Chapter 6 the life of the Collins family

The Friday after school started

"Mommy, I got my first homework assignment!" Annabelle said as she came through the door. "What is it?" Hayley asked from the couch. Usually she picked up the kids from school but since she felt sick so, Jake picked them up. "I have to bring in a picture of all the members of my family." Annabelle said giving Hayley the sheet that explained the directions. "Well, you have a very big family. You have grandma and grandpa and other grandma and grandpa and Aunt Phoebe." Hayley said listing all the relatives. "I know. I need to find a picture of each family member." Annabelle said pointing to where it said that on the sheet. "Well, I'm sure we have pictures of everyone. Can you go get a photo album from the bookshelf?" Hayley said setting the paper down on the table and sitting up. Annabelle took a white album down from the shelf and walked over and sat on Hayley's lap. "Which album is this?" Annabelle asked looking at the first few pictures. "This is our wedding album." Hayley said looking at the picture of her in the white dress. "What was your wedding like?" Annabelle asked looking up at Hayley.

Flashback

It was July 23rd when the wedding took place. Hayley had on a beautiful dress that was strapless and had beading on the top part and the bottom flowed out around her. Her mom and Amy were fixing every little thing possible even though they only had 5 minutes. Her father walked in and smiled looking at his daughter who was getting married at 23. Yes, it's a bit young to get married but it just seemed like the right thing to do. Hayley was sure that Jake was the man for her. No questions asked. Her mother and Amy stepped out of the room to leave the daughter and father together. Hayley looked at her dad and smiled then the music began to play and they linked arms.

Meanwhile, Jake was in his room getting ready with his best man Teddy. "You're fine dude." Teddy said as he watched Jake fix his tie over and over again. "Dude, you don't know Hayley. Everything has to be perfect." Jake said as he took a deep breath and said, "Let's go"

First, Jake and Teddy took their positions near the alter. Then Amy came down the isle as Hayley's bridesmaid. Then Hayley came down with her dad. She looked beautiful and she had a big smile on her face as she looked at Jake who was smiling as well. As Hayley stood next to Jake, he whispered in her ear, "Ready?" "Absolutely" Hayley said giving him on last smile before turning to the minister.

End if flashback

"Mommy, that's so sweet!" Annabelle said as she listened to the story. "Thank you sweetie." Hayley said as she looked back at the pictures. They looked at pictures for a good 2 hours until Hayley said she had to make dinner so Annabelle got off Hayley's lap and walked upstairs. Hayley walked into the kitchen and began to make dinner.

Hayley was just about finished with dinner when Jake came in. "Something smells good." Jake said coming around the counter and kissing Hayley. "Just some pasta and a meat sauce with green beans." Hayley pointing each thing as she said it. "Good luck trying to make them eat green beans." Jake said. "I know that you won't eat them either but I'll try anyways." Hayley said giving Jake a nudge in the side. "Fine, I'll eat some beans but only to set a good example." Jake said taking a bean and popping it into his mouth. "Good boy." Hayley said as she laughed. "Kids, dinner" Jake yelled and you could hear the footsteps that followed. "Andrew set the table please" Hayley said as she motioned towards the table. "Do I have to?" Andrew said in a whining tone. "Yes" Jake said. "Fine." Andrew said as she went over to take the plates out. "What can I do, Mommy?" Annabelle said trying to be helpful. "Can you get the napkins out of the drawer and place them on the table?" Hayley said looking at the napkins. "Sure." Annabelle said as she skipped over to the napkins. "I'll be right back. I have to go feed the dog." Jake said as he went around into the pantry to get the dog food. "Okay" Hayley said pouring the sauce into a bowl.

They are now all sitting around the table and eating. "So, Andrew how was your first week?" Jake asked. "It was awesome. I already have a girlfriend!" Andrew said smiling. "Nice." Jake said as he high-fives his son. Hayley just rolled her eyes. "What?" Jake said noticing the eye roll. "I'm happy for my son." Jake said defending for himself. "Whatever just eat your food." Hayley said as she put a piece of pasta in her mouth.

That evening, everyone was sitting in the living room. Andrew was doing his homework not by choice but by command. Annabelle was playing with her dolls. Jake was drawing a monster in a sketch pad and Hayley was petting the dog. It was the perfect family moment.

*Not the best ending I know but I do like the beginning. I need ideas now. I just can't think of anything else. So please help me and send in your suggestions and comments. Thanks!*