"Can I use some of your spices?"
"Yes."
"Good job sharing Livvie. You get a sticker."
"I want a sticker!"
Olivia was clearly annoyed with Fitz. When she came home, there was a plastic treasure box on the kitchen counter with her name on it. He filled it with stickers and a bunch of cheap toys from the dollar store. Karen ran out of her chair when Fitz opened the treasure box. It was hard to keep her away from the prizes.
"Karen, this is mom's treasure box."
"Why does mom get all the stickers?"
"Because mom is learning how to share. These are her good behavior rewards."
"I don't want any stickers."
"You get two stickers." Fitz said, putting a sticker on each cheek.
"Wow mom. You were really good. I want two stickers."
"You can have these."
Olivia took the stickers off her cheeks. Karen held out her hand.
"Can I have more stickers?"
"After dinner."
"There's more Livvie."
"What now Fitz?"
"It's in my car."
Olivia was not amused when Fitz covered the pan of lasagna with foil and grabbed his car keys. He came back in the house a minute later with a large Target shopping bag in one hand and a reward chart in his other hand.
"You are not serious."
"If you're good the whole day, you get a daily prize."
Fitz poured the bag on the table next to the treasure box. There were several Barbie dolls and playdough cooking sets. Olivia was not smiling. Was he serious?
"Is that for me!"
"No, these are mom's good behavior rewards."
Karen looked at Fitz with tears in her eyes. "I want new toys."
"That's it. I'm going upstairs."
"Wait for me." Fitz said.
"Can I play with these toys?!"
"Yes." Fitz said.
"Can I have the stickers too?!"
"Yes." Fitz said, following Olivia to the stairs.
XXXX
"What's wrong?"
Karen cried and wiped her eyes. Fitz looked at Olivia confused. It was 8:30 and Olivia was barely awake. Pregnancy was exhausting. She couldn't handle her normal routine, and Karen was upset.
"She's sleepy. Get your book."
"She wants you to read a book?"
"Goodnight moon." Karen whined.
"I know. Bring me the book."
"Does she always cry when she's tired?"
"Only when she's overtired. I usually light candles and read her favorite book. I can barely keep my eyes open right now."
Karen took the book off the coffee table. Fitz looked over at Olivia. Her eyes were closed again.
"Mom read the book."
"I'll read it. Come here Karen."
"Can you read big words?"
"Yes, I know how to read."
Karen settled next to Fitz and rested her head on his shirt. Fitz read one page and her breathing changed. He didn't think she would fall asleep that fast. He looked over at Olivia. She was still sleeping. He could get used to this.