Falling Slowly: Snapshots- Cancelations
AN: I had someone ask about the previous chapter's contents such as the miscarriage mentioned, the wedding and such. Falling Slowly is a completed story under my username that you can check out. This story is a compilation of one shots/peeks into their life that wasn't seen during the original story. Some chapters will also be set in the future. I also will take prompts if there's something specific readers would like to see this family experience.
Thanks for reading!
Olivia glanced behind her as she stood at the kitchen counter rinsing off grapes that she planned to divide between her youngest for lunch. Camryn looked almost miserable with her head resting on the table. The rest of her brood was still in bed, everyone being doped up the previous night on 'just in case' homeopathic meds to ward off possible germs. Camryn had been kept as far away from her siblings as possible but Olivia still had an inkling that things would go downhill.
Olivia was brought out of her thoughts by her over the top husband strolling into the kitchen with a bright smile and sweat dripping down his face. He released Scooter from his leash and the dog immediately went to his water bowl and drank hurriedly. He loved his morning runs with Fitz, and was grateful for the near-daily exercise.
"Morning Livvie."
He greeted her shortly, taking a Gatorade from the fridge and chugging it down in a matter of seconds.
"Don't morning me, we need to rethink tomorrow. We can't go."
"What are you talking about? We are out of here the second we wake up. I told mom and dad to be here by six and no later."
"We aren't going to be able to go, Fitz. Everyone's going to catch what she has, I can feel it."
It made Fitz laugh at how much she favored Madison right now. Their daughter had her mother's pout down and Olivia pulled it off just as good, if not better than she did.
Fitz wanted to bring her into his arms but knew she would protest to his sweat-clad body. Instead, he took his hands in hers, hoping she wouldn't pull away from him.
"Livvie, they are fine. We gave them meds last night just in case and Mom will have Cam fever free in no time. I promise you don't have to keep worrying."
She sighed before grabbing one of the hand towels from the counter and draping it across his chest, then laid her head atop of it. Fitz laughed before dropping a kiss on her head and holding her against him.
Olivia stayed put for a few seconds before she made it clear that he needed a shower. She turned back to the bunch of clean grapes and began slicing them long-ways before she divided the cold fruit onto Camryn and FJ's plates. Once she was done grabbing a handful for Madison's plate, Olivia cut a large slice of homemade zucchini bread and split it between all the plates, giving the larger ones to Madison.
"Mama"
Olivia turned at the sound of her little girls sad voice, and moved to grab her cup of orange juice that was mixed with a little bit of ginger ale, and her breakfast plate.
"Hey Sweet Pea, come here."
Olivia pulled the two year old out of her seat to straddle her lap, knowing what she wanted most in the world right now was to cuddle and feel better. Olivia pressed her cheek to Camryn's forehead, concluding that her fever hadn't gone down at all.
"Mama wants you to take a few sips and a few bites of food ok?"
Camryn immediately turned her head in the opposite direction and burrowed closer into Olivia's chest, wanting nothing to do with eating.
"Sweet Pea, I know you don't wanna eat anything but I need something in your belly. Then I have a special juice for you to drink, okay?"
Camryn turned her head at the mention of juice and looked up at Olivia, letting her mother know she was willing to consider the offer.
Olivia held up a piece of the dark brown bread to her daughter's lips, praying she would open her mouth. Between the four bites she took, Olivia spent about ten to fifteen seconds convincing her to actually open her mouth to eat the pieces.
"Mama…"
"Yea baby girl?" Olivia spoke quietly, watching her take in long pulls of her juice through a straw.
"Wan' Daddy."
Olivia kissed her forehead wondering when she would finally make her request verbal. Camryn was on the verge of falling asleep and anytime she didn't feel well, it was her Daddy that she wanted to cuddle with. His relaxing demeanor, and cool body temperature, combined with a baritone lullaby he always sang would lull her right to sleep. Olivia couldn't blame her for wanting her daddy, his presence alone was medicinal for them all.
Olivia was just about to get up and carry her little one into the master bedroom when she heard the dragging of her eldest daughter's feet approaching. Before she could turn around, she grimaced at be sound that escaped her before she could tell them good morning.
Coughing.
Dammit.
"Mom, she got me sick."
Madison walked towards the counter and grabbed the biggest cup and the plate with the least food on it before moving over to the table and joining the other Grant females.
Olivia sent her an apologetic smile before she reached over to feel her forehead and back with her hand.
"Go grab the medicine for me off the counter, baby."
Madison obeyed and waited patiently for her mother to pour out a dose of the cold medicine, before drinking the nasty syrup. She took a large pull from her cup before sitting back down. Madison laid her head down sideways on the table while she ate, staring pitifully at Olivia, willing herself not to cry.
Olivia reached a hand towards Madison and caressed her cheek, knowing how much her daughter hated being sick. If Madison cried, Olivia knew she didn't feel well and she hated the feeling of being so helpless. She was nine, a month shy of her tenth birthday and still the bravest girl Olivia knew.
"You're gonna be okay, Toots."
"Are you and Dad still gonna go on your trip?"
The tears in her eyes, and trembling bottom lip would've had Fitz on his knees promising to never think of leaving and Olivia was glad he wasn't there to answer. His answer would be a drawn out explanation of why he'd never leave her again if she didn't want him to, whereas Olivia kept it simple.
"No baby, we're both gonna stay right here with you guys."
Madison moved her chair closer when Olivia began the all-too-familiar pattern of running her fingers across her shoulders. Madison loved her shoulders being rubbed, Camryn preferred her back and FJ preferred….
Olivia's train of thought vanished when the loud sobs of her five year old rang throughout their home. Her five year old that absolutely loathed being sick. He was as bad as his father was when he was sick and it made Olivia honestly believe it was a male species thing. Neither of her boys could handle being sick at all.
It only took Elijah a few seconds to realize no one would come into the hallway to rescue him, so he ran towards his sisters room to find comfort. Olivia heard his sobs pause for a second, visualizing him scan the room only to find it sans sympathizers. The wails began again as his heavy feet pounded against the hardwood floor and when he spotted his mother, he collapsed to the floor, suddenly unable to walk anymore.
"FJ, come here buddy."
He reached a hand towards her pathetically before dropping it back into his lap and tearfully sobbing her name.
"Mommy, hold me."
"Bud, I want to hold you, but you have to come to me. I can't get up and pick you up, you have to come to Mommy." Olivia spoke patiently knowing his self control was completely out the window and he was really doing his best.
"Noooo" he cried back, wiping his nose against his sleeve before a coughing fit interrupted his tantrum.
"Breathe baby, breathe." Olivia encouraged her little boy. Her girls, or at least Camryn may have exclusively desired their father, but FJ wanted nothing but his mother. Fitz always said he regressed to an infant when he was sick and in Olivia's arms. He'd snuggle deeply into her chest, refusing to be away from her for even a second. Fitz liked to joke that his son would probably nurse if he was ever given the option.
Feeling a headache coming on, Olivia placed a hand over Camryn's ear that wasn't against her chest, and called out for her husband. She needed reinforcements.
"FIITZZ!"
"I'm not dressed yet."
"Then hurry up and get dressed." Olivia turned her attention to Madison, happy that she no longer had tears in her eyes. "Mads can you get my phone from the couch, and bring me your brother please?"
Olivia's big helper nodded before she retrieved the phone and gave it to her mother, then started for the hallway to her little brother. He was still throwing a tantrum.
"Elijah Fitzgerald, let your sister carry you to me. Do not kick her, do you hear me?"
Olivia could hear his limbs fall to the floor and felt bad for the way he was still so loud in Madison's ear as she walked slowly towards her with him. He also wasn't light. Sure, he had shed the majority of his baby fat, but he still had the healthiest Grant-like appetite, barely trailing behind Madison weight wise.
Olivia moved Camryn to only one leg in order to make room for Elijah. She hoped Fitz would appear pretty quickly to take their youngest because he didn't like to share her and would not hold back about his feelings on sharing Olivia's lap.
"Just you, Mommy."
He whined clinging to her neck, not wanting his little sister near him. Before Olivia could redirect his selfish behavior, Fitz came jogging into the dining room and promptly bent down near the three of them.
He kissed Madison's forehead first, smoothing her hair back and telling her that he was sorry she wasn't feeling well. He told her to eat one last bite then to go pick out a movie for them to all watch in the master bedroom.
"Cammy-Girl? Come here, baby."
The partially sleeping two year old turned at the sound of her daddy's voice and instantly reached her arms out for him, sighing contently when she was in his arms. Fitz stood upright and sent a pouting frown to Olivia.
"Did he have any yet?" Fitz asked seeing the bottle on the table.
"No can you grab it please."
"Want me to put her down and help you?"
Fitz knew his son.
"No, he's already in a bad mood and you'll make it worse cause he knows you're gonna hold him down. I've got him."
Olivia assured Fitz and sent him a small smile when he brought her the small syringe along with a dish towel.
Elijah's crying had subsided substantially now that he had his Mommy to himself. Although his breaths were coming in short, he was content exactly where he was.
Olivia leaned forward a bit and plugged the syringe into the small hole at the top of the medicine bottle before suctioning out the correct dosage for her five year old.
"FJ, I know you don't like it, but it's time to take some medicine."
Elijah ignored her but allowed her to push the syringe into the corner of his mouth and release the medicine. He immediately gagged on the syrup, unconsciously leaning over to throw the contents up on the floor as he continued to cough. There was no need for her to get frustrated because it would only make matters worse. Olivia knew how each of her children were when they were sick and she was grateful that only one of them really gave them a run for their money.
Olivia rubbed his back for a few seconds as his cries grew louder. Grabbing a hold of his chin, Olivia shushed the little boy until his sobs were reduced to silent, streaming tears and he was staring at her with those wide Grant eyes.
"Look at Mommy's eyes. Calm down baby boy, I've got you. Mommy has you. Open up for me… slow baby, relax. Where's FJ's eyes?... there they are…. Swallow…. Good job… open again, just a little more left. Yes, it doesn't taste yummy but it's almost over. Swallow….One more…. There you go baby, swallow for me. All done."
Olivia smiled at her little boy, happy that he had successfully taken the medicine without too much of a fuss. Things had surely gone a lot worse in the past, especially if Fitz was the one to give him the medicine.
"You want some food? Mommy cut up some grapes. I bet they'll feel good going down your throat."
He nodded his head before his arms wrapped around Olivia's neck, letting her know she wouldn't be putting him down anytime soon.
They sat there for just a couple of minutes while he ate some of his breakfast, his normal appetite barely showing its true colors. When he was finished Olivia transferred him into her chair and moved quickly to clear the table, all the while being watched by Elijah's eyes. Olivia was quite proud of the fact that he wasn't crying anymore and knew she could handle the sad whimpers that was coming from him as he watched her. When she was done tidying up everything, she bent down in front of him and opened her arms.
"Come here, bud."
She scooped him up in her arms and held him there for a second before quickly dialing Catherine's house phone.
"Hey Mom.."
"Hi honey, are you guys fully packed up? We are. I've double checked Jerry's bag just as I'm sure you've checked my son's."
"Yea… we are completely ready, but I'm afraid we have to cancel Mom…"
Catherine was quick to interrupt.
"Olivia, no. You guys need to have this anniversary trip. The kids will be fine and Cam's cough will be gone by the time you guys call for bedtime tomorrow. You can trusts us with them while she's sick, I promise."
"Mom you know we trust you, it's not about that. It's not just Cam that's coughing, Mads and FJ are both coughing and I'm sure running fevers. Cam isn't getting any better and knowing how FJ and Cam are when they're sick, we don't want to be away from all three of them when they're like this. Plus it's not fair to you guys."
Catherine sighed on the other end of the line, completely understanding.
"I'm sorry sweetie. I hate that they're all not feeling well. But we understand, as long as you're sure. We would be more than happy to still come over and nurse them all back to health while you're away."
"I appreciate that Mom, but we'd just be worried out of our minds and it wouldn't be much of a vacation at all. I'm gonna let you go but we'll give you guys a call tomorrow. Tell Dad, I said I'm sorry he didn't get his grandpa time."
"I will dear. We will stop by tomorrow and see how things are going. Love you honey."
"Love you too, Mom."
Olivia slipped her phone into the waistband of her pajama shorts and hoisted Elijah higher against her chest.
"Alright, let's go lay down with Daddy and your sisters."
Elijah cuddled tightly against her chest as she walked down the hall. When they got into the bedroom, Fitz was leaned against the headboard and propped up by a pillow typing away on his iPhone. Camryn was cuddled in a ball on his lap, while Madison laid in the crook of his left arm, facing the tv.
Olivia attempted to drop Elijah onto her side of the bed so she could go to the restroom, but the little boy refused to let go of her neck.
"Let go buddy. Mommy needs to use the bathroom, wait here with Daddy, Okay?" Olivia patted his bottom a few times before rubbing his back and forcing him on the bed.
From the corner of her eye, Olivia could see Fitz reach out to grab a hold of one of Elijah's arms and pull him onto his partially free thigh. He squirmed and whined a bit, until Fitz gently patted his thigh a few times, lightly scolding him.
"Hey, let her go potty then you can have her back."
Elijah pouted but accepted his father's words. He pulled Fitz's long arm around him, burrowed his feet between his thighs before focusing on the tv.
Olivia ran her hands under the water at the sink before splashing a bit of it on her face. She didn't want to get her hair wet, but knew after the next few hours with her children, she'd be washing her hair anyway. It took everything in her to not cry about the turn of events.
She wanted this vacation. She needed this vacation; they both did. Their marriage was strong and both Olivia and Fitz were intentional about trying to make time for themselves as a couple and not just parents. Trying was the operative word. They made sure they had a date night at least twice a month, had one on one time with each child, and time together as a family. It was time away as husband and wife that they were needing, craving.
Her eyes welled up before she could stop herself and it was as if her husband knew that she was taking longer than usual for this specific reason. Fitz knocked once before slightly opening the door and closing it as soon as he was inside. Olivia used the side of her thumbs to brush the tears away before they could fall onto her cheeks. It was useless because the second Fitz' arms were around her, the tears fell freely.
"Livvie they're fine, they'll be back to normal in no time at all."
She nodded her head against his chest and leaned back so she could see his eyes.
"I know that. I just really was looking forward to this time with you. I needed it, Fitz."
"I know you did baby, so did I."
"We haven't gone away for our anniversary since FJ was two and we said.."
"We said every three years we'd go away to celebrate. I know. I'm sorry our plans were ruined."
"Hey, it's not like it's anyone's fault and your mom was very clear that they'd take care of the kids, sick and all but there's no way it'd work."
Fitz nodded his head, agreeing completely with his wife.
"True, that son of yours is a monster without you when he's sick."
Olivia side-eyed him but couldn't help but laugh, completely agreeing with him.
"He's no better than your daughter." Olivia wrapped her arms around his waist, her mood being lifted at the thought of their particular children. "At least we've got one normal one. Damn Grant genes."
Fitz smiled at her statement. His arms tightened around her and he leaned in to kiss her lips softly, biting her bottom lip softly before releasing it.
"I changed our reservations and flights. Two weeks from now we are going on our vacation. Memorial Day weekend will be ours to celebrate together."
"Mmmmm that sounds perfect already. I love having this to look forward to."
"So do I."
He pecked her lips a single time before her led them both out of the bathroom. They stopped short at the display they walked in on, holding onto each other's waist tighter. Their youngest children were each cuddled on either side of Madison as they all focused on the movie playing. She held both of their hands and Olivia and Fitz could see her thumb moving soothingly over each of their hands.
"Damn Grant genes." Olivia whispered bumping her hip against Fitz's, referring to Madison.
"Best genes ever."
Dinner time came around slowly followed by the children's last dose of medicine. All three children refused to eat anything but fruit for lunch but Olivia had managed half of a grilled cheese and tomato soup down each of them for supper. Neither Olivia or Fitz had argued over lunch, knowing it was more than likely soothing their throats but was serious about getting more substance in them for dinner. When checking their temperatures they sighed at the numbers that appeared. Elijah's was teetering around ninety-nine but it was his cough that had them worried. They already had plans to give him sometime in the steamy shower. Madison's temperature wasn't as high as her brothers but it was Camryn's that had them a bit worried. It hadn't gone down since the previous night when she'd first gotten sick, and hovered around one hundred point seven.
"Mads, I want you to lay in your bed and try to rest a bit okay?"
She still had a while before her technical bedtime and they doubted if she would actually be able to sleep.
"Can I play on my iPad till I fall asleep?"
"Yes you can." Fitz answered for his wife before he went into the living room and grabbed the iPad from the top of the entertainment center. Fits messed around with it for a few seconds, turning on the parental timer, making sure it would automatically turn off in one hour whether she was awake or not.
"Thanks Daddy."
She ran off into her bedroom, leaving both Camryn and Elijah whining about wanting their tablets as well.
Olivia stared at Fitz, begging him with her eyes to tackle the task that needed to be done. He already knew that she'd basically make him do it, but there was a part of him that wanted to have hope.
He groaned before moving to stand in front of Elijah's chair and hoisting him up in his arms.
"Mommy"
He whined and reached his arms out towards Olivia, but it was a lost cause.
"Daddy's gonna take you in your bathroom for a while with the shower on buddy. It's gonna help you not cough so bad, okay?"
"I want you."
Fitz had already begun walking down the hall as he squirmed in his arms, and continued reaching for his mother.
"Daddy?" Camryn spoke seeing his form retreating down the hall.
Olivia sighed, loving how they both were about to cater to a child that preferred the other parent. Olivia grabbed a hold of Camryn's hand just as the little girl threw herself out on the floor and wailed. It hadn't even been a full five seconds and she was already starting.
"Fitz! Just take her, she's going to give me a headache if she does this the whole time. Come on FJ."
Fitz happily obliged his wife and placed their son at her feet before scooping their toddler up into his arms and headed towards the master bedroom.
"Mean Mommy…" Fitz whispered to their daughter playfully.
Olivia rolled her eyes listening to the one sided conversation they were having together. He won't be so happy when Camryn freaks out from the type of bath she is about to get.
"Let's go buddy."
Olivia and Elijah went into his bathroom and started the shower on the hottest setting. She closed the curtain before moving to the linen closet and looked through a small container of oils until she found one labeled "thieves."
"Leave your pants on FJ, you're not taking a shower, we're just gonna let it get really steamy in here for you. Just take your shirt off."
Elijah's movements halted and he looked up at her confused. "Why?"
"It's gonna help your cough. I'm gonna put some of this on your chest first and it might smell a little funny but it's gonna help you breathe better." Elijah nodded obediently, just happy to be in his Mommy's arms. His daddy meant the world to him, but Mommy made nearly everything better. Especially when he was sick.
Olivia grabbed the jar of coconut oil from the cabinet and got out a decent sized scoop before pouring in a few drops of the oil and mixing it together. With half of the mixture in each hand, Olivia turned Elijah sideways before rubbing his back, chest and throat down until he was fully coated.
"It stinks."
"It kinda does but you'll be okay. Come here."
Olivia lifted him into her lap and held him still while the room filled with steam.
"Take some deep breaths ok?"
She breathed along with him for a few minutes before allowing herself to relax, and enjoy the steam herself.
Down the hall in the master bathroom, Fitz's arm was over the large tub as their two year old dangled naked, refusing to go into the water.
"Let go sweetie."
"Too cold! No Daddy. I don' wan' to."
"Camryn Hope Grant I need you to listen to Daddy. Look at me. Hey, eyes. I know it's not very warm but it's gonna make you feel better okay? I promise you."
She continued to shake her head, leaving Fitz no choice but to lower his arm until she was sitting in the cool water.
Fitz felt horrible for making her sit in the water and wished he would've been in the steamy bathroom with his son instead. He didn't like to hear his baby girl cry but it seemed like she was letting up even if her body adjusted to the temperature.
"You're fine baby, I promise." Fitz reached for the cup on the ledge and dunked it in the water before pouring it onto her shoulders and back.
Screech!
"Hey! Stop it. It's okay. You don't need to scream like that Camryn Hope."
She eyed him with angry, pursed lips and a perfect scowl oddly enough looking just like him.
Knowing that she'd stare at him like that for the duration of the bath, Fitz reached in his pocket for his phone and brought up the YouTube channel for Doc McStuffins. She was obsessed and if there was anything that would make her smile, it'd be Doc.
Camryn continued to whine as she watched every move Fitz made with his phone. She craned her neck towards him to see what he was doing and a large smile appeared on her face when she heard the theme song begin.
"In…. you up… a toy, in 'wuck…s'okay, be 'fraid, Doc … her stuuuff! Doo, doo, doo, doo, good for you! Feel' beddor'. Oh, oh, pwace to go, undor' the weh'vor.."
Fitz smiled watching her little face light up as she sang, completely forgetting about the cool water that she was sitting in. He took advantage of her attention being elsewhere and continued to pour water over her body, simultaneously diverting her attention back to his phone whenever she'd start to complain.
Both Olivia and Fitz sat in separate bathrooms in their home, finally feeling the exhaustion of the day catching up with them and praying for a smooth bedtime.
It wasn't until much later when their two youngest were asleep that Olivia and Fitz showed their eldest the attention she deserved. Elijah had been put down in his bed and Camryn was taking up Fitz's side of their king bed.
"Knock, knock." Fitz exaggerated pushing the door open and allowing Olivia to go before him.
"Hey Toots. We figured now that your horrific siblings are down, we can finally spend some time with you before bed."
Madison laughed at her mother, knowing she was being funny. Both Olivia and Fitz climbed on either side of their little girl and she instantly cuddled into Olivia's chest and faced Fitz who was in front of her. Madison basked in the attention she was receiving and wrapped her mother's arm around her waist tighter before sighing contentedly.
"Are you feeling better? Your throat still bothering you?" Fitz asked feeling to see if her tonsils felt swollen at all.
She shook her head before telling them she felt fine and opened her mouth to show them the cough drop she was sucking on.
"Good." Olivia kissed her cheek before turning her a bit so she was able to see her eyes. "I'm really sorry we've barely had time to really take care of you today sweetie."
"I'm ok. FJ and Cam need you guys more cuz they're little and I'm older. I can do a lot of stuff myself and you don't have to baby me like you do them."
"You're right but we're still sorry. We wish we could baby you too when you need it." Fitz said squeezing her nose playfully.
"It's okay. I like it this way because they're asleep early and I get you to myself and don't have to share you with anyone."
Her logic was genius but brought about the worst type of guilt. Mommy/Daddy guilt.
"Do you feel we spend enough time with you, Mads? You can be honest with us, we won't be upset."
"Sometimes you spend a little more time with them but I know it's cause their little and sometimes make you pay attention to them. I'm a big kid and growing into a young lady, I.."
"Wait a minute! Young lady? Young lady?" Fitz exclaimed, feigning anger and confusion. He grabbed her by the arms and laid back against the mattress, holding her above him. "Who said you're a young lady? You need permission from me to grow into a young lady and I don't remember giving it to you."
Madison laughed loudly, holding onto to his arms the way she's done since she was little.
"I asked Mommy!" She finally answered his question with a lie of her own and looked towards Olivia who was shocked.
"I did no such thing. Maybe we should tickle her until she tells us she's our baby again."
"I think I like the sound of that."
Fitz brought Madison down between them knowing he'd probably end up kicked in the nuts if he didn't. They both attacked the little girl with gentle fingers against her neck, underarms and belly until they knew she'd reached her wits end. She breathed heavily calming herself down before she climbed onto Fitz's chest and sat down on his stomach.
"I guess I'll be your baby still."
"Awww that's all we wanted to hear."
Olivia laughed at her husband's pouty voice and reached over to pull Madison into her arms.
"You are going to always be our baby girl, Toots. No matter how big or how old you get."
She kissed her forehead and hugged her into her chest.
"Do you wanna read to us a bit before bed?" Fitz asked, wondering if she were up for their nightly routine.
"Yea! I wanna read my new book from the library."
She disappeared from the room and came back seconds later carrying her backpack. It didn't take long for her to retrieve the book and climb back into the bed between her parents.
"No questions until the end of the book this time, Daddy." She reminded Fitz, looking at him with serious eyes. They were her mother's no nonsense eyes.
"Yes ma'am."
Madison snickered and opened her book to page one, reading each word carefully to her parents and loving having their undivided attention.
The next morning Olivia was the first to wake up and made herself a cup of tea before letting Scooter out and feeding him. The dog had basically disappeared the previous day in the chaotic home and he clearly wanted no part of it. Olivia enjoyed the stillness in her home. She did her best being grateful that none of her children had gotten worse during the night and slept peacefully, instead of focusing on the fact that she should be boarding a plane with her husband at this very moment. In the grand scheme of things, that didn't matter. She'd snuck into both rooms and checked their temperature, pleased that they were all back to normal.
Olivia sipped at her tea, prepared to indulge in on of her dvr'd shows she never had time to watch, and made her way to the couch just as she heard one of the three bedroom doors opening. She held her breath. Olivia knew with a good back rub, she could probably coax any of her kids back to sleep.
She waited a beat, expecting either the shuffling feet of her son or daughter, or the pitter pattering of her youngest to start down the hall but heard neither. Instead she heard much large steps coming towards her, accompanied with loud coughing.
What the?
She turned and eyed Fitz who was walking towards her rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with one hand and using the other to cover his mouth as he continued to cough.
"Livvie…. where's our cough syrup?"
Shit. It never ends.