Lena was able to purchase tickets for the next afternoon which was Thursday. They would have to be at the airport right after lunch. Lena just took off half a day on Thursday and the whole day Friday. So, right after they finished purchasing tickets she began to pack.
"Callie do you need anything washed so Mama can pack it for the trip?" Stef asked watching her daughter badly ironing the dress from under her bed.
"No, and I am packing my own stuff because I am ten now. I can take care of myself." Callie stated still having some mixed feelings over this trip in general.
Lena overheard from her bedroom. "Just bring me the clothes you want packed then. We are going to be putting all of our clothes in one bag to make it easier."
"I am ten, Mama. I am not a baby like Jude and I don't want to share a bag with you guys. I will just pack all of my clothes in the backpack I am taking on the plane." Callie said with serious attitude. She put the iron down on the dress making Stef wince.
"Watch your tone." Stef said taking over the ironing. "I will do this, so you can go pack."
"If you are going to pack your own things, make sure you pack three changes of clothing, pajamas, underwear, socks, swimsuit, toothbrush and anything special you need for your hair. I have two changes of dress clothes for you for the two occasions you will need it. You also need to bring any entertainment you want for the plane including your iPod and of course your homework."
"I am ten, Mama. I don't need your help." Callie insisted again as she left the room.
"It is amazing how magical that tenth year can be." Stef said with a smirk.
"I am afraid I am going to regret you not going with us on this trip." Lena admitted.
"Nonsense. We just need to keep in mind that Callie is unsure of herself and her past. My impulse would be to punish her, but you can talk her through her emotions. That's something you always do perfectly with our kids."
XXX
"Will you still be here after school, Mama?" Brandon asked Thursday morning. "I need you to take me to a store to get a present for Aiden's birthday party. It's on Saturday."
"We are leaving after lunch, so no. Mom can take you to get the present and she will take you to the party."
"That isn't the same. You always take me… Why can't I go to Chicago, too?"
"You would miss the birthday party if you went, for one thing. For another, this funeral is for Callie and Jude's birth mother. You don't know her."
"Neither do they." Brandon pointed out.
"True, but these other people are their birth family. Just like you have your dad's whole family that they don't have, they have these people. We have not really met them yet, but we will. Who knows, they might wind up being friends for the rest of our lives."
Jesus came running down the stairs. "I want to go to Chicago! Funerals are so cool!" He announced sitting down on his stool.
"Not really, Jesus. You have dress up and sit very still without taking for a long period of time. I really don't think you would like it…."
"The zombies, though, Mama. Get to the part that you get to battle zombies!" Jesus insisted.
This also made Brandon pay closer attention. "There are no zombies at funerals. I am not sure where you are getting this information, but it is simply not true. In this case we probably won't even get to see the body."
"What? There is a dead body there? Really? Callie gets to have all the fun. Zombies and dead bodies. When can I go to a funeral?" Jesus said not really noting that Lena said there were no zombies.
"Hopefully never. Going to a funeral means someone you loved has died. When they die you never get to see them again. There are no zombies and people attending are very sad. It really isn't a good experience."
"Oh. Does Callie know there aren't zombies?"
"I think so, but I will make sure I ask her to make sure…"
Callie came down the stairs a few minutes later. "Good morning, Mama. I think I want to take my long sleeved shirt with the star on the front and my favorite jeans."
"Did you pack them?" Lena asked.
"No, they are dirty. I thought you would take care of it."
"I am packing your dress clothes, then I am packing for Jude and me. You told me that you are ten and don't need my help on these things. So, you are packing anything other than dress clothes that you are intending to wear or take. That includes three changes of clothes, a swimsuit, pajamas, socks, underwear, a toothbrush, and anything you need for your hair as well as your iPod and homework." Lena explained to Callie again much like she had the night before. "Did you give the dirty clothes to Mom to wash last night?"
"No, they are on my floor. I thought she would get them from there."
"Go back upstairs. Mom can put them in the washer right now. I can run by the house at some point before lunch to dry them." Callie started to head back upstairs. "And Callie, don't tell anyone else about zombies at funerals. We both know that isn't true."
XXXX
It was hectic, but Stef had them at the airport on time. Neither one of the kids had flown since getting Jude therefore the entire process was like a whole new world to them. Lena wished Stef was a long to help only a few minutes after they got through security. Even with just two kids she was being pulled in opposite directions. Lena and both kids were disgruntled before even getting on the plane.
On the first flight, Callie's seat wound up being across the aisle from Lena and Jude. Lena tried to see if the person by the window would trade, but he said no. Callie was okay with it, but Lena really wasn't. She was particularly annoyed with the flight attendant came around to ask what sort of drink everyone wanted. Lena was quick to order water for herself and Jude. Callie, however, got herself Coke.
"Callie, I told you to order water." Lena said after the flight attendant went on.
"Yes, I know, but she had other things on the cart. I thought Coke looked better so I ask for it. She gave it to me and it tastes good."
"I want some, Buggy. May I have a sip?" Jude asked unbuckling his seatbelt and trying to get past his mother.
"No, Jude. Sit back down, please. I got water for you and that's what you are going to have. Maybe you can have apple juice on our next flight."
"I don't want juice, I want soda like Callie has." Jude said in almost a whiney tone.
"You know what, Little Man, Mama brought your games. How about if we pull those out right now and you play a little?"
Jude's mood instantly went back closer to normal when he started playing. Lena was afraid this could be a long rest of the day.
"Did you bring my iPod? I would like to listen to some music." Callie fairly demanded seeing Jude happily playing his game.
"Hmmm… I believe a certain ten year old was going to pack her own things. So, my question is did you bring your iPod?"
"No… but that's not fair." Callie said crossing her arms. "You didn't even remind me."
Lena sighed. "I actually did notice that it was on the counter when we were leaving and I did grab it. However, I do not like you attitude at all. Until it is straightened out, the iPod is mine." Lena held up the iPod and stuck it back in her purse to prove her point.
"Fine. I don't need it anyway. I am just going to look at this magazine in the back of my seat instead." Callie said picking up the Sky Mall.
"That's fine or you could do your homework." Callie gave her a funny look. "Unless you forgot that also… I expect an apology and a major attitude change by the time we land. I would hate for someone to be grounded for the entire trip to Chicago. I mean, Jude has a swimsuit packed and I had lots of fun things planned for the days, but I can always change those plans."
Callie looked over across the aisle. "I didn't bring a swimsuit anyway. I didn't even know I needed one. So, I guess I don't care. You and Jude can go do whatever and I will stay with my grandmother."
"Callie, I packed your swimsuit in my bag. For that matter, I also grabbed your homework. We should probably meet your birth grandmother before we make plans with her. We have a hotel to go to tonight because we weren't even invited to stay with her. Not to mention I promised I would not leave you there alone." Lena informed her daughter. "Did you pack anything in your bag?"
"Yes. I packed the bear that my mother gave me when I was a baby. I also brought the clothes Stef washed for me this morning and some pajamas. I think that is enough, isn't it?"
"You mean Mom, Callie. It was very nice of her to wash them this morning when we both told you last night to get anything to her that needed to be washed." Lena made no comment on the bear even though she actually bought it for Callie. She reasoned it was okay that she thought it was from Colleen instead.
"It was nice of Stef." Callie said repeating Stef's name to make sure Lena got it.
"We aren't going to do this the whole weekend. Actually, if you cannot find a way to get yourself in a better mood by the time we land, I am going to buy tickets at this airport to just fly home. If the stress of the funeral and things bothers you this much we are better off at home."
Callie eyed Lena for a moment and saw she was serious. "Did you also pack my toothbrush and my hairbrush, Mama?" She asked quietly after several minutes of silence in a much better tone.
"Yes, I did, Baby. That's what Mamas do. Even ones of big ten year olds who can take care of everything. I also packed at least one change of clothes, underwear, and socks. I figured that you might not have really considered everything."
"Thanks. When we get there can we move all of my clothes into my bag so that I can still have my own and not have to share with you?"
"Of course we can. That is if we are making the rest of this trip. What I want you to do right now is think about it. I will give you your iPod. When we land if you want to go on, I need for you to apologize and work on your attitude. If you don't want to go on, just tell me and we will go home." Lena handed her daughter the iPod across the aisle. Callie fell asleep within a few minutes and Lena realized that she probably slept very little the night before which accounted for much of her moodiness.
Callie did apologize when they got off the plane. Her nap had helped significantly as well as the knowledge Lena really was going to take care of her. Before the second flight, Lena went to the counter to make sure all three of them would be together. When they boarded, she put Callie by the window and Jude by the aisle so that she could sit in between them.
"Mama, I get juice this time, right?" Jude asked.
"Yes, you may get apple juice or water. I have a snack for you in my purse if you are hungry."
"I am hungry." Jude said. Lena got a bag of Goldfish crackers for him. "Thank you, Mama."
"How about you Cals? Are you hungry?"
"Not really. Am I also allowed to have juice?"
"Sure. Let me know if you need anything."
"Did you bring anything special to eat? Like something from Mom?" Callie knew that Stef was sending them with a few surprises.
"Oh, so she is Mom again… As a matter of fact, yes. Mom sent you a special snack. I am not sure if it is fair to Jude for you to eat it now, though."
"I will share." Callie said looking hopeful.
Lena got out a bag with three Oreos in it and handed it to Callie. "There are three cookies, Mama and three of us. That's perfect." Callie handed each of them a cookie and Jude passed down a few of his crackers."
"This is perfect. You might want to work on your homework right now, babies. When we get there, we are going to take a van to our hotel. It has an indoor pool and I thought maybe we could go swimming tonight. Tomorrow we are going to go to the science museum in the morning and then we will go back to the hotel to change clothes. We are going to the family gathering and that's when you will get to meet your birth grandmother. Then we will go eat somewhere special. Saturday morning we will get dressed up again and go to the funeral, graveside, and a family lunch. That afternoon, depends on how the morning goes. We may go swimming again or we may do something else. Mom bought us a surprise for Saturday evening that I think you will really like. On Sunday we will have breakfast and then go to the airport to go home. It is going to be a busy weekend, but I think it will be very fun."
"Mariana and Jesus have never been to Chicago. Do you think we could find them something and bring it back to them?" Callie asked.
"I think we could do that. Maybe a little something for Brandon and Mom, too."
XXX
Lena helped the two kids off the plane and they went to wait in baggage claim. It was the goal to not have to check anything, but there was no way to get all of the dress clothes into a carry-on sized bag. "Is this where Gram and Gramps live, Mama?"
"No, Jude. We are in Chicago, Illinois. Gram and Gramps live in Boston, Massachusetts. Grandma lives in Miami, Florida. This is where Callie and I lived before we moved to California."
"Oh, then you moved to California and met Mom and got me and lived happily ever after." Jude said skipping and hopping a little. He was all about fairy tales.
"Yep. That's exactly what happened. Mom and I had not been together very long when you came along. We got married a few months later because we knew it was for forever. We will live happily ever after with all of our babies."
"Will my grandmother meet us here, Mama? Did you tell her when we were coming so she would know?" Jude asked still sort of skipping in his excitement.
"I did tell her, but she didn't say she was going to meet us here. Remember we are taking a van to the hotel? I think we will see your birth grandmother tomorrow for the first time. She is probably very busy right now with making arrangements. Funerals can be hard to plan and they are always planned quickly."
"Oh. Do you think she will like me?" Callie asked quietly slipping her hand back into Lena's.
"Of course she will. It may not be like your other grandmothers, though. Remember that they have known you a long time. This lady only knew you as a baby. She hasn't even seen a recent picture of you." Lena hoped the lady was someone who they could stay in connection with, but also knew it was a complicated situation.
"Look it, Mama! I see our bag! I want to get it! Please, Mama!" Jude said at the conveyor belt.
"Sure. It might be kind of heavy. Callie may need to help you with it a little."
"No, I can do it." Jude grabbed the bag. It took his whole body to drag it off and it was obvious he was not going to be able to carry if very far without dragging it on the ground.
"Wow! You are very strong, Jude! Now, though, I think I will carry it from here. I will just put this strap on my shoulder and then I can get your hand."
Jude readily agreed as he also knew it was a little hard for him. "How do we find our van?"
"Well, we step outside and we find the place to stand with our hotel name. We are staying at a Holiday Inn. Can you look for those words? Holiday starts with an H and Inn is spelled I-N-N."
Jude searched as they walked out. "There is it. H and the I-N-N!" He yelled pointing at a sign for the Hilton.
"Very close, but not quite. Keep looking."
Jude spotted several other signs before finally finding the right one. "Hey! Day was one of my spelling words last week, remember? Holiday ends in day just like it sounds!"
"That's right! Way to remember." Lena praised him. Callie also looked at Jude with pride.
They loaded onto the hotel's shuttle and rode it to their hotel. Lena got them checked in and they headed up to their room. "Well, we have two queen size beds. Who is going to sleep where?"
"I want to sleep with you, Mama." Jude said. "Mommy isn't here and I always stay with you when she is gone."
"You are right and more than welcome to join me. What about you, Cals?"
"I will sleep on the other bed." She said quickly. Callie really wanted to also sleep with her mama, but also wanted to maintain at least the appearance of being nearly grown.
"Your choice. If you change your mind we will be here." Lena said setting her bag down on the bed closest to the door.
"Oh, I won't…" Callie said putting her bag on the other bed.
"So, how about we all get changed and go on to the pool?" Lena suggested.
"Can we call Mommy first?" Jude asked. Lena picked up the phone.
XXXX
"I need a gift for Aiden's party, Mom. We have to go to a store now." Brandon said from the front seat.
"No, Mom said we could get ice-cream. That's where we are going first." Jesus said.
"I thought we could look at paint. You said we would paint my room while Callie was gone!"
"We will do all of those things." Stef said trying to make it stop. "The place to buy paint is on the way home. Let's get the ice cream, the present, and then the paint in that order."
"Mama would by the present first." Brandon griped.
"Mama wouldn't take us to get ice cream at all, idiot." Jesus snarled back.
"Don't call your brother an idiot, Jesus. This mom may not take you for ice cream, either."
"Then can we go straight to the place with the paint, Mommy?"
"No." The other three answered at once.
"I was just saying…"
The kids ate their ice cream and Brandon was able to pick out his gift for his friend. Mariana found a color of paint that she thought Callie would also find acceptable.
Stef's phone started to ring on the way back and she handed it to Brandon to answer. "Hello, Mama!" He said excitedly.
He quickly turned it on speaker phone for everyone else. "We made it to Chicago and we are in our room!"
"Well, we finished up some errands and we are on our way home."
"Did you guys get ice cream with Mom?" Lena asked and she was answered by a chorus of yeses.
"We are getting ready to go swimming." Jude said feeling a little bad about the ice cream.
"Well, that sounds fun. We are going to go home and do some homework. Then I am going to be serving leftovers for dinner. So, we got ice cream, but we aren't doing anything else super fun tonight." Stef said causing the kids in the car with her to groan until Stef winked. Then they smiled and winked back knowing they were getting in on one of their mom's secrets.
"Well, we love all of you and we will be happy to see you on Sunday. Call anytime."
"We love you, too."
