What A Way To Live

Episode 11

The next morning, a loud knock at the door wakes Carter and Laura up. Carter sits up and looks over at Willows' crib to see her lying there still sleeping, peacefully. Another knock at the door, and Carter gets up out of bed and opens the door to see Imba and Carissa waiting with their bags. Imba says, I assume you will need a minute to get dressed. We will be in the lobby waiting for you. Carter says OK, we will be down shortly. Laura jumps up from bed as her and Carter start throwing on their clothes and shoes. Laura starts to pack up Willows' belongings and Carter starts throwing their belongings in the suitcase. Laura makes a bottle for Willow, and grabs up her diaper bag and picks Willow up. Willow wakes up in her arms and stretches and whines. Laura gives Willow her bottle and swaddles her up in her arms. Carter grabs their bags, and they make their way to the lobby. They get out of the elevator and see the guards standing around Imba and Carissa taking orders. Carissa stands when she sees Carter and Laura. Imba says, "well, let's get a move on" as he gets up from the couch that looked to be brand new in plastic. They walk to the van and all get in. Laura places Willow in her car seat this time. Carter goes to load the luggage and the guards pick up the rest of the bags. They all get in the van and head to the interstate.

About two hours later, everyone started to complain about being hungry. They had arrived in a town called Erie, PA. Imba says he knows the place to eat. They pull into a place called Colao's Ristorante, a cute little Italian restaurant. They all go in and sit in a little booth at the side of the restaurant. After they eat and feed Willow a bottle, they get up and head back to the van. Onto the road again. Carter starts a conversation with Imba about what will happen. Imba says well, we will get you guys to your home, and I'll assign a couple of guards to stay here with you all, until we know it's safe to stay without protection. Carter sighs in relief and says Thank you, Imba. Imba looks in the rearview mirror and says, one day you will realize what's going on. We felines protect our family. Laura looks over at Carter and says, when we get home, I will explain everything and make sure you are out of the darkness. I know this was thrown at you all so quickly. You deserve to know who I am, and what to expect. Carter, looking at her with joy, says" I am proud of you, you are a one of a kind woman, and I could not imagine my life without you." You have been so strong through all of this craziness with me. I know you want me to know everything and I do too, but it's not going to make me run, I'm with you, in this life. As Laura smiles, she says, I know, but to make our marriage work, you need to know everything.

Later, they have driven for four more hours, Willow starts to cry for a bottle again. Laura asked him to pull over, so she could feed Willow and change her diaper. They arrive in a town called Watertown, NY. Imba says yes, we need gasoline anyhow, and pulls over at a little gas station. Imba says, we are about one hour from your home. Let's get fueled up and get Willow taken care of, so we can arrive before dark. About twenty minutes go by, and they are ready to hit the road again. They get back on the road and Laura says, so what is the surprise you both have been keeping from us?" Imba says" well, we have to arrive at your home before I can let you know what the surprise is. Laura sighs and says alright then. About an hour goes by, and they finally arrive at their home in Morristown, NY. Laura says I forgot how beautiful this home was. Carter looks over at her and says yes, I know the feeling. There are people walking out of their home and putting power tools into a van parked on the side of the road. Carter looks up and asks what is going on? Who are those people in our home? Imba smiles and says, let's just get out and unload your belongings, and I will explain as we walk to the house. Carter says OK with confusion. Laura is smiling and says what surprise is this? Carter gets out and starts grabbing all the bags and Imba walks up behind him and says everything is fine. I am having a security system put in and all the door knobs are being changed. I wanted you both to feel comfortable, and I didn't want the bodyguards to be the only protection you had.

After, they get all the bags brought in and put away. Carissa was rocking Willow in the living room, and Imba was napping on the sofa. Carter and Laura walk back downstairs. Carter's boots fell over at the door when they walked past them, waking Imba from his nap. Carter says we are all settled. You are both welcome to stay the night. I just want to thank you both for being such a big support group for us. Thank you for everything you've done for us. You continue to help us out in ways I haven't been thinking of, and I thank you so much! I would appreciate it if you would both stay with us tonight and let me cook you guys breakfast in the morning. Imba, smiling, says" well, I appreciate the kind words, Carter. We would love to stay. Carter smiles and Laura picks up Willow from Carissa. Carter says come with me, we have a room you guys can stay in that we have set up. Imba and Carissa look at each other and say OK. They go upstairs and get settled in. That night, Imba has a chef come cook supper for them, and they all sit at the table to eat. Imba says we have something to tell you both. Carter looks over at Carissa and Laura in confusion. We have things happening tomorrow that I think you will both enjoy. Carter says more surprises? Imba smiles and says, well, in difficult times we need good surprises. They all eat and Imba says get some sleep, we will have a big day tomorrow.