A/N: To make up for a couple of intense chapters in a row, this one is just fun. Enjoy :)
A week after everything happened with Beth, Quinn asked if I wanted to meet her after the final Dalton Academy lacrosse gathering. I readily accepted and we agreed to meet at the pond since it was one of Beth's favorite places.
I turned in my lacrosse jersey to Coach Fiers. He shook my hand before he gave me two things. My fourth varsity letter and a navy and red Dalton Academy Lacrosse sweatshirt. I flipped it to check out the back. It was blank then I noticed stitching on the right sleeve "Smythe #94".
"Good luck at Princeton. I'll be rooting hard for you next spring," Coach said.
"Thanks Coach. I appreciate that," I said sincerely.
We shook hands again before I walked off the field to my truck. I was tempted to put the sweatshirt on but I was also a bit nervous that Beth might get something on it so I carried it and swing it over the back of the passenger seat when I got in my truck.
Leaving school now. Should I bring anything?
Just bring you. I miss you. Beth is excited. XOXO. I smiled as I started my truck and prepared myself to go meet the most important person in Quinn's life. No, I have never thought it to be me. I've known it was Beth since Quinn told me about her. Actually, I think anyone who knows Quinn knows who is tops in her life.
The drive to Lima went by so much faster than it normally does. And, yeah okay, maybe I was speeding a little but I was excited. Leave it alone. I pulled my truck into the empty space next to Quinn's car and got out a few seconds later. I stood there and just watched Quinn and Beth for a minute. It was nice to finally see Quinn, mom of an almost two-year-old, in action.
"Hey, Quinn," I greeted happily when I made my way to her.
"Hey, Sebastian," she replied before kissing my cheek without taking her eyes off Beth.
Beth was busy trying to give a french fry to a particular duck that she hadn't noticed me. Quinn let her run a bit longer before she called her. Reluctantly, Beth dropped the fry on the ground and toddled over to where Quinn and I were standing.
"Beth, sweetheart. I want you to meet someone very important to Mommy," Quinn said, "This is Sebastian. Mommy's boyfriend."
"Otay," Beth replied nonchalantly.
"Hi Beth," I said as I got down on her level, "Can I feed the ducks with you and Mommy?"
I watched Beth as she considered my request. It didn't seem to take long for her to nod her head.
"I show you how!" she said seriously.
"Thank you, Beth."
She smiled as she got us a couple fries from Quinn. She looked at them before handing one to me. I waited for Beth to show me what to do, not that I didn't know but Beth was so cute about saying she'd show me how, I just couldn't resist the offer. Plus I figured it might be fun to learn how a toddler feeds ducks. Turns out, I was totally right.
Beth watched the ducks waddle around before she rushed to one of them. Her arms were stretched in front of her before she yelled, "Duckie!"
I looked at Quinn. She shook her head as if to say I didn't have to yell like Beth. But I decided to give it a shot anyway. Just like I saw Beth do, I watched the ducks waddle, rushed one, with my arms outstretched. Then I waited for the right moment.
"Duckie!" I screamed as I tossed the fry Beth handed me toward the terrified creature.
Looking up, I saw Quinn was laughing uncontrollably. She caught my eye and smiled as she shook her head in amusement.
"Here, Basian. Do it 'gain," Beth said as she handed me crackers this time. I nodded at her as I accepted the food.
"Ready, I'll count to three then we can yell "duckie" together," I told Beth, "One, two, three..."
"Duckie!" we both yelled as we rushed toward the animal.
This made Quinn laugh so hard she was barely breathing. After a couple more times, feeding the ducks turned into a game of chase. First I chased Beth. Then she chased Quinn. And before I knew it, both girls were chasing me. I stopped, faking injury and when she least expected it, I pounced on Quinn.
"Hey! No fair," she whined as she turned around in my grasp.
"Momma, Basian, chase me," Beth whined.
"You asked for it, little lady," I said letting Quinn go and running toward the little girl.
Beth squealed with delight as she tried to get away from me. Only to find herself caught by a waiting Quinn. She squealed again as Quinn lifted her off the ground.
"Mommy!" Beth yelped.
"What?" Quinn asked, feigning innocence.
"Put me down."
Quinn pretended like she was gonna drop Beth a few times. Beth giggled which made Quinn giggle. I just smiled as I watched the two of them. It was great to finally meet Beth but it was so much greater to see the motherly side, live and in person.
When Beth got tired of playing chase she motioned for Quinn to pick her up. But Quinn didn't budge.
"Use your words, Beth," Quinn spoke sternly. Beth grumbled but Quinn still wouldn't budge.
"Up pease, Mommy," Beth finally said in desperation.
Quinn nodded as she lifted Beth from the ground. I got Quinn's attention and mouthed "ice cream" to which she nodded. I smiled because I was sure my suggestion would earn me much respect with Beth.
"Hey, Beth, what do you say we get some ice cream?" I asked casually.
"Yes! Can Momma come?" she replied with deep concern that I would leave Quinn out.
"Of course Momma can come."
A wide smile broke out across the adorable little face. Quinn shifted Beth on her hip and I took her free hand in mine. I was sure people were gawking and people were making assumptions but I didn't care. We walked to Quinn's car and I let go of her hand so she'd have two hands to get Beth in her car seat.
"Do you wanna take one car to get ice cream?" I asked.
"That's fine. AS long as you don't mind driving something smaller than your truck," Quinn answered.
"Nope, I don't care."
At the ice cream shoppe – Beth, Quinn and I were enjoying our cones. Beth's was in a cup. And watching her eat, or rather wear, it confirmed my decision to leave my new sweatshirt in my truck. The chocolate was absolutely everywhere. Beth even managed to get her ice cream in Quinn's hair. Honestly, I so admired how Quinn just ignored it and enjoyed the time with Beth.
"You have a little something in your hair," I said to Quinn as I reached up to wipe the chocolate treat from her beautiful blond hair.
"Oh thanks," she said appreciatively.
"Mommy, I done," Beth announced after she turned her Styrofoam cup upside down. The melted ice cream, or what was left of it anyway, dripped all over Beth's lap. Quinn groaned as she saw the mess that would need to be taken care of.
"Babe, can you stay with Beth while I go get her a change of clothes from the car?" Quinn asked.
"Sure, sweetheart. Not a problem," I answered.
Quinn grinned at me as she got up and went out to her car. I took one look at Beth and panicked when I saw her lips tremble. I had no experience with a crying toddler and I wasn't sure I was ready for it now either.
"Don't cry, Beth. Mommy will be right back. She went to get you some clean clothes from the car," I pleaded desperately.
Beth that didn't matter. Beth let out a loud cry seconds later. I stood up and completely ignored the mess on her clothes as I scooped her into my arms. Her cries continued as I did everything I could think of to calm her down. Finally I heard Beth's cries stop, I thought I did something good, then I spotted Quinn come back in.
"Oh, Seb, you're a mess now too. What happened?" Quinn laughed as she took in my chocolate ice cream covered appearance.
"She cried as soon as you walked outside. So I picked her up. I know she's covered in ice cream but I thought I could help. And I didn't," I explained.
"Well thanks but you're gonna have to clean up before you can get in my car."
"Yes ma'am."
I passed Beth to her before turning toward the bathroom.
"Okay, my chocolate covered beauty, let's get you in some clean clothes," Quinn said as she smiled at Beth who was covered in chocolate ice cream.
Beth grinned at Quinn before she leaned in and gave her a chocolatey kiss. Quinn laughed as she returned the gesture before pushing the bathroom door open.
