Thanks for the reviews guys...I really appreciate it. I hope you are enjoying the story. Love, Jen
Kelsi felt the frigid air hit her square in the face as she stepped through the train doors. Shaking off the temperature difference between inside the train and the Chicago winter, Kelsi started to weave her way through the throngs of people exiting the train's platform. Once free of the crowd, Kelsi started the four block walk to the two-flat where she worked. Her thoughts were wrapped up in the children and what their plans were for the day. She was completely unaware of the man following her at a respectable distance.
Ryan struggled not to lose sight of Kelsi over the sea of people. The task wasn't an easy one, Kelsi had to be the shortest person in the crowd. Ryan was sure he had lost her, and then he noticed her break away from the group to start walking west. Ryan quickly took off after her, making sure he wasn't following too closely. Inside his head Ryan was verbally berating himself. He honestly couldn't believe he had gotten off the train before his stop, to follow his ex-best friend through the streets of Chicago. I mean he had no idea where she was going or what she was planning to do. He could have unknowingly just signed himself up for a walking tour of the city. It was possible, but highly unlikely, Ryan remembered how much Kelsi hated the cold. When they were in New York together he would constantly hear her complain about how her body was not equipped for the winter weather.
Kelsi had an odd nagging feeling in the back of her mind. It was as if tiny pin pricks were occurring on the back of her neck. She didn't know why she felt this way, it didn't make any sense to her. She quickly spared a glance behind her....and her heart seemed to stop. About a half block away was a man who looked just like Ryan. He was at a distance, so she couldn't see his features, but his walk, his stature, his manner...all of it practically screamed "I am Ryan Evans!" Kelsi quickly turned back around and continued walking...at a little bit of a faster pace. She shook off the feelings of recognition. There was no way the man following at a distance was Ryan. He was still in New York. True, he was coming to Chicago, but not yet. Martha would have told her if Ryan were already in Chicago...especially considering he had been brought up in conversation just that morning. No...there was no way that was Ryan, Kelsi relayed in her mind again. It was just her overactive imagination. And in Kelsi's head it made sense, she and Martha had just been talking about him, Kelsi had been thinking about him, so of course Kelsi would subliminally think Ryan was actually in Chicago. It was just her mind playing games with her. Kelsi spent a long time convincing herself of all of these things, but that didn't make the odd feeling or the prickling sensation on the back of her neck go away.
Ryan shifted his head to the ground as fast as humanly possible. Kelsi had just turned around and looked directly at him. Ryan kept walking with his face directed on the sidewalk. There was no way he was lifting his head up, he wasn't ready to see her yet, to face her yet. Ryan didn't even know what he would say to her, "hey, sorry I freaked out on you two years ago...I made a mistake." Yeah, like that would go over well. Ryan snuck a glance up, attempting to see if Kelsi had recognized him or not. It seemed she was still walking...at a faster pace. Great, now she probably just thought he was a weird stalker guy. Ryan gave a mocking smirk as he thought of how hard Sharpay would be laughing at his predicament. Even though every smart brain cell in Ryan's body told him he should turn around, get back on the train and reach his destination; his body had a whole different option for the day. As if out of his control, his feet followed Kelsi. He wanted, no he needed to see where she was going.
Kelsi was so relieved when she spotted the house where she worked. The family she worked for lived in a three story two-flat, with their flat consisting of the top two floors. She hurried through the wrought iron fence, flew up the short flight of stairs and breathed a calming sigh once her feet touched the porch. The only word that seemed to come to her mind was "safe...she was safe." Of course that made no sense, exactly what was she supposedly safe from...a guy who resembled Ryan? Kelsi rolled her eyes and chastised herself under her breath.
"Ridiculous...that's what you are Kelsi, simply ridiculous." She wished that made her feel better, but alas, no such luck. Kelsi made one final attempt to shake off the odd commute to work before getting out her key and entering the house.
Ryan felt like an idiot. He was actually hiding behind a tree across the street from the house Kelsi was getting ready to enter. So, this is where his life had taken him; he had resorted to spying on his ex-friend in order to gain...what? What was he trying to accomplish by standing outside in the blistering cold while getting pricked in the chest and face with pine needles? Ryan had no idea what the answer to that question was. All he knew was that his body seemed to move on its own accordance. It was as if some part of him, and he didn't know what part, or how strong that said part was, had to see Kelsi. As if it were some sort of necessity. Ryan watched as Kelsi entered the house, not knowing where she was going, why she was there or who lived in the house in question. Ryan mockingly laughed to himself as he considered what he had actually gained from this very cold excursion...nothing. At least that's what Ryan told himself. Deep down, in the pits of his heart and the back of his mind Ryan knew he had gained something quite extraordinary...he had seen Kelsi again.
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A smile spread across Kelsi's whole face as she started to open the door to her place of work. With the first squeak of the door opening, a commotion had begun. Kelsi let out a delighted giggle as she prepared herself for the rambunctious greeting.
"KELSI!" Lauren yelled from somewhere on the second floor.
Lauren's yell was followed closely by the second.
"KELSI!" Matthew screamed louder...not one to be outdone by his sister.
Kelsi laughed as she heard a riot of scampering feet on the floor above her, she could tell the children's exact positioning from the noise that seemed to follow them wherever they went. Kelsi felt her heart fill to an enormous proportion as she watched Lauren fly down the stairs, her bright red hair trailing behind her. Matthew seemed to be on her heels, as he stomped down the stairs. Kelsi grounded her feet as best she could before two tiny forces hurled their bodies at the tiny girl. Kelsi let her back lean against the door for support, before sliding down to rest on the floor; her arms filled with two giggling loves.
"Hi you guys." Kelsi started, her tone changing in a way she wasn't even aware of.
Everything about Kelsi seemed to shift when she was with Lauren and Matthew. Every single bone and emotion in her body made it apparent there was no where else she would rather be. Kelsi was absolutely certain the two children filling her arms at that precise moment were two of the best things to ever happen to her.
Kelsi attempted as best she could to follow the jumble of dialogue that was going on around her.
"Hi Kels Bells! I missed you so much." Lauren said.
"You missed me? But you just saw me yesterday silly girl." Kelsi said with a smile, her bright blue eyes focused on the little girl in her lap.
Kelsi felt her attention being brought...literally...to Matthew, as he poked a miniature finger in Kelsi's stomach, attempting to gain her eye contact. Kelsi brought her joyous blue eyes to Matthew's adorable little cherub face.
"Kelsi...Kelsi...I love trucks." Matthew said with a proud grin.
Kelsi felt another laugh escape her body.
"You love trucks Matthew? Wow...I had no idea." Kelsi stated in a manner that identified she had every idea the little boy trying to scoot his sister off his young nanny's lap loved trucks.
Kelsi had been so wrapped up in the children, she hadn't noticed her boss's laughter filling the room. Kelsi smiled at Sarah Nelson. Sarah was the spitting image of her daughter, except with blond hair...and quite a bit older of course. Kelsi was quite fortunate in that Sarah was a wonderful boss. She had been widowed shortly before Kelsi had moved to Chicago. It was as if fate had been aware of how much the two women needed each other. It was readily apparent to anyone that Sarah considered Kelsi a part of the family. Seeing as Sarah didn't have any siblings, she had kind of adopted Kelsi as her little sister. Kelsi had a room at their house, not because she had to spend the night, but just in case she wanted to. Aside from being a fabulous employer and friend, Sarah was also an amazing mom. She was a pediatrician at the hospital just down the street, so she often times came home for lunch. She worked from 8:30 to 2 or 3. And she usually always came home directly after work to spend time with her kids and Kelsi. Sarah had previously been a stay-at-home mom. But with the passing of her husband, she had been forced to go back to work full time. Sarah honestly thought Kelsi's addition to their family was a last gift from her husband...a reassurance that everything was going to be alright.
"Hi Sarah." Kelsi started. "How are you?"
"Great sweetheart." Sarah said warmly. "What do you think you guys want to do today? Lauren has an institute day at school, so you guys could go on a little adventure if you want."
"An adventure? Ooooo...that sounds delightful." Lauren said, her tone seeming to say "hello, I am a fairy princess."
Kelsi considered the question for a moment, any excursion had to be inside, it was so cold.
"Well, we could go to a museum?" Kelsi supplied.
"Yeah!" Matthew yelled.
"No!" Lauren said at the same time.
"No agreement on museums huh? Well...how about the library?" Kelsi said.
"Yeah!" Matthew yelled...again.
"No!" Lauren supplied...again.
Kelsi and Sarah shared a look, before Kelsi focused on Lauren's impish grin.
"Maybe this would be quicker if I simply asked you what you would like to do today Lauren?" Kelsi asked, her attention directed on the young girl.
Lauren needed no further urging.
"I want to go to the theater!" Lauren exclaimed happily.
As if on cue, Matthew's innocent voice supplied a "Yeah!"
Kelsi spared Sarah a quick look, after receiving an approving nod, Kelsi focused on the children still nestled in her lap.
"Well, it looks like we are going to the theater." Kelsi said, followed closely with, "who's going to help me play piano?"
"ME!" Came the echoing chorus from Lauren and Matthew.
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Kelsi felt like she was holding onto the small hands of two miniature snowmen as the trio walked the necessary blocks to the train. Lauren and Matthew were bundled up to the nines, complete with snow pants and all of the likely winter necessities. They didn't look to be uncomfortable though, they seemed warm and content. Kelsi eyed Lauren's snow pants with envy, wondering if she could fit into them. Kelsi's legs felt like they were going to freeze off. She was quite relieved when they reached the train platform. And the heavens seemed to know Kelsi was riding with children, because the train showed up the minute they stepped foot on the platform. Kelsi settled the children and herself into the seats and started to unbundle the kids. (Which was kind of like a joke, considering by the time she would accomplish this task it would be time to bundle them back up again.) After the kids were comfortable, it took less than a minute for both of them to fall asleep. Lauren with her head propped against Kelsi's shoulder, and Matthew burrowed in her lap.
A sense of contentment filled Kelsi as she relished the warmth of the two bodies against her. Before Lauren and Matthew, Kelsi had been unsure about whether she wanted to have kids someday. Kelsi's own childhood had been okay...not great, but okay. She had been invisible for the most part. That was part of the reason behind her obsession with music, she had the ability to simply get lost in it. When Kelsi was behind a piano, all of her insecurities and inhibitions seemed to melt away. And it was because of her love of music that everything had changed. She had been able to compose and script a show...actually a few shows that would feature her best friends. Kelsi often times wondered if she had not had the music, if she would still be invisible. Kelsi let her gaze fall on the peaceful sleeping faces of the children she held so securely against her. They had changed so much of her outlook on life. They helped her to see the joy in little things, and to recognize the importance of love...and how easy it was to love, if you let yourself. Because of Lauren and Matthew, Kelsi knew someday, when she fell in love and met the right person, she would desire children. Kelsi had only been in love once in her life, but she truly believed she could feel that way again...someday.
Kelsi gently shook herself out of her internal revelry. She figured she should probably call the theater and warn them that she and the kids were coming. Kelsi had not forgotten about her love of music and theater during her move to Chicago. On many nights and most weekends, Kelsi's time was filled with being the rehearsal pianist for some of the best musicals in the city. In many respects, Kelsi liked working in Chicago even more than New York. For one, it was smaller, and Kelsi was a bit more comfortable in a smaller community. Second, many new shows did their test runs in Chicago. Kelsi loved being one of the first musicians to play the compositions for rehearsals. And third, and most importantly, Kelsi had made a great group of friends here. Kelsi's social circle had pretty much always consisted of just her high school friends. Even when she was at Juilliard, Kelsi tended to tag along with Ryan. She had always secretly thought most of her college friends were more his friends than hers. But here...she had her own group. And while they were different from her beloved high school affiliates, they cared about Kelsi to the same degree. With a genuine smile on her face, Kelsi carefully maneuvered her phone out of her purse, trying not to jostle the sleeping kids.
Charlie picked up on the first ring.
"Hello?" Charlie said.
Charlie was one of Kelsi's first friends in Chicago. He was basically the man behind everything at the theater where Kelsi worked. Charlie could stage manage, dance, act, sing, sew, build, run lights...he was a true jack of all trades. All of those talents aside, Kelsi's favorite thing about Charlie was that he and his girlfriend Reilly were her best friends in Chicago.
"Hey Charlie." Kelsi said, knowing she didn't need to announce herself.
"Hey Little K...what's up?" Charlie said with honest delight.
Kelsi winced at the nickname. It didn't seem to matter where she went, the "short" infused titles always followed.
"Nothing much. The kids and I are on the train heading to the theater. Is that okay?" Kelsi asked politely, even though she knew what the answer would be.
"Of course that's alright. I can't wait to see them. Does Lauren still have a little crush on me?" Charlie asked. The little red-headed girl had a special place in Charlie's heart. Lauren was basically his shadow whenever they visited the theater.
"She did as of yesterday. I hope you are ready for a mini-helper." Kelsi said, imagining Charlie's smile.
"I am always in need of help, even when it is under 4 feet tall." Charlie said, before continuing, "we are going to be starting rehearsals for a new show in two weeks, so there will be some set up going on, just make sure the kids are aware."
"Yeah, I remember. I have already started practicing the track of "Wicked"...it's going to be a great show." Kelsi said, referring to the show that was moving to the theater.
Charlie was about to respond when Kelsi heard a crash over the phone.
"Crap, I had better go see what that was. I'll see you soon." And with that parting comment, Charlie hung up the phone.
Kelsi let out a yawn, it seemed the kids sleepiness was catching. She was about to close her eyes, when she realized they were only two stops away from their destination. She gently woke Lauren and Matthew up before layering them up again for the awaiting cold outside. The kids awoke instantly and alertly...one of the many perks of being a child, instant wake up skills. They hurried up the stairs, and into the rushing cold wind. Kelsi didn't need to lead the children or tell them the way to the theater, they already knew. They had hardly walked a block before they entered the warm lobby of Kelsi's second job. Kelsi immediately started to unbutton and unzip the kids.
"We're here..." Lauren said sweetly. "Where's Charlie?"
Kelsi stifled a laugh at her comment as she worked on getting Matthew's snow pants off.
As if on cue, the man in question walked out, hand in hand with his girlfriend Reilly. Charlie and Reilly gave Troy and Gabby a run for their money as far as perfect couples. They were madly in love, and that was evident to anyone who witnessed them together. Both had black hair and brown eyes which were framed with glasses. Charlie's hair was long, hitting his shoulders in gentle waves. Reilly's hair was short, and cut in a fashionable pixie style that flattered her narrow face and small frame perfectly. Kelsi could sense the kids' excitement as the couple walked towards them. Matthew was the first to speak, Lauren was always overcome with a little shyness upon first seeing Charlie.
"Charlie...Reilly!" Matthew yelled, before barreling towards the couple. Both Charlie and Reilly caught Matthew in a big bear hug, as the knelt down to the young boy's level.
"Hey Matty man...how's my favorite boy?" Reilly asked, gently ruffling the top of Matthew's hair.
Matthew immediately got bashful, having Reilly's attention focused solely on him. He ran back to Kelsi to lean against her legs, craving the comforting contact.
"Good." Matthew said, drawing out the word, while smiling at Reilly.
Lauren chose that moment to shyly walk up to both Charlie and Reilly. She sweetly hugged both and gave them light kisses on the cheek.
"Why hello there pretty lady." Charlie said, before planting a kiss on Lauren's pert freckled nose.
"Hi Charlie, hi Reilly." The little girl said, her green eyes shining.
Charlie and Reilly both stood up.
"So, who wants to help me paint some set pieces?" Charlie asked.
Matthew and Lauren both spoke simultaneously.
"Me!" The kids chorused.
"Great, let's go." Charlie said, before giving Reilly a parting kiss, as she headed up to the catwalk. Reilly's main expertise was working the light and sound boards.
Kelsi, Lauren and Matthew followed Charlie out towards the stage. As Kelsi took in the set that was in the process of being built, confusion started to set in. The present set didn't look anything like the one used for "Wicked." Kelsi looked around, noticing what looked to resemble the inside of a house, complete with a staircase and child's bedroom. Alarm bells started to go off in Kelsi's head as she rapidly attempted to understand what was happening. Her feet froze suddenly, as she stopped walking towards the stage. As her gaze fell upon the faux staircase, she saw a familiar blond haired figure stand up and stretch from his position of painting. "No,no, no, no...it can't be." Kelsi thought. Sure her mind was playing tricks on her, but knowing it wasn't. It was one thing to hallucinate about seeing Ryan once today...but twice...not likely.
Lauren and Matthew had halted when Kelsi had stopped walking. Both of them held her hand tightly, as they looked up at her with a questioning look. Matthew didn't seem to notice anything amiss. But Lauren could tell something was not right. The smile that Kelsi always wore wasn't on her face, and her face looked to be the color of paper. Lauren gently tugged on Kelsi's hand, bringing her nanny's attention down to her level.
"What's wrong Kels Bells?" Lauren said softly. She didn't like to see Kelsi upset like this, it put an uncomfortable feeling in her tummy.
Matthew noticed that Charlie was still walking towards the stage. With the grace only a three year old has (which isn't much), he yelled to get the man's attention.
"Charlie wait! Kelsi stopped." Matthew yelled, looking quite pleased with himself.
With Matthew's shout, he not only gained Charlie's attention, but also the focus of every person in the theater....including Ryan.
Kelsi's breath caught as Ryan turned around. She felt a sudden heat rise in her body as she bore the focus of his penetrating blue eyes.
"Ryan." Kelsi whispered.
"Who's Ryan?" Lauren asked in a voice that seemed to fill up the entire theater.
Charlie was looking from Kelsi to Ryan with confusion...and then he got it. Ryan Evans was Kelsi's Ryan...oh God...this could get messy.
Ryan couldn't seem to tear his gaze away from Kelsi. What was she doing here? And why did she have two children with her? Ryan started to make his way down from the stage. There was no way around it now, they were going to have to face each other...whether they were ready or not. A ton of feelings seemed to crash into Ryan as he worked his way towards is old friend. Memories started to resurface, along with recent revelations and accompanying confusion.
Kelsi could not believe this was happening. Ryan was walking towards her...this couldn't be happening, but it was. When Kelsi had earlier recognized that she was ready to face Ryan, she hadn't meant today. She was expecting to have time and some semblance of warning to prepare herself for the reunion. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. She was supposed to be ready, and dressed in her best outfit, her hair was supposed to be done and she would at least have a little make up on.
Lauren and Matthew were both confused as to what was happening. They just wanted to help paint the set, why was everyone acting so funny? As Lauren watched the blond haired man walk towards them, she figured he had something to do with Kelsi acting so strangely.
"Who are you?" Lauren asked as Ryan reached them, getting right to the point.
Charlie stood between Kelsi and Ryan, ready for anything.
"I take it you two already know each other?" Charlie said as a question, even though it should have been a statement.
Kelsi still hadn't uttered a single word, her vocal chords were not presently able to make any sound. So she simply nodded in response to Charlie's question.
Luckily Ryan's voice was still working, despite the surprise. He answered Charlie first.
"Yes, we went to high school and college together." Ryan started, before kneeling down to answer Lauren. "My name is Ryan. And who might you be?"
Lauren looked at Ryan suspiciously. He seemed to be nice, and she liked his blue eyes, but Kelsi's reaction was making her a little nervous.
Luckily Matthew hadn't acquired any of his sister's nerves.
"That's my sister Lauren, I'm Matthew and that's our nanny Kelsi." Matthew stated, easily supplying the answers, before continuing. "Can we paint now Charlie?"
Charlie had never heard a more wonderful idea. It was obvious Kelsi and Ryan needed a little space, and he was quite anxious to get out of the tension-filled situation.
"C'mon Lauren, Matty...let's get started on stage. Kelsi will join us in a second." Charlie said with a somewhat forced smile.
Matthew didn't need to be asked twice, he quickly ran up to Charlie, easily linking his hand with the man's.
Lauren wasn't as quick to abandon Kelsi. She looked up at the nanny she loved almost as much as her own Mommy.
Kelsi felt Lauren's gaze on her and forced herself to shift her eyes from Ryan's to the young girls'. She recognized the worry in Lauren's bright green eyes and willed a smile to form on her face. She didn't ever want Lauren worried about her, it was her job to worry over Lauren not the other way around. Bending down so she was eye-level with the five year old, Kelsi enfolded Lauren in a warm embrace. Lauren immediately molded her smaller body to Kelsi's, inviting the ready affection. Pulling away slightly, Kelsi spoke to Lauren.
"It's okay Lady Bug, you can go with Charlie. I'll be fine." Kelsi said with a smile that she hoped was convincing.
Lauren leaned over and kissed Kelsi lightly on the lips before following after her brother and Charlie.
Kelsi watched her go, falling even more in love. When Lauren and Matthew were safely on the stage, Kelsi stood up and faced Ryan. It seemed she had finally found her voice in regards to him.
"Hi Ryan." Okay it wasn't much of a voice...but it was a start.
It seemed Ryan had found himself in a similar boat as he responded to Kelsi.
"Hi Kels."
The two ex-friends stood there for what must have been at least a minute simply staring at one another, taking each other in and simply trying to piece together what to say.