Helen wanted to raise her kids by herself as long as she could. But at some point she would need help.

This tells a small bit of a friendship she carried on since the 50's. But only Helen lives forever, so when the only person she would trust with her twins has died. She has to decide if the granddaughter her friend bragged on is up to the challenge.

Part 2

Montana was beautiful in July, Helen thought as they drove along. She could barely wait to see her old friend Georgina and the farm, she had come to love.

She had first met Harold and Georgina back in 1953. After a rough encounter with a pair of abnormals. That had be causing a problem for local ranchers in the next town. Georgina had taken to mothering Helen, which at first made her teeth itch. But having be alone so long, walking into that house was like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Georgina had insisted on Helen send postcards every so often. So she won't worry about her friend, traveling all over the world. Helen began to look forward to stopping by every few years. For a home cooked meal and a good night sleep, as Georgina put it.

"Mummy, are we there yet?" A little girl with brown haired, and James Watson's laugh, asked with a giggle from the back of the van asked. "Almost sweetheart. Gregory wake up, we'll be there in a few minutes" the little girl nudge he twin brother, he also had dark hair. But unlike his sisters brown eyes, his were deep blue. They had just turned 8yrs old in June, Gregory Watson Magnus/Bancroft and Georgina Orla Magnus/Bancroft. They had spent their first years in Canada. Now Helen needed to concentrate on the final part of her plan. Getting the new underground Sanctuary finished and ready to move in. She only had 9 years before the Cabel would use Ashley against the Sanctuary network. Then the Hollow Earth abnormals had just appeared. Who knew what else would happen when she returned to her timeline.

The driveway was a 1/4 mile of gravel. At the end was a white with black trim, 2 story farm house with a wraparound porch. To the left was a large wood barn with an overhang, that an old tractor sat under. There on the porch sets sat a young woman. Her head resting on her arms, until the old hound dog alerted her to someone coming down the drive.

Helen pulled up and got out looking around as if she was trying to photograph everything with her eyes. She went around to the other side to help the children out. Helen looked at the young woman who had stood up and dusted herself off. It had to be Georgina's granddaughter, Jessica. Georgina had been a stout woman, only about 5' 1"not fat but a solid build woman, with curves. Jessica had to be 29yrs old now and was about 5' 6". Looking even bustier then her grandmother, probably a 38G, with the same solid build.

"You must be Jessica. I haven't seen you since you were a toddler." Helen said as she walked up to her, with her hand out. Jessica looked sick to her stomach, "Yes, I'm Jessica Rolling Thunder. Can I help you?" She said looking the thin and gorgeous Helen and children. The old hound was checking out the children, to their delight. Helen was smiling ear to ear, "Didn't your grandmother, Georgina tell you I was coming? We're here for a visit and I've brought her a wonderful surprise."

Jessica looked at her feet and signed. Great this was all she needed. Her grandmother was a hostess and had taught her to do the same. Jessica reluctantly motioned to the house "Then you better come" her voice cracked.

Jessica ushered them through the living room into the kitchen. The living room looked just as it did, when she was last there about 10 yrs ago. When Helen had called 5 weeks ago. Georgina had given her an ear full for not calling for stopping by sooner, just a few post cards. One of which was on the frig. Jessica put on her best smile, she did love children. "Would you 2 like some apple juice or milk?" "Milk, please" "Juice, please" their polite little accents made her smile.

The children pulled out their chairs from the oak farm table that could easily seat 6. Jessica tried to keep her hands from shaking as she brought the glasses over. She then turned and grabbed some graham crackers from the cupboard and put them on a plate. She also grabbed some grapes from the fruit bowl and put them on the plate as well. Placing it on the table she told them to help themselves, while she talked with their mother in the living room.

As they sat on the sofa Helen got a sick feeling in her stomach. "Where is Grandmother?" Jessica composed herself despite the tears forming in her eyes. "Her funeral was yesterday." Jessica's hands were shaking as she raised her sleeve to dry her eyes. Helen's right hand went to her mouth and left hand went to her stomach as if someone had punched her. Not another friend in the ground, she thought.

Jessica explained about 4 weeks ago her grandma was driving back from the doctor in Miles city. When the driver of a cement truck driver feel a sleep at the wheel. She had fought hard undergoing 3 operations to save her. Dying on the table of the last one. By the time Jessica finished the store Helen was holding her. They were both sobbing.

The children came in when they hear the loud sobs. "Mummy, what's wrong" young Gregory walked around the coffee table and placed a hand on his mother's shoulder, a scared look on his face. Georgina saw a box of tissues on the end table and handed it to Jessica. Being a very sensitive girl she began to get tears in her eyes. It upset Jessica even more, that this beautiful little girl was now getting upset. Taking a tissue in 1 hand and placing the little girl on her knee. "I'm sorry, little lady, I just had some bad new I had to tell your mom." Helen took the boy on her knee.

The girl took the tissue out of Jessica's hand and gently wiped Jessica's eyes. Jessica was moved by the small guesser. "There, that's better" the little girl said. "My name is Jessica. What's yours?" Before Helen could stop her "Georgina" the little girl stuck out her hand for Jessica to shake. Jessica's eyes immediately filled, her nose begin to run. She looked at Helen in disbelief. Helen reached over and squeezed Jessica's hand. "This is Gregory, he's named for my father" Helen's voice cracking. As she took a few tissues from the box.

Jessica excused herself but not before placing a kiss on the little girls head. When she came back down about 5 minutes later. She saw Helen looking at the wall of family photos. Her hand stopping on 1 particular picture. It was a hunting picture of her grandma and another woman with a beautiful elk. That no doubt feed the family all winter. "You're HB" Jessica said half way down the steps. Helen had signed her postcards HB. The calendar had a blue circle on this week that also said HB. Jessica thought if she had only come a few days sooner.

Jessica realized she had not offered Helen anything to drink. Although this wouldn't bother most people. This was a dear friend of her grandma's and her grandma was 'super hostess'. Always tending to her guests, until they would cry 'please stop'. As she reached the bottom of the steps before turning into the kitchen she asked "Would you like coffee or tea?"

Helen was still smiling from being called HB. She followed Jessica into the kitchen. Before Helen could stop her, Jessica was already filling the tea kettle. "Jessica-" "Where are the kids?" Jessica asked cutting Helen off. Helen explained that she had sent them outside as they would go to Miles city to find a hotel. They obviously couldn't impose on her. Jessica looked a bit distressed at that. As if she was channeling her grandma "It's late, you've been driving. You need to have a good meal, and to get some rest." Nearly the same words her grandma had used all those years before.

The second floor housed the bedrooms and bathrooms. The master bedroom was large and had its own bathroom. The closest bedroom to the master was larger than the other 2 but not by much. Then the main bathroom was at the top of the steps.

Jessica had lived with her grandma on and off. Her mom had gotten pregnant with her at 16 and again at 20 with her brother. When her mother had started cooking drugs in the basement of the house they rented. Jessica ran away back to grandmas at the age of 15. She had felt bad about leave her little brother behind. He was only 11, but he was already becoming and ass. She had been gone a week before her mother even noticed. Since then she really wasn't on good terms with either of them. Her 1 uncle had come just for the funeral and left right after. The other was a Marine and didn't even bother coming home. So now with her grandma gone, she felt utter alone. Have Helen and the kids stay, night or even maybe the week. Might be just what she needed.

Jessica convinced Helen to stay the week as planned. Jessica needed to job hunt and quick. Her grandma's life insurance covered the finale costs and 2 mortgage payments. But not much more. These sweet kids and Helen with her stories about Georgina, were a welcome distraction, from the sleepless nights and crushing pain.

The next day Jessica showed kids around the farm. The only animals her grandma had were 2 milking goats and a dozen chickens. Helen asked where all the other animals were. Jessica explained that until her grandma's accident. Jessica had been living in Billings again and only came to the farm once a week. Her grandma had downsize the garden and animals to suet her needs. "Someday, I hope to be able to use this place to do animal rescue and rehab." She told Helen how she had to quite her 2 jobs and left her apartment. When her grandma had her accident.

Helen had just tucked the kids in and was standing in the doorway of Harold and Georgina's bedroom. She opened the door, a book still on the nightstand with a bookmark sticking out. Helen could smell the perfume her friend wore and if it was burned into the wall paper. "Why did you have to leave me my dearest friend? Just when I needed you most." She said with a raged breath. She hadn't heard Jessica come up the step, and was now standing behind her. "Grandma had this thing about bedtime ice cream." Jessica said placing a hand on Helen's shoulder. "Come on, I think we could both use some."

As they sat in the kitchen scraping the bottom of the bowls. Helen decided it was now or never. They would be leaving after breakfast tomorrow. "Jess... I... There's something..." bloody hell, Helen let out a long sigh. Jessica held up a knowing finger. She got out 2 glasses, she pour a small amount of coke in them. "Bring these into the living room," she followed Helen to the sofa after grabbing a very nice bottle of whiskey from under the sink. Helen smiled at her. Jessica poured a good amount into each of their glasses. Cling her glass to Helen. "Now, what was it you were going to say?" Helen took a 2 large sip. "I was coming to see your grandmother for a couple of reasons. Of course to have her meet my children, but also to ask her a Very, very large favor. No, favor isn't the right word," "Helen, the stories you have told me this last week. I know you and grandma were as close as sisters. Heck, I was getting ready to tell you. I'd love if you could come back and visit next summer. As for a favor, if I am capable of helping, I'd like to. So out with it." Helen smile at the way Jessica had use Georgina's 'Out with it'.

"This may sound like a bedtime or campfire story but considering the locals to the north of the property… Daisy" Jessica looked very nervous.

The north of the property was thick woods and State land. It also was how to a group of Sasquatch. One of the females had found a 3yr old Jessica lost. She return her to Georgina and as a thank you. Jessica had picked a flower and given it to the Sasquatch. After that they always called her Daisy. Daisy, Georgina and Harold had been friendly since they had bought the place as young newlyweds. Her grandma was always protective of them, calling them locals or neighbors as if it was a normal thing, to see a Sasquatch. Maybe it had to do with Harold being primarily Choctaw.

Helen took another sip and continued "I run a Sanctuary network for abnormals. They are all over the globe. And we help and house multiple beings." "Like," Jessica asked pouring more whiskey into her own glass. "Well, a few that have been with me for a very long time. 1 is a Sasquatch, there is a Mermaid, a HAP or Werewolf, a pair of well, relatives of the Komodo Dragon, a-" Jessica had to stop her, her eyes wide "a mermaid?" Helen smiled topping off her glass "Yes, a mermaid. I forgot your grandmother told me as a child you loved Peter Pan and the mermaids in the story. It is a very real place and as you can imagine. I am very protective of my residents, my friends. Just as your grandparent are protective of your locals. Some come to us, because they have nowhere else to go. Habitat lose and being hunted by people who would experiment on them."

Jessica had offend wonder if someone tried to hurt the neighbors. How far her grandma and she would be will to go, to keep them safe. "There are people out there that would love to see the end of my network and even me." "But how can I help? Are you asking me to start one here?" Helen reached out and took Jessica's hand "Yes and No. I would like you to house 2 very special beings." Jessica's eyes grew wide as she looked up at the ceiling, "I think I've drank too much." "I want my children to be safe! I could send my children to boarding school, out of the country. And under a false last name. But I want them to learn more than just the 3 R's. I was hoping Georgina would take them for a while. Then I could concentrate without fear of someone trying to hurt me through them." Jessica's heart raced and breathing had sped up slightly. "So, you were going to ask a 69 year old to look after 2 young children." "Thinking of the people I know and the values I want my children to see and develop. Your grandmother makes the top of the list. It's that or Switzerland." Helen set her glass down on the coffee table. As Jessica ran her left hand over her face, unable to speak.

After what seemed like 2 or 3 minute of silence, Jessica tried to speak. "Grandma is out of the question, so now you're asking me? Someone you've known for a week." Helen smiled and shook her head "No Jessica, I've known you your whole life. Besides meeting you as a toddler. Your grandmother bragged on you at every chance. Her 3 children may have disappointed her, but you were her pride and joy. Your fight with dyslexia and migraines. You're making the honor role in spite of your problems. Your study of animal science and rehab. I do know you, Jessica." Helen leaned over to wipe a tear from Jessica's cheek. She never knew her grandma had told someone all that.

Jessica drank the last bit that was in her glass and put it down. "If you would put the whiskey back under the sink. I think I'll go to bed now." Jessica stood up, her face said she was lost it thought. Helen said good night and put everything away. She wasn't sure about this idea either. But Jessica being younger would be able to keep up with 2 kids much easier. She was single and had no kids of her own. Helen told herself she would talk to Jessica in the morning. Otherwise she really would have to send the kids to boarding school. That was not something she really wanted to do.

Jessica didn't sleep much despite the whiskey. When she did sleep, she dreamed about her grandma and Helen. At about 6am she decide to give up and get up. After grabbing the first few eggs and putting them in a bowl in the kitchen. She went to sit on the old rope swing on the old maple tree that stood about 100ft from the back door. She must have lost track of time.

Helen had walked up behind her, placing a hand on her should. Helen told her the kids had finish breakfast and wanted to say goodbye. Jessica looked at her watch "9:10... Wow" "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked-" Jessica cut her off "It's not that I'm not capable or even willing. I just... I mean, the schools around here won't be able to compete with Switzerland. Plus, I don't even have a job, how am I suppose to support 2 kids." Helen looked down at her "1st there are things that you can't learn in a books. 2nd I had planned to pay Georgina the same fee I would be paying the boarding school. You wouldn't have to work, other than the normal work a mom does." Jessica looked amazed and confused at the same time. Helen took her by the hand as they walked to the van "Come say goodbye to the kids. We are going to Billings for 2 weeks. I'll give you a call from the hotel. If you decide the idea is agreeable, you can tell me then. We'll head back here and finalize how everything will work."

The kids hugged and kissed Jessica good bye. Both begging to be allowed to come back someday. Helen brushed the hair out of Jessica's face. Reassuring her it was perfectly find to say no. As the van drove down the driveway Jessica waved good bye. That evening the house was so quiet and lonely. Before she knew what she was doing. She had grabbed a note book and was writing down questions to ask Helen when she called in 2 weeks.

Raising someone else's kids could and would be tricky, unless clear guideline were laid out.

Thanks for reading

This will be a continuing story until I run out of ideas. But I will break up the story, as some will be about Will, Ashely, Kate, Nikola and other characters.