Five Years Later
Ch. 14 Story Time
Author's Note: Thank you so much for all the lovely reviews. They each mean so much to me. There will be 20 chapters in this story so we are winding down. Chapter 15 is called Memories of… Thank you again.
Cindy
(Olivia's point of view)
Tonight Elliot went out with the guys. I decided to give the four older kids a call. I really wanted a night with all seven kids. I sadly hadn't had anymore memories.
Maureen had agreed to come. I encouraged her to bring Ellie with her. Kathleen seemed excited. Liz and Richard both agreed to come as well but, both said they'd be a little late. I emptied a few bags of chips and got some dips out. I ordered Chicken Alfredo and Mac and cheese for us all to eat.
During dinner everyone started talking about their week. After dinner we were going to watch movies but, I got a better idea. I suggested each of the older kids tell me a story about me and them that had happened in the last five years.
They all thought it was a great idea. I got out a video for Angie, Jamie, and Ellie to watch. Eli wanted to hang out with the older kids. He suggested he tell his story first. Then Liz said we should go youngest to oldest.
"Mom my favorite story is this one. When Jamie was born I got really sad. I wouldn't be your baby boy anymore. So you decided we ended a date night just the two of us. We went to the movies and got burgers afterwards. Then you bought me a t-shirt that said my baby bro wants to be just like me." Eli said finishing his story.
"That sounds like it was a great day. Do you think we could go on a date night soon just the two of us?" I asked.
"That would be awesome Mom." Eli answered.
"I think Jamie and Ellie fell asleep." Richard said motioning towards the Living Room.
"Why don't we put them down in Jamie's room?" I suggested.
"I'll get them." Richard and Maureen said together.
"I'll go watch the movie with Angie so she doesn't get lonely." Eli said.
"Thank you sweetie." I said hugging him.
"It's my turn." Liz said as I turned my attention back to her and Kathleen.
"Go ahead." I said.
"It was a month after you and Dad moved in here. My boyfriend at the time cheated on me. I couldn't get a hold of Maureen or Kathleen. I really needed to talk. I called you sobbing. You came over and even brought ice cream. That night as you held me and told me it would be okay I called you Mom for the first time." Liz said with tears in her eyes.
"I love you Liz." I said as my eyes watered.
"I love you too Mom." Liz responded.
"Jamie and Ellie are down." Richard said rejoining us.
"Good it's your turn Richard." I said.
"Six months ago I was working. The suspect ran down an alley. I ran after him. He somehow got my gun as I corned him. We wrestled to the ground. My gun went off killing the man instantly. I went into shock. I couldn't move. My Captain called you. You rushed right to me. You helped me to the car. Then you brought me here and told me this would always be my home. Then you explained that I did nothing wrong and I would be okay. And I was Mom." Richard said as he hugged me.
"My turn now." Kathleen said as I wiped my eyes.
"Go ahead Kathleen." I said turning my full attention to her.
"It was three years ago and you had just had Ang. I had a really bad day. My meds weren't helping at all. I couldn't stop crying. I called Kathy she was too busy to talk. I decided to give you a call. You and Dad came right over. You told me to pack a bag. Then you brought me home with you. You spent the whole night up with me. I knew then you were my Mom. I was so proud to be your daughter." Kathleen said.
"Oh Kathleen." I said wrapping my arms around her.
"I'm up to bat but, first I think we should get Eli and Ang off to bed." Maureen said.
"I'll get Angie." I said.
"I'll get Eli." Richard said following me upstairs.
"Good night Eli." I said kissing his cheek.
"Good night my sweet girl." I said to Angie as I tucked her in.
I checked in on Jamie and Ellie. They were both snoozing away. I gave them each a kiss. I hurried back downstairs anxious to hear Maureen's story.
"Okay I'll try to keep mine short and sweet." Maureen said as everyone took turns yawning.
"That might be good." I said.
"Twenty months ago I went into labor. I was so scared. They said I could have two people in the room. Originally it was suppose to be Kathy and Dad. I spent hours trying to get a hold of Kathy. I was so upset. Then you kissed my head and grabbed my hand. I got through the pushing. You were the first one to hold my daughter after I was. She is so lucky to have you as her Nana and I'm lucky to have you as my Mom." Maureen said.
"I'm the lucky one. I have seven amazing children and one amazing granddaughter." I said in awe.
The kids all started leaving except Maureen who decided she and Ellie would spend the night. I got ready for bed. Elliot returned home. I told Elliot all about my night and all the amazing stories. He promised to tell me more about the last five years also. I just wish I could remember this awesome life.