All for One and One for All

All for One and One for All

This story is the property of the co-authors and cannot be reproduced or distributed without specific consent of the authors. It is written for your enjoyment only. Any resemblance to real persons is purely coincidental.

Part Nine

By Chrissy and Peyton

Kayla and Alexis picked up Jake and went over to Ella's to discuss what is going on. When they told her, she said they were right and it was time to move out. Alexis and Kayla surmised Rose Marie had already discussed the situation with Ella because she seemed to be in total agreement with them moving back, plus she agreed with their line of thinking on Rose Marie.

That night after they got Jake down for the night, Alexis excused herself saying she had some homework and she went into the kitchen opening her laptop, pretending to work. Kayla moved over on the sofa closest to Rose Marie, who was sitting in the recliner next to the sofa.

"Can we talk about something I think we need to get out in the open?" Kayla said.

"Sure honey, what's on your mind?" Rose Marie said.

"Alexis and I have noticed a change in the last month, and especially since this past weekend, and we think we know why," Kayla started.

Rose Marie stiffened a little in the chair. She had a feeling she knew what was coming. "If you are talking about the last night in the hotel, I am so, so sorry. I heard you two and it turned me on. Before I could get it under control Marta and I....well we....."

"No need to explain. It's perfectly alright. You don't need to feel guilty about it at all. In fact we owe you an apology for having sex in the bed next to you. Not to mention the many nights on the sofa and not including you. We are happy for you, and we all knew that at some point there would be an end of this weird predicament we, or should I say, I put ourselves in. We also shouldn't have been so careless, breaking our promise not to fool around over the weekend, and put you in that spot," Kayla went on.

"I understand and I don't blame either of you. I've been meaning to talk to you two, but couldn't ever find the right time or get up the courage to talk. You know how much I love you both?" Rose Marie said, allowing a few tears run down her face.

"Can I ask you something and get the truth from you?" Kayla asked.

"Of course you can. You know I won't lie to you."

"Are you falling for her?" Kayla asked.

Rose Marie looked at Kayla then looked down in her lap and paused before she answered. "I've been trying to sort out in my mind for a month now what it is I'm feeling. I know I feel something there, and I find I want to be feeling more, but there has been something holding me back, so I'm not sure I can answer you."

"We are going to make it easier on you I hope. We both want you to be happy. This arrangement we have has worked in the short term, but we see now it is holding you back. If you want to pursue your interest in Marta, then we are not going to stand in your way. We already talked with Ella, and we can move back in with her in the short term, until Alexis and I find our own place. We even talked about taking over one of the apartments once the building is renovated. We still love you with all our hearts, and that won't change. But I think you deserve someone who you can share only with yourself."

Rose Marie's tears were steadily falling from her eyes. She rose, holding out her arms to Kayla, who got up and held Rose Marie close to her. "I love you so much Kayla, I really do. But I also see the love you have for Alexis. Marta and I have talked about how perfect you two are together, and the love you two share is an unbelievably true love."

They stood there and hugged each other for several minutes. Then Rose Marie spoke, "You don't think bad of me for doing what I did?"

"No, neither of us do. While it was unexpected, Alexis told me that all the signs have been there, but I was just ignoring them or too dumb, as she called me to see them. Now that she has explained it all to me, it is rather erotic that we all had sex in the same room," Kayla explained to her.

"Now don't get any ideas because we weren't suggesting any four ways or open sex in front of each other. It was just an after-thought, that it was very erotic, especially since we know each other's bodies so well," Kayla went on to say.

"Don't worry. Marta and I are in a very very early stage of getting to know each other. Other than that one time, we've never done anything else and definitely haven't discussed sex and kinks. She also had been very patient, because she knows our situation. I was just as surprised as you about what happened. She respects and likes both you and Alexis, and I know she wouldn't do anything if she thought it would bother or hurt either of you."

"Well you can tell Marta we appreciate that, and that she has our blessing to nurture your relationship to see where it goes. I will caution you even though you are my elder," Kayla said and smiled at Rose Marie.

"Office romances can be tricky. If it doesn't work out, with you two being partners at work, it might be awkward or tense."

"Yes, I'm aware of that and I think both of us know this could be disastrous for work. "

They continued to hug before relaxing a little bit knowing things would work out for them. They still loved each other very much. No one could ever come between them in that respect.

Over the next few weeks, Alexis and Kayla moved back in with Ella leaving Rose Marie alone with Jake. They still picked him up from the day care after Kayla would pick up Alexis, watching him until Rose Marie would come by to pick him up after work.

School was going well for Alexis and she was having a good time meeting new friends, but stayed close to Kayla, so as to not have what happened previously, repeat itself. Kayla having caught up on everything with the apartment business, and their building being full of tenants, was pleased everything was running smooth.

The business owners in the building were doing great, and they loved the arrangements Kayla had made for offering discounts and contributing to advertisements and promotions out of their profits. Kayla had arranged for a meeting of owners, or a representative to discuss an open house they were going to have. Everyone was excited about it and offered praise to Kayla for her ideas. Kayla told them she was going to have an in house, on-line bulletin board up and running very soon, that would be password protected so only businesses in the building had access. That way they could announce new arrivals or promotions they wanted to run, or to just offer suggestions to the group or to Kayla, to make things run smoother and more profitable. Kayla briefed them on the status of the apartment building, advising them that the contracts had been signed. They were in the process of getting permits, and waiting for the last of the tenant's leases to expire before they began construction. She hoped the tenants in this building would offer discounts to the new tenants in the apartments, once they moved in. She mentioned to them this might encourage them to shop at their places more often instead of driving off to somewhere else to shop.

Kayla had talked with Ms. Taylor convincing her to move to a nice two bedroom cottage they had found not three blocks from where they were now. While the rent was higher Kayla agreed to pay for her move and the additional rent for moving out while they renovated.

In time Kayla grew bored, as there was not much for her to do now that everything was going smooth. There was no need for her to be in the office everyday as she had been. It was then that she realized she had neglected for several months visiting the hospital, and bringing stuffed animals to the children. So the first Monday after that she filled her car with stuffed animals, going to the hospital and began handing them out as none of the kids there had previously received one.

One of the rooms Kayla visited had a child about four years old who was being treated for cancer. In the room were the mother, father and their other two kids, ages one and seven. The nurse who was attending the child knew Kayla. She knew Kayla had recently become a landlord owning property. She told Kayla the family would spend time here at the hospital and then at night, either the mother or father, would take the kids and sleep in the car. Apparently they couldn't afford the cost of a motel, and they lived too far to go home and come back every day. She asked Kayla if she knew of any cheap places they could stay or homes that helped out families like this. Kayla said she didn't but would look into it and get back to her.

That night she talked it over with Ella and Alexis. "You should have seen this family," she was telling them. "Here's a mother and father probably in their mid twenties, with three kids ages seven, four and one. The four-year-old is in the hospital being treated for cancer. The rest are sleeping in the hospital, or in their car, because they can't afford to pay for a hotel to stay in. It broke my heart to see that. Do either of you know any assistance they can get or homes that help out families like this? The nurses at the hospital aren't aware of any places around here to help out."

"I don't know of any places off hand, but if I think of any, I'll let you know," Ella told Kayla. "I know it must be hurting you for you to talk like this. How many families are in this position?"

"I don't know. I only saw the one, but it can't be the first time it has happened, especially since the rural hospitals have been shutting down," Kayla said.

"You'll figure something out if I know you," Alexis told Kayla.

Later that afternoon Rose Marie came in to pick up Jake. As they sat and talked for a while Kayla mentioned to Rose Marie what happened at the hospital today.

"I haven't heard of any places that can be of assistance, but if you are in the office tomorrow why don't you ask Marta to see if she knows of any place," Rose Marie told Kayla.

A few months later Kayla was at the hospital on a Monday. This time Alexis was out of school and accompanied her to the hospital. While they were there, the nurse who had previously discussed the family issue with Kayla, told her they had another family in the same situation.

"How often does this happen?" Kayla asked the nurse whose name was Martha.

"I would say we have only have one family a month who can't afford a place to stay, but there are one or two more who stay in really cheap places because that is all they can afford," Martha said.

"It's really a shame they have to do that when they have a child so sick and needing to be with that child all the time," Alexis said.

"Yes, it tugs at all our heartstrings too, but there is only so much we can do for them. We already bend the rules on numbers and age of visitors, allowing them to bring in the whole family during the day and sometimes allowing them to spend the night, because we know their child might not see the next day," Martha continued.

"I haven't been able to find anything yet. I am surprised the hospital doesn't have the connections to know of agencies or places for these people to go," Kayla questioned.

"The doctors have complained too, telling the administrators they need to get moving and do something since they started taking on these patients. Some of this was caused because of the closing of two of the rural hospitals where these people live, so they have to travel to here an hour or two away from their homes," Martha told them.

Kayla and Alexis left that day determined to come up with a solution to the problem to help these folks.

Four months had passed and Kayla and Alexis were no closer to a resolution. Both Kayla and Alexis had birthdays. Kayla now was twenty and Alexis now was seventeen and able to drive by herself. Kayla, for Alexis's birthday had bought Alexis a new car. It wasn't a big fancy car but a small SUV that got good gas mileage. Alexis was now able to drive herself back and forth to school.

After going to the hospital, Kayla had run by the office, also wanting to check on the apartments as the demolition had begun on the inside and outside, in order to remodel. It was late in the afternoon and she was in the office talking with Rose Marie.

"Is Alexis pleased with her birthday present?" Rose Marie asked.

"Ecstatic would be a better word. She loved it and if I hadn't dragged her back in the house I think she would have slept in it that first night. She still comes home and cleans it like every other day. I would say she is very proud to have her own car," Kayla told Rose Marie who laughed at what she had been told.

"How are you and Marta doing?" Kayla asked Rose Marie.

Rose Marie looked around then told Kayla, "Close the door."

After the door was closed Kayla was ready for the bad news she thought she was going to receive.

Rose Marie pulled opened her desk drawer and pulled out a diamond ring that would fit on her pinkie finger. "That's beautiful!" Kayla gasped. "Are you going to give it to her?"

"No, she gave it to me. It is a size too small. We have to take it back and exchange it for the next size up, which is why I'm not wearing it."

"I take it things are going well then?" Kayla stated more than asked as she smiled.

"Kayla, you know how much I love you. And you know how much you love Alexis? It is like that. With Marta, it is like whenever she is around, nothing in the world matters to me. She is absolutely perfect in every way, but don't you tell her I said that or she won't let me forget it."

As they were laughing over that, Kayla's cell phone went off and she saw it was Alexis calling. She motioned to Rose Marie to hold on a minute, telling her it was Alexis.

"Hey love, how was school?" Kayla asked. She then had to pull the cell phone from her ear as Alexis was shouting in the phone.

"Wait, wait, Alexis quit shouting. I can't understand what you are saying, and she took the phone and put it on speaker so it wouldn't hurt her ear with Alexis shouting. She could tell that Alexis was crying at the same time.

"Come home now, it's Ella!!" Alexis sobbed trying to calm down.

"What about Ella?" Kayla said now sounding more urgent. Rose Marie hearing this got up coming around her desk to stand next to Kayla.

"I can't get her to wake up. She was in her chair in the living room when I came home and I thought she was asleep. Then I noticed I wasn't hearing anything, so I tried to talk to her and she didn't move."

Before Alexis could say anymore Rose Marie quickly got up, pulling out her phone called nine- one-one. She motioned to Kayla to go who then got up running back to get her purse and car keys. Kayla told Alexis they called nine-one-one and to let them in when they got there. She would be there shortly.

Kayla took off in a flash running out and down the stairs to her car. Meanwhile Rose Marie picked up her things, running to tell Marta, then the Julie, before she ran to her car.

Kayla tried to keep Alexis on the phone as she drove but Alexis was crying too hard to talk and now Kayla was too. As Kayla pulled up the emergency crews were already there and had Ella on the floor working on her. Kayla ran in to find Alexis, who seeing her ran to her hugging her, with both of them crying. The police came over to talk with them to find out who Ella was, her medical history, and who Kayla and Alexis were. It was not long after that, Rose Marie showed up, running in the house. She immediately went up to Alexis and Kayla, who were being ushered into the kitchen by the police and one of the emergency medical personnel.

"The police seeing Rose Marie let her come in before he identified himself, then asked her who she was and the relationship. Rose Marie told him they were family and she was their attorney too.

"I'm sorry to tell you, but they did everything they could do for her, but she apparently had been gone for a few hours before they arrived."

"No, no," Kayla cried and started to fall, but was caught by the emergency medical person, who helped her sit in a chair. He then tried to console her and the other two, who were also crying.

Rose Marie, composing herself, explained that Ella had been given custody to both Kayla and Alexis, and had raised Kayla since she was eleven years old, after her parents had been killed in an airplane crash.

Not too long after that Marta came in. She immediately went to Alexis as Rose Marie was down on her knees trying to comfort Kayla. She held Alexis in her arms letting her cry up against her as much as she needed.

Soon after the medical personnel took Ella's body out and left. The policeman stayed for a while, getting information he would need for his report, and to assure that Kayla and Alexis were alright before he left. He also asked about notifying any other relatives. Rose Marie said Ella had none, other than Kayla and Alexis.

It was hours later and Kayla had settled down some but was still crying as was Alexis. Rose Marie had to go get Jake and left leaving Marta with them.

When Rose Marie got back she walked in with Jake. Jake, seeing both Kayla and Alexis crying, walked up to Kayla, putting his little hand on her leg, "Why you cry, KaKa?"

Kayla seemed to be brought to her senses with Jake at her side. She picked him up and gave him a big hug, telling him," I missed you is why I'm crying. But you are here now so I will try not to cry anymore, okay?"

Jake smiled at Kayla and put his face to hers which was his way of giving kisses.

Marta talked to Rose Marie though she wasn't trying to hide her conversation, "Why don't all of you pack a few things and we stay at my house tonight?" I have three bedrooms so there is plenty of space."

Rose Marie thought it was a good idea, not wanting to leave Kayla and Alexis alone in this house, and no one was going to sleep in Ella's bed, at least not yet.

They went and packed an overnight bag, plus some extra things, all leaving in separate cars, but following Marta. The exception was Rose Marie who had to run by her place to pick up things for Jake and herself.

That night no one slept very well, but they each managed to get some sleep. Alexis decided not to go to school the next day and called the office to explain the reason. Marta and Rose Marie also decided to stay home, but each had some things they had to go in for that wouldn't take long. They decided Rose Marie would go first. When she got back, Marta would go so to not leave Alexis and Kayla alone.

"Thank you, Marta," Kayla said as she gave her a hug after Rose Marie had left for the office. "You don't know what this means to us to have you here to help us."

"Kayla, you and Alexis are like family to me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Remember we are the four musketeers and all for one and one for all."

"Now I know why Rose Marie loves you so much," Kayla said then realized what she said and tried to back pedal out of it. "Oops, I didn't mean to let that slip out."

"It's okay. I feel the same about her, and we've already told each other so it's not a secret to us."

"What do you think we should do now? I mean what's the first thing we need to do?" Kayla asked.

"Well there really isn't any order to this but I would think one of the first things would be to make funeral arrangements, then you and Alexis have to get the courage to go back in the house and stay there until the estate is settled. Did she have a will?" Marta asked.

"I don't know if she did or not. She never mentioned it to me. I guess we can look through her things. That is going to be hard to do and what do we do with them?" Kayla said now very worried and ready to cry again.

"It's not easy to do but it has to be done. Every family goes through this and no one has found a way to make it easy. Everything you pick up will have a memory or significance to it, and don't expect to get through this without going through several boxes of tissues. Rose Marie and I can help but it is still going to be hard to do."

Two hours later Rose Marie came back from the office telling Marta she could go in. She told Kayla there were already several vases of flowers and cards in Kayla's office. Most she said looked like they came from the tenants in their building.

That afternoon they went back over to the house to first clean up the mess the medical people had left on the floor. They then to tried to feel comfortable in the house, knowing what happened there not twenty for hours ago. As Marta said it would be, it was tough walking in and being there, but the more time they were there the easier it got. They sat at the kitchen table discussing funeral arrangements before Rose Marie finally spoke up.

"I didn't want to say this until now but about a month ago Ella asked me to draw up a will for her, listing me as the executor of her estate."

"Why didn't you tell us? Is there something we need to know?" Kayla asked.

"Yes and no. I didn't say anything at Ella's request until it was necessary, but you all seem to want to go through her things, and to make arrangements that she has already made."

"Are you saying she knew she was dying?" Alexis asked.

"Yes, honey she did. The doctors had told her how much longer they figured she had before her heart gave out. They pleaded with her to have surgery to implant a pacemaker, giving her more time but she didn't want to do that. She thought she could get by on her own."

"Why wouldn't she tell us?" Kayla asked.

"She didn't want you all to worry about her. She said she finally saw both of you happy and loving each other. She knew you two would give up whatever you were doing to care for her, and she didn't want that," Rose Marie continued.

"So what's next then if you have her will?" Alexis asked.

"She has asked for a very simple funeral and she has already purchased her headstone and casket. The only people she cares to have there are her other children as she calls the other wards she had and us. Other than that she wants me to read a statement at the funeral to all of her children."

"Do you have the names and contacts for the others to get a hold of them?" Marta asked.

"Yes, that's why I went in today. I have Julie calling each one to notify of her passing and to tell them once the date is set, we will tell them when and where the funeral will be held," Rose Marie said.

"What else is in the will? Do we need to do anything else to the house like pack things up?" Kayla asked.

"No, don't go packing up anything yet. I can't tell you what is in the will until after the funeral is held, again at Ella's request."

The next week went by with things were returning to normal. Alexis returned to school and Kayla, Marta and Rose Marie returned to work. The funeral arrangements having been made with the date set. The day of the funeral, Kayla and Alexis drove to the funeral home early to give last respects to Ella in private. Rose Marie and Marta also came early. Alexis and Kayla were kept in a room from the rest of the attendees, and would be riding in the limo provided by the funeral home.

As they walked out to the car they were amazed at how many people showed up. Most if not all of the tenants in their building were there along with the other wards that Ella had raised. Even some of the nurses from the hospital were there on Kayla's behalf. What really surprised her was Big Mike was there with his wife Sheila, and he was dressed up even in a tie and not riding his bike. Kayla walked over to them and gave them both a hug and kiss for being there for her and Alexis.

The ceremony was beautiful and Kayla and Alexis though tears flowing were happy at how many were there. Then it was time for Rose Marie to talk.

"Ella asked me to read a short statement today. She wished that she could have read it in person, but I think we all know that she will always be with us, no matter where or what we do. Ella wanted me to tell you though she never had children from her own body, she was more than blessed to have cared for and raised the best children a mother could ever have, and she wanted each of you to know that you each meant more to her than life herself. She adored every minute she was with you, and regrets nothing, except she isn't around longer to see you continue to grow and prosper. She hopes she left you with as much love as she loved you, and that as you get older, you will see that there are so many like you, who need help, and to find a way of helping them, as she did you, so no child should have to be raised without a family. She thanks you from the bottom of her heart for giving her a life of happiness and love. Until the day she will see you again, know that she still loves each and every one of you." Rose Marie then placed the statement on top of the casket as it was lowered into the ground.

The next day Kayla came by the office to do a few things and check on the progress of the demolition that was taking place at the apartments. Rose Marie saw her and asked her to come into her office. "Are you two doing okay after yesterday?" she asked Kayla.

"Yeah, I think we are fine. I'm not sure I have any tears left to cry, though I can't walk around that house without thinking of Ella. It may be a long time before I'm able to be comfortable there. But maybe after you read her will, I won't have to worry about it. I just hope the apartments are ready before we have to move out," Kayla told her.

"If you want we can read the will tonight after work. The only people she asked to be there for the reading were you, Alexis and me," Rose Marie continued.

"Tonight is good for me. Might as well get it out in the open so we all know what we are dealing with. You want to come by for dinner and then afterwards you can read it?" Kayla asked.

"It will be me and Marta. Ella pulled a fast one on me. After I pulled it out last week and saw what she had done, I had to ask Marta to handle it. There might be a conflict of interest and I don't want to come back at me."

"Sounds bad. You're not in any trouble are you?" Kayla asked now concerned.

"No, and I'll explain it tonight. She just did something I told her not to do, and because it involves me, it makes it a conflict to represent her and be a part of her will. So I asked Marta to take it and file as the executor so that I won't have to deal with the conflict."

"Okay, no problem. We'll make sure we have plenty of food for Marta too. By the way, if Jake says anything to you; when we pick him up and take him home, he asked where mamaw is. I tell him she is in heaven, and he keeps asking when she will be back from heaven. I tell him I don't know," Kayla explained to Rose Marie.

"You are going to be a perfect mother one of these days. That's all you can do now until he can comprehend what death is, and why Ella won't be back. I'm glad you told me so I can say the same thing if he brings her up."

That night after dinner they cleared the table and sat down to read the will. Rose Marie started off telling Alexis much the same thing as she told Kayla earlier in the day, then turned everything over to Marta.

Marta read the formal introduction to the will making it proper and legal, before getting to the details in the will. "Rose Marie and I have discussed this, and apparently unbeknown to us and probably to you, but Ella was well off. You know she got paid by the state for each child she had custody of, plus what you were paying her Kayla for keeping you and then Alexis. All of that money she never spent a dime of it. Instead, she was investing it. Apparently her husband left her a lot of money when he died and she lived off of that with plenty to spare."

"Okay now to what Ella willed. She put in here that the only two children who haven't finished college and found a decent job were you two."

"I didn't go to college because I didn't see the need. I can't spend everything I have in a lifetime anyway. I don't need to get a good paying job," Kayla explained.

"Ella knew that, and thus she has other plans for you. First let me get to Alexis. Alexis, it was Ella's wish that you would go to college and get a degree that would help you to serve the needs of this community, or the people in it who need help. She took everything that Kayla has paid to her on your behalf and on Kayla's behalf and invested it in a trust to pay for your college education. There is over one-hundred-thousand dollars in the trust at this time."

Alexis immediately began to cry whispering loud enough for everyone to hear, "Thank you Ella. I love you so much and promise I will go to college and do something special for you."

"She also asked with your agreement that should you not have become eighteen at the time this is read that Rose Marie be appointed your guardian until such time you reach the age of eighteen," Marta explained.

Alexis even through her tears was able to crack a smile and asked of Rose Marie, "Does that mean I have to listen and obey you?"

They all had to giggle at what Alexis said and Rose Marie took advantage of it, "Yes, you have to live by my rules now young lady." Rose Marie laughed followed by everyone else.

"This next part is why Rose Marie asked me to become executer. She wrote it in hand at the bottom of the will, because Rose Marie had refused to accept it when they discussed the will. Ella waited until the will was drawn up then added it to the bottom, before she signed it. She willed to Rose Marie, a trust in Jake's name, in the amount of twenty-five- thousand that is to be managed by Kayla, and to be used by Jake for his college fund when he is old enough to attend."

"She then willed that any of her personal belongings, including furniture in the house, and her car be divided among the three of you. Any items none of the three of you want to keep are to be donated to a shelter or home for battered women or single moms who need assistance. If you can't decide who gets what, then it will be done by drawing sort of like the lottery."

"And finally, she willed that the house and the remaining money in her checking and savings account be given to Kayla. She also left this note to be given to you Kayla. She asked that Rose Marie not read it at all which is why it is sealed in an envelope, but instead give it to you first. You can decide if anyone else should read it," Marta finished as she gave the envelope to Kayla who opened it up to read.

"My dearest Kayla, if you are reading this you know that I'm in a peaceful place. I would like to say I am in a better place but that decision is not mine to make. However I can't imagine a place that is more wonderful than one with you in it. I don't like to choose favorites because in doing so someone always feels hurt, but this one time I am going to break that rule. Of all the children I have raised, you by far are the most loving, caring, compassionate and unselfish person and yet you still are only a child. My life was complete when you came along and I am thankful for every minute I got to share with you. "

"Now that I am gone and everyone is around listening to the division of my property you must be wondering what I could leave you that will have value to a person who has all the money she needs or have meaning. I thought long and hard over this and this is what I ask of you. I will you my house and what is left of my checking and savings account. "

"You have my blessings to stay in the house or sell it. But I want you to take the proceeds of the sale or the value of it at this time out of your own account, plus my checking and savings accounts, and apply it towards your home for families that need a place to stay. You're asking yourself now, what home for families?"

"You have been fretting for months how to help those in need when your answer was staring at you every day. Convert part of your apartment building into a home for families in need, not only because their children are in the hospital, but because they need the help. I know with the proceeds from my house and with donations you can get from charities, businesses, and money raising events you can pay for those families in need to live in your home. "

"Both your heart and mine will be enriched by the number of lives you will affect and if anyone can do this you can. I love you so much Kayla, and thank you for making my life so complete. Ella"

Kayla put the note down and for a moment not saying a word then she broke down and cried. She pushed the note to Marta and told her to read it to everyone which she did.

They all were in disbelief that Ella came up with that idea, and hadn't said anything to them, but Alexis immediately kept thinking out loud what they could do.

"We can name the building, The Ella Reardon Home. We can have apartment's furnished, complete with washer and dryers, and stocked with food, so the families can move right in. We won't charge them a penny for staying there, only asking them to consider when they are financially secure, to make a donation, or when they go back to their communities hold fundraisers for the home."

Then Rose Marie spoke up. "We can have one of the apartments converted into both a day care and teen room, so kids of all ages can stay there while their parents are at the hospital or out looking for work."

Kayla hearing all this got her composure back and joined in on the suggestions. "We could ask Ms. Taylor to be the caretaker and watch the young kids, and when Alexis is not in school, she and I take the older kids to the zoo and parks, or the movies or planetarium during the day, to keep them occupied."

Then Alexis spoke up. "Could we name each apartment after someone special and maybe make it a theme of the apartment?"

"What do you mean?" Kayla asked.

"Like could we name one room the Brian Roush room, and have it decorated with military things and maybe a replica of his medals and flag? Or even entries from his diary. I'm sure the veteran's organization would allow us to make copies."

"That's a great idea," Kayla said. I know another name for a room. Makaela Watson, Big Mike's daughter and we could have pictures of her dad and some of the bikers from their clubs framed."

"I think Ella knew exactly what she was doing, holding this out to last and not letting anyone know until now," Marta said. "Look how giddy and excited all of you are, and just a few minutes ago each of you were bawling your eyes out. She knew you would be sad, and this was her way of breaking you out and giving you hope and happiness again. That Ella was a smart lady."

"Yes she was," Alexis said. "Long time ago she tried to tell me about Kayla and her big heart. I wouldn't listen to her. She knew by telling me, that I would see it eventually. She just had to plant the seed in my brain and heart and now I know what she meant." Alexis then leaned over taking Kayla's hand and squeezed it blowing her a kiss.

Later that night after everyone had left Kayla and Alexis were lying in bed. Since no one else was in the house, they didn't have to worry as much what they were wearing. Both had on t-shirts and no panties. As they lay there on their sides looking at each other, Kayla had Alexis's hand, fingers intertwined with hers, up against her chest. Her other hand was up on the pillow over top of Alexis head, so her fingers could run through Alexis's hair.

"Do you think we can make it work?" she asked Alexis.

"Of course we can. Ella wouldn't have suggested it if she wasn't confident that we could make it work, or should I say you make it work," Alexis told her back.

"Not just me, but all of us," Kayla tried to reason.

"All of us will be there to help, but she had confidence that you would make it work. She knows that when you get an idea, you will figure a way to make it work, no matter what. You gave all those kids in the hospital hope by figuring out a way to bring some cheer into their lives while in the hospital. You never gave up on me when you saw me walking down the street that first time. You came back almost every day after that. Then when I left you, you still didn't give up until you found me and brought me back. You, at the same time didn't give up on Rose Marie. You found you loved her so much, and you tried to make things work between us. Without what you did we wouldn't have the relationship with her like we do today. We both love her, and she loves us, and that was because of you. So can we make it work? We won't know until we try, but if it doesn't we will figure something else out until we find what does work. That's one of the many reasons I love you so much. It is your passion to help others who need help," Alexis told Kayla.

"I love you too and with you next to me, I feel I can accomplish anything," Kayla said and leaned into Alexis their lips meeting.

They kissed and soon their lips were parted and their tongues were doing most of the work as their passion for each other grew. Kayla still had her hand up to her chest holding Alexis but released it to pull Alexis in tighter. Alexis let her palm open, placing it on Kayla's breast, feeling her nipple under her palm.

Kayla moaned and kissed harder from Alexis's touch. She pushed Alexis onto her back with Kayla was partially on top of her. Her one hand came up and found Alexis's breast and she cupped it, using her thumb and forefinger to twirl Alexis's nipple getting a moan from Alexis. Her hand held Alexis breast for a minute before her passion for this girl took control of her mind. She quickly pushed her t-shirt up exposing Alexis's naked body from the bottom of her rib cage down. Her hand moved from Alexis's breast, finding its way between Alexis's legs. She pushed Alexis's one leg out, widening the area between her legs. Kayla moved her hand over Alexis's mound, applying light pressure to it, causing Alexis to moan even louder and raise her hip to meet Kayla's hand.

They didn't have to worry about making sounds as Alexis's moans would have been heard throughout the house. Kayla moved her hand so her fingers moved over Alexis's outer lips and down to the bottom, before she brought them together bringing them up through Alex's slit, which by now was moist and ready as her lips parted easily from Kayla's fingers moving through them.

"Oh fuuuck," Alexis moaned breaking the kiss. "Yes, fuck me there. I want to feel you inside of me," she moaned.

Kayla put two fingers back in her slit. She opened her pussy and was easily able to push both fingers deep inside Alexis causing Alexis to scream again, "Oh fuckkkk!" Kayla pushed her fingers in and out of Alexis faster and harder while Alexis moaned. Alexis kept pushing her hips up and down to match Kayla's pumping in and out of her. She placed both of her hands on Kayla's shoulders gripping and sometimes squeezing hard as Kayla brought her to a massive orgasm. Her fingernails digging into Kayla's shoulders, making Kayla wince from the pain. Kayla tuned it out because she had Alexis where she wanted her. She watched as Alexis's body jerked and went stiff and she could feel the juices flow from Alexis's pussy as her orgasm swept over her. Alexis's mouth was wide open, making an o with her lips, but nothing came out as her breath was taken away from by the strong orgasm she just had.

Slowly Kayla eased back on her fingers going in and out of Alexis and she moved her body down so she was now lying between Alexis's legs. She looked at the most beautiful pussy she had ever seen. Seeing it drenched in juices even on her inner thighs, she leaned down taking in the sweet aroma before she began to kiss and lick the mess she had made of Alexis, saving the best for last. Once she had cleaned up all the juices except those directly on her pussy lips she pushed open Alexis's legs, allowing her tongue to lick Alexis from the bottom of her pussy to the top.

Alexis had recovered enough to realize what Kayla was doing and before she could protest Kayla's tongue had hit its mark coming through her slit up to her clit. At that point she was helpless and at Kayla's mercy, because she couldn't resist having Kayla licking her pussy.

Kayla kept licking and Alexis could only moan and grab the sheets as Kayla quickly brought her to another orgasm, this one as powerful if not more than the last one. She cried out loud one more time, "Oh fuckkkk yeahhhh!" as she came, then it seemed the lights went out and she didn't realize anything until minutes had passed. When she woke, Kayla was lying next to her holding her in her arms.

"Did I black out?" she asked Kayla when she was able to talk.

"Just for a little bit," Kayla told her.

"Wow, I don't think that has ever happened to me. That was one powerful orgasm."

"You never looked more beautiful when you came and then when you lay there still I couldn't do anything but gaze upon you. I don't think I have ever seen anyone as beautiful as you," Kayla softly said to Alexis.

Alexis moved her hand down across Kayla's stomach and down between her legs. When she reached Kayla's opening she felt a lot of moisture and moving her hands lower she felt much more even outside of Kayla's pussy. "Mmmm. Someone is very wet."

"Yeah sorry, when you came that last time, I was so turned on by it, while I was cleaning up your juices, I sort of rubbed myself with my hand and I came," Kayla said as she smiled at Alexis.

"Was I out that long? Wow! I'm sorry you had to do that by yourself and I didn't even get to watch," Alexis said with a devilish grin on her face. "Let me see if there is any left for me," She then said as she moved down to get between Kayla's legs.

But Kayla stopped her before she could get down between them, motioning for her to instead just turn around. Alexis knew exactly what Kayla wanted, and turned around and straddled Kayla's body, lowering her pussy to Kayla's mouth as she lowered her head to Kayla's pussy. They each moaned as the other's tongues reached between both sets of their lips and to the pink inner part of each other's pussy. Alexis sunk her tongue deep inside of Kayla wanting to give her the most pleasure she could. She twirled her tongue around inside of Kayla, sucking as much juices as she could into her mouth. She repeated this over and over, before placing her thumb onto Kayla's clit she began applying pressure to it as she moved her thumb around in circles on Kayla's clit.

Kayla was fast approaching her peak and Alexis could tell. She had already climaxed twice very hard and knew she might not have another one in her, at least right now, but she was determined to satisfy Kayla. She had her close, licking and sucking harder and faster, applying more pressure to Kayla's clit. Kayla gasped and moaned, her tongue pulling back from Alexis as her body jerked and stiffened her climax finally consuming her. While Kayla was coming off of her climax, Alexis rolled off of her and moved up placing her arm around Kayla's chest, her hand resting cupping her breast. She laid her head on Kayla's shoulder, nuzzling into her neck.

Kayla wrapped her arms around Alexis and feeling sleep coming to her she whispered, "I love you Alexis with all my heart."

The next morning Alexis protested having to go to school. She wanted to go into the office with Kayla to begin working on the plans for the family's homes. Kayla assured her there wasn't much she could do yet and her education came first. She told her after school, they would go to the veteran's association and discuss their idea.

Kayla came into her office and pulling out a pad, began writing down all the ideas they had discussed the previous night. After about a half hour, she made another list of things that needed to be done which took another half hour. She walked into Rose Marie's office to discuss things with her.

"Could you or one of your paralegals research what needs to be done to create a non-profit foundation? What types of corporate documents we need to prepare, filings with the state and federal government? Also I need to know what type of liability we would have and what kind of insurance we would need to get?" she asked Rose Marie.

"Marta and I are already on it. We've got both Beverly and Candy working together to get all that information for you so we can decide the best approach for this. For once I was able to be ahead of you!" Rose Marie laughed.

"You're as excited about this as Alexis and I are. I had to convince her that she couldn't do anything today until after school. She wanted to take the day off to work on this," Kayla told her.

"Not just us three, but Marta too. You have rubbed off on her and she really wants to see this happen," Rose Marie said. "If I were you, I would only do the things that Alexis can't be of help with, otherwise you might break her heart if she doesn't feel a big part of what's going on since she has school during the day."

"I agree. I want her apart of most everything, but also both you and Marta. Remember one for all! I'm going to call the contractor and see when we can meet with him to go over design changes we might make if we convert one of the apartments into a daycare slash game room. Maybe we need two apartments for that which would only leave us with five to lease out."

"Why don't you talk with the hospital first to get an idea how many families we are talking about? Or go by the housing department to see if they can give you a better handle on number of families at any one time or throughout the year that might need assistance. We can't accommodate all of them, but I would think families in the hospital should be our number one priority," Rose Marie suggested.

"Good point. Looks like Alexis and I are going to be busy for the next few weeks gathering information before we make any final decisions. Gosh I hope this works!" Kayla said more out of excitement than questioning.

Kayla was not able to wait all day drove to the hospital to talk with them. She talked with both the nurses on the children's floor where she had worked and with the administrator about her plans. They all were very excited and the hospital told her if this worked they would have no problems making referrals to them, and allocating funds to help support the non-profit. Kayla also was able to reach the contractor, making plans for him to meet the next afternoon after Alexis was out of school in their conference room.

Once school was out, she and Alexis went to visit the Veteran's Association to discuss with them their plans for decorating and naming a room after Brian. While this was jumping the gun on getting everything in place before even forming the foundation, the association was completely on board and allowed Alexis and Kayla to take pictures of Brian's medals and some of the things they had at their meeting place. As far as the diary, the person they talked with said he had read the diary, and many times it was very graphic and might not be appropriate to place pieces of it in a family setting. He offered to go through it and take pictures of some of the more family appropriate pages, before forwarding them to Kayla and Alexis. He also said the association would be willing to help with fundraisers to support their work, since they are honoring Brian by naming a room after him.

The next day Marta found Kayla, telling her they were done with their research and needed to talk about it before moving on. She gathered up Rose Marie and the three went into the conference room. Marta explained all the rules they had to follow to be a non-profit and it was manageable. The only catch was the foundation needed a board of directors to oversee the operations. They would hire and fire the CEO. There needed to be at least three on the board with varying length of terms not to exceed five years.

They saw no problem with having Kayla set up as the CEO of the foundation and for the initial board of directors both Rose Marie and Marta could be two of the three. The problem was the third as Alexis was only seventeen, and really shouldn't be listed as a board of director until she was at least eighteen. They could however find someone to be on the board, serving one year before their term expired then elect Alexis to serve next with a term to last five years. They would only need someone to serve for one year every so often if they wrote the articles correctly when one of their terms expired before being elected again a year later. That way they would be the board and CEO among the four of them for the vast majority of the time.

When Alexis came in from school that afternoon before the contractor met with them, they discussed this with Alexis. She understood and tried to apologize for being only seventeen and being the problem with many of the things they tried to plan. Marta stepped up, wrapping her arms around Alexis telling her don't apologize. She told her she would give everything she has right now to be seventeen again, and have a chance to steal her away from Kayla. Rose Marie agreed and said enjoy her year at seventeen, because from eighteen on you only get older and more responsible for your actions. This made Alexis feel better, knowing she was only waiting a year anyway, and she would still be an active participant in decisions and making this all come together.

The contractor met with them that afternoon and advised their plans would not require any changes to the outside. He would design a stone to be placed over the entrance way into the apartment building with the name "Ella Reardon Home" engraved in it. As far as the inside was concerned he suggested they leave the apartments as they are. They should only need one to be slightly modified for their use. Since all apartments are two bedrooms with two masters, one could be used as a nursery for up to five toddlers. The only suggestion he made was to leave the closet doors off and the outer doors not have lockable doorknobs, so no one could be locked in or stuck in a room. The family room and kitchen leave as is except they should not install a stove or oven instead putting in temporary shelves, alleviating the possibility of a young one turning on a stove and causing a fire. They wouldn't need a stove in that room anyway. All they need is a refrigerator and microwave. The other bedroom would be like the first one with no closet door and no locks on the outer door.

The four agreed with the contractor which meant there was just a minor change to the work order for that one apartment and the front would have Ella's name on the outside. They also changed the name for the outside to be "The Ella Reardon Foundation."

After gathering data from the hospital and Kayla running estimates to keep the building operating, they decided they really couldn't have more than two apartments dedicated to families. That would most likely satisfy the need for the hospital, which was their first priority. They would use the first floor for the foundation and the second floor would be rental apartments to the public. With this income, Kayla figured the foundation, through donations, could stay afloat and the building itself would not lose any or very little over its operating expenses.

They even decided on the names of the rooms on the first floor. Ms. Taylor's apartment would be apartment 104. The apartment across from her would be the day care. She agreed to manage and watch the kids in exchange for staying in her apartment, keeping the rent where it was set by the previous owners. They named this apartment "the Makaela Watson Playroom." The other two apartments would be named "The Ella Reardon Home" and "Staff Sgt. Brian Rousch Home."

Things were falling in place. Kayla and Alexis were kept busy shopping for items to decorate the apartments with and purchasing three televisions for each of the two apartments and for the game room. They also purchased x-box players and games at the local flee market and stores that sold used games for the game room. They had the most fun buying toys for the younger kids, especially the toddlers.

Kayla and Alexis decided to keep Ella's house and make it their own. They had it appraised and Kayla used the appraisal price to deposit that amount into the foundation account, offsetting the expenses they were occurring buying the furnishings they would need for each.

A few weeks later Kayla was going over her notes to be sure everything was up to date and she noticed she had neglected to go to Big Mike and tell him they were naming a room after their daughter. The following Saturday she and Alexis went over to Big Mike's. It had turned cold so she hoped he was not out on his motorcycle.

Upon driving up she saw Mike doing some painting on the porch. Mike saw them drive up and put his paint brush down coming off the porch to greet them. "Hi girls, what do I owe this surprise to see you here?"

"Hi Mike, yeah sorry to not have called a head. We took a chance with the weather you wouldn't be out on your bike. We have something to discuss with you and Sheila if she is here?" Kayla said.

"She's inside. We have been catching up on some house maintenance now that it isn't so frigging hot outside. Come on in and we can talk."

After they got inside and all were gathered around in the living room, Kayla let Alexis direct the conversation. "We really appreciate that you two came to Ella's funeral. It meant the world to both of us that you thought of us at that time."

"You're welcome sweetie," Sheila said. "We know how tough it can be to lose someone close to you, and just seeing people who care for you there, we hope would bring you the support and strength you need to get through those times."

Alexis continued, "We also can't forget all that you did for us when Brian died, and then when I messed up and left Kayla. Again you came through, and were there offering your help and support. We never forgot what you did. Before Ella died, we were trying to find a place for families who didn't have the financial means to stay in a hotel, while their child was in the hospital. Ella, in her will, gave us the answer that we couldn't see ourselves, and as such we have created a non-profit foundation that will provide two two-bedroom apartments fully furnished and stocked with groceries for families in need, to stay at no cost to them in the apartment building we own, plus a day care and game room for various aged kids while their parents are at the hospital."

"That is a wonderful thing to do and coming from two so very young girls, is an amazing caring idea. So you are here to ask us to contribute to your foundation to help out?" Mike said.

"Yes and no. I mean yes, but you already have and don't know it. And no, because we will talk about possibly you holding fundraising events through your club later," Alexis continued making both Mike and Sheila turn their heads not quite following Alexis.

Before they could ask how they already contributed Alexis continued, "We are naming the two apartments, the Ella Reardon Home, and the Staff Sgt Brian Rousch Home. The playroom we are naming the "Makaela Watson Playroom," she said and stopped to see their reaction.

Sheila gasped and put her hand to her mouth and Mike as big and tough as he was had a tear form in his eye and fall down his cheek. They sat there for what seemed like minutes but it was only less than a minute when Mike spoke.

"I can't believe you two. I don't know where the good lord has been hiding you, but you two have just made us the most happy and proud parents. Thank you both for thinking of us and our precious little girl."

Mike got up and went over to hug both Kayla and Alexis, followed by Sheila who was letting the tears roll down her cheeks. After a few emotional minutes Kayla spoke.

"What we need from you is pictures of Makaela, and pictures of you all with her we can use to decorate the playroom, especially if you have any showing her playing with toys or outside on a swing or slide."

"We have plenty of pictures of her. We can have copies made and they can be easily blown up to the size you want for framing. Give us a few weeks and we can get them to you," Sheila said.

"No problem, it will be months before we are finished remodeling as we are having the whole building being remodeled. Just bring them over to Ella's house which we now own and you can leave them there. We will have a grand opening once the building is done and especially for the foundation, and we will let you know when that will be, as you will be one of our honored guests," Alexis told them.

The girls left Mike and Sheila's feeling that feeling they had when they won the stuffed animal for the boy at the fair. The bug of helping others now had bitten Alexis bad, and from that day forward she knew what her degree was going to be when she attended college.

Two months had passed and the apartment building was almost completely remodeled and it would be ready for the group to move in furniture and furnishings into the two apartments. They had plaques made with the names they had selected, to go over the top of each entrance door to the apartment. They had leased out all four of the upstairs apartments all being year leases. Everything was set so they decided a date for the open house and dedication.

After the dedication the only thing to do was to wait for families in need to be referred to them. Kayla worked that out with the hospital since the nurses would be the first to know. They would contact Kayla and she would in turn talk to the family to see if they qualified to stay, then she would offer them the assistance they would need.

The four went to dinner one weekend night to celebrate all the success they were having since they formed the law practice and became more than business associates. Marta and Rose Marie were now living together at Marta's house with Rose Marie renting her house out making some money from it, but not quite ready to give the house up.

"You know the last three years have really gone by fast and so much has happened to us in those three years," Rose Marie said.

"Yeah, when you think how all of our lives have changed," Kayla said. "You and I were the best of friends, then lovers, and now though we don't live together, I feel so close to you and love you so deeply. Three years ago I also found this gorgeous beauty," she continued grabbing Alexis's hand, "and my life changed forever as I found the person who makes me happy every second of every day I breathe. Then think of the work changes, and you going out on your own and meeting Marta. The success you all are having with your practice, and we are all having with the building and the apartment building along with the foundation. It's like we are all different people and because of the bond and trust we have for all of us, we were able to make it happen. I love all of you so very much and happy for you being a part of my life."

"I thank all of you too. For if it hadn't been for each of you I would have never left that other practice unless I left town too, then I wouldn't have met or got to know this beautiful woman," Marta said looking at Rose Marie.

"I want to stick my fingers in my mouth and gag. You all are getting so gushy over each other," Alexis said, "but I have to agree. Meeting Kayla was the beginning of a new life for me, and I can never repay her for not giving up on me when I had given up on myself. Then Rose Marie showed me how love is supposed to be, uncensored, unashamed, and without boundaries or age. Without her I would not have stayed when Kayla brought me back. Marta, I can't leave you out either, because you have helped in many ways with your wit, your I don't care attitude about how old, or should I say how much younger we are than you two. Yet being around you, I don't consider there to be an age different. I can say if I need help or to talk to anyone, I have no reservations and could count on anyone of you to help. I can honestly say I love each and every one of you."

"All for one!" Rose Marie said and held out her glass as the four brought their glasses together to toast.

"May our love and friendship last forever, and may we show others in this world there is happiness and love too," Marta added.

They enjoyed their nice dinner and their lives continued over the next months. Then one day at the office on a Friday Rose Marie caught up with Kayla before she left for the day.

"Do you and Alexis have any plans for tomorrow night?'" She asked Kayla.

"I don't think we have any definite plans. We talked about going to a movie or to the bowling alley, but we haven't made any definitive plans. Why, do you all want to do something?" she responded to Rose Marie.

"If you are not busy, Marta and I would like to get together with you two and spends some time. We haven't really done a lot together for a while."

"Do you want to go out or were you planning on us coming over there?" Kayla asked.

"We thought we would go out first, then go back to our place and have some alone time with you two," Rose Marie told her. "Nothing fancy. In fact we were thinking of going to that new seafood place where you sit at picnic tables and they provide you with bibs to wear while eating."

"Oh, yeah. I read something about that the other day. The reviews are good and it's not one of those pretentious places that tries to look rustic yet charges you an arm and a leg. It supposed to be a down home, no frills, good food place to go," Kayla told her.

"How about we meet there at seven then? Marta's parents have agreed to watch Jake for the night," Rose Marie explained to Kayla.

"I thought her parents didn't approve of her lifestyle and she hadn't talked with them in years?" Kayla asked.

"That's a long story, and it shows we haven't been keeping up with each other as we should. A few months back her mom came over to the house because she had heard Marta was no longer working at the other law firm. She really wasn't looking to reconcile but really just checking up on her, as she is still her daughter and concerned. She met me and we sort of hit it off. She met Jake and the thought of having grandkids touched her heart, and it was like her and Marta had never argued. She still doesn't agree, but she is more accepting now, and she loves Jake and me so that really worked in Marta's favor."

"I bet Marta is happy now that she has her parents back in her life?" Kayla said.

"She is but she still has lingering doubts how long it will last. She still holds some resentment for how they treated her, but she is coming around. She is actually a very forgiving person and tolerates a lot before she gets angry, but when it comes to her parents she took what they did to her very personally, and that doesn't go away with a simple I'm sorry," Rose Marie explained to Kayla.

"As my sweet smart ass girlfriend keeps telling me, patience, patience, patience. She tells me investments don't make you rich in one day but over years and relationship are no different. It takes time to build on them and you have to work to get them right and keep them there. I'm sure Marta is losing her animosity a little every day and soon it will all be behind her," Kayla said.

"I think Alexis is a lot smarter and perceptive than we all give her credit for. I know why you love her and why I do too. Tomorrow night at seven then?" Rose Marie said.

"Sounds great and looking forward to it," Kayla said and went back to her work before she left for the day.

To be continued.....................

Hope you are enjoying our story. We welcome your comments good or bad. You may reach us at shanda321j@gmail.com.