Chapter four
Francine rested against the wall in the spare room where the drum kit and piano were. There were two rows of trophys in the had won a lot during her childhood and into adolescent years.
Naomi played piano with her Dad while Francine taught Jacob how to play the drums.
Francine glanced over at the trophys, the afternoon was setting in and the children would be home from school soon. She had some alone time to think back but it did break her heart a tiny bit.
There were dance trophys and quite a few first place sports ones and a tall gold one for excellence in music. There were awards from her middle school rock band contest and the dancing trophy she won with George when they were seventeen in senior year.
She often polished them while Naomi played the keys on her piano. She held back tears when she took two very special ones out oif the room and pout them in her room on the shelf were Arthurs books and some ornaments were.
The trophy she won at age nine was very special to her. It was the State soccer championship trophy for most promising soccer player in the childrens under 12s games.
Then there was her dance trophy. Shed won many in dance, singing and sports but the one in dance was especially important to her because it was the first one she ever received. She was only five years old.
She wiped the piano and polished her trophys with misty eyes thinking about the days when she was free to do what she wanted.
She loved her family and her life no doubt but she often dreamed of what life would have been like if they had the children a little later.
"Lord help me" she sighed. She went into her room and folded the washing, placed Arthurs clothing in the wardrobe and placed some of her jeans and dressess alongside his clothing.
She then got on her knees in prayer and asked for the strength to keep going, that her Husband and children would be safe and that one day she would be able to use the talent she had for singing.
By the time Arthur returned home, Jake and Naomi were helping their Mother set the table. Francine had stayed home and cleaned the house. It had taken her almost all day. She then phoned Molly to ask how she was and spoke to Fern who had some exciting news she wanted to tell her and Arthur.
"Hey honey" Arthur said, wrapping his arms around Francine.
"The place looks nice, it smells like lemon zest"
"Thats because Ive been cleaning all day" she replied. "So try not to get your dirty shoes all over the clean floors"
He laughed. "Are you talking to me or the kids?" He jeered
"Both" she replied stirring up the pasta sauce.
"Smells good" Arthur said, cradling his arms around her. He ran his hands from her neck downward.
Kissing her neck he purred in her ear. "Do you know what Im doing?"
"Yes I know what you're intentions are Mr read" she giggled. "You'll just have to wait..."
He sighed and took the plates out and got some chilled water from the fridge.
"Sorry Arthur" Francine kissed him on the cheek. "I forgot to ask how your day was"
He grinned. "Fine sweetheart but uh..you don't look so good"
She shrugged "I'm fine, just tired is all"
"The kids piano and drum lessons, bible study tomorrow night" "oh and Fern and George have something to tell us when they come over tomorrow"
The kids were intrigued.
"Oh what if theyre going to space?" Jacob asked.
Naomi sighed. "Don't be so stupid" she muttered.
"Shut up" Jake yeled back.
"Hey both of you stop now" Arthur ordered. "He started it" Naomi pointed the finger at her brother.
"No she did" Jacob retorted, "she called me stupid" .
"Stop it now or you're in your room after dinner for the rest of the night got it?" Arthur scowled.
Francine sighed. "Can you two just stop talking for a second okay?"
The twins looked down sadly while Francine served her family dinner. Arthur was concerned about his wife who looked upset.
When everyone had finished they all cleared their plates while Arthur took the children upstairs for their baths and Francine loaded the dishwasher and cleaned up.
When that was done she made two cups of hot cocoa for her and Arthur.
He came downstairs and kissed his wife on the cheek.
The kids followed. "Hey Mommy what do you want for your birthday?" They asked
"Its not long to go" Naomii beamed. "February"
Francine knelt beside her and gave her a hug. "Im not sure yet sweetheart but Im sure ill find something"
Jacob grew jeakous and wanted a hug too.
"Come here" she extended her arms and held her two kids while tears streamed down her face.
Arthur sipped on his hot chocolate and became increasingly concerned.
"Hey who wants ice cream?" He said happily.
"I do I do" they replied. "Chocolate please."
Francine went to get it but Arthur intervened. "Ill do it" he said. "He grabbed two bowls and scooped out some dark chocolate ice cream."
"You know" Francine said, you're lucky to be getting ice cream after your little argument " she folded her arms
"We're sorry Mama" Jake put on those puppypuppy dog eyes.
She sighed. "Well stsy good you two" she patted them both on the head.
"Can you wait in the lounge honey?"Arthur then asked. "I need to ask you something"..
"Uh um okay" she replied and took her hot drink into the living room while the kids ate their ice cream at the kitchen table.
"Put your bowlsbowls away and rinse them when you're done" he said.
The kids nodded. They started chatting about their favourite new all in one pyjamas.
"My blue tiger ones are my favourite" Jacob said. "I like my pink starry ones" she kicked her legs back and forth.
"Come in and say goodnight to Mommy when you're done" Arthur smiled.
"Is she okay?" Naomi asked. Jacob wiped his mouth and frowned. "I dont want to see Mom upset"
Arthur assured them he would make their Mother feel better. "She'll need some cuddles afterward" he grinned.
Arthur headed into the living room and sat beside his wife on the couch.
"So?" He raised an eye briw at her. "So...?" Francine was confused.
"Nope you cant pretend with me, we've been together too long" he patted her knee.
She sighed and put her drink down before giving Arthur a large hug.
"Just hold me for awhile please" she wept.
He rubbed her back and kissed her head. "Im here, Im not going anywhere"
"Mommy Mommy" the twins ran in and snuggled up to her.
"We love you" they held her jean pants and Naomi rested her head against them.
"Daddy will look after you" Jacob smiled, hugging her arm.
Arthur wiped her tears and cyddled his wife. "I am and you have three people who love you very much"
Francine felt much happier and very loved. "I love my special luttle man and my pretty girl" she cooed. "Give me a kiss"
They both kissed her and then ran upstairs. "Can we stay up just a tiny but later?"
Francine looked up at Arthur and they nodded. "Yes you can" "we'll be up soon for prayers and a story" "If youre good" she winked.
"Yay" they beamed...
In bed that evening Francine opened up to Arthur about why she felt so glum.
They discussed her pregnancy and the excitement over having twins, even thoufh it was akot of work for both of them. Arthur studied at home while he looked after his wife, changed the babies and helped feed them with the breast pump. It made life easier for the new parents who could give breast milk in bottles to the happy grandparents.
It was a smooth 37 weeks for Francine but it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were days she was too tired to get out of bed. She wasn't allowed to vacuum due to her back and got headaches which Arthur helped her with by using cold cloths in a dark room.
"Remember when we found out we were having twins?" Arthur smiled. "Two little heart beats on that screen"
She nodded. "It was even better when we found out we were having a boy AND a girl"
Oliver was there as was Jane while Arthur held her hand. Two luttle minkeyvarks were kucking in their own little amniotic sacs.
"I guess you're prayers were answered" Oliver grinned.
Francine clenched her Husband's hand. "Yes they were" she wept happily...
God was really with you" Arthur smiled. "You were recovered within two months" "thats a record for someone with a c section recovery and two little bubs to care for"
"With my help" he proudly stated.
"Why do you think Im so toned?" She winked. "Jake and Naomi enjoyed their morning jogging in the pushchair with Mommy"
Arthur felt the curves of her body. "You're stomach is terrific, and your breasts literally bounced back." He laughed
"Aww yeah they did"
She then looked at him.
"I know you were upset that I dont want anymore children but look at it this way"
She explained how they had their boy and girl plus there'd be no more nine months of pregnancy, swollen feet, sore boobs and mood swings. Even with a good pregnancy she was tired and hungry and cried alot. Then there was the birth which may be harsher or much worse down the track. Plus she'd lose the body she'd reclaimed.
"I just cant." She wept. "I have dreams too and I just want a chance to live them."
"Hey hey" he kissed her head. "Its fine really, Id hate to see you go through that again." Arthur comforted her.
"We have our Son and Daughter our little gifts from God." He smiled, stroking her eyes, wet with tears.
"We're a family." "Two is a blessing" "Youre a blessing Franala" he whispered
She turned around and pressed her body up against Arthurs.
"You always know the right thing to say"
"Well when you got it, you got it" he winked, holding her in for a kiss
"Why'd you think all the girls check me out?" He teased.
She pressed her face against his. "Uh huh whatever you say" she sighed
"Its true, Sue Ellen's still pining for me" "I told her to get over it and move on, Francines my girl"
"Pfft you did not" she laughed.
"Did too, and Molly, oh their all looking at me with wide eyed yearnings" he sighed jokingly.
"Its a good thing I know you're joking or I'd be down there talking with those girls...but" she narrowed her eyes at him
"Id have their men staring at me" she teased. "I know George is checking out my boobs and Rattles?" "Hes like a dog on heat" "he loves the ladies."
Arthur laughed. "Haha"hmmm" "George isnt like that silly girl" he quipped. "Uh just to be sure to stay from the likes of Rattles"
Francine found it sweet that her husband was a little jealous.
"Yeah, I dont plan on visiting him" she replied with a smile
She cuddled him and reminded Arthur that she was all his.
"Ahh good" "Indeed you are" he said stroming her hair.
"We can talk about some good things for you in the morning" "Not just our dancing, other things you might want to look into doing"
"Thanks honey "she grinned. "That sounds good" "you gotta talk these things through" she yawned.
They remembered coming home last year home holding the gold cup gor first place in their annual dance club dance competition.
"That was a great night, those things make me feel special." "With you by my side." She snuggled beside him.
He kissed her gently.
"If these things make you feel special, don't think that for one second you should stop them." Arthur said, placing the large cup with the glittery number 1 on it atop their bedroom shelf.
"It doesn't matter if its only an earthly thing" he grinned. "Im pretty proud of myself" "you taught me how to dance." He added, slidid heels.
He clasped her hands. "I dont know how you managed to dance in those heels."
Francine proudly answered. "Lots of practice".
He cupped her face. "Youll always be a perfectionist and thats a good thing"
She sighed. "Yeah but its frustrating" she removed her shoes. "If I dont get it right, I just get so angry and even more determined."
He removed his clothing. "Whats so bad about that?" He asked, stroking her hair.
She bit her lip. "Nothing I guess.
He slid off her jeans and red top.
"I think Jake and Naomi were pretty happy, and our parents" he smiled.
Francine let Arthur take control and he told her to look into singing.
That lifted her spirits a bit as Arthur kissed her down her arms, neck and chest.
She giggled. "Yes true" , "you always know how to make me feel better." She cooed
"Night sweet Francine" he whispered, covering her in blankets.
"Night
He grinned and whispered in her ear, "Its my job.."
He kissed her goodnight and rolled over to sleep.
Tomorrow was a new day. Back to the daily grind but it wasn't so hard when you had your best friend and soul mate by your side. She was his helper, his wife and the Mother of his beautiful baby boy. He'd never stop loving her. She'd never stop loving him. Her Husband, soulmate and Father to Jake iand Naomi in one.
They were born to be married and commit their lives to Jesus...
Next chapter
Ferns news...
Francines chance of a dream