After reading about babies and expectant mothers, Charlie found himself getting excited right along with Mayra. What a miracle it all seemed! He was impressed that Mayra could create a new person with her beautiful body. But Mayra was anxious to share their joy with her Granny.
Mayra: Well, Charlie, are you ready to go see my grandmother?
Charlie: I guess. ... (mumbles to himself) ... just like seeing Death!
Mayra: What was that?
Charlie: I said, just take deep breaths.
Mayra: Oh, Charlie, it's going to be fine. Really it is!
_____
Mayra and Charlie arrived at the gypsy camp and approached Granesa Caran, the gypsy matriarch. Gran scowled at Charlie, then turned to her granddaughter.
Gran: Mayra, my child! You've come to your senses and returned home! I knew you'd see reason. Running off with an ice cream clown! Really, Mayra--worse than your mother and that gambler. I tried to stop her ...
Mayra: Gran, please. Let's not talk about mom right now. I have something important to tell you.
Mayra: Charlie and I have started a family, Grandmother! We're going to have a baby!
Gran: You get along now, boy! I knew you were trouble the minute you started sniffing around here!
Charlie: Uh ...
Gran: Shoo! Go on. I can take care of my girl. This happened the same with her mother. And I'll not have my granddaughter's heart broken by the likes of you!
Charlie: But I ...
Gran: Shame on you! I should call Reeko and have him teach you a lesson you won't forget!
Charlie: Reeko the Wrecker? No need to call HIM! I'm just trying to tell you ...
Gran: Don't you give me any of your sass! I know your type. Looking for fun times with a gypsy girl.
Charlie: Ms Caran, ma'am, Mayra and I are a real couple. We've made a commitment to each other, and we're happy about the baby. I'm happy about the baby. I'll work hard, I promise. I have a job in Education, so I'm learning a lot about kids. I like kids. We get along great.
Charlie: I care about Mayra--very much. ... I love her. I love Mayra! ... And I'll do my best to help her and the baby.
Gran: I'm going to pack up some things and come with you, child. I want to keep my eye on this Stalker guy, and make sure you and the baby are safe. ... We need to talk more, but it can wait til tomorrow. You need your rest.
So with one more scowl at Charlie, Gran gathered her things and closed up her wagon. Then they all left together.
_____
The next day while Charlie was at work, Mayra continued to read and relax. Gran brought her cook book over and sat down beside her. She whispered some advice to Mayra about money and practical arrangements. Then she slipped her own wedding ring into Mayra's hand.
Gran: You have to think of the future, sweetie. Everything looks rosy now, but it doesn't always stay that way.
As for Charlie, he did all he could for Mayra, just as promised. And he enjoyed his time with her. But his time with Gran Caran? Not so much.
Charlie: I guess. ... (mumbles to himself) ... just like seeing Death!
Mayra: What was that?
Charlie: I said, just take deep breaths.
Mayra: Oh, Charlie, it's going to be fine. Really it is!
Mayra and Charlie arrived at the gypsy camp and approached Granesa Caran, the gypsy matriarch. Gran scowled at Charlie, then turned to her granddaughter.
Mayra: Gran, please. Let's not talk about mom right now. I have something important to tell you.
Gran: Oh, Mayra! I wanted so much more for your life! But it's ok, darling. Granny's here for you. You're back home and that's all that matters.
Charlie: Uh ...
Gran: Shoo! Go on. I can take care of my girl. This happened the same with her mother. And I'll not have my granddaughter's heart broken by the likes of you!
Gran: Shame on you! I should call Reeko and have him teach you a lesson you won't forget!
Charlie: Reeko the Wrecker? No need to call HIM! I'm just trying to tell you ...
Gran: Don't you give me any of your sass! I know your type. Looking for fun times with a gypsy girl.
Mayra: Granny! Charlie's not anything like that! ... Tell her, Charlie! Tell her about us.
Charlie: Oh, and I, uh, have lots of money too. I'm the sole heir of the Stalkers of Mountain Lake. I own a mansion and land and other assets. Mayra would never have to work if she didn't want to. But I support her music career. She can do anything she ...
Gran: Hold it right there, Charles. I guess there is more to you than I first thought. I'm going to give you a chance, but you better live up to your word. Do you hear me, young man?
Charlie: Yes, ma'am, I hear.
Gran: All right then. I'll let Mayra stay with you. But not alone!
The next day while Charlie was at work, Mayra continued to read and relax. Gran brought her cook book over and sat down beside her. She whispered some advice to Mayra about money and practical arrangements. Then she slipped her own wedding ring into Mayra's hand.
Gran: You have to think of the future, sweetie. Everything looks rosy now, but it doesn't always stay that way.
Charlie wondered whether he should discuss matters with the Inspector, but decided he'd tell him after the baby was born. Living with a pregnant girlfriend and her suspicious grandma was about all he could handle right now!
Besides, Charlie wanted to show his guardian how well he'd taken care of everything on his own. And once the baby came, Charlie was sure his new family would be settled in nicely.
