"Hey, Mom," Kate greeted as she spread a small blanket on the ground and made herself comfortable.
The November weather was particularly chilly today. The ground was frostbitten from the early morning rain, but the sun was currently breaking through the clouds, giving off a soft glow. The blanket, however, was not only out of necessity. It was the Beckett Family picnic blanket. Blue, white, and yellow patterns adorned the cloth. It gave Kate a sense of security… and yes, it was quite comfortable.
"First things first! I couldn't fit into my freaking pants this morning!" Kate barked, but to anyone, her tone of voice reflected humor and a tiny bit of annoyance, not anger. "There is no bump, though. I have no baby bump, yet I can't fit into my pants. It's messed up! I almost settled for leggings and a dress, but luckily I have the most thoughtful stepdaughter in the world."
Tired of keeping her back straight, Kate leaned back and supported herself with her arms. The sun beat against her face and she smiled in remembrance. Every single day she thanked the people up above who gave her such a wonderful family. A wonderful life.
Sucking in a deep breath she continued, "She overheard my frustration and simply walked into the room, dropped a gift bag on my bed, and left without saying a word. I really had no clue what to think. It's nowhere near my birthday, Christmas is close, but a present now? Thankfully there was a card resting on top… Let me just get it," she said as she rummaged through her purse, "'Dear Mom', I still get butterflies when I hear that,
'Dear Mom, I figured this day would come and you wouldn't be prepared. Let's face it, even though you're pregnant and you know you're pregnant, you didn't think about the fact that you would eventually gain weight. Don't deny it. So, I went shopping for you! I definitely got some weird looks while I browsed the maternity section, but a daughter has to do what a daughter has to do! I only got one pair because I didn't know exactly how they would fit, but they are your favorite brand, so I'm guessing they will work just fine.
Please, don't be mad at me! I know you hold grudges against those who go behind your back, but it's for your own good!
Oh, and Dad had nothing to do with this. Just me.
Love you,
Alexis'
"She bought me a pair of jeans! A very stylish and comfortable pair of jeans that actually fit me! Greatest daughter in the world!"
Kate folded the card and slipped it back into her purse, but not before skimming over it one last time.
Her family knew her better than she did. How they always knew exactly what she needed was a mystery in itself. The other day Castle sat down a plate of unfrosted strawberry Pop tarts smothered with peanut butter in front of her because he magically knew she wanted them. She never even told him she was craving it!
"So, yeah, the pregnancy is starting to feel real. Gaining weight, crazy cravings, and mood swings. Fortunately, I haven't had the worst case of morning sickness. Although dead bodies do make me queasy now, which is not cool. Esposito and Ryan love to make fun of me.
"We told Dad the news about a week ago. I wanted to get past the 12-week mark, just to be safe. You know what he said? He said he already knew! You should have seen Rick's face – you should have seen my face! He said you told him, which is ridiculous, sorry, but true. When the joke was over he admitted to visiting you and seeing the ultrasound picture… which is now safely tucked in his wallet. I could tell he was jealous that I told you first," she laughed at the memory and because she was rambling on to her deceased mother.
Good thing there weren't many onlookers today and thank God the reporters didn't follow her. There's a silly rumor going around that Mrs. Richard Castle is expecting her first child. They have been hounding the family, but still have yet to find proof. It will stay that way too, until she and Castle are ready to release a statement.
"Well, even though I brought the picnic blanket, I failed to bring food with it and the baby is hungry." That was her ultimate excuse these days. "I'm stealing Alexis away from school and taking her out to lunch as a thank you. Then we will be even because she hates missing school!
"I'll be back next month, Mom. Hopefully with evidence of a baby bump! Love you."
ooOOoo
Whew, definitely a longer drabble! I absolutely loved writing this one, hopefully you love it too. I can just see Kate getting upset about these small things! Anyway, more to follow soon :)