---- "It''s done," he replied. Julia wanted to chat a little longer, but just then another call came in, She quickly said goodbye to Franklin and hung up to get back to work. Maggie hadn''t paid much attention to Franklin''s call. She didn''t want to know who he was talking to, either. ---- Checking the time and seeing that Isabe''s afternoon sses were about to start, she ended the game. Isabe, reluctant to part with her, hugged her and looked up.


    "Mommy, I want you to take me back to school." Franklin didn''t interrupt. He simply waited for Maggie''s decision. The school wasn''t far from here, so Maggie agreed. This time, Franklin didn''t follow them. He simply looked at Maggie and said, "Thank you." Driving Isabe once in a while-how could that count as hard work? The truly difficult days... were already behind her. Maggie said nothing, She just looked down and patted Isabe''s head. "Let''s go." "Okay!" Isabe beamed.


    ---- Holding her hand, she waved goodbye to Franklin and left with Maggie. Franklin stood and watched them go before turning to leave himself.