cassandra darted in front of her, blocking her exit.  "This is not the way Julie.  He'll get his, but this is not the way to do it."

"But...." Julie starts to respond, but the words refuse to come out.  She knew Cassandra was right, but her animalistic side was thirsting for revenge.  How dare anyone hurt Johnny!

Cassandra watched the changing emotions play over her friend's face as she struggled with herself and finally gave in.  She put an arm around Julie and they walked upstairs together.

"Why did we have to marry such assholes?" Julie asked, downtrodden.

"Because they promised us the world."

"They lied."

"Hey," Cassandra stopped Julie in front of the door to the master bedroom, "it's hard to see now, but look at what they have given us.  Between us we have three beautifly children, this big beautiful home.  That's why I had put up with Steve for so long, and I am guessing that is why you had put up with David."

Julie nodded.  She couldn't help admit that Julie was right.

 

The next morning was full of caring for the children and planning.  Julie called her lawyer and set up a meeting for Cassandra.  Rose rolled over for the first time, then figured out that the beige carpet was less exciting to look at then the colorful blanket and began to wail.  Franky and Johnny decided it would be fun to build a demolition derby arena using peanut butter and run their cars through it.

After a few stern words, lots of soap and water, and a little lunch, they were almost ready for David's visit.  Julie was putting the prettiest little dress on Rose when an extremely slurred "Cassandra!" was bellowed from the front yard.  She glanced at the window as she straightened the dress, not able to see anything through the curtains.

"Cassandra!"

She could hear Cassandra coming down the stairs.  She gently laid Rose in her bassinet and followed Cassandra to the window.

"Cassandra, why did you leave?"

The two ladies peered out the window.

"Do you like her better Cass?"

Steven ws stumbling around the front yard.  He had a bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand.  He took a swig, spilling almost as much as he drank.

"You like your lesbian friend?"

The ladies looked at each other, the angry tension in the room was almost palpable. "Call the police," Cassandra whispered.

"He's a dead man to insult me that way!" Julie yelled.

"Lesby friends Cassy!  Lesby friends!"

Julie stalked toward the front door.  Cassandra grabbed her right after she had flung it open.  Julie struggled trying to get away from Cassandra.

Just then David pulled up and parked at the curb.  Steven continued to stumble around, oblivious to the car. 

Steven laughed.  "Come on Julie, you little spitfire.  You know I want a little taste.  Burn me baby!"

Julie balled her fists, renewing her struggle, but Cassandra held her fast.

David had gotten out of the car, closing the door quietly and stood on the sidewalk with his hands on his hips.  Anger burning in his eyes.

Steven laughe out loud, then took another swig of his bottle.  "Can I watch next time?  Maybe we could have a threesome...wouldn't that be a hoot?"

David took a step forward, but seemed to thing better of it.  He balled his fists at his sides but he seemed held in place by an unseen force.

"I could make you scream and call me daddy!"

David took three more steps, grabbed Steven by the shoulder, spun him around and punched him in the face.

Steven fell over, passed out in the yard, the bottle rolled out of his hand spilling its contents in the grass.  David looked down at Steven in disgust.  "You ladies okay?"

Cassandra released Julie and they both walked outside.  "We're fine," Cassandra replied.

"So what should we do with this trash?"  Julie asked, nudging Steven with her foot.

David sighed.  "I'll take Steve home and put him to bed.  Next time you need to call the police!"

Julie hung her head, she knew he ws right, but she had let her anger get the best of her.  "I'm sorry," she mumbled.

David glared at her.  "Dammit Julie, I may not want to be with you, but I still care."

He lifted Steve up to a standing position and leaned him against his shoulder.  He half dragged him to his car and put him in the passenger seat.  He walked around the driver's side.  "I'll be back later," he told the ladies before he got in and drove away.

A tiny wail eminated from inside.  Julie went back into the house followed by Cassandra.

 

A couple of hours later the boys were watching cartoons on the TV, Julie was feeding Rose and chit-chatting with Cassandra when the doorbell rang.  Cassandra went to open it, with Julie hovering a bit behind.

"Hi Cassy," David greeted her.  She stepped aside and let him enter.

"So is he sleeping it off?"

"When I left him he was snoring loudly in his bed."

"He probably won't remember this tomorrow."

"Julie," David started sternly, "why are you allowing this dog and pony show around my kids?"

"It wasn't around the kids, we kept it outside."

"You should have called the police."

He noticed Cassandra's black eye that was almost healed.  He touched her chin gently and brought her face up to get a better look.  "Did he do that to you?"

Cassandra nodded quietly.

"Why are you allowing this danger around my kids?"

He turned to Cassandra.  "You need to leave!  Pack up your son and go!"

"She is not going anywhere!"

"I will not have this danger under my roof!"

"YOU'RE ROOF!!!  YOU'RE ROOF!!!  You gave up this house when you stole all the furniture and shut off the power!!!"

"I don't want this danger around my kids."

"She is my friend and needs my help.  Between the two of us we can protect these children.  Now go outside and cool down, and I'll consider letting you visit with your children."

David looked at the two women sheepishly, he new it was no use to continue, so he turned around and walked out the door.