Back in February, when I started writing this chapter, I had a moment of pure confusion because 2019 is the third year this story would have been up and for some reason, I thought I forgot to do a chapter for two years. So, I had a moment of self-reflection. And, for some reason, instead of checking if I did a two-year chapter, I had an internal breakdown. Then, it came to me that I did do a two-year chapter and it was actually one of my favourite ideas.
So, with that in mind, HAPPY THIRD BIRTHDAY TO THIS STORY!
Photo #112: Three Years
Eadlyn looks at the photo on the wall and smiles nostalgically. She could say that her parents are so young that they look like babies, but that'd be an exaggeration because Eadlyn and Ahren are in the photos as actual babies. That hint gives Eadlyn a time stamp as to how long ago this photo was taken: if her parents look so young and she and her twin were little babies, this had to have been early into her parents' marriage.
Eadlyn knows that her parents were young when their whole lives changed drastically. Her parents became the King and Queen of Illéa at the wedding. They were just starting to rule the country and then a year or two into their marriage, her mother got pregnant with her and Ahren. Eadlyn considers that timeline a little early for her own preference or maybe it could be perfect timing depending on how they view the situation.
Studies contradict on how they view the effect of kids on a married couple: some say that kids put a damper on marriage because the spouses focus on the kids instead of each other; or the kids unite the couple more than ever because they have a common factor.
The longer Eadlyn looks at this photo, the easier she can conclude that she and her brothers make their marriage better.
-o-
It's been a long day.
All the folktales and their friends that have experienced this have told them the same things: babies are a lot of work.
Maxon and America have been overwhelmed by the royal duties bestowed upon them and then, they had twins. Those two are the dictionary definition for energy consuming. They just seem to drain the life out of you but you can't help but love doing it.
It was strenuous work, but (in reference to the babies more than Illéa) it was worth it, right? Right? That was something Maxon and America liked to tell themselves in order to avoid a parental existential crisis.
Maxon and America are at that point where they have no idea what time it is, the last time they saw one another, or when they last fell asleep. Babies just make you lose perception of both time and your spouse. Outside of their bedroom window, it's dark and they're not so sure if it's night time or just early in the morning.
But for the first time since they had the twins, it's quiet: actual peace and quiet.
There was the chance that they were hallucinating the serenity and their twins were actually screaming for attention in reality, but they just wanted (and needed) to stay in their bliss for at least five minutes.
Maxon flops right onto his bed and the moment his head hits the pillow, his eyes automatically shut and he's more than ready and willing to just pass out and fall asleep. He almost escapes into a dream world but stops when he hears a door open. Maxon forces himself to take a peek and see what it is so he begrudgingly wakes back up and checks it out. Lucky for him (in many ways), it's America coming out of their en-suite. Her hair is slightly damp and she's wearing fresh pyjamas. Even though she looks incredibly refreshed, she's still exhausted.
America exhales loudly as she lies down next to him, the floral scent of her shampoo hits his nostrils and he suddenly feels awake. Maxon turns over and sees America lying on her stomach. Her eyes are slightly closed, peeking through the strands of red hair that cover her face. A small smile forms on her lips as she looks at him.
"What is it?" Maxon asks softly, brushing those locks from her eyes so he can look into them properly.
A small laugh escapes America's mouth. "Happy anniversary."
Maxon takes a second to process that statement. He wants to believe it because it feels right, but at the same time, it feels made up. Could it be that America is hallucinating that as well? They could just be both incredibly delirious caused by the fatigue. Or it could really be their anniversary and they were just too busy to remember. Or, at this point, it could honestly be all of the above.
"Is it really?" Maxon asks just to be sure.
America shrugs. "I think it is. I remember looking at a calendar and thinking that our anniversary is soon. I just don't remember how long ago that happened."
Maxon smirks. "I can't remember anything that happened before the twins were born."
"Tell me about it." America puts a hand on his chest and he squeezes it. "We've been married for three years, Maxon, three years! The only thing we argue about is who loves the other the most and whose turn it is to change the diapers."
Maxon kisses her hand. "Three years, two kids, one kingdom. Go figure."
America's laugh sounds like a hum, indicating that she was only half-listening because she was already trying to sleep. It was probably unintentional and he can't blame her. They shouldn't waste this precious crying-free time chatting about their anniversary which may or may not actually be today. And, if anything, there was the chance that they would wake up in an hour or two (at most) and forget that this conversation ever happened. It wouldn't even be a dream; it would just be completely erased from their memories.
"We will find a way to do something tomorrow," Maxon whispers to her. "I promise."
"Is it tomorrow or today?" America questions rhetorically.
Maxon shrugs. "Same difference at this point."
America laughs. "I love you."
"I love you too."
They give each other a quick peck before falling asleep in their arms, appreciating this moment of not only sleep but being able to enjoy each other's company without a baby's screams waking them up. Being in love is more of an undeniable mood. It's being warm and excited and missing the person you love even when they're right beside you.
Okay, that chapter had a bit of a different format than the ones in the past, but I really like how this came out. I hope you did as well.
I still can't believe this story has been up for three years. Even though I haven't updated this story much at all since the second anniversary (it's only been 12 chapters), I thank all of you who still read this and stick around for each new chapter. (Even to people who just found this story, I thank you too). It's because of you all and your support, idea suggestions, and exciting reviews that make me happy whenever I get a chance to write and publish a new chapter.
I am not leaving this story until I give my final author's note. I still have a whole lot of chapters planned. Whatever the next one will be will surprise both of us.
