Everyday Peril
Chapter 6: The House of Mirth
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lol Legged Hooker Jane Barbie, sorry for freaking you out… Dream Writer, you are hysterical, but thank you… And Kiki and WishingStar, you both are so sweet… Thanks all! Oh and hey, after this chapter the plot starts to develop. I told you it would all come crashing together eventually…
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Michael turned his eyes from the road to steal a glance at his wife. She had been unusually quiet that morning, and things hadn't changed once they had gotten in the car. "Syd, really, what's the matter?"
"Nothing," Sydney answered quietly, barely heard over the loud chattering and laughter of the twins (well, Jonny, at least) and Hailey in the backseat.
"Don't you want to go?" Except for work, she had barely been out of the house at all in the three weeks since they had discovered she was pregnant. He would have thought that she would be glad to go to the barbeque, to get a chance to get out and see their friends.
"Yeah, I'm just tired." That was understandable. The twins were always a handful, and though Hailey was always curious, she had been asking even more questions lately, trying to discover everything she could about the new baby. It was approaching the end of the school year, and Sydney also had more papers than usual to grade, as well as extra work after school to help and reassure students who were anxious about their upcoming finals.
"It'll be fine, baby. Nice and relaxing. Just you and me, and Eric and Francie, and the kids." She nodded, and he thought for a moment. Except for the kids, her father, and his mother, they hadn't told anyone else their news. "Do you think that maybe…"
But he was cut off as Hailey began squealing loudly, "We're here! We're here! We're here!" Sure enough, Eric and Francie's house had come into view, and the little girl had been there more than enough times to recognize it on sight. Jonny began to take up her chant, not really saying the words, but making noise in time with his sister, until the inside of the car was positively pounding with noise.
Michael glanced in the backseat. William, of course, was sitting there quietly, gazing incredulously at his brother and sister. Michael turned to face Sydney. "We're here," he stated, smiling wryly.
"Thanks," she answered, returning his smile and rolling her eyes.
They pulled into the driveway, and the two of them got out of the car and began unbuckling the kids. Hailey was squirming so much that Michael was able to unbuckle both of the twins and come around the car before Sydney had her daughter out of her seat.
"Looks like the Potter's are having a party," Michael said, nodding towards the neighbor's driveway. It was filled to overflowing with cars, some of them lined up along the street.
"I guess so," Sydney responded, following his gaze. One of the cars caught her eye. There was only one person she knew who drove a car like that: Will Tippin. As a matter of fact, all of them looked familiar. "Hey, isn't that…"
"Hey!" someone called loudly. "Syd! Mike! It's about time you got here!" Francie was walking around the house, nearly tripping over the adorable little boy hiding behind her legs.
"Hi, Fran," Sydney answered, almost drowned out by her daughter's shouts.
"Auntie Francie!" Hailey called, running up to her and flinging her arms around her, throwing the little boy behind her off balance and landing him on the ground. "Hi, Drew," Hailey smiled at him.
Francie wheeled around to pick him up off the ground, kissing him tenderly, and turned her attention back to Hailey. "Hey there, sweetie," she said, scooping her up. "I swear to God, Syd. She looks more and more like you everyday. And then these two…" she turned to the twins.
As if on cue, two-year-old Drew came running out from behind her, his usual rambunctious personality returned now that he knew who these guests were. "Jonny! William!"
Jonny's eyes lit up and he went toddling toward his friend, nearly colliding with him. William approached the two of them quietly, eyes widening as his friend startled him into a hug.
Sydney couldn't help but laugh. Hailey and Drew's excitement, William's expression… the entire scene was priceless. It alone would have made the whole afternoon perfect. Michael took her hand as Francie led them around the house, calling out just as they turned the corner, "Hey, everybody! The Vaughn crew's here!"
"Wha…?
But Sydney was unable to finish the word. The backyard erupted into applause and cheers, voices crying in unison, "Happy anniversary!"
The faces pin-wheeled around her: Eric, Francie, her father, Michael's mother, Jacqueline, Will, Marshall, Dixon… everyone was there. Smiles glittering, balloons bobbing up and down, the sign tied to the back fence proclaiming "Lucky Seven!", children running through the yard, splashing into the pool now that they were finally allowed to. The excitement and surprise was almost dizzying.
"You okay?" Michael whispered to her, not breaking his dazzling smile. She was the only one close enough to hear him, close enough to see the concern in his eyes.
She nodded just perceptibly, squeezing his hand before letting go and hugging Francie. "How did you…? Why did you…? But…"
Her friend laughed at her stuttering attempts at questions. "We know that your real anniversary's not for another week… But we know you, Syd. You'd catch on and refuse to come."
"No, I…" But with Francie's look and Michael's obviously stifled laughter, she gave in. "Yeah, you're probably right."
"And this was perfect," Francie continued. "Lily and James were away and said we could use their driveway," she gestured to the neighbor's house. "And seven might not usually be a big year, but you were pregnant with the twins for five and had your hands full with them at six… So, it's lucky number seven!"
"Thank you, Francie," Michael said, leaning forward to kiss her cheek.
"You're welcome, Michael," she answered with a laugh. "Syd, I absolutely love this man."
"Hey!" Eric Weiss was at her side in a moment, looking like a lost puppy. If he had possessed a tail, it would have been tucked between his legs.
"Not half as much as you, sweetie," Francie told him, wrapping an arm around him and winking at Sydney and Michael.
"And I saw that too! You owe me, Fran." He tried to capture her lips, but she turned away.
"Later. Tonight. We have company." She struggled out of his grip and pushed him away.
"Awww… Just for five minutes." The man was squirming almost as much as Hailey had been in the car. "Syd and Mike're here now. No one will notice if we slip out…"
"Eric!" Francie swatted at him, but they could all see she was trying hard not to smile.
"Down boy!" Michael commanded, laughing. "God, Eric. You're worse than Donovan."
"Like you can talk, man. I give it five minutes before you're all over Syd."
"Can you blame me?" Michael asked, kissing Sydney softly on the cheek. She was smiling for the first time in almost a week, and he was beginning to remember how he had always found her smile irresistible. He would be all over her now if this wasn't a family gathering…
Sydney kissed him back just as sweetly, but then said, "Mike, don't egg him on."
"Eric Weiss, do not make me regret agreeing to marry you…" Francie said with mock sternness, hands on her hips.
Eric gasped. "Never! Just give me five minutes to prove to you…"
Michael almost interjected with a, Five minutes is all you can…, but Sydney sensed what he had been about to say and elbowed him, harder than she had meant to. She still occasionally forgot her own strength, although he swore that sometimes she meant to "forget."
Michael rubbed his ribs, wanting to check to see if they were already starting to bruise, but wanting even more not to give up his tough guy appearance, as Francie shouted at Eric, cutting him off.
"Dammit Eric!" she exclaimed, quickly lowering her voice. "Oh shit! There are kids here… You two better go say hi to everybody," she said, glancing at the crowd that was slowly drawing closer. She took Eric's hand. "I'll take care of this one…"
"Will you really?" He asked brightly. He was practically drooling and Sydney began to wonder if Francie had been withholding a certain something in order to assure that her fiancé helped her get ready for this picnic.
"Yeah," Francie answered sweetly, bringing her face close to his. "To the pool. Lifeguard duty." They heard him grumbling as the couple left them. And as soon as they were far enough away, Michael's mother pounced on them.
"Look at two of my beautiful children!" she exclaimed, wrapping them both in a hug. "Happy anniversary, and how are you?" While the first half of her statement was directed to both of them, she second part was clearly meant for Sydney.
"I'm fine, Mom." Sydney answered, and Michael noticed that she smiled. A real smile, not one of the I'm fine thanks don't ask anymore questions unless you want to get beaten down smiles. "Thanks."
"And Michael, are you taking good care of my girl?"
"Of course." He always did. His mother had to know that.
"And my three beautiful grandchildren?"
"Yes, Mom."
"Good boy. Now, I… Jack," She suddenly turned to Sydney's father, who was a few feet away, evidently waiting for his turn to greet his daughter and son-in-law. "Will you come over here? You're family, too, and I don't bite."
Jack grinned, embarrassed, but obeyed, always on his best behavior when Michael's mother was around. "Sydney. Michael," he said, hugging the first and shaking hands with the second, although Michael had to admit that his handshake had become more friendly over the years. Any day now, they would progress to patting each other on the back. Or maybe it would be sooner than he thought…
"For goodness sake, Jack!" Mrs. Vaughn sighed. "Kiss your daughter, and you can hug my son. He's been married to your lovely girl for seven years, and I've taught him not to bite either."
Again, Jack obeyed, quickly kissing Sydney's forehead and awkwardly hugging Michael, his face stony in order to not betray the wild embarrassment he felt.
"Much better," Vaughn's mother praised, evidently not noticing the awkwardness or choosing not to comment on it.
"Everything is going well, I assume," Jack continued. While he hadn't been overjoyed with the news of his fourth grandchild, he hadn't appeared vehemently opposed to it, either.
"Of course," Michael answered.
"Just look at the two of them, Jack," Michael's mother added. "Still so much in love… Well, I'll leave the two of you to greet everyone else. Michael, your sister's here somewhere; make sure you give her a kiss."
"I will," he assured her.
"Good. Now, I'll leave you all to greet the others. I'm going to go see to that snack table." She winked at them.
"I'll go with you," Jack stated, holding out his arm.
"Thank you," Mrs. Vaughn responded, taking his arm. "See, Michael? You could learn a few things from Mr. Bristow."
Michael stared at them as they walked away. "Don't worry, baby," Sydney crooned in his ear. "I'm pretty sure Dad could learn more than a few things from you."
"That's why I love you." Michael smiled, kissing the top of her head.
"I know," Sydney answered. "Now, let's go s…"
"Ms Bris…Mrs. Vau…Sydney."
"Hey Marshall."
"Hi. Hi Mr. Vau… Michael. Uh, I believe that…that this belongs to you." Marshall was holding Hailey's hand. The little girl was squirming, but still held tightly to his fingers. She looked up at her mother brightly.
"Mommy! Can I go in the pool?" She let go of Marshall and put her arms around Sydney's legs. "Please? With Kerri and Seth and Sammy and all the other kids?"
"Sure, sweetie. You have your bathing suit on, right?"
Hailey nodded, lifting up her shirt and showing her. She proceeded to strip down to her bathing suit right in front of them. Marshall seemed at a loss as to what to do and averted his eyes, although there was clearly nothing to see.
"I am all set!" She looked prepared to run to the pool, but her father put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.
"Hold on, little girl," Michael commanded gently. "Come with me to the car and we'll get your swimmies."
"Okay!" Hailey chirped, bursting with excitement. "The ones with the fishies?"
"Yep," Michael answered, and then said to Sydney, "We'll be right back."
"Okay," Sydney responded with a smile. "Wait. Where are the twins?"
Michael smiled. "It looks like Will is uh, entertaining them." He nodded in their direction and Sydney followed his gaze. Jonny, William, and Drew were all gathered around Will, pressing his nose and pulling his ears, running away screaming with laughter as Will made a face or a funny sound, and coming back, seconds later, for more.
Hailey and Michael walked towards the car. Well, Michael walked, Hailey skipped. Sydney watched them go and almost forgot that Marshall was beside her.
"She… she was looking for you. And I, you know, brought her
over here," he stammered. "I-I could tell that she was yours. I mean, I've seen
her before and everything, but if I hadn't, I would have um, known r-right
away."
Sydney smiled at him in encouragement. The man hadn't changed a bit since she had first known him.
"J-just by looking at her. Because she's adorable." Marshall paused, eyes wide. "Not… not that I'm calling you adorable. I mean, you would… could be… are…but…" His face was redder than the ketchup that Francie had just placed on the table. "It's like on 101 Dalmatians where they have the… the people and their dogs. And the dogs look just like th-the people, or, you know, maybe it's the people that… that look like the dogs… Except, I mean, she's… she's not a dog, and well… She looks just like you!" He finally spat out.
"Thanks Marshall," Sydney said with a smile. "And thanks for bringing her over here."
"Okay, sure, well, I'm gonna, you know, head on over…" He pantomimed running, giving a nervous little laugh. "… over there…" He walked quickly away, not looking back.
"He's a jumpy little guy, isn't he?" Michael was back and had his arms around her. Hailey was already in the pool, doing her best to splash "Lifeguard Eric" in accordance with Michael's instructions.
"Mmmm," Sydney nodded in agreement, leaning into him.
"Come on, sweetheart. Let's go sit down."
They headed over to a picnic table that's bench served as one side of a group of chairs, joining Jacqueline, Will, and Francie, and moments later, a dripping, grumbling Eric, who had gladly handed over his wet towel, relinquishing lifeguard duty to Dixon.
They relaxed in conversation for almost ten minutes, all the while Sydney was deciding whether or not the present would be a good time to tell everyone about her pregnancy. But before she could make up her mind, Seth came running over to them.
Had she been listening, Sydney would have heard the choruses of "Did not!" and "Did too!" that were exchanged between Hailey and her cousin before Seth ran into their circle, shivering without his towel.
"Mom!" he shouted as he approached. "Hailey's telling lies!"
Before the words were even finished, Hailey came running in at top speed, jumping on her mother's lap, her eyes wide. "I didn't tell! I didn't tell!"
"Hailey, you can't jump on your mother like that," Michael said softly, lifting her off Sydney's lap and placing her on the bench beside him.
"Seth, I'm sure that…" Jacky began.
"I'm sorry," Hailey whimpered as her aunt spoke.
"No! She is!" Seth shouted, interrupting his mother. "She said that…"
"I'm sorry, Mommy."
"… Auntie Syd told her she could…"
"I didn't mean it…"
"… help pick out a name for…"
"… honest…"
"… the new baby. But if…"
"Don't be mad."
"… Uncle Mike and Auntie Syd were going to have another baby…"
"Don't talk French."
"… they would have telled us."
Somehow, the adults around them were able to pick out what had been said. Both children fell silent and all eyes were on Sydney and Michael.
"Mommy," Hailey said, stepping over Michael and using both hands to turn her mother's face towards her own. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, baby," Sydney answered, lifting her little girl off the bench and onto the ground.
"It's not nice to tell lies, Hailey," Seth said, shaking his head.
"Actually…" Sydney began. Well, she had been looking for the perfect time to bring it up in conversation and it appeared that the kids had given it to her. "We are having another baby."
Silence. Seemingly interminable, but in reality lasting for mere seconds. It was broken by Seth. Thank God for that child. "Wow. Cool. You were right, Hailey."
"Told you." Hailey crossed her arms over her chest, sticking out her lower lip.
"I… I'm sorry," Seth grumbled, well-taught by his mother. But he brightened quickly, as children often do. "Let's go get the other kids and play hide and go seek!"
"Okay!" Hailey started to run off with him, but quickly came back. "Mommy? Can I still help name the baby? Even if I telled?"
"Yes," Sydney answered. "You kept it a secret for a very long time."
"I know!" the little girl exclaimed. I feeled like it was going to pop out of me!" She threw her hands over her head for emphasis.
Sydney laughed softly. "You did a pretty good job keeping it in. Now, go play."
Hailey nodded and walked off, singing softly to herself as she made her way to the other children.
"So, another love child," Eric said with a smile. "Damn."
"Eric," Francie warned, "the kids."
"These three can't understand me," he answered, gesturing towards Jonny, William, and Drew.
"What's a love child?" a small voice asked. Hailey had returned, and was standing on the picnic bench behind Sydney and Vaughn, resting her arms on the table.
"See?" Francie hissed, giving Eric a small smack.
"It means…" Sydney began, finding herself at a loss for words.
"That your Mommy and I love each other very much, so we decided to have another baby," Michael continued for her.
"And we're all going to love the new baby very much, too," Sydney added, silently thanking Michael for his help.
Hailey nodded, appearing to consider this. "That's what I thinked it was. Bye!" And she was gone for real this time, running off the join the other children, who were already grouping for their game of hide and seek.
"You are good," Eric stated, awed, and picked up his son. "This little guy would have totally known about the birds and the bees after asking me that."
"Eric! You can't tell little kids that!" Francie looked horrified. If Sydney hadn't known for a fact how much those two really loved each other, she would have wondered what the hell they were doing together.
"It would have just 'popped out' of me," Eric teased, trying to stand up for himself, but no one besides Francie was paying attention to him. Hailey and Seth came tip-toeing back into the middle of the circle of chairs, intent on hiding among the adults' feet.
"Congratulations, guys!" Will exclaimed.
"Yeah," Jacqueline agreed. "That's great!"
"Really?" Sydney asked, and Michael leaned over and kissed the top of her head.
Jacky nodded. "I'm really happy for both of you."
"Me too," Francie added, having torn herself away from Eric. "All four of the kids will be welcome over here anytime you need a night out."
"Or with me," Will offered. "I'll be glad to corrupt them for you."
"Thanks, guys," Sydney said, sighing.
"See, gorgeous," Michael murmured, running a hand through her hair. "That wasn't so bad."
Her response was lost as Michael's lips brushed over hers. She ran her hands up to the back of his head, needing this kiss, savoring it, not caring that everyone was watching.
"Eww!" Seth shouted the moment he noticed his aunt and uncle, springing up and running from the area, willing to sacrifice the safety of his hiding spot for something as gross as a kiss.
Hailey didn't bat an eyelash, not noticing anything out of the ordinary. She waited a few moments longer before jumping up and following her cousin, exclaiming, "You couldn't find me!"
Sensing her need for him, Michael took their kiss deeper, causing Sydney to squirm as she fought to suppress a whimper. She was becoming dizzy. But the good kind of dizzy, the kind she had never felt before Michael, and wanted to go on forever, taking her off her feet, spiraling her out of control.
Slowly, Michael brought her back down to the ground, gently pulling away, and looking deep into her eyes, fighting to catch his breath without it seeming to obvious. They would finish this tonight.
"Jeeeesus!" Eric exclaimed, whistling. "Man, I need to jump in the pool after that one. How're you doing, buddy?"
Michael threw an empty cup at him in response, breaking the tension that he and Sydney had inadvertently created in an attempt to release their own.
Eric ignored him. "And with your mom and Bristow right over there. He must not have seen that little PDA or that man would be over here kicking your ass, right now." He turned to Francie. "Do you think seven years after we get married, you'll still kiss me like that?"
Francie rolled her eyes, ruffling his hair.
"Dude," Eric grumbled, pouting. "I get this hair mess up thing and you get tonsil hockey." This earned everyone's laughter. "Speaking of which… Soon you'll have your own hockey team, man," he continued, laughing and stepping up on the picnic table, nearly falling on Sydney in the process.
"Hey, everyone!" he shouted, turning all the heads at the party. "Team Vaughn's gonna have another member. Mike and Syd are trying to give the Kings a run for their money!"
