Sunday February 28 2021 10:00am
Mom and Dad are 'discussing' in the study. I'm (meant to be) finishing my homework with Zack, but Mike, Jack and Riles went out today. I don't think our parents know that we're still here, because the door is open, so we can hear everything. They're not fighting yet, thank god, but I can't imagine it's going to be far away.
Actually, I'm staying positive; they sound like they're going to stay pretty civil. I hope…
X X X X X
"Kate, I know how important your job is to you," Rick began, sitting upright in his chair, she sitting opposite him atop the desk, "What I said…I shouldn't expect you to give it up."
"No, you shouldn't," she agreed, "but you were right about why I should."
Rick sighed, watching her wrestle internally with what they were discussing. It had been no question that, one day, she would eventually retire from the force, and her plan was to gradually reduce her hours and days as she got older. But now, at 40, her hours were getting longer than they'd ever been before, and it was starting to take its toll on her personal life.
"I remember when Mike was born, I never wanted to leave him," she began, smiling, "I thought he was the most beautiful thing in the world."
"He was 6 months old before you even made it back to work," Rick laughed, "and even then you called every hour just to make sure he was okay."
Smiling to herself, Kate shook her head; she had been, and still was, very over-protective of her kids, especially Evie. She was her little girl and nothing could change that, no matter how much she was growing up.
"Rick, I, uh…" she began, before sighing, dropping her eyes to the floor. Kate was finding it difficult to explain herself, or moreso, what she was going to do with her life. Hell, she didn't even know what she wanted to do. On one hand, she could retire early, knowing that the only reason she kept to her work was because she lived for it. Financially, there was really no reason for her to be working at all, not with Rick's income. That would mean her family would make a greater appearance in her life, something she would be grateful for.
But, at the same time, they were all growing up and out; Mike was in the eleventh grade, going to college in 18 months, Zack was starting high school next semester, with Evie following the year after. She wondered just how much longer she could keep blinking and finding them four steps closer to their own lives.
That made her both want to be around, cherish them while she could, but also begin slowly letting them go, ready for when it really was just she and Rick living in this big old loft all by themselves. Hell, who was she kidding, she was already growing apart from them.
"Kate, I know you won't retire," Rick added calmly, a hand falling on hers, "and, to be honest, I couldn't ask you to. But, maybe you could take on a lesser role at the station, or…something."
Nodding, Kate was able to lift her bleary eyes to his, looking straight into the deep blue that got her lost and confused, no matter how many times she gazed into them.
"I'll talk to the Captain," she began, her brow furrowing, thinking as she spoke, "see if I can do strictly 9-5, Monday to Friday with the exemption of serious casework."
"Isn't that what you were supposed be doing now?" Rick asked, concerned.
"Uh, sort of," she sighed, "but, uh…It's going to be difficult."
"Yeah, but Kate, you have a family to think about –"
"So does every other cop in that precinct, including the captain!"
Rick's mouth opened then closed, as he struggled to find the words that could possibly help this situation. Unfortunately, he couldn't find any right now.
"We'll figure it out, Kate," Rick managed, a hand squeezing her knee gently, strained smiles exchanged between the two.
X X X X X
Mom and Dad sound like they're making progress. But, I don't think it'll be over just yet, not until Mom figures out where she is with work. Or, us, for that matter.
People are starting to ask questions; my ballet teachers, Mike's school teachers, a few of the other coaches. They're wondering why we seem to be suddenly on our own. We're lucky, we managed to inherit Mom's talent at brushing off sensitive topics when the occasion calls. Although, I'm still not sure that's a good thing.
But, tonight will be the first tell of whether or not they'll crack under pressure. Dad has a book party (I know, weird for a Sunday night, but luckily, it's mid-winter break, so no school tomorrow!) and we're all going. Because the press needs more of a reason to talk about me like I'm something to ogle at.
It's hilarious though, because Zack is just like Dad; he totally laps up the limelight, and it actually makes me laugh. Like, out loud, in his face. Ha!
Anyways, that's why we have to finish our homework, or else we can't go, and despite being picked on by paparazzi, I actually enjoy going. I'm a girl, so I'm going for the dressing up part. Duh!
And, it's great fun to laugh at Mike in his suit! He hates wearing them! And I swear, the twins are like, the Weasley twins from Harry Potter, they are the biggest trouble-makers ever. Then there's me, little quiet Evangeline Castle, with the stars in her eyes and the world at her feet.
Look out, I might step on ya!
X X X X X
Well, read, review and…yeah, read and review (:
