Chapter 55
I wake up feeling refreshed. We are in the Bahamas. We got here yesterday and to say it is nice to be here is an understatement. The flight was spent figuring out what the hell is going on back at home. The police couldn't track the prepaid phone, so now they are trying to trace where the call was made.
I feel my covers being pulled on and I smile hearing a little giggle. "Who is that," I say.
"Supa Henry," Henry says and jumps on the bed. I laugh as he lands right next to me. What a ham.
"Hi super Henry, did you sleep well," I ask him. Nathan follows him holding a cup of coffee.
"Me sweep yeah," he says and I laugh looking at Nathan.
"Morning," he says and leans down kissing me.
"Should we get ready to go to breakfast? I will call Cece and Teddy and see if they want to meet us," I say.
"Bubs," Henry looks up.
"Bubs can come too," I say and smile. I send a text in our family group chat. Ted and Liv will be there with Leo. Claire doesn't respond. I am sure she is still asleep. My parents already ate.
I put Henry in his swim trunks with a rash guard on top. I put on a baseball hat and then go to get myself ready. I slip on my black one piece and then my grey pool cover up. Nathan has his bathing suit bottoms on with a tshirt.
"Are we ready?" I ask.
"Weady feddy," Henry says and runs opening the door. I smile at Nathan and we head down.
Ted and Liv are there. Leo is in the stroller and both of them look great.
"Hi," I smile and hug them both.
"Look at you Mr," I say and peak into the stroller. Leo is very alert. He has on a mariners onesie.
We get seated at a table and order. Leo starts to get fussy and Liv goes to pick him up. "I got him," Nathan says and I smile.
"He is probably wanting a bottle," Ted says.
"I can feed him, if that is okay," Nathan says.
"Oh be our guest," Liv laughs and passes Nathan the bottle. Nathan cradles Leo in one arm and holds the bottle with the other. I can't lie. He looks good with a baby in his arms.
"Hi buddy," Nathan says and I smile.
"Daddy hold me," Henry says and tugs on Nathan's shirt.
"Buddy, I am feeding Leo, why don't you go sit with momma," Nathan suggests.
"No me," he says and lays his face on Nathan's leg. Here we go.
"Hey Hen, come here I need help," I say trying to distract him.
"No holds me," Henry starts to cry. Oh boy.
"Here I can take Leo," Teddy says.
"No, he has to learn," I say.
Hey buddy," I say and take Henry's hand bringing him to me. I slowly lower myself to his level and groan doing so.
"I know you are upset that daddy can't hold you right now, but it is Leo's turn. When Leo is done you can have a turn," I say.
"No," Henry cries and thrashes away.
"Hen, I need you to calm down. If you keep crying we have to leave," I say patiently. He keeps crying and throws himself down.
"Here Bee, trade me I got him," Nathan tries.
"No, I am okay. I got it," I say. I lean down picking a thrashing Henry up. My bump is not making this easy. I hear Teddy say 'we have so much to look forward to,' I laugh at that comment.
I take Henry out of the restaurant and go into the lobby. It is big so I know I am not disturbing anyone's meal or day. Henry is thrashing, so I set him down.
He continues his tantrum and I sigh. He didn't sleep as well last night because he was in an unfamiliar place. I know we spent the day in the sun and he was exhausted. He also is in the terrible twos.
"Henry, take a deep breath for me," I say and he keeps kicking. I decide to let him throw his tantrum. Me intervening is only pushing him more. I stand to the side and don't pay attention.
When he notices I am not paying attention his sobs calm down to whimpers. "Are you done crying?" I ask him. He nods and wipes his nose on his sleeve.
"Henry, were you upset because daddy was holding Leo?" I ask.
"Yep," he says quietly.
"It makes mommy and daddy sad when you cry and it hurts our feelings when you hit," I say.
"Sowwy," he says and his lip quivers again.
"No more crying. Thank you for saying sorry. What do we need to do next time instead of kicking and crying," I ask.
"Use word," he says and I smile.
"Yes, you are right Hen. Use our words. Now do you think we can go back and wait our turn while daddy holds Leo?" I ask him.
"Yep," he says and stands up taking my hand.
We head back into the restaurant and I see Leo is still with Nathan. I can't believe how big he is now at 3 months. Time flies.
"Hi," I smile as we sit. Henry climbs up on the chair and leans over looking at Leo.
"Did he freak?" Nathan asks.
"Only a little," I smirk and Nathan smiles.
"Let me see my nephew," I say and Nathan passes him over. He coos and stares at me. He is so alert.
"Daddy hold me peas," Henry says.
"Pheebs are you ready for it to be your turn?" she asks me.
"Yes, I am ready to not be pregnant. I feel like a freaking whale," I say.
"Oh wait til 37 weeks, I don't think I have ever felt more swollen in my life," she says and I smile.
"Oh jeez, that'll be fun. Plus a two year old who wants to get into everything and runs at the speed of light," I say and she laughs.
"We can help if you need anything at all, Bubs," Ted says and I smile. I look down at Leo. He has the grey family eyes. Deep grey with hints of blue. He also has a tuft of blonde hair on his head. Maybe he will take after Liv.
"Thank you, Teddy," I say and smile.
"Leo baby?" Henry asks from Nathan's lap.
"Yes he is, bud," Teddy says.
"Mommy baby?" he asks, pointing to my stomach. I love seeing him try to figure things out.
"No not mommy's baby, mommy's baby is in her belly," I say. "Leo was in Liv's belly," I say and he looks over at Liv's flat stomach then at mine. I see the wheels turning in his head.
"Baby in Teddy Bear belly?" Henry asks. We all start laughing.
"No baby, just a lot of donuts," Teddy says and we laugh.
"I eat donut," Henry says and we laugh.
"Donut baby," Henry says and lifts up his shirt showing us his belly.
"Leo so cute," Henry says and I smile looking down at Leo in my arms.
"He is, isn't he?" I say.
"Leo donut baby?" Henry asks and that sends us all laughing.
We head down to the beach. My parents have rented a private cabana on the beach. It is less of a cabana and more a private area. It is so nice because there is an indoor part with a bathroom, pack and play for the kids to sleep in and a kitchen.
I am lathering Henry up in sunscreen when Claire comes over. My mom has Leo and my dad is talking to Teddy about Baseball. "Look who woke up," Nathan jokes.
"Sorry, I had an alarm set, but then I slept through it," she says and I smile.
"I am glad you got some rest, can I get you anything?" I ask her.
"No I am okay, I ate some oatmeal and have my water. I am going to lay out," she says.
"Liv is already out there, don't forget sunscreen," Nathan says and hands her a bottle. I smile as she takes it walking out.
"Okay all done," I say to Henry. He has his hat on and is ready to play.
"Castle," he says and runs to the door of the cabana.
"Okay, get your bucket," I tell him. He runs and grabs his supplies.
"I got him," I say to Nathan who is talking to my dad and teddy. I slip off my cover and follow Henry down to where the water meets the sand. I pass Liv and Claire who are both tanning. Claire looks amazing in her baby blue bikini and Olivia is in a highwaisted red bathing suit. I am so jealous. I feel like a cow.
"What I would do," I say as I pass them. They laugh and watch Henry run down to the sand.
"Okay ready," I say and sit down next to Henry. Sitting and standing have become jobs of their own. My belly is in my way as I scoop up the sand. Henry is laughing and playing. He loves the beach. This is his first time ever being to one.
"You have your hands full," an older lady says as she walks by. She eyes Henry and my belly.
"It is a wild time," I say and she laughs.
"I had four in four years. I completely understand. How old is he and how far along are you?" She asks.
"I am 31 weeks and he is 2," I say and she smiles.
"I am sure they will be best friends," she says. I rub my belly.
"I sure hope," she continues walking and I play with Henry in the sand. I turn and hear Liv squealing as Teddy picks her up over his shoulder and runs her into the water.
"You asshole," Liv says and I laugh as they splash around. I can't believe at one point I didn't want them together.
"Asshole," Henry repeats and laughs. Oh shit.
"Henry, no. We do not say that word. That is a bad word," I say and Henry furrows his eyebrows.
"No saying that word," I say.
"Okay," he says and goes back to playing. I shake my head as a soaking wet Liv and Ted walk by.
"You have my kid saying asshole," I whisper the last part and Ted start cracking up.
"I am going to beat you," I tell him.
"Teddy Bear plays," Henry holds out a shovel to him.
"Yeah Teddy bear, play," I smirk. Teddy sits down next to us and starts digging.
"Wow look at Teddy bear go," I say. The baby kicks my ribs and I gasp.
"Are you okay?" Teddy shoots up.
"Yep, just baby playing soccer," I say and Teddy smiles.
"I can't believe you are going to have two kids," Teddy says. I smile and shake my head.
"I can't either," I say. I rub Henry's back as he plays in the sand.
"You are a great mom, Pheebs," He say.
"Thank you, I am learning more by day. You are a great Dad," I tell Teddy.
"I am getting there," he says and I laugh.
"I actually wanted to talk to you," Ted says. I sit up and turn towards him.
"What is up?" I ask him.
"I want to propose to Liv," he says and I gasp.
"Really? Oh my gosh Ted congratulations, can you guys wait til I am not the size of a whale to have your wedding though," I say and he laughs.
"I think we can manage that. But I want to take her out to dinner, just the two of us. Would you and Nate be okay watching Leo for that night? I can ask Mom and Dad, but-" I cut him off.
"Of course we will. We would love to," I say and he smiles.
"I really am thankful for you Pheebs," he tells me and I hug him.
"Hey Pheebs, something is going on up there with Claire we will stay with Hen," Liv says. She has Leo in the baby carrier strapped to her chest. I get concerned. What now?
I kiss Henry's head and head up to the cabana. I frown and open the door. My dad is on the phone and Taylor is in there. Nathan has an arm around Claire, hugging her. She is still just in her bathing suit.
"What is going on?" I ask and put my cover up on.
"Susan's house got broken into," Claire says and wipes a tear that falls. Jesus. What is going on? Someone is targetting us.
"Oh god. Do we know who?" I ask.
"Nope, she came home from work and it was a wreck. I feel so bad, I should book a flight home," Claire says and reaches for her phone. Nathan stops her.
"Bear this isn't your fault, sweetheart. We need you to stay here. It isn't safe for you at home. Susan isn't going to stay there and Christian is putting security on her," Nathan explains and Claire nods. I look to my dad for an explanation.
"Bubs, I am trying to figure this out. I have the police there. We are safe here and we know that," My dad says. I sigh and go over to Claire giving her a hug. She leans forward being careful with my bump.
"I am sorry this is happening sweetheart," I say. She shrugs and wipes her eyes. We can't catch a break over here. I look at Nathan and he frowns.
"This could be John or my brother," Claire says.
"The police are finding John as we speak. He has a warrant out for his arrest for breaking and entering," My dad says and she nods.
"We need to eat lunch. I booked us a table. No one needs to worry about this right now. Everyone is safe. Claire I have double the security on Susan. I promise she is safe," my dad says and Claire nods.
We gather our things. I put Henry in the stroller as we walk to lunch. I am starving. I am walking with Liv who is talking about where she gets all her cute maternity clothes. I turn and see Claire walking behind us. I feel so bad.
We sit down at the lunch place and order drinks. Ted and Liv and my parents get daqaris and Nathan gets a beer. "I have never been so jealous in my life," I say. They all laugh.
"Claire, do you want a drink?" I ask her. She is almost 18 and legal in this country. I know she has before. She shakes her head and gives me a tight smile.
"I am okay with water," she says.
"You are the first 17 year old I have seen deny booze," my dad says and Claire smiles. I can tell there is a lot going on in her head.
"Booze," Henry says and I look over at him as he colors.
"Wow thanks Grandpa Bubs Henry has a new word to take to daycare," I say and we laugh.
I get my smoothie and take a sip. I give Henry some too. Leo is asleep in his carrier. I am jealous of how much that kid sleeps. Given he is 3 months old.
"What is everyone getting?" I ask.
"Fish tacos," Liv says and Ted agrees.
"I am getting the lemon shrimp salad," My mom says.
"Claire, what about you?" I ask her. She was deep in thought. She is biting her nails. She sits up.
"Oh I am not very hungry," she says. I frown. She is worried about her aunt. I wish I could take that pain away.
"You need to eat, sweetheart. Does anything sound good? If not I can walk you over to the other restaurant," My dad says. He means it too. She is in a tough crowd not to eat.
"Claire, do you wanna split something?" My mom asks being sweet. I feel bad all the attention is on here.
"I'll just get the fish tacos too," Claire says as she eyes the menu. I can tell she is trying to look anywhere but at us.
"Sounds good," my dad says. I feel awful. I can tell Claire wants to be anywhere but here.
"Phoebe, remind me. When is your official due date?" Liv asks. We put in our food orders.
"July 11th, right before Claire and Nathan," I say and they smile.
"Aww Nathan, you get the best present for your birthday," LIv says and he nods.
"I know. We are counting down the days," Nathan says.
"Henry, are you going to be a big brother?" Teddy asks him. Henry is very busy coloring.
"No," Henry says as he examines his crayon. We laugh and I turn to him.
"What do you mean no? The baby in mommy's belly is your brother or sister," I say and point to my belly.
"Oh I be broder," Henry say. His voice is so cute.
"Do you think the baby is a boy or a girl?" My mom asks him. He taps his chin pretending to be deep in thought.
"Boy," he says and I smile.
"Me too," my dad says and my mom agrees. Everyone except for me and Nana Moore think it is a boy. My mind changes every week.
Our food gets delivered and I help Henry cut up his food. He starts chowing down food. I smile and start eating mine. Claire is barely eating hers. I watch as my dad stands up and goes over to Taylor. He shakes his head and comes back.
"So since everyone thinks the baby is a boy, do you want some boy names we didn't use," Liv asks.
"We have ours picked out, but we would love to hear some," I say.
"Wait what if we wanna use this for our next baby," Ted says and Liv about chokes.
"I don't know how soon you think you are getting another, but let me tell you the shop is closed for awhile," we all laugh at that.
"I loved Eli, but Teddy hated it," she says. Eli Grey. That is cute.
"It sounds weird," Ted says.
"I liked Noah, but Liv vetoed it," He says. Noah Grey. That is also cute.
"Noah is so common right now," she says.
"What about Jack, that got turned down quick," Teddy says,
"Jack is an assholes name," Liv says.
"Damn right it is," my dad says and my mom laughs.
"Asshole," Henry says and laughs.
"Hen, no we do not say that word," I say to him.
"Can we keep it PG," I ask.
"Sorry," everyone mumbles.
"Claire is it not good," my dad asks. She has barely touched it and hasn't said a word.
"It is," she says and picks up a piece of food on her fork eating it.
"You have barely touched it, we can get you something else," Nathan says. These two are the food police. Claire is very tiny by nature, I know that worries them.
"No it is, I just had a really big breakfast," she says.
"Claire, Blake told me that you didn't eat any breakfast. What is going on sweetheart?" My dad asks. Claire looks around at all of us.
"You said you had oatmeal, Claire," Nathan says and I sigh.
"Why don't we not do this right now," I suggest. Claire is about to lose it.
"Claire, you have to eat something," my dad says in his no nonsense tone.
"I am really not hungry, I will get something later," she says.
"You already lied once about eating, I am not accepting that answer," Nathan says. Claire starts crying. Oh my.
"Just listen to me, I am not hungry," she snaps and gets up from the table. I go to stand up and Nathan shakes his head.
"I got her, you need to eat," he says and goes after her.
"Cece sad?" Henry asks.
"Cece doesn't feel good," I tell him and he frowns.
"Love Cece," he says. I kiss his head. Poor Teddy and Liv don't know what to say.
"Oh boy," I say and my mom sighs.
"I am sorry guys," I say.
"Don't apologize, Bubs. There is a lot going on for you guys," Ted says and Liv agrees.
(Nathan's POV)
I follow Claire to her room. She shuts the door and I sigh. I knock on the door. "Claire," I say. "Claire, open the door," I say.
"Nathan please just go away," she says. I can hear her voice crack.
"No, I have a key and I will use it," I say. I am not letting her get out of this one. We are supposed to be on a relaxing vacation. I know that she is upset, but not eating is not an option.
I sigh. "I am opening the door," I say and use my key to get in. What I see breaks my heart. Claire is laying on her side facing away from me. She is sobbing.
"I want to go home," she says. I know she is worried about Susan and now she is embarrassed about snapping in front of Pheeb's family.
"Claire, what is going on," I ask her.
"I am not hungry, and you were forcing me to eat," she says and I nod. I know this isn't about the food.
"Not eating is not an option, we don't need you passing out. Especially when it is this hot outside and you are spending all day in the sun," I say.
"But I am not hungry," she says.
"CLaire, what is going on?" I ask her again. She stands up and faces me. Tears are streaming down her face.
"I am so fucking sick of all of this. First, I get raped, then my brother beats the shit out of me. Then I have to live with my aunt whose boyfriend is a creep and now my brother and his friend are after me. I am so fucking done with living in fear of what is going to happen next," she says and throws her water bottle.
I completely understand her frustration. She feels like she can't catch a break. Us hounding her about eating is probably not helping either. I just get so worried about her. She is at her wits end.
"I just want to go home and move away," she says and wipes her eyes.
"I understand that," I say. She looks at me confused. I am sure she wasn't expecting me to say that.
"What," she asks.
"I understand, I would be at my wits end too," I say.
"I am just so done," she says. She walks past me and I catch her arm. I pull her into my chest and hug her. She starts sobbing.
"I am so sorry," I say to her. I wish I could take away her pain.
"I wish I could take away what has happened. You don't deserve this. But let me promise you one thing. We are going to figure this out," I say.
"You always say that," she says. She isn't wrong.
"I just want to go home," she says and pulls herself away from me. She goes into the bathroom and locks herself in it. I sigh and sit on the bed with my head in my hands. For once, I fell helpless.