I woke up around 9:00, hearing faint talking and laughing in the living room. I threw on my zip-up hoodie and headed off to see what Mom and Callie were doing.

"Olive! Good morning!" Mom smiled when she saw me. They were in the kitchen, making something. Probably breakfast. Mom was in her usually work sweatshirt and sweatpants.

Mom had bags under her eyes. She did every morning. I always put it off to the fact that she probably didn't get enough sleep. But, after my accidental eavesdropping, I realized that it was most definitely from crying- over her nightmares. I hated myself for not realizing sooner.

I walked over to her, and she hugged me. I closed my eyes and leaned against her for a second, still kind of waking up. I had definitely tried to go from sleeping to fully awake way too fast. I was worried about Mom, though. I had needed to see her.

"Did you sleep ok?" Mom asked, probably noticing the lingering tiredness.

"Mhm." I pulled away and stretched, opening my eyes again. "Good morning." I leaned against the counter, flashing Callie a smile. "Morning." I directed toward her.

She smiled back, "Good morning."

I liked Callie a lot more now- because of last night. Not like I didn't like her before. I did. But, I thought she was really sweet to my mom last night. From what I heard, at least.

"How was your night?" I asked Mom.

"It was goo-" Mom looked at me. I had a feeling she was remembering our conversation, and even though that totally wasn't what I meant, I giggled. Which, caused Mom to burst out laughing.

Leaving Callie very, very confused.

"Olivia Rae." Mom tried to say it sternly, but she was laughing.

"That's not what I meant Mom. God, get your head out of the gutter." I teased, which definitely helped Callie realize what exactly we were talking about, because I saw her face go bright red.

"Ok, ok that's enough." Mom finally calmed down. "We had a good night. We didn't go to sleep much later than you did, we just finished that movie..." Mom glanced at Callie. She was still collecting herself- probably a little embarrassed. Which was understandable.

"Yeah, it was a- really good movie." Callie said quickly, nervously.

I bit my lip. Had they done something- why so awkward? Scratch that, I really didn't want to know. If they had, Mom kept my reminder in mind. That was all that mattered to me. Gross, though.

"Okay..." I went to open the fridge.

"We are making breakfast! Eggs and toast!" Mom said.

"Ah. Cool." I closed the refrigerator and went over to the couch, plopping down on it.

"Thanks for offering to help, honey" Mom laughed.

I sat up. "Oh. I can help!"

"I was just teasing, you're fine." Mom smiled at me and then turned back around.

Mom was acting fine. Normal. How could she act so normal after what had happened last night? I was confused. And worried. If she always acted normal, how many times had that happened and I didn't even notice?

I wondered if I should ask her about it. Is that too far? She would tell me if she wanted me to know. I let out an audible sigh.

"What's wrong?" Mom asked.

"Nothing!" Whoops.

"Ok, come here and get a plate!" Mom said after a few minutes of quiet.

"Thanks, Ari!" Callie said when my mom gave her a plate.

Ari. I had never heard anyone call Mom that. She got 'Zona' a lot. But, never 'Ari.' That was cute, I thought. Callie had her own little nickname for Mom.

"Thanks Mom." I gave her a little look as she passed me a plate, and she knew it was about the nickname. "Smells really good." I added as I walked over to the food.

"Honey, it's eggs." Mom laughed.

"Exactly. But it smells good. You know, that's a compliment." I said with a smile.

I scooped some eggs onto my plate, and grabbed a piece of toast, seeing Callie was just standing awkwardly, probably waiting to see where to sit.

"We just sit on the couch" I said with a shrug, leading the way. Kind of weird to eat breakfast on your couch, but what works, works- mainly because we didn't have a dining table. Mom said that she wanted to invest in nice chairs so we could at least sit at the counter, but that was a whole other story.

Mom sat next to me again. Like usual when it was the three of us. I still hadn't figured out her reason for that.

I kind of looked between the two of them, wondering if we were going to eat in silence, or if someone would say something.

"Thanks for breakfast..." I said quietly, semi-awkwardly.

"You're welcome!" Mom said immediately.

Callie smiled, seemingly unsure if I was also thanking her.

I smiled back, and then continued eating.

"I hate to be a party pooper, but I should probably leave soon. I need to run a couple errands before I start my 24." Callie said. I knew she was talking to Mom, but what in the world was a 24?

"Your 24?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"24 hour shift- at the hospital." Callie explained.

Oh. I felt kind of stupid for not knowing that one. "That's... long" I didn't want to not say anything, but what I had come up with to say was rather dumb.

Callie laughed, "Yeah, but I get points where I can break to eat or take naps, unless I have some crazy cases, it's not as insane as it sounds."

"Sounds insane either way." I said with a laugh.

Mom smiled, probably at the fact that we were talking. I knew it made her happy that we got along decently. I hadn't really talked to Callie a whole lot, but that was just because we were usually with Mom, and I didn't have a reason to.

"I guess it is a little insane," Callie shrugged her shoulders, standing up. "Where can I put my dishes Ari?" She glanced at Mom.

Again with the nickname. I watched Mom's face. She smiled a little more, and her eyes lit up. She liked it. Aw, cute.

"Just leave it in the sink, I'll get them in a minute."

"Are you sure?" Callie tilted her head.

"Yeah, it's good." Mom stood up, also heading to the kitchen.

I took my last bite and then followed both of them.

Callie put her dishes down and then looked at the clock, "Yeah, I should head out." She seemed sad to leave.

"Alright, let me grab your bag quick." Mom turned to head down the hall.

"I can grab it. In your room, Mom?" I offered, wanting to give them a minute alone. I don't know... maybe they wanted to kiss or something. You know... in private. Not in front of me.

"Oh... yeah, thank you." Mom smiled at me.

I smiled back, making sure to not rush in getting the bag, even though it was obvious it was Callie's because I knew what was Mom's and what wasn't.

When I reappeared, they were pulling away from each other. Either out of a hug or a kiss. Let's just say a hug.

"Here you go!" I handed Callie her bag.

"Thanks Olivia!" She smiled and took it. "It was good to see you again!!! I'll see you soon!"

"It was good to see you too," I said as she and Mom walked towards the door. "See ya!"

"Bye, Ari. I'll text you. Enjoy your day!" Callie and Mom hugged(maybe again, I wouldn't know).

"You too, Calliope!" Mom smiled as she held open the door, until Callie was gone. She let out a content sounding sigh, closing the door.

"So.. really, how was your night?" I asked once Mom locked the front door.

She laughed, "It was good, Olive. Why have you asked that twice now?"

"Paper thin walls, Mom. Paper thin."