Chapter 141
AN: Thank you so much for the support. I really hope you like this chapter.
As it is the first day of spring break Penelope and Emily are very much enjoying all of their kids being home. It's about lunch time and as lunch is ready downstairs Emily is heading up to Kenzie's room to get her. As Kenzie's door is open Emily doesn't knock, but walks in, she is about to knock on the open door when she realizes that Kenzie is playing her guitar, so she just pauses and listens.
"That doesn't sound right," Kenzie says, as she stops what she is doing.
"I don't know, it sounded pretty great to me," Emily admits, and Kenzie, who is sitting on her couch, turns to look at her. "Do you mind if I come in?" Emily asks.
"Not at all," Kenzie says, and Emily walks over. "Emily, why do you do that?"
"Do what Sweetie?" Emily asks confused as sits down next to her.
"Ask, or knock before coming in, Penelope does it to," Kenzie says. "It doesn't make sense, it's your house, why do you knock or ask before coming in?" Kenzie asks, feeling confused.
"It's your house too, and this is your room. Just like Maddie's room is hers, and Connor and Noah have their rooms, and when Casey is a little older, she will have her own too," Emily explains. "Kenz this is your personal space. We want you to be comfortable, to know that this is yours, and it is somewhere you'll always be safe, and call home," Emily explains.
"I've always shared with Maddie, I never minded that, but they would come in whenever they wanted; I never felt safe," Kenzie admits.
"I am so sorry about that Kenz," Emily admits. "But I promise you, Pen and I will always do whatever we have to do to keep you, and your siblings safe," Emily tells her. "This is your home, and I know that it might be hard for you to believe what I'm saying, but it's my deepest hope that one day soon you can," Emily explains.
"I'm trying to believe it," Kenzie admits.
"That's the best you can do sweetheart," Emily says, putting an arm around her and kissing the top of her head.
While Emily is upstairs with Kenzie Penelope is down in the kitchen with Noah, Connor, and Maddie. As lunch is ready Penelope walks over to where Noah and Connor are playing with toys, and Maddie is drawing something that is on her laptop screen.
Walking over to the boys Penelope squats down next to Noah.
"Hey Noah, lunch is ready," Penelope says to him. "And what do we do before lunch?" Penelope asks.
"Wash hands!" Noah says.
"That's right, Buddy. Do you want to go wash your hands?" Penelope asks.
"Yes!" Noah says, before getting up and going to go wash his hands.
"Help wash hands?" Connor asks.
"Of course," Penelope says, and she picks him up. Once Penelope is holding Connor she walks over to where Maddie is. "Maddie…." Penelope starts to say.
"I know, I'm just…. Done," Maddie says, closing her laptop as she has finished her picture, and once she does that Penelope gets a good look at what Maddie has drawn.
"Maddie, that's incredible," Penelope says impressed.
"You think so?" Maddie asks, sounding uncertain.
"Yeah, I really do," Penelope admits. "I would like to put it on the fridge if that's okay with you," Penelope explains.
"Um, I guess, if you think it is good enough," Maddie says, sounding uncertain.
"I really do," Penelope says, picking the picture up. "Why don't you go wash your hands," Penelope tells Maddie who gets up to go do that.
"Wash my hands," Connor says to Penelope.
"Yep," Penelope says, before walking back over to the kitchen where she puts Kenzie's photo on the fridge before helping Connor wash his hands.
Having spent the day before at home Emily is taken Maddie, Noah and Kenzie to the 'come try' little league event that she and Penelope signed them up for weeks ago while Penelope is with Connor and Casey.
"Am I going to get to try softball?" Kenzie asks, as she, Emily, Connor and Maddie walk towards where the events are taking place.
"Yep, I double checked," Emily assures her.
"Soccer?" Noah asks.
"Yep," Emily says. As they get to the sign in table.
"Names?" The persona asks.
"Mackenzie, Maddison and Noah Bennett," Emily says.
"Sign here," The persons says, handing Emily the sign in sheet and Emily signs in the kids.
"The point of today is for the children to play the different sports, see if they would like to play any regularly," the person says. "They can try as few or as many as they like," The person explains. "Here is where you will find each of the sports," the person says, giving Emily the information.
"Thank you," Emily says, and she walks away with the kids. "Okay, it looks like Softball, and Soccer are right near each other on the other side of the ovel," Emily explains. "Maddie, is there anything in particular you want to try?" Emily asks.
"I don't really mind," Maddie answers.
"Okay, then we'll head over to where the soccer and softball is," Emily says. "Maddie if you see something you want to try just say so," Emily explains.
"Okay," Maddie says and the four of them start to walk to where the events the kids most want to try is.
A while after Noah, Maddie and Kenzie started trying sports Emily, who is going between the soccer and softball aera so she can keep an eye on all the kids, is heading back to the softball area when she sees Maddie sitting on a bench and so she walks over to her.
"Maddie? You okay?" Emily asks concerned sitting next to her.
"Yeah," Maddie confirms.
"Didn't like softball?" Emily asks.
"Not really," Maddie admits.
"Do you want to play soccer? Or maybe something else?" Emily asks.
"I think I would rather draw the players and the field than play," Maddie admits.
"That's okay," Emily tells her. "How about you watch your brother and sister with me?" Emily suggests.
"I'd like that," Maddie admits.
"Good, but so you know Mads, just because you don't want to play sport doesn't mean you can't do another activity. If there is something you want to try, or do, you just have to tell me or Pen, okay?" Emily says to her, thinking that she might look into some kind of art class or art related activity for Maddie.
"Okay," Maddie says. "I'll think about it," Kenzie admits.
"Good," Emily says, and the two of them drift into silence, as they watch Kenzie pitch.
"Emily," Maddie says, breaking the silence after a few moments.
"Yeah Sweetheart?" Maddie asks.
"I'm really glad that you and Pen took us in," Maddie admits.
"I'm really glad about that too," Emily admits, as she puts an arm around Maddie who snuggles into her side a little causing Emily to feel overwhelming joy as she realizes that this is Maddie opening up a bit.
While Emily is out with the three older children Penelope is at home with the two younger ones. As Casey is having a nap Penelope is in Connor's room with him.
As she is sitting a little way across from him on the floor of his room Penelope notices the slightly unusual thing he is doing with blocks.
"What are you doing there Connor?" Penelope asks curious.
"Making a wall," Connor reveals.
"And why are you doing that Bud?" Penelope asks.
"To keep safe," Connor reveals.
"To keep who safe?" Penelope asks curious.
"Kenzie, Noah, Maddie, Casey, me," Connor says, saying his siblings names with perfect clarity and Penelope feels her heart break.
"Oh sweetheart, come here," Penelope says, opening her arms and Connor, looking hesitant, walks over to her, and once he is close enough Penelope hugs him. "You don't have to build a wall to keep your siblings safe, that's what Em and I are going to do," Penelope tells Connor, kissing the top of his head. "I promise you; we're not going to let anyone hurt you. You're safe her, we love you, and your siblings," Penelope says, telling one of the kids she loves them for the first time, because she does.
"Me too," Connor says, as he snuggles into Penelope. "Play on swings?" Connor asks.
"Sure, but let's get your sister first," Penelope says, not wanting to leave Casey inside while she is outside with Connor, and Connor smiles. "After the swings what else would you like to do?" Penelope asks, as she stands up holding Connor, and Connor starts to explain everything he would like to do.
Three days have passed since Emily took the three older kids to try sports while Penelope was home with Casey and Connor. Ever since then both Emily and Penelope have realized that Connor is starting to come out of his shell more, and that Reid very well might have had a point about his intelligence.
It is Friday morning. Penelope, Emily, and the kids are at the airport waiting for Joy and Kai who are coming to visit for the weekend.
"Their plane has landed so they shouldn't be too much longer," Penelope says, and as she does Emily spots two familiar people.
"Try now," Emily says.
"AUNT PENNY! AUNT EMILY!" Kai says, running toward them, and once he is close enough Penelope hugs her nephew.
"It's good to see you," Penelope says, as she puts Kai back on the ground, and he hugs Emily too, just as Joy walks up. "It's good to see you," Penelope says, hugging her sister.
"It's good to see you too," Joy responds.
"Joy, Kai, this is Kenzie, Maddie, Noah, Connor and Casey," Emily introduces. "Guys, this is Kai and Joy," Emily says.
"Hi," Noah greats.
"Let's get your bags and head home," Penelope says, and that is exactly what they do.
A while later Noah, Kenzie and Kai are all playing soccer in the backyard with Emily, while Casey and Connor are having naps, Maddie is drawing what the others are doing, while Penelope and Joy are sitting on the deck watching everything.
"So as long as Dad doesn't get a case he'll come over for dinner," Penelope explains.
"Sounds good," Joy says. "So, how are you finding Motherhood?" Joy asks as Emily picks up Noah as they both laugh.
"I love it," Penelope admits. "The last few weeks have been incredible, they are incredible," Penelope explains.
"I'm really glad to hear that," Joy says, feeling glad for her sister.
"And you know, you do not have to feel obligated to stay here," Penelope tells her sister. "I know that fold out couch isn't exactly comfortable," Penelope says as Joy and Kai are staying in Casey's future room where Penelope's old fold out couch is. "Dad says you're more than welcome to say with him," Penelope explains. "Oh, and I am so not trying to get rid of you," Penelope assures her sister.
"I know," Joy says, sounding amused. "But we're good here," Joy assures her sister.
"MOM!" Kai yells.
"Penelope!" Kenzie yells, and so Penelope and Joy get up and go to join Emily, Kai, Noah and Kenzie.
Two days have passed since Joy came to DC, and after a family party at Rossi's the night before, and a movie night that resulted in Penelope and Emily needing to carry all their kids to bed, Penelope, Emily, Joy and all the kids are moving around the main living area of the Prentiss house, getting things together.
"Have we got everything?" Emily asks, looking between Penelope and Joy.
"I think so," Penelope answers.
"Yeah, I think we're good," Joy confirms.
"Emily," Kenzie's voice says.
"Yeah, Sweetheart?" Emily asks.
"When we get to the party can I give Jake his present?" Kenzie asks curious.
"Sure Sweetheart," Kenzie says.
"Okay, I think we've got everything," Penelope says.
"Then let's get going," Joy says and the three adults, plus six kids head out to the garage where they split into two cars and leave.
A little while after they left the Prentiss house Penelope, Emily, Joy, and their kids arrive at the park where Jake's ninth birthday is taking place. As they walk up to where party is taking place Kenzie hurries up to Jake who hurries over to them.
"Hi Aunt Penelope, Aunt Emily, Joy!" Jake greats.
"Hey Jake, Happy Birthday Bud," Emily says to him.
"Happy birthday Jake," Kenzie says, handing him the present.
"Thank you," Jake says. "Kenzie! I want you to come meet my friends!" Jake says, sounding excited, and Kenzie looks back at Penelope and Emily, clearly asking for permission.
"Go ahead," Penelope says, and Jake and Kenzie run off to where the other kids are.
A little while the party is in full swing. Kenzie, Jake, and Henry, who are becoming good friends, are playing with some of Jake's school friends, while David, Kai and Noah are playing together, Maddie is excitedly showing Penelope, who has Casey, Joy, and Tara photos she has been taking, Connor and Michael are with Will playing, and Chloe and Lily are being pushed on the swings by Stephen and Matt.
Having just checked to make sure the boys were okay Emily walks over to where JJ and Kristy are near the food table.
"The boys okay?" Kristy asks.
"Yeah, they're good," Emily confirms. "Kristy this party is incredible," Emily compliments.
"It will be your turn soon," JJ tells her friend.
"I know, Noah's birthday is in June," Emily admits.
"How's it been? Going from no kids to five overnight?" Kristy asks, suspecting it might have been a lot.
"Serial, overwhelming, incredible," Emily says.
"And you wouldn't have it any other way," Kristy realizes.
"I really wouldn't," Emily admits. "They've changed everything, but in the best way possible," Emily admits.
"Have you and Penelope got in a routine?" JJ asks curious.
"Kind of," Emily admits. "Tomorrow the girls go back to school, and Noah starts preschool, so that will be the real test," Emily admits, a little nervous about how that is going to go.
"You know, I noticed yesterday, and today, the kids seem to be opening up a lot more," Kristy admits. "They are definitely not as introverted as they were when we came over that first morning," Kristy admits.
"Yeah, it's going to be a slow process, but I think they're starting to realize that they're safe, that things are different now," Emily admits. "I just hope they start to believe Pen and I when we tell them that they're safe, that we're here for them," Emily admits.
"If anyone can get them to believe that it's you and Penelope," JJ says.
"I second that," Kristy admits, and Emily smiles.
Two days have passed since Jake's birthday. To both Penelope's and Emily's relief Noah's first day at Preschool and Kenzie and Maddie's return to school went off without a problem. It's late at night and Emily is doing what she has been doing a lot since she and Penelope took in the kids, and that's checking to make sure the house is secure.
As she gets to the upper level Emily hears cries coming from the direction of Kenzie's room, and so feeling terrified that something has happened to her, Emily runs upstairs as fast as she can, not even thinking about getting her gun but rather thinking about protecting her daughter. Getting to Kenzie's room Emily sees her tossing and turning in her bed, as she cries and mumbles, clearly in the middle of a nightmare.
"Kenz, wake up Sweetheart," Emily says, getting to her side, and as she shakes her up Kenzie looks terrified. "Hey, you're okay, you're safe, it's just me," Emily assures her.
"Emily?" Kenzie asks confused.
"Yeah, you were having a nightmare," Emily explains, then to her surprise Kenzie throws herself into Emily's arms. "Oh, I've got you Sweetheart, I've got you," Emily assures her as she holds Kenzie, kisses her head, and uses her hand to brush her hair. "You're safe, it was a bad dream," Emily assures her.
"I saw them," Kenzie says. "They said that we'd never be safe, that you and Penelope don't care about us," Kenzie says, through her tears, and Emily feels her heartbreak for the little girl.
"Oh Sweetheart, that's not true," Emily assures her. "Penelope and I love you, and your siblings, very much, you're safe here. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you," Emily promises, as she kisses Kenzie's head, not even realizing that she said that she loves her for the first time because it feels so natural.
"Really?" Kenzie asks.
"Really," Emily assures her. "Would you like me to stay and hold you until you fall back asleep?" Emily asks, and she feels Kenzie give a little nod. "Okay, I can do that," Emily says, before moving into a slightly more comfortable position, but doing so without letting go of Kenzie.
A while after Emily woke up Kenzie Penelope is in their room, trying to get Casey back to sleep.
"Fa la ninna, fa la nanna. Nella braccia della mamma. Fa la ninna bel bambin, Fa la nanna bambin bel, Fa la ninna, fa la nanna Nella braccia della mamma," Penelope sings as she rocks Casey back and sleep, and as she sings Emily who is amazed, and so completely in love with her wife walks in.
"Italian lullaby?" Emily says as Penelope puts Casey, who is asleep, into her bassinet.
"Dad used to sing it to me, Nonna sung it to him," Penelope explains. "You were gone a while," Penelope says, as Emily gets to her side and puts her arms around her. "Is everything okay?" Penelope asks curious.
"Kenzie was having a nightmare," Emily explains.
"Oh no, is she okay?" Penelope asks, wanting to go check on her.
"I think she is now," Emily admits. "God Pen, the nightmare she had. It was awful, and I just wanted to take away her pain," Emily admits.
"I know Jane said that the kids having nightmare was likely going to happen as they got used to their new situation and started to accept that things are different, but I don't want them to go through that," Penelope admits, knowing that the nightmares would be caused by fear that they are going to lose their new lives.
"Me either," Emily admits. "Pen, I love them so much, I know we've only know them a few weeks, but they feel like our children, and I want to spend the rest of my life making sure they know they are safe and loved," Emily reveals, honestly having felt nothing like this before.
"I feel the same way," Penelope admits and the two of them embrace.
Five days have passed since Penelope and Emily admitted that they see themselves as parents to the kids and in that time the kids have had another therapy appointment and Casey, who is now ten weeks old, is starting to move her hands more.
It is Sunday morning and while the kids, and Penelope are still in their Pajama's as they eat their breakfast, Emily, who is fully dressed in workwear, is moving around the kitchen.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be more than few hours," Emily says to her wife, and kids, as she moves around the kitchen.
"We're on leave for another two weeks, I can't believe the Director is calling you in for a meeting, and on a Sunday of all days," Penelope says shocked.
"I know, but it's a budget meeting, and your Dad and JJ can't cover this; not after everything," Emily admits, knowing that there is no good time for Rossi to handle a budget meeting even though JJ likely could if it wasn't for everything that has happened lately, and as she does, she sees the time. "I gotta go, I love you," Emily says, kissing Penelope and then walking over to the kids. "Bye, bye, bye, bye, bye," Emily says, kissing the head of each of the kids as she heads out of the house.
"Penelope, what exactly do you and Emily do for the FBI?" Maddie asks curious, asking a question she would have been too nervous to ask a few weeks ago.
"Well I am technical analyst," Penelope says, knowing that after growing up as the child of a BAU agent she knows exactly how to give this explanation. "I use computers to get information that my team need so that they can find out the truth of what happened in a situation and stop bad people," Penelope explains. "Emily is the Unit Chief of the Behavioral Analyst Unit, or BAU, she's in charge of our team," Penelope explains.
"What is the BAU?" Kenzie asks, and Penelope knows it is a big deal for her to actually ask that question.
"The BAU was founded by my Dad, and Stephen's dad when I was a little older than Casey," Penelope explains. "Emily, and our team, study behavior. We use behavior and since to figure out why someone has done what they have done, which helps us figure out the kind of person who would do something. That helps us solve crimes, and stop bad people," Penelope explains, knowing that as the kids get older she and Penelope will give better explanations.
"You're Superheroes," Noah says, looking at Penelope in amazement.
"Emily and the team are, me not so much," Penelope says.
"No, you superhero too," Noah says.
"I think he's right," Kenzie says.
"Me too," Maddie says.
"Me too!" Connor exclaims.
"Thanks," Penelope says, feeling touched.
A few hours later Emily is arriving home, and as she realizes that no one is in the main living area she heads towards the front living room where she finds all the kids and Penelope on the couch together.
"Hey there, is there room for one more?" Emily asks from the archway into the room.
"Always," Penelope says, and Emily walks over and sits down on the couch between Penelope and Maddie, with Kenzie on Penelope's other side, and once she sits down Noah climbs over and sits on her lap, while Connor moves a little so he is sitting on both Penelope and Emily.
"How was your meeting?" Penelope asks, as Emily kisses her cheek, and bends down and kisses Casey, who is asleep on Penelope, head.
"Not bad, about how I expected it," Emily explains. "So, what are we watching?" Emily asks curious.
"Frozen," Maddie says, as she snuggles in closer to Emily.
"Again?" Emily asks amused.
"It's a good movie," Maddie says in her defense.
"I want to learn to play, and sing, the songs," Kenzie reveals.
"We should be able to find the music for you," Emily tells her.
"That would be good, I really like musicals," Kenzie admits.
"Me too," Penelope says, putting an arm around Kenzie.
"Elsa is cool," Noah says, looking at Emily.
"Yeah, she is," Emily confirms, and the family start to watch the movies.
"So, according to our son we're superheroes," Penelope says to Emily in a quiet voice.
"Noah?" Emily asks, wanting to check which boy said so, and Penelope nods.
"Kenzie, Maddie and Connor agreed," Penelope explains.
"Sounds about right to me," Emily says, as she moves closer to her wife and feels all the tension, she felt during her meeting with the director disappear.