Chapter 312: Murphy House

Tuesday, January 31st, Morning

This morning was no different from any other; Kelly got up before the rest of the household. She would pull on her heavy flannel shirt and headed to the kitchen. After making herself a cup of coffee, she would drink it on the back porch and watch the sunrise over the inlet.

By the time the sun was half over the trees, Andrew would've usually joined her on the porch with his own coffee. Most weekday mornings, they would watch the sunrise in silence. Once she finished her coffee, she would go inside and start breakfast.

Kelly worked from Murphy House's library, so she felt she could and should prepare her family meals. Most of what she prepared came from Murphy Land, usually bought at the tenant's farmer's market, and most of the meat was sourced from the lands as well.

This morning it's scrambled eggs, toast, and venison bacon, usually with some juice. The juice and bread weren't sourced from Murphy Land. Kelly didn't mind cooking for her family; Andrew would cook on the weekends, giving her time off. Never having a mom, Kelly based what she was expected to do as a mom based on what media she watched. She knew not to model her cooking after Peyton. Kelly personally had two burnt meals, three too salty meals, and witnessed two kitchen fires because of Peyton's inability to cook.

Andrew entered the kitchen he held three-year-old Rian. He put their youngest son in his seat and gave Rian his Sippy cup of juice.

"How are the other two coming along?" Kelly asked.

"Phelan was getting dressed when I left his room," Andrew said.

"And Liv?" Kelly asked.

Kelly smiled with a bit of a chuckle, then shook her head, "Yeah, everything has to be perfect," she said.

"So, does she get that from Bobbi?" Andrew asked.

Kelly shrugged, "I had my money on one of your sisters," she said.

"Now that's hard to believe, considering," Andrew said.

Liv was a messy child, her room was always disheveled, but she was a perfectionist when it came to her appearance. In some ways, Liv reminded Kelly of her older sister Bobbi-Lee and others like Liv's Aunt Chase.

"Well, she didn't get it from me," Kelly said and shook her head, "Where or where did I get such a posh daughter from?"

"She has all the makings of being the next Mistress of Murphy House," Andrew said with a chuckle.

"Trying to get rid of me already?" Kelly asked.

"No," Andrew said.

"It's my choice of who gets the lands and house; it's not entailed since Bobbi didn't get it. Also, how are you sure it won't be a Master of Murphy House next?" Kelly said.

"Fair point," Andrew said.

Kelly checked her watch as she finished up cooking breakfast. "Are you going to call them, or am I?" Kelly asked.

"I'll go get them," Andrew said.

Kelly smiled as she came to the table with the first of the breakfast plates. "Smart move," Kelly said, teasing Andrew.

"I knew you kept me around for something," Andrew said, kissed Kelly on the cheek.

"Yeah, you look good on my arm, but you're getting old. I might have to upgrade," Kelly said.

Andrew shook his head and headed for the stairs. Kelly smiled and put a plate down in front of Rian. The second one went in front of another place at the table. On the second trip, she brought the three other plates over. Kelly took her seat at the head of the table next to Rian.

After making sure Rian was all set, Kelly started to eat her breakfast. After a few moments, Andrew returned, herding their nine-year-old son Phelan, and seven-year-old daughter Alivia, aka Liv.

Liv took her seat, and Kelly looked her over. She, Liv, wore the simple clothes of a seven-year-old, but everything looked perfectly in place. Even her hair shined from just being brushed.

Phelan was another matter altogether. Kelly didn't know how to describe Phelan's style sense, other than no fucks given. Also, Kelly noted that Phelan's auburn hair was a messy mop again, which means time for it to get cut.

The two kids took up their food and started to eat. Kelly watched as they were enjoying their breakfast. Kelly sighed and looked at Andrew across the table.

"You know what tonight is?" Kelly asked.

Andrew nodded, "Yeah, the circus that the anniversary of your championship ends tonight," he said.

"Yeah, so, I have to be there early," Kelly said.

"Well, I should be in the office today, and barring an issue with any of the ships, I'll be able to take the kids to the game," Andrew said.

"I would like you and the kids there," Kelly said.

"I want to be there, Kell," Andrew said.

Kelly nodded and looked at her three kids. Rian was happily eating away at his eggs and venison bacon; Phelen was slowly poking at his breakfast. Liv, on the other hand, just poked at her food.

"Finish your breakfast, or you'll go to school hungry," Kelly said.

"Momma," Liv started to say.

"Don't Momma me, Liv," Kelly said.

Liv nodded and started to eat. Once they finished breakfast, Phelan cleared the table. He washed them off and put them in the dishwasher.

Kelly nodded and checked her watch. It's Andrew's day to bring Phelan and Liv to school. This usually left Rian with her, but Kelly had things to do. So, Rian is going to daycare.

Andrew stood up and looked at his older children. "Phelan, Liv, get your stuff; it's time to go to school," he said.

"Daddy, do we have to?" Phelan asked.

"Yes, let's go," Andrew said as he grabbed his coat and briefcase. He first kissed Rian on the head and walked over to Kelly and kissed her. "Have a good day; I'll see you tonight," he said.

"You too," Kelly said.

"You're doing the right thing," Andrew said.

"I hope so," Kelly said.

"You are," Andrew said and looked at the two younger kids, "Come on, the bus is leaving."

Kelly smiled as Andrew herded Phelan and Liv out of the house. Once he departed, Kelly got up and collected Rian. She brought him to his room and his toys. Kelly went to her bedroom and changed into presentable clothing.

Once she finished getting dressed, she checked on Rian. After Kelly was satisfied with his needs were met, she got him dressed and collected his stuff.

Kelly led Rian out to her SUV and loaded him into his car seat. She got behind the wheel and headed out of Murphy land.

Once out on the main road, Kelly turned on the radio and listened to the local news. After a few commercial peddling stuff for the up-and-coming Valentine's Day, the news broadcasted the story about honoring the girls' team tonight.

Kelly's first stop was to drop Rian off at daycare. Rian didn't often go to daycare, but today Kelly had many things to do and couldn't devote time to Rian. She hated putting her children in daycare, but she ultimately knew that sometimes she had to.

Once Rian was dropped off, Kelly headed into Tree Hill proper. The vehicle she's driving needed gas, and also she had an appointment on the south side.

Kelly wasn't sure how to handle something or who to talk to. She called the person to ask for advice and off the record. So, they decided to meet in an out-of-the-way place that neither of them frequented.

As she drove, Kelly sighed and drummed on the steering wheel. She didn't want to do this, but she had to. All she hoped was things would work out for the positive.