A/N- well here it is finally! It took me a while to write, mostly because i didn't know what to write.
Disclamor- i don't own them, wish i did but i don't. they beong to Wells and Zabel. Though Tyler and Addison are mine!
Sunday Feb. 10, 2013- My shopping cart was full to bursting. I had gotten everything I needed for the upcoming week and more. Food for lunches, snacks for after school-a lot of small things that especially Tess and Addy could just drop into their dance bags and have to eat during a break in their lessons; a few things that I really needed like shampoo and lotion, and a gift card for Tyler's friend whose birthday party is on Saturday.
"Have a nice day!" the cashier calls after me once I've checked out. I smile back at him and make my way out to my car. It's already starting to get dark, and the air has gotten colder since I went into the store and hour ago. I slam the trunk closed and quickly get into the driver's seat, turning the key to start the heater. Once the car has warmed a little bit, I turn for home.
"No really guys, I don't need help," I say to my family who didn't even flinch when I open the garage door with the only free finger I had left after carrying more bags than I should be.
"Kate, go help mom," Doug says not looking away from the basketball game he's watching.
"Tess, go help mom," Kate says to her twin also not looking away from the game.
"Addy, go help momma," Tess says putting the book she was reading on her chest and looking at her younger sister who's coloring on the coffee table.
"Ok," the young girl says jumping up. I had already put the bag I was carrying on the kitchen counter. I direct the girl back out to the car to grab the last of the bags.
"Hey where's Tyler?" I ask.
"I don't know," I the unanimous answer I get in return. I sigh, shake my head and return to putting away the groceries. Sometimes I wonder about my family.
Monday Feb.11, 2013- "Don't forget, Addy has her test today, so make sure you're at the studio by four thirty. She really wants you there this time," Carol says to me as she finishes making coffee to take to work.
"Ok. Don't worry I'll be there," I say zipping my lunch bag closed. The kids are flittering around. All four of them going in a hundred different directions. "Alright guys, we are leaving in ten minutes whether you're ready or not." I tell all four of them who have finally sat down to eat breakfast.
"Tyler, I put lunch money in your backpack, make sure it gets to Ms. Sandy ok?" Carol asks our son who had milk dripping down his chin. He nods a reply and continues to scoop spoonfuls of Froot Loops into his mouth.
I slip on my coat and watch as once again there are four kids rushing around: Tess tying her shoes, Kate trying to find her favorite sweatshirt, Addison runs off to the bathroom to fix the headband that has fallen down her face, and Tyler is playing with toys; my plan to leave early to get the kids to school on time has once again failed.
"If we don't go now, you are going to be late. Let's move!" I say my voice rising slightly. Tess, Addy and Tyler are the first to follow me out into the car, and after waiting another ten minutes Kate finally runs out of the house.
"I swear Kate, if we are late for first period because of you-"Tess begins but doesn't finish her threat. We all know what she's thinking. I'm thinking that I have half an hour to get four kids to two schools, and get to work before my shift starts at eight thirty.
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After the eventful morning, the day was less eventful. Mostly full of bruises and scrapes, though a little kid did come in with a broken leg after falling in gym class that day. I barely had time for lunch. My shift ended at four and I high tailed it to the girl's dance studio to watch Addy's test.
"What did I miss?" I ask Carol breathlessly after finding her sitting with all the other parents.
"Nothing yet, they are still testing the beginning class," she tells me.
"Good," I say taking the empty seat next to her. Now I don't know much about dance but what I do know is that I love watching my daughter dance. She has a certain grace on stage, it makes me so proud.
The piano music ends and I look up to see the beginning class bow and begin clapping to their teacher. They make their way off the floor and gather up their belongings, some slipping sweat pants over their tights, other's just remove their shoes and leave the room.
"Ok now the level one girls please come to the floor. You will have five minutes to stretch and warm up and then the test will begin," the ballet instructor says and a group of about twenty girls stand and move to the center of the room. Some of the girls are older than my daughter, some younger. Through the sea of black leotards and pink tights, I find my daughter. Addison is in the second row of the group and has a huge smile on her face.
The warm-up period ends and the instructor motions for the girl to stand again. The music starts and the test begins. I'm lost after the first ten seconds. Ballet confuses me so I just focus on Addison. Grace and concentration covers her face.
The longest half hour of my life just ended. I swear to god, if I ever have to hear another song on piano or see another pirouette again I will go crazy. Despite all of the torture I went through, the test went very well. Carol and I have migrated outside and are sitting on one of the many benches lining the lobby of the dance studio. We watch as classes are let out and others start.
"Hey mom, hey dad," Tess say as she squats down beside her large dance bag.
"Hey kid, how did it go?" I ask her.
"Great. Jenna taught us a combo and I finally got a triple. Of course it was only once but I still got it," she says taking clothes out of the bag.
"That's great Tess!' Carol tells her kissing the top of her head. She smiles then walks towards the bathroom to change out of her sweaty dance clothes.
Silence comes over the two of us again. By the time Addison comes out of her test, Tess has changed and we are one of the few left in the studio.
"Hey ladybug, what happened?" Carol asks her. She's holding a piece of paper. She sits on the floor, hand the paper to her mom and begins to remove her ballet shoes.
I can hear Carol audibly gasp and look over to see what it is.
"Oh Addy, that's wonderful!" she says. I can see a huge smile on the nine year-olds face. She should be happy. Addison Paige Ross successfully completed level one ballet and will be taking level two classes in the fall.
"This calls for a celebration! Ice cream for everyone!" I say the girls jump up quickly, putting their dance bags over their shoulders.
We find Tyler playing with the younger girls, and leave for our celebration.
Tuesday Feb. 12, 2013- "Hey mom, can you sign this for me? I need it for school," Tess comes into the living room holding a salmon colored piece of paper.
"What is it?" I ask her looking at the paper with suspicion.
"My course request from for school next year." That's right; Tess and Kate were going to be in high school next year. God help us.
"Yea, let me see it," I looked at the paper. Seven classes, with two alternates. "Marching band?" I ask.
"It wasn't my idea. In order to stay in band I have to do it," she says
"Oh I would pay big money to see Tess at band camp," Kate says coming into the room after changing into her pajamas. Tess sticks her tongue out at her twin and shoves her playfully in the arm.
"Be nice," I say to them, laughing slightly. I hand the paper back to my daughter. She thanks me then turns to her room. "Where's your paper?" I ask Kate. She has slumped onto the couch and is tossing a tennis ball between her hands.
"I got dad to sign it," she say not meeting my eyes. I believe her, Kate Is not the type of person to lie. Break the rules sometimes, sure, but not lie.
Wednesday Feb. 13, 2013- Pick Tyler up for his appointment, Will get T and A after dance. Love you. Carol had a full day of work, so it was up to me to make sure Tyler got to his Neurology appointment on time.
After being diagnosed with epilepsy two years ago, Tyler has been on medication to control his seizures. Every six months we go and get him checked out and to see if the medication is working. So far things have been great, but this time is for a matter not closely related to seizures.
"Daddy!" Tyler runs the last few feet and hugs me. I had just picked him up from school.
"Hey buddy, ready to go?" he nods. I take his hand and together we head for the car. The ride to the doctors doesn't take us very long and before I know it we're there.
"I wanna push the button!" Ty shouts running up to the elevator. I smile as he stands on tip-toe to reach the 'up' button.
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"Tyler Ross?" the nurse calls our name and we head through the doors. They take his height and weight then the nurse brings us to a room, closes the door and once again we are left alone.
A few minutes later, a knock comes on the door and the doctor walks in.
Simon Capra is one of the best pediatric neurologist's in the country. Luckily for us, his office is located not far from our home.
"Hey Tyler," he says shaking the boy's hands, then mine. "So, have we had any seizures sine I saw you last?" Tyler looks at me.
"No, thankfully," I reply. Dr. Capra nods and scribbles something in Tyler's chart.
"What about headaches?" Tyler shakes his head 'no.' "Well it seems as though everything checks out," he stands and reaches to shake our hands again. "If that's all-"
"Actually no," I say. "Tyler was wondering if he is healthy enough to play hockey in the fall," I look at the doctor then to my son who is nodding like crazy.
"Well I don't see why not. He's been seizure free for two years, he's healthy. Sure Ty, go have fun. Just be careful. Getting hit might make you have another seizure," Tyler didn't care. All he knew was he had gotten permission to play a sport he had fallen in love with.
"Ok. Thank you," another round of handshakes and we leave, after making a follow up appointment for six months.
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"Don't worry, he will be fine. They have ways to keep him safe, and even make it so he can't get hit," I tell Carol later that night as we ready for bed.
"I just don't know. He's the smallest in his class. I'm afraid he's going to get squished or hurt."
"There is always a risk for that, eve in kids twice his size. All we can do is watch and see. At least let him try, he really wants this." I look at her smiling sideways. Finally after a moment she smiles too. I always win.
Thursday February 14, 2013- "well aren't we pink this morning," I say as I walk past Addison's room on my way to get coffee. She's putting the finishing touches on the outfit she's wearing to school: A pink sweater with a heart on it, a pink layered skirt, with white leggings, link socks and while Mary Jane's.
"Mommy I can't get my hair the same like you did it," she says a frown crossing her face.
"Here let me help you," I say taking the pink hairbands from her. Pig-tails?" I ask. She nods and before long two long, perfect pig-tails fall down the girl's back.
"Thanks," she says showing a smile with missing teeth.
"No go down stairs and get some breakfast, we are leaving soon," she picks up her backpack and leaps out her bedroom door and scampers down the stars. I can only smile and shake my head.
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"Tess has a secret admirer!" I had only been home for a few minutes and already I was bombarded with shouts from my kids.
"What?" I ask Kate, talking a seat on one of the chairs by the breakfast bar in the kitchen.
"Candy Grams were delivered today and Tess got one from a secret admirer," I turn and look at Tess who is smiling like a psycho.
"Did you really?" I ask her. She nods, still smiling. Finally she holds up the bag of sweethearts she had been clutching in her hand.
"The note said I was cute and that my smile lich up his heart. Oh mom this is the best day of my life," Tess was absolutely exstatic. She had never liked a boy before, or had a boy like her, so this was all new and exciting to her.
"Well I'm happy for you. Maybe soon we will get to meet this prince charming," I say standing up.
"Oh I hope so," she says.
I begin taking things or of the fridge to make dinner and I hear the garage door open.
"Hey dad," Tess and Kate call over their shoulders. My back is turned to his but I can hear his footsteps coming around the counter. He leans down and I fell his arms come around my torso.
"Happy Valentine's Day," he says into my ear, his voice low and deep.
"Happy Valentine's Day," I say turning to face him. I catch his lips in mine and we stay like that frozen in time.
"Ew, mom, dad that is so gross!" the twins yell at us. I smile against Doug's mouth.
"Well if it's gross, why are you watching?" Doug asks. I laugh. He nods his head off to the side and the two seventh graders quickly gather their homework and leave the room muttering something about how parents aren't supposed to do things like that. I'm still laughing. He turns toward me and wraps his arms around my neck. I smile and return the gesture. His lips meet mine, softer, gentler this time, not as much force, it's nice. Slowly the kisses escalade, our lips open and our tongues explore each other's mouths. He tastes sweet, like cotton candy. I feel his hands come up my neck, his fingers running through my hair.
What a great Valentine's Day.
Friday February 15, 2013- It's game day. The Tyee Middle School eighth grade inter scholastic basketball team is versing their arch rivals the Highland Middle School Eagles. All four of us- Tess, Tyler, Carol and I found seats in the bleachers. Everything was going fine until-
"Oh my god, there he is," Tess had crouched down in her seat. She was looking at the other side of the bleachers but didn't make eyes contact with anyone.
"What? Who?" I ask looking too.
"Dad! Don't look he'll see you."
"Who," Carol asked pulling Tess's head onto her shoulder.
"Braden Austin. He's in my band and math class. Mom he is so cute." She said smiling.
"Is he the one who sent you that valentine yesterday?"
"I'm not sure, but I hope so," Tess said lifting her head still smiling. The game had started and we sat watching, all talk of Braden Austin long forgotten.
"Hey Tess, wanna go walk around with us?" a group of girls called up to us. I nodded and the girl stood up and stepped down the bleachers. I looked at the group again and finally noticed why my daughter had jumped up so quickly.
"Hi Braden!" I called in my most girly-sing-songy voice. Tess's face turned from shock to embarrassment in a millisecond.
"Dad you are so embarrassing!" she screamed before running out of the gym. Carol hit my shoulder and chasses after Tess. I did feel bad, I knew she liked him. I was just trying to be funny. Obviously Tess didn't get my joke.
I didn't hear from either girl until after the game, which we won. I found Carol and Tess sitting in the car. Both of them looked mad and Tess looked as though she had been crying.
"Look Tess I'm sorry. I didn't think. I'm sorry.," I said to my daughter as I drove home. The back seat was silent and when I looked back I saw Tess leaning on her twin sister's shoulder. Kate met my eyes in shook her head in disappointment.
Well that went well.
Saturday February 16, 2013- "Hey, we're leaving in a minute. Do you want to come with?" I asked the twins. Kate shook her head no, said she was going to shoot hoops with a friend from her team. Tess smiled and sat up from her bed.
"Yes I'll come." she said. "I'm still mad at dad," she said to me as we went down the stairs.
"I know you are honey. He felt really bad about what he did. He's new to the whole boy thing. give him time."
"Mom, he totally embarrassed me in front of my friends. I'll be lucky if I have a spot at the lunch table Monday. Worst of all Braden was standing right there. I bet he thinks I'm a total freak," she said slumping into one of the chairs in the kitchen.
"Oh I don't think that. Just give it the weekend, this whole thing will blow over, promise," I said kissing the crown of her head. "Tyler James, if you are not ready in the next sixty second, I am taking that gift back," I called to my son. He came rushing into the kitchen. His hair had been styled with gel and he was wearing a nice polo shirt and non-ripped jeans. "Well don't we look nice," I say to him.
"Oooo Tyler has a girlfriend," Tess said, her voice sing-songy in an attempt to rile up her brother. "What's her name?"
"I'm not tellin' you!" he said.
"Alright, alright, let's go," I say ushering them to the car.
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Utter chaos. That's the only way to describe what I saw. Ten four and five year-olds running and screaming around the lobby of the inflatable playground where the party would be held.
Tyler ran ahead of us and found his friends. I made the round saying hello to all of the mom's that were still there. Tess had found a seat on an empty bench. Little girls were surrounding her, probably asking about being a 'big girl.'
"Hey Carol, look at Tyler," Linda, the birthday girl's mom said to me pointing to me son. I look up and see him full on flirting with another little girl."
"Oh, whose the girl?" I ask no one in particular.
"Her name is Gabbie and apparently Ty has been flirting with her since she started school two weeks ago," Linda explained to me. I smiled.
Just then Linda's daughter Samantha ran up to me mom.
"Mommy Ali is here we can start now!" she said pointing to a blonde girl who had just come through the door. With her was none other than Braden Austin.
"Is Braden that girl's brother," I asked Linda as we walked into the party room. She nodded.
"Why?" she asked
"Because Tess has a crush on him," I said to her. She nodded finally understanding the importance of the brother of her daughter's classmate.
Soon the noise died down in the room as all the kids went to play. The only people left were the moms, Tess and Braden. The later were off in a secluded corner talking quietly. Every once in a while I would hear Tess laugh and when I looked over at them they were holding hands.
Obviously he didn't think she was a 'freak' otherwise he wouldn't be holding her hand.
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"Hey, how was the party?" Doug asks us as we come inside. It had gone well. Everyone had fun, ate too much cake. The birthday girl loved her presents. Tyler had talked to his crush and they spent the entire party together. Tess and Braden were still sitting together when the party ended and it looked as though they didn't want the other to leave. But if I do recall, I think Braden gave Tess his phone number.
I don't know whether to be happy, proud or scared.
"It was fine," I say to Doug kissing his cheek. Out of the corner of my eye I see Tess running up to her room. She's biting her lip trying to hold back the giddy smile she's had since we left the party.
Doug looks at me quizzically. I just smile, what he doesn't know won't hurt him.
A/N-Well what did you think? I tried to put a little romance in it,being this chapter is set around Valentine's Day. I'm not very good at writing romance scenes, but i tried. Don't worry Braden Austin will return, promiseI