The Aislin Chronicles

Part XL

A/n: Okay, so… I was kind of wrong about the having a lot of time to write. I kind of forgot about the musical, and softball, and school, and floor hockey, and my wisdom teeth, and… life. Sorry. All the more reason to enjoy this extra long chapter.

10-25-03

11:46 AM

Don't you love sleeping in? I think it was the best thing ever invented. Hm. I suppose sleep wasn't really invented, was it? Discovered is probably a better term. And now I'm picturing two cavemen, and one has fallen asleep and the other one is poking him and grunting because he isn't dead but he's not moving.

So I'm home chilling with Sydney today. …We'll see how that goes. Dad's at work right now, which really sucks. I mean he just got in last night after being away from home for a week, he hasn't seen his wife in that time, and he's probably super jet lagged. Sigh, the life of an agent-man.

I think I'm going to call Jess soon because I'm totally excited about freaking her out. And the longer I wait, the more my Super Accent will fade and the effect won't be as cool. I'm hoping she's awake by now.

12:21 PM

Ooooh I love my bestest bestest friend in the whole world! She cracks me up. I called her cell phone because I wanted to make sure she answered the phone. Like if I called her house and her mom answered the phone she would tell Jess it was me and stuff, and, anyway, since none of that is relevant at all… She answered, and I started rambling as fast as I could about how Dad had cracked and that he knew about the baby. I went on for like, thirty seconds straight before I paused for her reaction, which was (completely awesome):

"Aislin, is that you?"

"Aye."

Pause. "My God. What have they done to you?"

Then I started laughing hysterically and told her what I was up to. She thinks my accent is stronger too. I think I can hear it. I couldn't tell when I was there, but now that I'm surrounded by Americans again it's becoming more obvious. Sadly, it will begin to fade away as time goes on. Oh. I better call Ian before it totally goes away, right?

Yes, I winked when I wrote that.

No, it's not weird to wink after you write something like that.

Okay, maybe it's a little bit weird.

12:27 PM

Sorry, I started daydreaming about Ian. I really should call him, but the phone is sitting on my bed, way on the other side of the room, you know, a whole three to four foot reach from my desk. Plus, Donovan looks really cute right now. He's trying to play with me. I suspect he wants me to take him for a walk.

Aw, okay buddy, I'll call Ian later and play with you right now.

4:15 PM

Am I really clumsy? Has anyone ever noticed. I mean, I don't usually find random bruises or scratches on myself and I don't often trip over things, and I don't accidentally bump my shoulder when I go through doors or turn corners like Kathleen does.

I sprained my ankle. I'm on crutches. How did this happen?

So I was going to take Donny for a walk, right? So was getting him all excited upstairs talking about a w-a-l-k, and he started jumping and stuff, and then he took off down the stairs, so of course, I chased after him. Then, somehow, I totally wiped out at the bottom of the stairs. I just remember tumbling a little and landing face up with my back on the floor in front of the door, with my legs still up on the stairs.

"Ouch…"

Well, the bang-boom-bang-bam-smack that was me falling down the stairs made Donovan start to bark even more, and then Sydney came rushing in from the kitchen to see what all the matter was. I kinda didn't want to move for a second because my body hurt a little bit, I'm not gonna lie. Ugh. Syd I mean Mom tried to help me up, but when I tried putting any weight on my right ankle it would buckle.

Then it started to hurt. Real bad.

I balanced for a few seconds on my left leg, and Mom helped me hop over to the couch. She made me lie down, and then she looked at it. It was swelling a little, so she went and got some ice for me, and then she put a pillow underneath it to elevate it.

Meanwhile the dog wouldn't leave me alone because he still wanted to go on his walk. He would not stop barking, but finally Mom lured him outside with a treat.

Mom checked my ankle after a few minutes. "Well, the swelling isn't going down. We ought to go see a doctor…" I really didn't want to go, but it did hurt a lot and I still couldn't put any weight on it. So I succumbed to the pregnant woman's demands and hobbled to the car. There she handed me her cell phone and asked that I call Dad and tell him what happened.

Well, he was probably in a meeting because I got his voice-mail. I left him a pretty interesting message.

"Hey Dad, it's me. Mom and I are going to the doctors because she's in labor. Just kidding. I fell down the stairs and now my ankle is screwed up. Mom wants you to call her back when you get this. Bye."

He's probably mad at me for the labor comment. I mean, it's way early and I probably scared him to death. Hm.

I had a really good talk with Mom about Dad while we waited for the doctor. I told her how excited he was about the baby. I asked her if he had shown her the little baby jersey he bought, but she said he hadn't yet. Then I told her that he caved about the baby's gender, and then I told her that I probably should not have told her that. She seemed amused by it, actually. I thought she might be mad. And then of course I tried to persuade her, but she wouldn't budge. One day soon, one day.

Then there was a knock on the door and the doctor came in. Blah blah blah. He tried to make me move it around, and it only wanted to move one way. I demonstrated with my other foot which ways it could move and couldn't move. I got this splint thing that I'm supposed to wear for two weeks, and I'm on crutches for a week at most. I guess it's "more than a mild sprain but less than a severe sprain." Whatever that means.

Oh, it means that I can't, like, move for a week. Right. There goes the week-of-catching-up bike rides I had planned with Jess and Kathleen.

Crap. I still have like, all of my make-up work to do. Effing school… I suppose I should go start that. Man am I going to be behind in math on Monday…

10-26-03

7:30 PM

Well, besides residing on the couch for most of the day, and besides doing homework for most of the day, and besides for having random bouts of ankle pain intermittently throughout the day, today was pretty good. I could easily get up and move around and stuff, I just choose not to. I enjoy being lazy, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Jess and Kathleen came over this afternoon. I wished they could have stayed longer, we really wanted to watch a movie, but as previously stated I had a lot of homework to do. I did get Jess to help explain some of the math to me (God damn you, slope!). That was helpful.

Oh man, I suddenly got a huge craving for cupcakes.

Um, oh! Ian called earlier. Just a little while ago, in fact. We had a nice conversation. His voice, ahhh, so good to hear. I asked him what he thought of my accent in a sexy voice. Okay, no, I didn't really ask that. But I asked him what all went down this week at school. I guess the big thing this week was that some kid in our team was dared to eat a bunch of salt packets, and he did, and then like puked a lot. That's pretty nasty, and yet not surprising at all. Middle school boys, sigh. When will they learn?

Oh! I can't believe I forgot! Mom told Dad she knew that he knew about Syd-n-Vaughn junior! I mean about her being a girl. I mean, not that Mom knows it's a girl, but she knows that Dad knows, and Dad knows it's a girl.

Wow. All of that was really quite unnecessary. I apologize, it's all these painkillers I'm on…

Well, I was in somewhat of a painkiller induced sleepiness and took a break from the million social studies sheets I have to do. I was taking a sort of nappy where my eyes were closed and I was resting, but I wasn't trying to sleep. Mom and Dad wandered into the living room to quietly watch TV. They must have thought I was asleep because they started talking.

"So," Mom began, "Aislin told me that you know the sex of the baby."

"She did? Look, I know we talked about it and wanted to be surprised, but I–"

"It's okay, you don't have to explain. There are some days I just really want to know…"

"I could tell you," Dad taunted in a sing-song voice. Good, Dad, good. My little minion.

"No! Don't bring me into the dark side!"

"Hey, she bribed me to the dark side." What! No, you bribed me! Liar… "It's really nice, knowing. And, in case you've forgotten, the kid kind of needs a name."

"Yeah, we'll figure that out eventually." Noise that sounded a lot like a kiss. "Or he or she can just go by Kid."

"Kid Vaughn… It's kind of catchy." Giggle. Another noise that sounded like a kiss. All right, get a room! And don't they know it's Syd-n-Vaughn junior, not Kid? Well I guess they don't. But they should.

I did not want them taking it too far in my state of non-sleep right next to them, so I rolled over and kind of groaned like I was waking up and stretching.

"Hey, you," said Dad. "Feeling all right?"

"Right now, yeah. When's dinner?"

Etcetera, etcetera. Man. I still really want some cupcakes. And still so not looking forward to school tomorrow.

10-27-03

3:52 PM

When I got home today there was a message from Dad saying that Jack is coming for dinner later this week. Funny how he gives me such a large warning, days in advance. I suppose it's been awhile since I've seen the ol' chap. Haha. Here we go loop-de-loop. Crazy dreams I have.

Everybody at school is so confused about me. They know I've been gone for a week, but some of them don't know I went to Ireland. Plus the fact I'm crutching around everywhere. They just don't know what to think. Jess decided we should start a rumor that I sprained my ankle doing something cooler than falling down the stairs. Kathleen suggested I add Ireland into the story too. I loved Jess's response.

"Like what? She twisted it dancing a jig with a leprechaun?"

Well, at the time we couldn't think of anything better, so for now it stays. I better think of a good story tonight. How about… I was pushed down the stairs of a castle by a rowdy bunch, and then a hot Seamus Finnegan like character picked me up and brought me to safety. Because of him I only suffered an ankle sprain. Yeah, that's believable.

But the biggest disappointment of the day was when we realized that I couldn't go trick or treating on Friday, which is Halloween. I'm so sad, because I remember Halloween last year with Mom and Dad, and how much fun dressing up was and how much candy I got to eat. Jess promised that they'd be sure to swing by the house, and bring me some extra candy. Which I guess will be cool. I don't mind hanging out with Mom and Dad.

Oh, I'm making plans with Ian to come over after school tomorrow to help me with math, I'm still kind of behind and don't really understand what's going on. So besides getting mucho help, I'll get to hang out with him for awhile. Yay! Party in my head!

10-28-03

8:18 PM

Today was definitely a good day. I feel soooo much better about math it's amazing. Ian's a really good teacher, among… other things. Hee. Dad was totally not thrilled about me and Ian being home along together, it was kind of funny, but Mom convinced him that it was okay. I'm pretty sure he called Stephanie to check on us, because a little before four-thirty she and the kids were at the front door.

I introduced her to Ian as Caleb came running towards me with something in his hand. When he extended it to me I asked him what it was, but he decided to be shy in front of Ian. "He made you a card," Stephanie said while adjusting Ava on her hip.

I took the card from Caleb and looked at the cover. He drew a picture of what I think is me, judging from the long blonde hair and a big band-aid on my leg. On the inside was a very messily (but adorably) written note that said 'Get better Aislin, love Caleb.' It was so sweet! Especially because it was written in such big letters, some of which were backwards. But, awww! I love this kid so much!

"Caleb, this is so nice! Thank you so much!" I pulled him up into my lap and hugged him all tight and started kissing his cheek until he giggled. Awww the Caleb smile. He's too cute.

"Aiz-in, when come over?" he whispered in my ear, still wary of Ian I guess.

"I don't know," I told him. "But will you come and see me on Halloween?" I looked up at Stephanie who nodded. Suddenly I thought, 'I really hope she doesn't set Ava down because I know she's going to run right into my ankle or start hitting it or something.

"Tell her what you're gonna be, Caleb."

"A dinosaw!"

"A dinosaur! That's so cool! I can't wait to see you."

After that we showed Steph how we were working on math, and how we were thinking about making cupcakes (well… how Ian was going to make cupcakes for me? Which he didn't… Jerk.), she went back home.

We pretty much were working on math until five o'clock, which is about when Dad got home. We both didn't have any other homework, so we went into the living room and watched some TV until his mom came to pick him up, which was five-thirty. Mom got home about ten minutes before he left.

And have I mentioned that I really missed him, because I don't think I realized it until today. I really missed him. And his big blue eyes. Really missed those too. When he left I got a hug good-bye, no kiss, but a hug. Was niiiice. I love hugs. And, can I tell you something? I think he was a little jealous when I was smooching my little Caleb. I mean, yeah, Caleb's a full blown hottie, Ian better watch his back. Haha! I hope he wants a kiss as much as I do.

And, by the way, Jack shall be joining us for dinner on Thursday evening. I shall prepare myself. I could always threaten to hit him with my crutches if he tries anything funny, he is a sneaky little bugger after all. Then again, he could probably, like, rip my crutches in half or something crazy like that. You never know with Jack.

10-30-03

5:59 PM

Jack's gonna be here any minute. I'm excited. Is that weird? I'm thinking it is. Part of my random excitement may have something to do with the pain meds I'm on. Okay, it's Advil. I'm not going to lie. But my ankle really is hurting today because I'm doing the thing where I use the crutches but am putting weight on my foot again. It's kind of bothered that I'm doing that.

I'm rambling again.

I really ought to stop doing that.

Jack's here!

8:13 PM

Ah, this family. So funny, so weird. Well, in all, the event didn't go so great. I mean it wasn't bad, it just could have gone better. However, you will be pleased to know that I did not burn any odd body parts on hot food this time. I know, I'm madly skilled.

Dinner kind of started off on the wrong foot when apparently no one had started the vegetables (insert mini-argument between Mom and Dad here with Jack smirking in the background). Then once they were finished we had to try to keep the meat and stuff warm and then started late. When I sat down I leaned my crutches on the wall behind me like I usually do when I eat, but of course, five minutes later… CRASH! They tip over and smash onto the wood floor. I grumbled and hung my head in shame; I could see in the corner of my eye that Mom wasn't pleased with me. I tried to move them out of the way and shove them under my chair.

And then, when we were almost finished, Mom dropped her fork really suddenly and exclaimed, "Applesauce!"

Dad looked at her. "What?"

"Applesauce! Applesauce now! Go! GO!"

The next thing I knew she was shoving the car keys into Dad's hands and pushing him out the door. Apparently the woman needed some applesauce. And she wasn't going to finish dinner until she got some.

And then, as I finished sipping my milk, I realized that I was alone in the room with a raging pregnant woman, and, well, Jack, a… A… How does one describe Jack? I won't. I was alone in a small room with the two of them, and between the crazy hormones and the hardcore stares I was feeling a little bit like I might die. I needed some fresh air, but luckily Jack excused himself from the table to go get some coffee.

Did I just say luckily? I lied. Unfortunately would have been a more appropriate word there. Because, of course, Jack tripped over my crutches on his way out and stumbled for a few steps, barely catching himself in the doorway. I was so embarrassed, my cheeks must have looked like fire trucks.

And, you know, since I care so much, I eloquently responded with, "Whoa, you okay?"

Mom must have been daydreaming about her upcoming applesauce feast because she appeared not to notice Jack's little tumble. Jack nodded, but not after he glared for a split second at the crutches on the ground below us. Curse you, metal fiends, curse you.

Jack stuck around until Dad got back with the applesauce, and Mom decided that she didn't want any anymore. We watched Dad finish his dinner, and then Jack started asking me questions. Which I did not like. I felt like I was being interrogated, and he was about to torture me if I said something wrong. It was just questions about school and stuff, but man, I better know what class I have third hour, or else.

Needless to say, Jack now knows about my math study sessions with Ian. And this, my friends, is very bad news. I don't want Ian to die. Jack cannot take him from me yet! It's obvious that Jack is just as thrilled as Dad is that I have friends of the male sex. Ian just happens to be a friend. That I like. A lot. That I happen to kiss. Sometimes.

Oh God. Jack's going to murder Ian.

He's gone home, probably to plan out the possible scenarios to kill him. I hope he makes it quick and painless, I don't want him to suffer.

8:35 PM

Ha.

Will you listen to me?

I'm talking crazy talk.

But if Ian's not at school tomorrow… I'm just saying…

10-31-03

9:32 PM

Happy Halloween, journal! Aw, can't you just remember a year ago when I was just a wee lass, and Mom and Dad dressed me up like an angel and took me house to house to get candy. And I made those two lovebirds bond and now they're married and having a baby. Hm. I may have gotten carried away with that story. I'm sad because I couldn't go hang out with Jess and Kathleen and Krissy tonight and get candy. But it's all right, I had fun with Mom and Dad. Well, I had fun with Dad. Mom fell asleep. She was so cute though, she really tried to stay awake! She really wanted to see bunches of kids dressed up and ringing the doorbell and stuff, especially because this was her first Halloween in the house and all. At least she got to see Caleb and Ava.

Oh my gosh! Caleb was adorable! He was the most amazing little dinosaur I've ever seen! He would even roar if you asked him to. Actually, he only roared when I asked him to, because he has this weird relationship with my Dad where he only looks at him and giggles. But still, wow, awesome little kid.

All right, I guess Ava was half way to cute as well. She was a pumpkin and Jeff (ahhhh hotttttt) was carrying her around. She had her cheeks painted orange and her hair in pigtails. She might have been a little bit cute. A little.

It wasn't long after that when Mom fell asleep. Poor thing. Dad thinks that work is getting to her, and I don't blame her, I mean, she's really pregnant. He wants her to go on maternity leave soon, but we all know how stubborn she is and how hard it's going to be to convince her. I think it would be fun to have her home. We also contemplated a plan to get Mom to find out that the baby's a girl. We think that, well, um, okay. We don't actually have anything concrete yet. But we decided it needs to happen. She needs to know about my baby sister!

Now I'm sitting in my room, listening to the radio, and eating the leftover candy. Dad sure picked out some good ones. Maybe I'll have some of that applesauce that Mom never ate. Hmm. Sounds appetizing. Later.

A/n: Again, I am so sorry this took so long! Updates will probably be separated by long periods of time from now on. Please review though! They make me happy.