"Livvie, those boxes are heavy."
Olivia balanced the boxes of Amelia's clothes and shoes carefully, walking down the stairs. Fitz put another pancake on Karen's plate. She drenched it with syrup and whip cream.
"I don't want you to go back to space."
"You don't like seeing me on TV?"
"Yeah, but you're still a billion miles a way on mars. You left for two years, and you missed my birthdays."
"I'm not going back to mars anytime soon. It's only moon missions for the next few years, so I'll be home at least six months out of the year."
Olivia tried to be mindful of her pregnancy. She was due any day now. Amelia thought it was a joke when Olivia dropped off her new car. Olivia didn't show up ready to drag Amelia out of the house. Instead, she gave her the keys and let her know that she would start packing her things today. She wasn't fully cutting the cord. Olivia expected Amelia to check in with her every day. There would be no unplanned pregnancies. They were going to discuss birth control when Amelia started dating.
"Mom, where is the baby going to live?"
"In California."
"Why can't I live with you in California?"
"Because your school is here. Aren't you going to miss Savannah and Serenity?"
"I'd rather be in California with you."
"Okay, you can move with me when summer is over."
"Cool!"
"I've always wanted you and Amelia to travel with me. Amelia doesn't want to leave Sophia. I thought you wanted to stay in DC. It's all you know."
Karen cut the soggy pancakes and stuffed a forkful in her mouth. Olivia took a seat on the floor. Her stomach was hurting.
"Are you okay Livvie?"
"Mom, you peed on yourself!"
Olivia looked at her soaked gray lounge pants. Fitz dropped the spatula, turned off the stove and rushed to her side. Olivia was in shock.
"Get me an ambulance!"
"Are you having the baby right now?"
"Yes!" Olivia screamed at Karen.
Fitz called the ambulance.
"Cool!"
Olivia bit her lip. The contractions were getting stronger. This baby was going to be here really soon.