Wow! I'm practically buried up to my eyeballs in cookies! WOOT - that gives me lots of energy for the next chapter, which I'll start working on shortly. My oldest is still struggling with his asthma and needs to be on the nebulizer quite a bit plus extra meds, but I'm hoping he'll make it back to school Monday (we had spring break this week) and no one else will get sick. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Impish - I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I was hoping people would like it.
kcbanana - I see I have you guys spoiled on the extra long chapters, don't I, lol? This one was a little longer than the first several chapters, but then I got kind of carried away with myself and started spitting out these 70+ picture deals - they're exhausting, lol. I'll try to make the next one a bit longer.
mattitje - yes, Tim is still kicking, lol! I was hoping people wouldn't stop reading after the last chapter - that's why I begged everyone to come back and read this one.
mpb - thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Sadie - yes, he'll be needing his acting skills for sure! I can't answer all of your questions, yet, but I can tell you why Gertie is young again. Simply because I believe that when you go to the Great Beyond - wherever that happens to be depending on your religion - that your body, mind, and spirit are at their prime - like they were on earth in early adulthood. Sicknesses are healed, body and mind are whole. Or perhaps people have the ability to choose what they want to look like, and that's what Gertie chose. Or did I just confuse you more, lol?
Diana - Don't worry, this story will have many more chapters to it. The climax is still pretty far off. I think Jondak is cute, too. I have a crush on both my leading men, lol.
SAZ - epic suckerpunch? We'll have to see, I guess. Keep that boxing gear handy, just in case.

Paige - aw, thanks! Do I really leave people hanging that much?
HJ - Thanks! I was very pleased how pretty Gertie turned out as an adult.
steelguy - LOL - everyone is already cringing about the thought of Tim and Shirra together. That's good.
greydove - LOL - I hope you get your paper finished! Thanks for the comments.
Lola - good luck on your paper, too. I'm going to feel really bad if you girls get bad grades on them!
Squirt - Glad you enjoyed it!
Did I remember everyone? Thanks all - for taking the time to read and comment - I'm glad everyone is enjoying it. And thanks for all the cookies!!