Autumn Has Arrived (Photostory)

The title may suggest this story has something to do with the new fall season some of us are experiencing.  It doesn't.  We are back to check on Lena's get together.  Autumn, Darius' secretary and Juwan Howard's wife, has arrived with their 5 yr old daughter, Juanita.

The ladies are chatting and having a snack and green tea, in the dining area.

Juanita is trying to read to Sydney.  

"So are you and Alan settling in okay?"  (Autumn)

"I've really been focused on getting a job, so I haven't had a chance to explore the area."  (Lena)

"Ohhh, so did you find a job?"  (Autumn)

"Yes.  I'll be working at the bridal shop, altering the dresses.  With any luck, I'll be designing some dresses, too."  (Lena)

"Sweet.  Now we have two seamstresses in town.  Have you met Debbie, yet?  She has a shop right in Olde Towne."  (Autumn)

"No, I haven't.  I'll have to stop in, introduce myself, and check out the competition."  (Lena)

"Wait, where are you going?"  (Juanita)

"You should also check out Ni'Chalet's.  That's the local boutique   The owner, Racquel, would probably be interested in some of your designs."  (Adele)

"Wow, that sounds really good.  Where is her shop located?"  (Lena)

"You have to sit down so I can finish reading to you."  (Juanita)

"No. No."  (Sydney)

Juanita tries to direct Sydney back to the sofa.  Sydney suddenly lets out a loud shriek. 

"Juanita!  What are you doing?"  (Autumn)

"I just want to finish reading to her."  (Juanita)

"You can't make her stay and listen to you.  Why don't you come here and have something to eat?"  (Autumn)

"No. I'm not hungry. I'm going to read my book."  (Juanita)

"Mommy.  Mommy."  (Sydney)

"Come on lil' munchkin.  I'm over here."  (Adele)

"She is so cute."  (Lena)

"Mommy, cheese."  (Sydney)

"Yes, that's cheese.  You can have it."  (Adele)

"Excuse me ladies.  I'm going to put Alan down for a nap.  Help yourself to more tea."  (Lena)

Lena heads upstairs, while the ladies continue chatting.

"So how's your class going?"  (Autumn)

"For the most part, it's going well.  Of course there is always one or two students that make the job harder than it needs to be.  But I love my job."  (Adele)

Upstairs, Lena has put lil' Alan down for his nap.  He stirs a little before falling back to sleep.

"Well look who decided to join us.  Are you hungry?  We have fruit, turkey, roast beef, or cheese."  (Autumn)

"No, I have to go to the bathroom."  (Juanita)

"Okay, head upstairs.  Ms. Lena is up there."  (Autumn)

"Oh there you are.  Can you show Juanita where the bathroom is?"  (Autumn)

"Sure.  Come on sweetie." (Lena)

Lena waits upstairs for Juanita.  

"Let it go, let it go, can't hold it back anymore...."   Juanita singing the song from her new favorite movie, Frozen.

"Dang, I have been smelling this cake all afternoon.  I've been trying to ignore it, because I'm trying to be good, but I may have to indulge today."  (Autumn)

"I may have to indulge, too, especially if she made it herself.

The ladies both have a slice of cake when Lena and Juanita return.  Juanita finally eats something, much to her mother's delight.  It's been a great afternoon, and Lena feels a lot more comfortable.  The ladies have told her about all the hottest spots in town.  Now all she has to do is make time to go check it all out.