Fandom: The Practice

Series: Wonderland

Title: To Grandmother’s House We Go

Author: Carla

Email: cmfloresfd@yahoo.com

Rating: PG

Pairing: HG/EF

Disclaimers: As I am laboring in obscurity it is safe to say that I am not David E Kelley, the creative vision and force behind what was once a great television show. So yes I am playing in Mr. Kelley’s sandbox without permission but much gratitude.

Song lyrics quoted are also used without permission but much gratitude.

Archiving: All my flights of fancy can be found at The Realm; http://www.realmoftheshadow.com/carla.htm

Feedback: Should you be inclined to give it I am inclined to receive it, either on list or direct at cmfloresfd@yahoo.com

Author’s Note: It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything for this series and most likely very few will read it but for those who do it takes place after Mothers and Daughters.

For Blyss who asked. Thanks for giving my drift some direction.

Enjoy

** Mile 5 **

"You’re humming."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You’re humming. You hum when you’re nervous. Did you know that?"

"I do not hum."

"Yes you do. Penny Lane or Windy, always those two songs."

"Oh come on!"

"No really you were just humming Windy."

"Pay attention to the road."

** Mile 10 **

"Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes"

"I was not humming!"

"Oh just admit you’re nervous and move on."

"Fine I’m nervous. But. I. Was. Not. Humming."

** Mile 15 **

"Is she still asleep?"

"Like a log."

"I’m nervous."

"Really I couldn’t tell. I mean that beat you’ve been tapping out on the steering wheel for the last twenty minutes didn’t give you away at all."

"Funny, really funny."

** Mile 18 **

"Remind me, why we are doing this?"

"Because you want me to meet your parents."

"Are you sure? I’m thinking masochism?"

"Sadism dear you’re making me meet them remember."

** Mile 21 **

"Love you."

"Love you too."

"Now code words."

"Excuse me?"

"Code words, you know in case we need to make excuses or something."

"How old are you?"

"Thirty-two."

"Months or years?"

** Mile 22 **

"We’re here."

"Remember she’s had a fever on and off."

"I thought you said she was better."

"Code."

"Oh right. Fever…good one."

** Step One **

"Eleanor."

"Yes"

** Step Two **

"One last thing"

"Okay."

"What ever you do, do not eat the oatmeal cookies."

** Step Three **

"Why?"

"You’re still nursing…no telling what they’ll do to Zoë."

** Step Four **

"Helen"

"Yes."

"Who’s reaching out to capture the moment…"

"Everyone knows its Windy."

** Landing **

"So here goes."

"Wait…One more thing."

"Hmmm?"

"This…"

** Doorbell **

"Hello. Helen honey you look good…"

"Mother"

"You must be Eleanor."

"Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Gamble."

"And this must be Zoë."

** Landing **

"Now you girls remember I’m more than happy to baby sit so you can get out."

"Thank you Mrs. Gamble."

"Claire dear. I told you Mrs. Gamble was my mother-in-law. Helen can tell you about her sometime."

"Ah."

"Yes well then. Call when you get home."

"Mom."

"Don't whine Helen it's unattractive."

"I’ll make sure she calls."

** Step Four **

"Free at last, free at last thank God Almighty free at last."

"Stop it wasn’t that bad. I think she liked me."

** Step Three **

"I think so."

"She liked Zo."

** Step Two **

"She loved Zoë."

"You think?"

** Step One **

"Are you kidding I can practically hear her ordering the matching ‘Grandma’ and ‘Grandpa’ T-shirts from QVC right now."

** Mile 12 **

"Is that yours or mine?"

"Yours."

"Hello…Dad. I thought I was supposed to call Mom when I got home."

** Mile 15 **

"Well it’s official."

"What’s official?"

"My mother likes you."

"I thought that was your dad."

"It was but he called to tell me how pleased she is."

** Mile 18 **

"She asleep?"

"Finally."

"We should take your mom up on her offer. To baby sit you know."

"I was just thinking the same thing."

** Home **

"I’ll put Zoë in her crib. Call your mom."

"Okay."

"Hel, love."

"Ellie?"

"I just...I just wanted to say I love you. I had a great time today. I loved meeting your family. It means a lot to me that you took us there."

"You have no idea how much it means."

"Tell me."

"You’re the only one. I’ve never taken anyone, male or female, to meet my parents."

"Don’t stay on the phone too long."