Important Author's Note: Okay, big change here. I know in a previous story I declared that Abby was 39, and even got in a little argument with a reviewer about it… But I've been pondering about it and decided that Abby is 32 from now on. Kali is 14 (almost 15), John is 30 and Roselani is 11 months old.

Disclaimer: I don't own anyone but Kali and Rosie!

"Rosie please be quiet!" I begged my little niece. She'd been crying for 10 minutes straight and I couldn't get her to stop. The neighbour beside us often complained about her wailing and I didn't want to face him alone.

A look at the clock showed that there were still a few hours until Abby got home. So with a sigh of defeat I set the little girl down on the floor and walk to the living room. As predicted, she totters after me and the sobs quiet to whimpers.

"What's wrong baby?" I coo, drawing the tiny tot onto my lap and cuddling her.

"Hungry," she pouts.

I don't know if I should laugh or get angry. So I scoop her into my arms again and carry her to the kitchen where we rummage through the cupboards for a snack. After settling her on her blanket in the middle of the living room, I quickly head for a bathroom break.

My face in the mirror shocks me. There are dark circles under my red eyes and a slight bruise on my cheek. I shake my head and go back to the living room.

"Come on baby, let's go to bed," I say, grabbing the remains of her snack and putting them in the garbage. She follows me and we go get ready for bed.

Noise from the front hall awakens me and I lazily roll out of bed. Padding softly to the living room I see Abby quietly putting her jacket and boots away.

"Hey," I whisper.

She jerks her head up and smiles softly, "Hey honey, what are you doing up?"

"I heard you come in…" I reply.

"I'm sorry," she sighs, looking drained.

"Meh, you know I'm a light sleeper," I say nonchalantly, sitting down with her on the couch and snuggling close. It's true, I am a light sleeper… Well ever since Rose was born.

"How was your day?" she questions, stifling a yawn.

"It was good, I'm going to Carter's tomorrow," I say, yawning back.

"Mommy!" I little voice calls.

"Speaking of light sleepers," Abby rolls her eyes and goes to her bedroom, returning with a sleepy baby in her arms.

"Abby!" I protest, "Don't bring her out, she needs to sleep. She just started sleeping whole nights."

"Oh Kals, don't be so bossy, I just wanna say hi," Abby scolds playfully, kissing Rose on the forehead.

"No way, you're hardly here at night, I'm the one who gets up with her in the night," I lecture, snatching Rose into my own arms. "Say good night to Mommy."

"Night night Mommy," she waves agreeably and I carry her into my room, shutting the door firmly and clicking the lock.

"Wanna sleep with me baby?" I say, mustering as much excitement into my voice as possible.

"Yeah," Rosie murmurs, cuddling up into the curve of my stomach. I wrap my arms around her and in the next room, I can faintly hear Abby crying.