The car pulled to a stop in front of the much worn building of Harmony High. Late for class Charity whispered for old times sakes. She unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to face the kids. Well, guys, were here! Mommy and Daddys old school!

Did you have homework? Antonio wrinkled his nose.

Yes, sometimes, but just a little secret between you and me, Charity leaned in closer. Antonio listened, anxiously. Your daddy had more homework then me, because I got mine done faster.

Antonio sat back and undid his seatbelt, smiling. Faith clapped her hands, expressing her say in the conversation. Charity stepped outside and the minute she was out, she felt someones hands go over her eyes and a muffled voice said, Surrender your beautiful self and your kids, maam.

Charity jumped. Look, you, I dont who you think you are but Ive got two kids in the car and Ill defend She stopped just as she was about to try out her Tai Bo. Miguel stood there, grinning slyly. Miguel! Charity swung her purse at him. Dont ever do that again!

Miguel ducked. Surprise? Sorry.

Daddy! came the two little voices from the car. Miguel ran to them, letting them out. He tossed Faith in the air. She giggled, happily. Charity rolled her eyes as Miguel gave her a big kiss making the kids blush shyly.

Daddy scared you, mommy, Antonio teased.

Oh, no he didnt. I knew it was you all along, Miguel, Charity smiled. Miguel looked her in the eyes, and then looked down at his watch. We better get inside. Its cold out here.

As they were going inside, Charity felt an awful dizzying feeling. A horrible wave of something evil seemed to be at the threshold of the school. She swayed back and forth slightly but caught herself in time.

Coming, Charity? Miguel was already at the door.

Huh? Howd you get there so fast, Miguel? Charity asked, confused.

Huh? I thought you were right behind us, well, come on, are you okay? Come get warm, Miguel said.

Charity came in, shaking her head. Weird, she thought. That was so strange. Ha! If I didnt know any better, Id say it was a premonition of the future. Maybe it was being back at her old school that was causing her to have déjà vu.

Charity and Miguel stood in front of their old lockers. Hey, I wonder if I still remember my old combination. Miguel started playing with the lock.

Miguel, Charity stopped him. These are somebody elses lockers now.

Oh, yeah, Miguel laughed. For a minute there I could have sworn I was a teenager.

Daddys not a teenager. Hes too old! Antonio declared.

Old? Miguel pretended to faint. He picked Antonio up. Did my son just call me old? I think we need to have a man to man fight about this. He tickled him. Antonio hollered in delight.

Charity was adjusting Faiths bib when a loud squealing made her jump. She turned to see Jessica come racing down the hall towards her.

Oh my God! Charity! Im so glad you could make it! She squealed, throwing her arms around Charity and Faith, bib and all.

Hi, Jessica, Charity said, a little taken aback.

Hey, Jess, Miguel greeted, holding Antonio head over heels. Hi, Aunt Jessica, Antonio said from his upside down state, holding out his hand to shake.

Miguel, what did you do to my nephew? Jessica laughed. Come here, you, give your auntie a big huggies! She took Antonio into her arms next.

Huggies? Huggies are for babies, Antonio informed.

Faith let out a squawk, demanding attention.

Whos making all that noise? Jessica turned back to Faith and gasped. Oh, God! Charity, Miguel! Shes grown so big since the last picture. She looked teary eyed. I missed out.

We told you, and told you to visit, Jess, but oh, no, Charity reminded her.

Dont feel bad, college is a lot more fun then hanging around us married folks, Miguel shrugged.

I cant help if I had things keeping me distracted, Jessica lowered her eyes.

So Im your thing now? came another voice behind them. A blonde, well- built man came and put his arms around Jessica.

Yes! One of my favorite things, Jessica leaned up and kissed him.

Reese? Charity and Miguel exclaimed at once, exchanging looks.

Reese smirked at their reactions. Thats I. Former computer nerd of class 2000. How do you like the new look?

New contacts, too? Wow, Im impressed, buddy, Miguel nodded his approval.

You look like the WWF, Antonio wrinkled his noise.

Well, thank you, little man, Reese shook his hand. Good handshake there.

If Faith could talk shed say youre the most beautiful man on earth! Charity breathed, still in awe.

She would, huh? Humph, Miguel looked insulted.

Well, with some competition, Charity tweaked his nose.

Hey! Theres Kay! Jessica pointed. Kay! Kay! Come over here! She and Reese started waving. Kay stood in the corner, looking very out of place in her crisp business suit, her hair done smartly up. The look of success was gleaming in her eyes.

Kay looked over at the happy bunch and sighed with a womanly air. Oh, great, just what I need. A reunion with Peppy and Perky. She had cleverly cut off as much contact as she possibly could with Charity and Miguel over the past decade. So you can call me a sore loser. Big deal! The teenage voice inside her said.

She strolled over, casually. Good morning, everybody, She said, cheerfully.

Kay, its good to see you, Miguel went right over to her and hugged her.

Kay still melted at the feel of his touch. You, too, Miguel.

They parted and Miguel immediately went back over to Charity and the kids. Of course, Kay thought. Hi, kiddies! Kay waved and gave Faith and Antonio each a big cheese. Antonio hid his face behind his mothers jeans and Faith looked like she was about to cry.

Theyre shy, Charity explained, sympathetically. They never see you, Kay. We never see you at all! You should come by some time, we all miss you, Charity started to reach out to hug her cousin but Kay pulled back. Charity could tell from the look in her eyes not to go any further. Apparently, no one else saw that.

Well, you know, Charity, Kay said, politely. I cant be everywhere at once, Im a career woman these days. Money is my goal and I want lots of it! I was just never cut out at being a poky old housewife. She laughed, passing it off as nothing. Charity blushed, pretending not to look hurt.

As well as you deserve it all, Kay, Im sure, Reese spoke up, forcing a laugh. Jessica cleared her throat.

Thank you, Reese, youve always been a good friend, Kay smiled.

Arent I, though, Reese exchanged looks with Jessica.

Kay looked around them, coolly. Have any of you seen Simone?

I dont think shes here, Jessica said.

Oh, Kay looked disappointed that her best friend wouldnt come to her rescue. Well, She turned her nose slightly up in the air. I didnt mean to stay for long, anyway, Im dreadfully late for my appointment up at Crane industries. I know its rude up and running like this, but She shrugged. Thats life! She gave them each a quick hug, cringing slightly when she got to Charity and flew out of the room, leaving them all in the trail of her hurricane.

They all stood in silence a few moments after Miss Diva had departed. Thankfully, they could count on one of the kids for releasing the tension in the air.

Arm wrestle! Antonio dared Reese, holding up his little arm. The adults all laughed.

Youve got to be joking, Reese hid his amusement.

Antonio stared back up at him, with a completely serious face, which made it hard for Reese not to laugh back at him.

Careful, Reese, Miguel patted him on the back, humoring his son. Well all come to your funeral. He bowed his head on his shoulder. Ladies, step back. He stepped in front of Charity, Faith and Jessica.

Antonio stood proudly up to Reese. You want it. Come and get it! He yelled as if he were a macho warrior.

This is too much, Reese knelt down, putting his arm up. With Miguel as coach, it was a close game. Fortunately, Reese was able to accept his defeat like a true man, and Antonio walked away with beaming pride.

They stayed at the school a bit longer, but Jessica and Reese left saying they had more intimate business to deal with and so Charity and Miguel visited with some of their old teachers and colleagues. Everyone was impressed with the cute couple and the family they had blossomed from their love. One teacher seemed extra pleased to see them. She was a student teacher back when they went there and they probably never noticed her sitting there in the back of the classrooms. Her name was Ms. Ana, who was now a psychiatrist. She was very friendly and warm and the kids, who dont normally take to strangers, took to her right away. Charity and Miguel considered for a while, and they insisted Miss Ana come baby-sit occasionally.

Oh, I would simply love to! Miss Ana gushed, bouncing Faith on her lap. I just love little babies, and big boys Antonios age. She ruffled Antonios hair, and then her cheery expression turned solemn. I tried having a baby of my own once, but the doctor said I can never She stopped, lowering her eyes, hiding her emotion.

Charity sat down next to her, feeling sympathy right away. Im sorry. I must insist you come visit us soon, and we can all get to know one another and discuss babysitting plans hopefully.

Miguel nodded, quietly.

You people are so sweet! Miss Ana dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. I think Im going to cry.

Oh, please dont, but if it makes you feel better, go right ahead, Charity smiled.

So sweet, She wailed, and then looked at the time. Oh dear, I have to go. Look at the time. Im late for an appointment. She sighed.

Sorry we kept you, Charity apologized, feeling horrible.

Quite alright, heres the baby, Miss Ana handed over Faith.

You have our number. Call us! Charity reminded.

Mm-hmm. And you have mine. She kissed Antonio on the cheek and left the room all smiles, turning back to wave to them.

After she had gone and Charity was getting the kids back in order, Miguel finally spoke. Are you sure you should have done that?

Charity stood up after zipping up Antonios coat. Done what? I think its sweet. And we do owe her, Miguel.

No, we dont.

She was sitting in the back of our classes and we ignored her.

I dont even recall a teacher like her in our school. Miguel argued.

Well, see, that goes to show how much we blocked her out, come on, Miguel, lets go, Charity picked up Faith, and reached for Antonios hand. Antonio, sweetie, time to go home. She paused, when she grasped air instead of his little hand. Antonio? She looked around frantically, not seeing trace of him anywhere. No, this cant be happening. He was just here a second ago. How could a child disappear so quickly? Antonio! She grabbed Miguels arm. Miguel! Wheres our son?

To be continued