Chapter 17: Pool Party
Todd lifted his arms above his head and pulled off his blue t-shirt. Ahhhh, the warm June sun felt wonderful against his bare skin. It was the middle of June and he and Liz, Jess and Nick, and Steven and Billie and their two sons, had all met up at the Wakefield house for just a simple family gathering to celebrate the twins birthday. Elizabeth was just at 7 months pregnant, and very much looked pregnant now. Her stomach wasn't humongous- she still had some growing to do, but no one was unable to tell that she was. She was in a simple cotton sleeveless sundress and some comfortable practical white tennis shoes. She was sitting in one of the chairs surrounding the picnic table- in the shade. Todd checked his watch- it was about 1:00, and then took it off and handed it to her along with his discarded t-shirt. "You ok?" He asked her; before he would go ahead and get in the pool, making sure she was ok with anything she needed. Over on the chaise lounge chair Jessica was giggling as Nick slathered some suntan lotion on her already bronzed and perfectly tanned body. The white bikini she was wearing atoned to that. "Nick you're tickling me!" She squealed. Inside the kitchen, Mrs. Wakefield and Billie looked out to the backyard patio where everyone was. Mr. Wakefield was bending in front of Steven's and Billie's youngest, helping him get his pool floaters on his arms. And Steven and his oldest were already splashing in the pool.
Liz nodded, "I'm fine," She said lying. She was dying in the heat, unable to get comfortable. The sight of Jessica parading around in her miniscule bikini didn't help the situation any as the immense jealousy set in. Nick couldn't keep his hands off Jess, while Todd couldn't wait to get away. Everyone else seemed to be having a nice time except for her. The only person she had really talked to in depth was Billie. But she had gone inside to help her mother.
Todd nodded and after Liz had taken his stuff from him he turned and walked to the steps of the pool. Then he thought otherwise and walked briskly to the deep end then hurled himself into the water. "Cool I
want to do that!!!" His oldest nephew said, as he admiringly watched Todd resurface. Todd wiped the water out of his eyes. "Nick you missed a spot!" Jessica complained, knowing he wouldn't mind having his hands linger on her a little longer. She grabbed her sunglasses out of her bag and slipped them on, glancing at Liz, who seemed distracted, as Nick fixed his mistake. "Mom, where's that bowl that you want me to put these watermelon slices into?" Billie asked as she wiped her hands on a towel and placed the large knife she had been using to cut the watermelon into the sink.
Liz sighed watching the boys swim in the pool. Todd was explaining how to do his cool move to Steven's son, Bradley and then demonstrated it again. Liz smiled as she watched him try to imitate Todd. It turned out looking more like a frog then anything else. A high pitched laugh broke her reverie and she looked over to Jess and Nick who somehow had managed to both lie down on the lounge chair. "Here, this one's good." Mrs. Wakefield said pulling a white bowl with blue speckles on the rim out of the pantry.
"Thanks." Billie said taking the bowl and placing all of watermelon slices in it. "This watermelon is delicious!" Billie exclaimed as she snuck a small bite off one of the pieces. "So juicy!" Once Billie had put all the slices in the bowel she washed her hands again. She took a pause, doing nothing as Mrs. Wakefield kept busy. Looking out the large window, Billie smiled at the boys in the pool, roughhousing and trying to one up each other. Bradley had a tendency to do that, and just because it was coming from his father and uncle made no difference. She then looked at Jeffrey in Mr. Wakefield's arms sitting on the second step of the pool, taking things slowly, as usual. She looked to her
mother-in-law. "How's Liz doing lately?" She asked Alice. "Unfortunately we haven't had much time to visit lately."
"She's doing great. The baby's healthy, but she's not exactly a happy camper because she thinks she's fat." Mrs. Wakefield rolled her eyes. She finished cutting up the celery and put some black olives on the veggie tray. She threw some carrots on the tray as well, before stirring the potato salad. Everything looked ready. They were just waiting for the pasta salad. Mrs. Wakefield looked out to see Jess and Nick both on the lounge chair. She was wondering how the chair was still not broken. But she smiled, everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves.
"Are you okay in here to finish up? I think I'm going to go talk with Liz while there's still a chance." Billie said, popping a carrot in he mouth. "Hey Bradley? You want to do a Cherry Bomb into the pool with me?" Todd asked as he hoisted himself up over the side then bent down and held out his arm to help the young boy up. Steven laughed and shook the water out of his ear that he had gotten from diving.
"Jeffrey- here, come swim over to me." Steven said encouragingly, holding open his arms. Jeffrey just looked from his father down to his floaters, then back to his Grandpa. "Is this a new suit?" Nick asked into
Jessica's ear. "I really like it."
Liz smiled as she saw Billie come over. At least now she'd have someone to talk to! Billie sat down in the chair and they started talking. Bradley attempted the Cherry Bomb again and this time he succeeded
in making a small splash. He came up smiling, "Was it a big splash!?" He asked excitedly. Todd smiled nodding back at him. "No." Jess said smiling, answering Nick's question. "I've had it for months." The truth was she had had it for months, but she didn't want Nick to know she had bought a bunch of suits so she would always wait to wear them, and then it wouldn't seem like she bought so much stuff.
Billie undid the band of her pony tail then gathered it up and started redoing it. Her eyes wandered over to Jessica and Nick. She turned back to Liz and gave a roll of her eyes. "Those two like a human pretzel." She kidded. "I don't think those two will ever get out of the honeymoon phase." Billie finished her ponytail and brought her hands down. She gave one of Elizabeth's hands a quick pat. "So what's up with you? How are you doing?"
"Go on Jeffrey...." Ned coaxed his youngest grandson. He nodded then Jeffrey took off flailing towards Steven. "I'm going to go warm up the grill." Mr. Wakefield announced, leaving his position from the pool step.
"Cool. I want to try again!" Bradley exclaimed excitedly before scrambling out of the pool.
"Brad, honey, don't run on the pavement." His mother cautioned, picking up on it, without even having to turn and look at him. As a mom-of course-she had eyes in the back of her head.
"Come on bud, lets see it again, I know you can get it even bigger this time!" Todd encouraged from his place still within the pool.
Liz rolled her eyes, why did Todd have to egg their nephew on. He himself acted like he was barely older than Bradley. She looked over at Nick and Jess again. Billie was right they did look like a human pretzel.
"I don't know." Liz said. "Their fights always make it sound like they're an old married couple, so I think they sort of balance each other out." Nick finally stood up and went running for the water, he jumped in doing a can opener. Bradley stopped, watching Nick with his mouth
hanging open, "Whoooooaa!" He exclaimed, forgetting about Todd. "Show me how to do that Uncle Nick!" He said running over to the edge where Nick was.
Todd shook his head trying to get the water out of his ears and eyes. Steven had turned to look at Bradley when Nick had done that amazing display, and Todd noticed something about Jeffrey as he made his way slowly but closer to them, his little floaters only allowing so much. "Uh, Steve, Jeffrey's loosing his trunks." Todd pointed out, as they were loose and coming down. "NICK I SWEAR YOU BETTER NOT GET ME WET!" Jessica screeched as Nick's little jump had slashed water on her feet. Jessica adjusted her top and glanced over at Liz and Billie. "What are you two chattering about over there?" She asked. "And how come you're not wearing bathing suits. This is a POOL party." Jessica stressed, as Liz was in her sundress and Billie was in just shorts and an orange tank top.
Steven laughed as he looked at Jeff's shorts. "Here buddy wait." He said, grabbing Jeff and pulling his trunks up. Brad got up on the edge of the pool and did a clumsy ninja kick. He ended up going in the water straight on his back. Nick laughed at Brad and splashed water over to Jess. He heard her squeal. "Well Jess I'm pregnant and I don't exactly look attractive in a swim suit right now." Liz tried to explain. Her sister must have been dense. Billie just shrugged. She really didn't care one way or the other.
Todd heard Elizabeth's little speech about the bathing suit and chose not to say anything. He of course, had defended her countless times when she had said something along the lines of that. It was absurd.
"How about a game of water basketball?" Todd suggested excitedly. He immediately got a response and he hoisted himself out of the poll and walked over to the grass where the little pool basketball net apparatus was. He tossed the pool basketball into the pool at Bradley. Todd sat down on the edge of the pool, his legs dangling in, as he set the thing up. Billie just gave Elizabeth a glance that said 'wait until it's her turn.'
"Alice the propane tank is out. Where did you put that new one that you bought?" Ned called out.
Liz rolled her eyes. She hoped for a little girl. Just watching Steven's brats just made her want a girl even worse. "Thanks." She said to Billie. Todd set up the basketball hoop and he climbed in. Him, Nick, and Steven split up and put Brad and Jeff on one of their teams. They started playing. When Brad or Jeff got the ball they only pretended to play defense and even knocked it in a few times for them. "It's in the garage." Alice yelled to Ned. The pasta was done and it looked like she was ready to bring everything out to the table, "Hey Billie and Jessica will you help me carry some of the dishes?"
"Mom I'm sunbathing!" Jessica protested. "Besides, Liz can help you." She surmised. She waited for a few seconds adding a short, "Just kidding." before anyone could get on her back. She jumped up and pulled her short cutoff jean shorts on, so that she wasn't completely parading around in her little bikini in front of her nephews and parents. Alice brought the packages of uncooked hotdogs and hamburger patties out to Ned. "Thanks. I'll go find that tank then these should be cooked in 5 minutes" He assured her, knowing how much she hated it when things weren't planned correctly around mealtime.
"Come on sport, time to go dry off." Steven said to Bradley who gave him whinny protests. "But I wanna keep playing Dad!!!" He said, splashing. Steven grabbed Jeffrey in his arms and started making his way to the shallow end with him. "Bradley Wakefield. I said it's time to get out and I'm not going to tell you again." Steven said in a firm fatherly voice as he made his way up the steps and out of the pool and set Jeffrey on the ground, and pulled his pool floaters off for him. "Come on Brad." Todd beckoned, hoisting himself up onto the ledge of the pool. "We can play some more after we eat and maybe I'll teach you the famous 'Behind the back Wilkins Three Pointer Shot' Todd said, trying to entice him. He stood up and grabbed a towel at the table Elizabeth was sitting at, now all alone since Billie had gone back inside with Alice and Jess to help carry out the food. Todd toweled himself off in front of Elizabeth, getting a few, just a few droplets of water on Elizabeth. He sat down in the chair Billie had vacated. "You hungry sweetie?" He asked her.
Liz screamed, "Stop! You're getting me wet!" she said pushing him away. "Yes, I'm always hungry." She said in a dry tone. Liz put her hand out and Todd helped her up. It was becoming harder and harder to get up on her own, that was for sure. She got up and headed for the kitchen to see if they needed any help. Just because she was pregnant did not mean she was an invalid.
Steven helped dry off Brad and Jeff who were jumping up and down excited. He tried guiding them to the table but Brad took off again and headed for the water.
"Liz." Todd said, chuckling, quite amused. "I got like, a few specks of water on you, that's all." But then she put her hand out in what
was becoming known to him as, saying 'help me get up' without actually having to ask for help. He did- of course, and she tuned and walked into the house. Todd really didn't know what was up with Liz today. She'd been in such a good mood lately- acting like her normal self. And then today, well, she was kind of a grouch. Todd wasn't quite to sure why, but he'd try to get her in a better mood, because he was sure everyone else could notice it to. Todd was snapped out of his little thought session at the sounds of a happy scream and reacted just in time to
reach out and grab the running Bradley, who had his sights set on the pool. In one quick, twist of motion Todd stepped in and grabbed him, swooping him up and tossed him over his shoulder, amidst the giggling protests. Todd started joking with him as he held him. Billie had been watching this little scene from inside the kitchen. She grabbed a couple of bowls and smiled at Liz.
"You know he's going to be a great dad." She told her sister-in-law smiling. "He's great with the boys, and you can tell he really loves it."
"Yeah well Todd always was a little immature." Jessica said loudly enough for everyone in the kitchen to purposely hear as her head was stuck in the fridge. And of course what she said wasn't even true- Todd had actually always been mature and responsible. That's probably what leads to his boringness, Jessica thought as she shut the fridge and grabbed the veggie plate, but not before grabbing a couple of carrot sticks and popping them in her mouth. "Alright grills on." Mr. Wakefield announced to everyone as he dumped some hamburgers and hot dogs on the barbeque to start cooking, so that people could grab them right off the grill once they were finished and start devouring them.
Liz slapped Jess's hand, "That's for later!" She said, but grabbed one herself as well. "Do you guys need any help in here?" she asked grabbing the potato salad. She heard a loud giggling fit and looked outside to Todd holding Brad above his head, carrying him upside down. She rolled her eyes. Jess was right in some aspects of that. Todd always acted like a big kid around children. Liz grabbed the hot dog and the hamburger buns and headed for the door. She heard her mom protesting saying
they didn't need her and to go sit down but Liz ignored them. She walked out side and went to put the food on the table. She watched as Jeff chased a butterfly and laughed. She was finally getting over her sulky mood. She heard her Dad call her over, saying to grab her plate. Liz instantly did already feeling her stomach rumble. She grabbed a burger and went to go sit down. Everybody else started filing out of the kitchen with the rest of the bowls and plates. Todd set Bradley down at th! e table in his chair. Billie called Jeff over to the table. She got the boys their lunch and put them at the table. Everybody else got what they wanted and then sat down. Mr. Wakefield proposed the toast.
Todd and Nick were pretty much the last ones to get their food, and they both had put both a hotdog and a hamburger on their plate- they ate a lot. Todd took a seat on the long bench of the picnic table- the only one left, and Nick took a seat in a picnic chair set up at one of the ends. The small round plastic one over in the shade wasn't big enough for everyone, so they had to sit here. Mr. Wakefield turned off the
grill, put the remaining hamburgers and hot dogs on a plate, set it on the table, grabbed his own plate and naturally sat down at the head of the long picnic table. On one side it sat: Steven, Bradley, Jeffrey, Billie, and on the other side sat Alice, Elizabeth, Todd, Jessica, with Nick and Ned sitting on the ends. As Todd slid in next to Liz he gave her a little quick kiss on the cheek. "Before you can ask what that was for it was because I love you." He said sweetly, winking at her, knowing her too well. Then Mr. Wakefield proposed the toast, right after Alice had finished serving everyone ice tea. Everyone held up their glasses, even little Jeffrey, with his sippy cup. "DAD!" Jessica groaned, "Please don't make it corny!"
"Shhh." Nick hushed her, smiling at the same time. "I love hearing embarrassing stories about you." He teased. Bradley started playing with the ketchup bottle but Billie quickly put an end to that, putting it out of his reach. Mr. Wakefield smiled at Jess with a fake look
of disapproval on his face, then gave a true smile to both of his daughters.
"To the most infamous set of twins Sweet Valley has ever known and will ever know- on their 27th Birthday."
Liz laughed. "We made it this far!" She said clinking her glass with everyone else's, before starting to eat. "Yum dad this is awesome!" Liz said taking a bite of her hamburger. They joked and laughed for a half hour even after all the food was gone.
Then Jessica brought up that night. "Hey Liz guess what?" She started.
"What?" Liz said wearily noticing the glint of mischievous in her eyes.
Jessica wiped her lips with a napkin then balled it up and threw it on Nick's plate. "Me and a couple of the girls are going clubbing to celebrate number 27 in style!" Jessica said, grinning conspicuously at her. She wasn't going to let on what 'in style' meant in front of young children, her parents, and her husband. "So? Can I count you in? We're going to have a blast!" Todd heard what Jessica was saying but purposely chose not to say anything. Yet. He sighed and raised his eyebrows and shaking his head at Nick. Besides Todd, no one had any need to worry. He knew what Elizabeth's answer would be.
"I'm done! I'm done! I'm done!" Brad said jumping up and down excitedly. "I ate everything on my plate. Can I PLEEEEEEEEASE go back in the pool, huh?" He asked desperately, still jumping around. Alice felt he had more than the typical amount of exuberance for a 5 year old. She could only imagine how busy he kept Billie and Steven.
"Nope you need to wait a little while to let your food settle." Billie advised, not making him too happy. She had Jeffrey in her arms, appearing lazy and tired and was on his way to drifting off to sleep- tired by the sun and swimming and of course, the missing nap. But that of course didn't mean that he couldn't take one right there in his mother's lap.
Liz raised her eyebrows, "Whose going with you?" She asked not letting any objection get into her. She really hadn't enjoyed herself in weeks; maybe a night out on the town with friends would be just what she needed.
Todd gave her a funny look- like one of- why are you even bothering asking? But instead of saying anything he just picked up his glass and took a long sip of iced tea. "Oh- just some of the girls from work.....you've met all of them." Jessica said casually, swinging her hair.
Nick shook his head he couldn't believe Jessica was asking Liz to come along. This was something that a single unattached woman would do- not a pregnant married one. He wasn't too happy about Jess going but he knew if he protested she would only want to go more.
"So exactly where are we going?" Liz asked.
"We?" Todd asked, eyebrows raised high in disbelief. She sounded like she was seriously considering this. But why? Liz needed to be taking it easy, she was 7 months pregnant! Not out 'clubbing' as Jess as put it. Jessica ignored Nick's disapproving shake of his head and then leaned across Todd in a very slow manner, to be able to talk to Liz. Todd tried to hold back rolling his eyes.
"Chip and Dales." She said, a Cheshire cat grin on her face, as she said those three words in a little bit lower volume. But it certainly didn't stop Todd nor Nick from hearing it.
"WHAT?!" They both roared simultaneously. "Chip and Dales? That stripping joint?" Todd asked in disbelief.
"No Todd. Chip and Dales rescue rangers." Jessica said in a dry voice, backing up from over Todd to be sitting in her own seat again.
"Cool I wanna go!!!" Bradley exclaimed overhearing that last part of the conversation.
Billie shook her eyes, "No Brad it's a play way past your bed time, maybe when you're older." This got a chuckle from the table.
"I don't see what the problem is Todd." Liz started looking towards him. "I mean it's only for the night and it's not like anything's going to happen." She stopped looking at Bradley who was listening earnestly. "I mean they are only cartoons." She said.
Todd looked at her strangely. "Are you serious? There will be smoking and drinking and loud music there. And..." He glanced at Bradley. "And other stuff that you don't need to be WATCHING." Todd said. Alice and Ned had vacated the table a few minutes before to start clearing stuff away and cleaning up. Billie rubbed Jeffery's forehead, his eyes had finally closed. "Come on Nick, back me up." Todd said.
Nick shrugged. "I agree with you man, but I figure she's going to go anyways. Why bother wasting your breath when it's just going to upset her?" He said passively. He had learned long ago that the sooner he agreed with Jess, the sooner he got some peace. And in the end she would always win, so why not just save the time. Bradley was still watching intently. "Hey Brad, why don't you go show me that cherry bomb that Uncle Todd showed you." Liz said trying to distract him.
That may be true with Jessica, but things are radically different with Elizabeth, Todd was close to saying. Brad looked back and forth between the adults. He knew what they were doing, well he was pretty sure he knew, but because he was a kid he really didn't even care. "Can I dad!?" He asked excitedly.
"Look Liz if you want to do something special we can do something special." He told her. He hadn't realized she actually possessed to go out and do something tonight. He'd just assumed because she was 7 months pregnant she would rather relax. "Hon I'll take you out to whichever
restaurant you'd like, and we can do pretty much anything you feel up to tonight." Todd assured her. He DID NOT want to see his pregnant wife traipsing off to Chips and Dales with Jessica and all of her probably trashy friends.
Billie stood up. "I'm going to go take this one inside for a nap." She said, carrying little Jeffrey in her arms. She walked back into the kitchen where both Ned and Alice were cleaning up.
"Save some of that mess so I can help you!" She scolded quietly. "I'm going to go lay this tired little guy down for a nap, which bed should I use?" She asked, stroking his back.
Jess rolled her eyes. "Todd, why do you have to be such a party pooper. It's obvious Liz doesn't want to spend another boring night with you. She has that 367 days out of the year. Why should she stay home another day?" She protested.
"It's 364 days, and Jess he's just trying to be reasonable." Liz said trying to be the voice of reason, turning to Todd finally. "But Todd, she has a point, I never get out. What's wrong with just tonight?"
"Why don't you just use Steven's old room upstairs to the left. It should be good and quiet there." Mrs. Wakefield said pointing at the stairs. "And don't worry about it; we've got everything under control." She said shooing her. "You go out and have fun.
"Yes go!" Steven said. He wasn't too happy that the twins had to bring this up at the dinner table. It wasn't like they had all day to talk about this. He watched Bradley go running for the water, "WALK!" He yelled after his young son, but Brad wasn't paying attention. He turned back to the conversation at hand. He felt bad for Todd. Everyone thought that Jess was the hardheaded and strong willed one, but Liz was sometimes just as stubborn. He doubted that Todd would be able to reason with her.
Billie smiled. "Ok thanks." She said, before taking her little one and trudging up the stairs with him.
"I'm not asking her to stay home Jessica." Todd corrected. "But you know what, you're right. If Liz wants to go to so strip club for her birthday with you, then fine." Todd said, wadding up his napkin and tossing it on the table leaning back in his chair. "But just realize how you, Billie or Elizabeth would feel when Nick, for his birthday, rounds up Steven and I for Hooters. I doubt Elizabeth would be pushing me into the car to go. It's a total double standard. Right guys?"
Steven smiled, "Well it's not like just any guy is going to fall all over them?" He joked.
"Todd that's so totally different." Jess said, trying to argue her side. "It's not like we totally drool over the strippers. We just use that as a distraction. We mostly end up just gossiping anyways. I barely even notice those hunky guys on the stage."
"Hunky, huh?" Nick asked, raising his eyes at Jessica. "If you're so busy gossiping then how do you notice that they're hunky? And by the way, when was the last time you went there?" Nick asked, growing suddenly suspicious of his wife.
"Please Jessica. If I told Liz I was leaving for Hooters tonight her feelings would be hurt and you of all people would know it." He ran a hand through his hair. "Yet I'm supposed to have no problem with her going to Chip and Dales and oohing and ahhing over the strippers."
Jessica rolled her eyes, "I haven't been there... in awhile." She said. "And Todd, you're a guy. Most guys do that so it's not such a big deal. Right Liz?" She asked nudging her. Liz nodded, but she knew it wasn't true. She would feel hurt or even jealous if Todd went to a strip club but this was different.
"Todd, I'm fat and ugly right now. It's not like you have to worry about some skanky guy hitting on me." Liz said, hoping he would give in and peacefully agree.
Not one person sitting at that table believed Jessica. Todd rubbed his chin then shook his hand. "So go. But if you're going there in
need of love and support and assurance that you're still the most beautiful creature God ever invented then you're going to the wrong place.
You'd get all of that from me."
"That's so sweet." Liz said smiling, and it really was. She heard Jessica making a choking sound in the back of her throat. "But trust me, I'm sure we'll be home before midnight, and besides I need a night out with the girls." Liz said. They heard Bradley shout from the water urging more people to jump in.
Todd thought he had had her but soon found out he really didn't after all. He stood up and stepped out around the bench. "I'm coming Brad." He yelled over to him. But then he bent down and whispered something in Elizabeth's ear that sounded like, "But there's nothing there that you can't get at home by just snapping your fingers...." Turning, he quickly jumped into the pool, joining Brad. Steven stood up and stretched. "I'm going to run inside and see how Billie is doing with Jeffrey." He told the gang, leaving them and going inside.
Nick got up too, "I'm gonna go finish that game of three on three." He said looking at the water. "Better yet, me and Brad against Todd." He laughed. "Come on buddy lets show him how to play a little basketball!" He yelled jumping in. Liz rolled her eyes. She snapped her fingers for good measure as Todd left. Looking to her sister and smiling she squealed with delight. This was going to be so much fun!
Liz quietly came through the garage door. She hated coming through the front door in the dark since their neighbors had a dog that would bark at anything that walked in the yard. She yawned barely keeping her eyes open. Checking the clock, she noticed it was past 1 am. She didn't mean to stay out so late but talking with Jess's friends was so great that she lost track of time. Jess was right, besides a few looks at the hunks on stage, they mostly talked the whole time. Her friends may have been a bit on the shallow side, but they definitely knew how to have a good time. There had been drinking but nothing to excessive. And of course Liz had her mineral water. All in all she was glad she went.
She walked through the kitchen which was connected to the garage and slipped her shoes off. She had been able to find a simple black dress that was pretty good at making her pregnancy less noticeable. It was comfortable, but she couldn't say the same for her shoes. They had started to hurt her feet hours ago. In the last few weeks she could have sworn her feet had grown a 1/2 of a size. And her ankles were really swollen. All from the pregnancy she thought to herself. She couldn't believe she had two whole months of this torture left. And it was going to get worse. She yawned again heading for the bedroom. She walked through the living room and noticed a empty pizza box and some beer cans. She couldn't go to bed without cleaning up this mess. She quickly picked up as much as she could carry and headed back to the kitchen. It didn't look like Todd had had too badly of a time while she was gone. She put the beer cans in the recycling and she headed for the bedroom. Boy ! she was exhausted. She felt her stomach, even the baby was tired. She hadn't felt anything for a few hours now. Obviously the baby had fallen asleep inside of her like she should have.
Todd stirred in his sleep as he heard something, but didn't quite wake up from it. He had dozed off about an hour and half ago, and had probably just gotten in a deep sleep. It had been a long but pretty fun day. Waking up early to make Liz breakfast for her birthday, then spending the majority of the day over at the Wakefield's, spending way to much time in the pool. He'd enjoyed spending the time with Steven's kids who had done their best to tire him out, then of course coming back home and seeing Liz off for her adventurous night at Chip in Dales which in all honesty Todd wasn't keen on. But about an hour after Liz had left with Jess, Todd had called Nick to see if he was interested in coming over and watching the baseball game. The two of them had ordered Papa Johns Pizza and tossed back a couple of beers and enjoyed the game. When he'd left Todd decided there was absolutely no point in waiting up for Liz. He started watching the late night show, but was hardly able to keep his eyes open. As he stirred again the single sheet around him slipped even more down, now just barely covering his lower body.
Liz yawned once again. She shook her head a little bit. She slipped into the room and upon hearing Todd's heavy breathing, knew he was asleep. She quietly turned on the dresser light so she could see. She put a nightshirt on and went to the bathroom to wash her makeup off. She finished her nightly routine and headed for bed. She turned the light off and slowly sank into the bed careful to not wake Todd. But it was hard with a big stomach.
Now Todd really stirred as his body felt movement and the touch and sound of someone else. He made a little noise with his mouth and reached up to bring the sheet back up around his whole body. He didn't open his eyes but with a voice heavily laden with sleep he asked, "You home baby?"
Liz nodded. She realized that he probably couldn't hear her head shake, so she whispered a response. She sank down into the bed lying on her back. She hated the new sleeping positions. They were always so uncomfortable, and she could barely move around. She pulled the covers up to her shoulders and closed her eyes. She would tell Todd about her night out tomorrow, hopefully, for now she just wanted sleep.
Todd was lying on his stomach, his face firmly and comfortable planted into the side of the pillow. With his left arm he felt out Liz clumsily, who was now laying beside him. Turning on her side trying to get comfortable, Elizabeth flopped over onto her side. The whole bed shook and Todd bounced some, jarring him from his comfortable position. He yawned and turned his head to face Liz, opening up his yes squinting slightly before went and turned his entire body over towards her. "I'm glad you're home." He said to her in a thick voice.
"Uh huh." Liz said letting herself drift off. "I'm tired." She added, hoping Todd would roll over and go back to sleep She wasn't up for a heart to heart conversation this late at night. Todd shifted some, propping his weight up on his arm just long enough to lean over her and give her a quick kiss on her mouth.
"Did you drink?"
"No," Liz replied effortlessly. Todd's arm gave out under his weight because of his sleepiness and he flopped back down. He inched his way back up to her and took a whiff of her hair.
"Were you around smokers?"
"No," Liz said.
Todd yawned in response. He moved one of his hands to her hip and let his fingers just kind of twinkle over it. "Did you stuff ones down some g-strings?"
"Of course." Liz lied, seeing if she'd get a response out of Todd. She would never do that, even if they had been close enough to the strippers. They had gotten a table that was far away from the smokers and the stage so it wasn't as loud and they could carry on a conversation. Besides, with a waiter as hot as theirs, they didn't need to see the stippers.
Todd cocked one eyebrow at her and examined her but after 5 seconds it was easy to see that she was lying to him. It simply had not happened. He knew the real answer was a no. He rolled his eyes. Then he brought up that hand that was on her hip up to her face and drew his thumb over it. "Am I still your number one guy. Do I still do it for you?"
Liz smiled sleepily. "What kind of question is that?" She asked looking at him through the dark. "Of course you're still the one. You always have been and you always will be. You're my husband."
"And what kind of answer is that?' Todd retorted, yawning again. "I just gotta make sure you're happy enough here so as to not have to go out looking for it elsewhere, like Chip and Dales."
"Like you don't like reading Sports Illustrated for just the articles." She shot back at him. "But yes honey, you're still my main attraction, Chip and Dale are just eye candies."
Todd closed his eyes then blinked reopening them. "Can we just yawn on it and close this conversation?" He asked her. "And except for your sarcasm it sounds like I have nothing to worry about." Todd said, in reference to all of her answers to his questions.
Liz rolled her eyes but agreed. She yawned, "Good Night!" She said.
"Oh wait! There's one more thing I've got to do." He said, giving a small smile in the dark, which he knew she couldn't see.
"And what's that?" Liz asked, attempting to butter him up.
"Give you 27 kisses birthday girl." He told her still very tired, but on the other hand seemingly fully awake.
Liz laughed, "Todd, you're so corny." She said.
"And you love it." Todd countered sleepily but still up to the challenge of kissing his wife. "One..." He said, starting up on her head. "Two..." hit her nose, "Three..." hit her cheek, "Four..." reached her neck" and on and on down the numbers the kisses went, until it was time for "Twenty-seven..." and Todd moved his lips back up, reached hers, and gave her a slow, lingering romantic kiss. "I love you birthday girl."
Liz smiled. She loved it when Todd made her feel like this- so special and loved. She loved him so much. "I love you too, Todd." She replied, snuggling into him. She liked being the birthday girl. It definitely, had its advantages, just as proved.
Todd lifted his arms above his head and pulled off his blue t-shirt. Ahhhh, the warm June sun felt wonderful against his bare skin. It was the middle of June and he and Liz, Jess and Nick, and Steven and Billie and their two sons, had all met up at the Wakefield house for just a simple family gathering to celebrate the twins birthday. Elizabeth was just at 7 months pregnant, and very much looked pregnant now. Her stomach wasn't humongous- she still had some growing to do, but no one was unable to tell that she was. She was in a simple cotton sleeveless sundress and some comfortable practical white tennis shoes. She was sitting in one of the chairs surrounding the picnic table- in the shade. Todd checked his watch- it was about 1:00, and then took it off and handed it to her along with his discarded t-shirt. "You ok?" He asked her; before he would go ahead and get in the pool, making sure she was ok with anything she needed. Over on the chaise lounge chair Jessica was giggling as Nick slathered some suntan lotion on her already bronzed and perfectly tanned body. The white bikini she was wearing atoned to that. "Nick you're tickling me!" She squealed. Inside the kitchen, Mrs. Wakefield and Billie looked out to the backyard patio where everyone was. Mr. Wakefield was bending in front of Steven's and Billie's youngest, helping him get his pool floaters on his arms. And Steven and his oldest were already splashing in the pool.
Liz nodded, "I'm fine," She said lying. She was dying in the heat, unable to get comfortable. The sight of Jessica parading around in her miniscule bikini didn't help the situation any as the immense jealousy set in. Nick couldn't keep his hands off Jess, while Todd couldn't wait to get away. Everyone else seemed to be having a nice time except for her. The only person she had really talked to in depth was Billie. But she had gone inside to help her mother.
Todd nodded and after Liz had taken his stuff from him he turned and walked to the steps of the pool. Then he thought otherwise and walked briskly to the deep end then hurled himself into the water. "Cool I
want to do that!!!" His oldest nephew said, as he admiringly watched Todd resurface. Todd wiped the water out of his eyes. "Nick you missed a spot!" Jessica complained, knowing he wouldn't mind having his hands linger on her a little longer. She grabbed her sunglasses out of her bag and slipped them on, glancing at Liz, who seemed distracted, as Nick fixed his mistake. "Mom, where's that bowl that you want me to put these watermelon slices into?" Billie asked as she wiped her hands on a towel and placed the large knife she had been using to cut the watermelon into the sink.
Liz sighed watching the boys swim in the pool. Todd was explaining how to do his cool move to Steven's son, Bradley and then demonstrated it again. Liz smiled as she watched him try to imitate Todd. It turned out looking more like a frog then anything else. A high pitched laugh broke her reverie and she looked over to Jess and Nick who somehow had managed to both lie down on the lounge chair. "Here, this one's good." Mrs. Wakefield said pulling a white bowl with blue speckles on the rim out of the pantry.
"Thanks." Billie said taking the bowl and placing all of watermelon slices in it. "This watermelon is delicious!" Billie exclaimed as she snuck a small bite off one of the pieces. "So juicy!" Once Billie had put all the slices in the bowel she washed her hands again. She took a pause, doing nothing as Mrs. Wakefield kept busy. Looking out the large window, Billie smiled at the boys in the pool, roughhousing and trying to one up each other. Bradley had a tendency to do that, and just because it was coming from his father and uncle made no difference. She then looked at Jeffrey in Mr. Wakefield's arms sitting on the second step of the pool, taking things slowly, as usual. She looked to her
mother-in-law. "How's Liz doing lately?" She asked Alice. "Unfortunately we haven't had much time to visit lately."
"She's doing great. The baby's healthy, but she's not exactly a happy camper because she thinks she's fat." Mrs. Wakefield rolled her eyes. She finished cutting up the celery and put some black olives on the veggie tray. She threw some carrots on the tray as well, before stirring the potato salad. Everything looked ready. They were just waiting for the pasta salad. Mrs. Wakefield looked out to see Jess and Nick both on the lounge chair. She was wondering how the chair was still not broken. But she smiled, everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves.
"Are you okay in here to finish up? I think I'm going to go talk with Liz while there's still a chance." Billie said, popping a carrot in he mouth. "Hey Bradley? You want to do a Cherry Bomb into the pool with me?" Todd asked as he hoisted himself up over the side then bent down and held out his arm to help the young boy up. Steven laughed and shook the water out of his ear that he had gotten from diving.
"Jeffrey- here, come swim over to me." Steven said encouragingly, holding open his arms. Jeffrey just looked from his father down to his floaters, then back to his Grandpa. "Is this a new suit?" Nick asked into
Jessica's ear. "I really like it."
Liz smiled as she saw Billie come over. At least now she'd have someone to talk to! Billie sat down in the chair and they started talking. Bradley attempted the Cherry Bomb again and this time he succeeded
in making a small splash. He came up smiling, "Was it a big splash!?" He asked excitedly. Todd smiled nodding back at him. "No." Jess said smiling, answering Nick's question. "I've had it for months." The truth was she had had it for months, but she didn't want Nick to know she had bought a bunch of suits so she would always wait to wear them, and then it wouldn't seem like she bought so much stuff.
Billie undid the band of her pony tail then gathered it up and started redoing it. Her eyes wandered over to Jessica and Nick. She turned back to Liz and gave a roll of her eyes. "Those two like a human pretzel." She kidded. "I don't think those two will ever get out of the honeymoon phase." Billie finished her ponytail and brought her hands down. She gave one of Elizabeth's hands a quick pat. "So what's up with you? How are you doing?"
"Go on Jeffrey...." Ned coaxed his youngest grandson. He nodded then Jeffrey took off flailing towards Steven. "I'm going to go warm up the grill." Mr. Wakefield announced, leaving his position from the pool step.
"Cool. I want to try again!" Bradley exclaimed excitedly before scrambling out of the pool.
"Brad, honey, don't run on the pavement." His mother cautioned, picking up on it, without even having to turn and look at him. As a mom-of course-she had eyes in the back of her head.
"Come on bud, lets see it again, I know you can get it even bigger this time!" Todd encouraged from his place still within the pool.
Liz rolled her eyes, why did Todd have to egg their nephew on. He himself acted like he was barely older than Bradley. She looked over at Nick and Jess again. Billie was right they did look like a human pretzel.
"I don't know." Liz said. "Their fights always make it sound like they're an old married couple, so I think they sort of balance each other out." Nick finally stood up and went running for the water, he jumped in doing a can opener. Bradley stopped, watching Nick with his mouth
hanging open, "Whoooooaa!" He exclaimed, forgetting about Todd. "Show me how to do that Uncle Nick!" He said running over to the edge where Nick was.
Todd shook his head trying to get the water out of his ears and eyes. Steven had turned to look at Bradley when Nick had done that amazing display, and Todd noticed something about Jeffrey as he made his way slowly but closer to them, his little floaters only allowing so much. "Uh, Steve, Jeffrey's loosing his trunks." Todd pointed out, as they were loose and coming down. "NICK I SWEAR YOU BETTER NOT GET ME WET!" Jessica screeched as Nick's little jump had slashed water on her feet. Jessica adjusted her top and glanced over at Liz and Billie. "What are you two chattering about over there?" She asked. "And how come you're not wearing bathing suits. This is a POOL party." Jessica stressed, as Liz was in her sundress and Billie was in just shorts and an orange tank top.
Steven laughed as he looked at Jeff's shorts. "Here buddy wait." He said, grabbing Jeff and pulling his trunks up. Brad got up on the edge of the pool and did a clumsy ninja kick. He ended up going in the water straight on his back. Nick laughed at Brad and splashed water over to Jess. He heard her squeal. "Well Jess I'm pregnant and I don't exactly look attractive in a swim suit right now." Liz tried to explain. Her sister must have been dense. Billie just shrugged. She really didn't care one way or the other.
Todd heard Elizabeth's little speech about the bathing suit and chose not to say anything. He of course, had defended her countless times when she had said something along the lines of that. It was absurd.
"How about a game of water basketball?" Todd suggested excitedly. He immediately got a response and he hoisted himself out of the poll and walked over to the grass where the little pool basketball net apparatus was. He tossed the pool basketball into the pool at Bradley. Todd sat down on the edge of the pool, his legs dangling in, as he set the thing up. Billie just gave Elizabeth a glance that said 'wait until it's her turn.'
"Alice the propane tank is out. Where did you put that new one that you bought?" Ned called out.
Liz rolled her eyes. She hoped for a little girl. Just watching Steven's brats just made her want a girl even worse. "Thanks." She said to Billie. Todd set up the basketball hoop and he climbed in. Him, Nick, and Steven split up and put Brad and Jeff on one of their teams. They started playing. When Brad or Jeff got the ball they only pretended to play defense and even knocked it in a few times for them. "It's in the garage." Alice yelled to Ned. The pasta was done and it looked like she was ready to bring everything out to the table, "Hey Billie and Jessica will you help me carry some of the dishes?"
"Mom I'm sunbathing!" Jessica protested. "Besides, Liz can help you." She surmised. She waited for a few seconds adding a short, "Just kidding." before anyone could get on her back. She jumped up and pulled her short cutoff jean shorts on, so that she wasn't completely parading around in her little bikini in front of her nephews and parents. Alice brought the packages of uncooked hotdogs and hamburger patties out to Ned. "Thanks. I'll go find that tank then these should be cooked in 5 minutes" He assured her, knowing how much she hated it when things weren't planned correctly around mealtime.
"Come on sport, time to go dry off." Steven said to Bradley who gave him whinny protests. "But I wanna keep playing Dad!!!" He said, splashing. Steven grabbed Jeffrey in his arms and started making his way to the shallow end with him. "Bradley Wakefield. I said it's time to get out and I'm not going to tell you again." Steven said in a firm fatherly voice as he made his way up the steps and out of the pool and set Jeffrey on the ground, and pulled his pool floaters off for him. "Come on Brad." Todd beckoned, hoisting himself up onto the ledge of the pool. "We can play some more after we eat and maybe I'll teach you the famous 'Behind the back Wilkins Three Pointer Shot' Todd said, trying to entice him. He stood up and grabbed a towel at the table Elizabeth was sitting at, now all alone since Billie had gone back inside with Alice and Jess to help carry out the food. Todd toweled himself off in front of Elizabeth, getting a few, just a few droplets of water on Elizabeth. He sat down in the chair Billie had vacated. "You hungry sweetie?" He asked her.
Liz screamed, "Stop! You're getting me wet!" she said pushing him away. "Yes, I'm always hungry." She said in a dry tone. Liz put her hand out and Todd helped her up. It was becoming harder and harder to get up on her own, that was for sure. She got up and headed for the kitchen to see if they needed any help. Just because she was pregnant did not mean she was an invalid.
Steven helped dry off Brad and Jeff who were jumping up and down excited. He tried guiding them to the table but Brad took off again and headed for the water.
"Liz." Todd said, chuckling, quite amused. "I got like, a few specks of water on you, that's all." But then she put her hand out in what
was becoming known to him as, saying 'help me get up' without actually having to ask for help. He did- of course, and she tuned and walked into the house. Todd really didn't know what was up with Liz today. She'd been in such a good mood lately- acting like her normal self. And then today, well, she was kind of a grouch. Todd wasn't quite to sure why, but he'd try to get her in a better mood, because he was sure everyone else could notice it to. Todd was snapped out of his little thought session at the sounds of a happy scream and reacted just in time to
reach out and grab the running Bradley, who had his sights set on the pool. In one quick, twist of motion Todd stepped in and grabbed him, swooping him up and tossed him over his shoulder, amidst the giggling protests. Todd started joking with him as he held him. Billie had been watching this little scene from inside the kitchen. She grabbed a couple of bowls and smiled at Liz.
"You know he's going to be a great dad." She told her sister-in-law smiling. "He's great with the boys, and you can tell he really loves it."
"Yeah well Todd always was a little immature." Jessica said loudly enough for everyone in the kitchen to purposely hear as her head was stuck in the fridge. And of course what she said wasn't even true- Todd had actually always been mature and responsible. That's probably what leads to his boringness, Jessica thought as she shut the fridge and grabbed the veggie plate, but not before grabbing a couple of carrot sticks and popping them in her mouth. "Alright grills on." Mr. Wakefield announced to everyone as he dumped some hamburgers and hot dogs on the barbeque to start cooking, so that people could grab them right off the grill once they were finished and start devouring them.
Liz slapped Jess's hand, "That's for later!" She said, but grabbed one herself as well. "Do you guys need any help in here?" she asked grabbing the potato salad. She heard a loud giggling fit and looked outside to Todd holding Brad above his head, carrying him upside down. She rolled her eyes. Jess was right in some aspects of that. Todd always acted like a big kid around children. Liz grabbed the hot dog and the hamburger buns and headed for the door. She heard her mom protesting saying
they didn't need her and to go sit down but Liz ignored them. She walked out side and went to put the food on the table. She watched as Jeff chased a butterfly and laughed. She was finally getting over her sulky mood. She heard her Dad call her over, saying to grab her plate. Liz instantly did already feeling her stomach rumble. She grabbed a burger and went to go sit down. Everybody else started filing out of the kitchen with the rest of the bowls and plates. Todd set Bradley down at th! e table in his chair. Billie called Jeff over to the table. She got the boys their lunch and put them at the table. Everybody else got what they wanted and then sat down. Mr. Wakefield proposed the toast.
Todd and Nick were pretty much the last ones to get their food, and they both had put both a hotdog and a hamburger on their plate- they ate a lot. Todd took a seat on the long bench of the picnic table- the only one left, and Nick took a seat in a picnic chair set up at one of the ends. The small round plastic one over in the shade wasn't big enough for everyone, so they had to sit here. Mr. Wakefield turned off the
grill, put the remaining hamburgers and hot dogs on a plate, set it on the table, grabbed his own plate and naturally sat down at the head of the long picnic table. On one side it sat: Steven, Bradley, Jeffrey, Billie, and on the other side sat Alice, Elizabeth, Todd, Jessica, with Nick and Ned sitting on the ends. As Todd slid in next to Liz he gave her a little quick kiss on the cheek. "Before you can ask what that was for it was because I love you." He said sweetly, winking at her, knowing her too well. Then Mr. Wakefield proposed the toast, right after Alice had finished serving everyone ice tea. Everyone held up their glasses, even little Jeffrey, with his sippy cup. "DAD!" Jessica groaned, "Please don't make it corny!"
"Shhh." Nick hushed her, smiling at the same time. "I love hearing embarrassing stories about you." He teased. Bradley started playing with the ketchup bottle but Billie quickly put an end to that, putting it out of his reach. Mr. Wakefield smiled at Jess with a fake look
of disapproval on his face, then gave a true smile to both of his daughters.
"To the most infamous set of twins Sweet Valley has ever known and will ever know- on their 27th Birthday."
Liz laughed. "We made it this far!" She said clinking her glass with everyone else's, before starting to eat. "Yum dad this is awesome!" Liz said taking a bite of her hamburger. They joked and laughed for a half hour even after all the food was gone.
Then Jessica brought up that night. "Hey Liz guess what?" She started.
"What?" Liz said wearily noticing the glint of mischievous in her eyes.
Jessica wiped her lips with a napkin then balled it up and threw it on Nick's plate. "Me and a couple of the girls are going clubbing to celebrate number 27 in style!" Jessica said, grinning conspicuously at her. She wasn't going to let on what 'in style' meant in front of young children, her parents, and her husband. "So? Can I count you in? We're going to have a blast!" Todd heard what Jessica was saying but purposely chose not to say anything. Yet. He sighed and raised his eyebrows and shaking his head at Nick. Besides Todd, no one had any need to worry. He knew what Elizabeth's answer would be.
"I'm done! I'm done! I'm done!" Brad said jumping up and down excitedly. "I ate everything on my plate. Can I PLEEEEEEEEASE go back in the pool, huh?" He asked desperately, still jumping around. Alice felt he had more than the typical amount of exuberance for a 5 year old. She could only imagine how busy he kept Billie and Steven.
"Nope you need to wait a little while to let your food settle." Billie advised, not making him too happy. She had Jeffrey in her arms, appearing lazy and tired and was on his way to drifting off to sleep- tired by the sun and swimming and of course, the missing nap. But that of course didn't mean that he couldn't take one right there in his mother's lap.
Liz raised her eyebrows, "Whose going with you?" She asked not letting any objection get into her. She really hadn't enjoyed herself in weeks; maybe a night out on the town with friends would be just what she needed.
Todd gave her a funny look- like one of- why are you even bothering asking? But instead of saying anything he just picked up his glass and took a long sip of iced tea. "Oh- just some of the girls from work.....you've met all of them." Jessica said casually, swinging her hair.
Nick shook his head he couldn't believe Jessica was asking Liz to come along. This was something that a single unattached woman would do- not a pregnant married one. He wasn't too happy about Jess going but he knew if he protested she would only want to go more.
"So exactly where are we going?" Liz asked.
"We?" Todd asked, eyebrows raised high in disbelief. She sounded like she was seriously considering this. But why? Liz needed to be taking it easy, she was 7 months pregnant! Not out 'clubbing' as Jess as put it. Jessica ignored Nick's disapproving shake of his head and then leaned across Todd in a very slow manner, to be able to talk to Liz. Todd tried to hold back rolling his eyes.
"Chip and Dales." She said, a Cheshire cat grin on her face, as she said those three words in a little bit lower volume. But it certainly didn't stop Todd nor Nick from hearing it.
"WHAT?!" They both roared simultaneously. "Chip and Dales? That stripping joint?" Todd asked in disbelief.
"No Todd. Chip and Dales rescue rangers." Jessica said in a dry voice, backing up from over Todd to be sitting in her own seat again.
"Cool I wanna go!!!" Bradley exclaimed overhearing that last part of the conversation.
Billie shook her eyes, "No Brad it's a play way past your bed time, maybe when you're older." This got a chuckle from the table.
"I don't see what the problem is Todd." Liz started looking towards him. "I mean it's only for the night and it's not like anything's going to happen." She stopped looking at Bradley who was listening earnestly. "I mean they are only cartoons." She said.
Todd looked at her strangely. "Are you serious? There will be smoking and drinking and loud music there. And..." He glanced at Bradley. "And other stuff that you don't need to be WATCHING." Todd said. Alice and Ned had vacated the table a few minutes before to start clearing stuff away and cleaning up. Billie rubbed Jeffery's forehead, his eyes had finally closed. "Come on Nick, back me up." Todd said.
Nick shrugged. "I agree with you man, but I figure she's going to go anyways. Why bother wasting your breath when it's just going to upset her?" He said passively. He had learned long ago that the sooner he agreed with Jess, the sooner he got some peace. And in the end she would always win, so why not just save the time. Bradley was still watching intently. "Hey Brad, why don't you go show me that cherry bomb that Uncle Todd showed you." Liz said trying to distract him.
That may be true with Jessica, but things are radically different with Elizabeth, Todd was close to saying. Brad looked back and forth between the adults. He knew what they were doing, well he was pretty sure he knew, but because he was a kid he really didn't even care. "Can I dad!?" He asked excitedly.
"Look Liz if you want to do something special we can do something special." He told her. He hadn't realized she actually possessed to go out and do something tonight. He'd just assumed because she was 7 months pregnant she would rather relax. "Hon I'll take you out to whichever
restaurant you'd like, and we can do pretty much anything you feel up to tonight." Todd assured her. He DID NOT want to see his pregnant wife traipsing off to Chips and Dales with Jessica and all of her probably trashy friends.
Billie stood up. "I'm going to go take this one inside for a nap." She said, carrying little Jeffrey in her arms. She walked back into the kitchen where both Ned and Alice were cleaning up.
"Save some of that mess so I can help you!" She scolded quietly. "I'm going to go lay this tired little guy down for a nap, which bed should I use?" She asked, stroking his back.
Jess rolled her eyes. "Todd, why do you have to be such a party pooper. It's obvious Liz doesn't want to spend another boring night with you. She has that 367 days out of the year. Why should she stay home another day?" She protested.
"It's 364 days, and Jess he's just trying to be reasonable." Liz said trying to be the voice of reason, turning to Todd finally. "But Todd, she has a point, I never get out. What's wrong with just tonight?"
"Why don't you just use Steven's old room upstairs to the left. It should be good and quiet there." Mrs. Wakefield said pointing at the stairs. "And don't worry about it; we've got everything under control." She said shooing her. "You go out and have fun.
"Yes go!" Steven said. He wasn't too happy that the twins had to bring this up at the dinner table. It wasn't like they had all day to talk about this. He watched Bradley go running for the water, "WALK!" He yelled after his young son, but Brad wasn't paying attention. He turned back to the conversation at hand. He felt bad for Todd. Everyone thought that Jess was the hardheaded and strong willed one, but Liz was sometimes just as stubborn. He doubted that Todd would be able to reason with her.
Billie smiled. "Ok thanks." She said, before taking her little one and trudging up the stairs with him.
"I'm not asking her to stay home Jessica." Todd corrected. "But you know what, you're right. If Liz wants to go to so strip club for her birthday with you, then fine." Todd said, wadding up his napkin and tossing it on the table leaning back in his chair. "But just realize how you, Billie or Elizabeth would feel when Nick, for his birthday, rounds up Steven and I for Hooters. I doubt Elizabeth would be pushing me into the car to go. It's a total double standard. Right guys?"
Steven smiled, "Well it's not like just any guy is going to fall all over them?" He joked.
"Todd that's so totally different." Jess said, trying to argue her side. "It's not like we totally drool over the strippers. We just use that as a distraction. We mostly end up just gossiping anyways. I barely even notice those hunky guys on the stage."
"Hunky, huh?" Nick asked, raising his eyes at Jessica. "If you're so busy gossiping then how do you notice that they're hunky? And by the way, when was the last time you went there?" Nick asked, growing suddenly suspicious of his wife.
"Please Jessica. If I told Liz I was leaving for Hooters tonight her feelings would be hurt and you of all people would know it." He ran a hand through his hair. "Yet I'm supposed to have no problem with her going to Chip and Dales and oohing and ahhing over the strippers."
Jessica rolled her eyes, "I haven't been there... in awhile." She said. "And Todd, you're a guy. Most guys do that so it's not such a big deal. Right Liz?" She asked nudging her. Liz nodded, but she knew it wasn't true. She would feel hurt or even jealous if Todd went to a strip club but this was different.
"Todd, I'm fat and ugly right now. It's not like you have to worry about some skanky guy hitting on me." Liz said, hoping he would give in and peacefully agree.
Not one person sitting at that table believed Jessica. Todd rubbed his chin then shook his hand. "So go. But if you're going there in
need of love and support and assurance that you're still the most beautiful creature God ever invented then you're going to the wrong place.
You'd get all of that from me."
"That's so sweet." Liz said smiling, and it really was. She heard Jessica making a choking sound in the back of her throat. "But trust me, I'm sure we'll be home before midnight, and besides I need a night out with the girls." Liz said. They heard Bradley shout from the water urging more people to jump in.
Todd thought he had had her but soon found out he really didn't after all. He stood up and stepped out around the bench. "I'm coming Brad." He yelled over to him. But then he bent down and whispered something in Elizabeth's ear that sounded like, "But there's nothing there that you can't get at home by just snapping your fingers...." Turning, he quickly jumped into the pool, joining Brad. Steven stood up and stretched. "I'm going to run inside and see how Billie is doing with Jeffrey." He told the gang, leaving them and going inside.
Nick got up too, "I'm gonna go finish that game of three on three." He said looking at the water. "Better yet, me and Brad against Todd." He laughed. "Come on buddy lets show him how to play a little basketball!" He yelled jumping in. Liz rolled her eyes. She snapped her fingers for good measure as Todd left. Looking to her sister and smiling she squealed with delight. This was going to be so much fun!
Liz quietly came through the garage door. She hated coming through the front door in the dark since their neighbors had a dog that would bark at anything that walked in the yard. She yawned barely keeping her eyes open. Checking the clock, she noticed it was past 1 am. She didn't mean to stay out so late but talking with Jess's friends was so great that she lost track of time. Jess was right, besides a few looks at the hunks on stage, they mostly talked the whole time. Her friends may have been a bit on the shallow side, but they definitely knew how to have a good time. There had been drinking but nothing to excessive. And of course Liz had her mineral water. All in all she was glad she went.
She walked through the kitchen which was connected to the garage and slipped her shoes off. She had been able to find a simple black dress that was pretty good at making her pregnancy less noticeable. It was comfortable, but she couldn't say the same for her shoes. They had started to hurt her feet hours ago. In the last few weeks she could have sworn her feet had grown a 1/2 of a size. And her ankles were really swollen. All from the pregnancy she thought to herself. She couldn't believe she had two whole months of this torture left. And it was going to get worse. She yawned again heading for the bedroom. She walked through the living room and noticed a empty pizza box and some beer cans. She couldn't go to bed without cleaning up this mess. She quickly picked up as much as she could carry and headed back to the kitchen. It didn't look like Todd had had too badly of a time while she was gone. She put the beer cans in the recycling and she headed for the bedroom. Boy ! she was exhausted. She felt her stomach, even the baby was tired. She hadn't felt anything for a few hours now. Obviously the baby had fallen asleep inside of her like she should have.
Todd stirred in his sleep as he heard something, but didn't quite wake up from it. He had dozed off about an hour and half ago, and had probably just gotten in a deep sleep. It had been a long but pretty fun day. Waking up early to make Liz breakfast for her birthday, then spending the majority of the day over at the Wakefield's, spending way to much time in the pool. He'd enjoyed spending the time with Steven's kids who had done their best to tire him out, then of course coming back home and seeing Liz off for her adventurous night at Chip in Dales which in all honesty Todd wasn't keen on. But about an hour after Liz had left with Jess, Todd had called Nick to see if he was interested in coming over and watching the baseball game. The two of them had ordered Papa Johns Pizza and tossed back a couple of beers and enjoyed the game. When he'd left Todd decided there was absolutely no point in waiting up for Liz. He started watching the late night show, but was hardly able to keep his eyes open. As he stirred again the single sheet around him slipped even more down, now just barely covering his lower body.
Liz yawned once again. She shook her head a little bit. She slipped into the room and upon hearing Todd's heavy breathing, knew he was asleep. She quietly turned on the dresser light so she could see. She put a nightshirt on and went to the bathroom to wash her makeup off. She finished her nightly routine and headed for bed. She turned the light off and slowly sank into the bed careful to not wake Todd. But it was hard with a big stomach.
Now Todd really stirred as his body felt movement and the touch and sound of someone else. He made a little noise with his mouth and reached up to bring the sheet back up around his whole body. He didn't open his eyes but with a voice heavily laden with sleep he asked, "You home baby?"
Liz nodded. She realized that he probably couldn't hear her head shake, so she whispered a response. She sank down into the bed lying on her back. She hated the new sleeping positions. They were always so uncomfortable, and she could barely move around. She pulled the covers up to her shoulders and closed her eyes. She would tell Todd about her night out tomorrow, hopefully, for now she just wanted sleep.
Todd was lying on his stomach, his face firmly and comfortable planted into the side of the pillow. With his left arm he felt out Liz clumsily, who was now laying beside him. Turning on her side trying to get comfortable, Elizabeth flopped over onto her side. The whole bed shook and Todd bounced some, jarring him from his comfortable position. He yawned and turned his head to face Liz, opening up his yes squinting slightly before went and turned his entire body over towards her. "I'm glad you're home." He said to her in a thick voice.
"Uh huh." Liz said letting herself drift off. "I'm tired." She added, hoping Todd would roll over and go back to sleep She wasn't up for a heart to heart conversation this late at night. Todd shifted some, propping his weight up on his arm just long enough to lean over her and give her a quick kiss on her mouth.
"Did you drink?"
"No," Liz replied effortlessly. Todd's arm gave out under his weight because of his sleepiness and he flopped back down. He inched his way back up to her and took a whiff of her hair.
"Were you around smokers?"
"No," Liz said.
Todd yawned in response. He moved one of his hands to her hip and let his fingers just kind of twinkle over it. "Did you stuff ones down some g-strings?"
"Of course." Liz lied, seeing if she'd get a response out of Todd. She would never do that, even if they had been close enough to the strippers. They had gotten a table that was far away from the smokers and the stage so it wasn't as loud and they could carry on a conversation. Besides, with a waiter as hot as theirs, they didn't need to see the stippers.
Todd cocked one eyebrow at her and examined her but after 5 seconds it was easy to see that she was lying to him. It simply had not happened. He knew the real answer was a no. He rolled his eyes. Then he brought up that hand that was on her hip up to her face and drew his thumb over it. "Am I still your number one guy. Do I still do it for you?"
Liz smiled sleepily. "What kind of question is that?" She asked looking at him through the dark. "Of course you're still the one. You always have been and you always will be. You're my husband."
"And what kind of answer is that?' Todd retorted, yawning again. "I just gotta make sure you're happy enough here so as to not have to go out looking for it elsewhere, like Chip and Dales."
"Like you don't like reading Sports Illustrated for just the articles." She shot back at him. "But yes honey, you're still my main attraction, Chip and Dale are just eye candies."
Todd closed his eyes then blinked reopening them. "Can we just yawn on it and close this conversation?" He asked her. "And except for your sarcasm it sounds like I have nothing to worry about." Todd said, in reference to all of her answers to his questions.
Liz rolled her eyes but agreed. She yawned, "Good Night!" She said.
"Oh wait! There's one more thing I've got to do." He said, giving a small smile in the dark, which he knew she couldn't see.
"And what's that?" Liz asked, attempting to butter him up.
"Give you 27 kisses birthday girl." He told her still very tired, but on the other hand seemingly fully awake.
Liz laughed, "Todd, you're so corny." She said.
"And you love it." Todd countered sleepily but still up to the challenge of kissing his wife. "One..." He said, starting up on her head. "Two..." hit her nose, "Three..." hit her cheek, "Four..." reached her neck" and on and on down the numbers the kisses went, until it was time for "Twenty-seven..." and Todd moved his lips back up, reached hers, and gave her a slow, lingering romantic kiss. "I love you birthday girl."
Liz smiled. She loved it when Todd made her feel like this- so special and loved. She loved him so much. "I love you too, Todd." She replied, snuggling into him. She liked being the birthday girl. It definitely, had its advantages, just as proved.