Rivercourt Rambles
Chapter 31
this adult stuff is hard, isn't it?
Brooke waited outside the elementary school. As the doors opened and she smiled warmly at the sight of Roman and Sloane.
She engulfed them into a hug.
"We missed you momma." Roman said.
"I missed you more." Sloane replied.
"I want to know all about school today. And the field trip coming up. I got you're permission slips signed." Brooke said. As she looked back at them. From the driver's seat.
Sloane was girly. Into dress up. Dolls. And all the other things little girls liked. But she could also keep up with Roman in all things. Her hair was currently in pigtails.
Roman's world was all about books. Basketball. Camping. Swimming. Riding bikes. His blond hair always short.
He loved and enjoyed activities and was up for anything. He loved played in the treehouse in the backyard or the playground equipment.
The Brucas twins were popular. Sloane was best friends with Elizabeth Sawyer. Peyton's daughter.
It was like revisiting their shared friendship history. Whenever the women saw their daughters hanging out together.
Brooke threw her creative energy into making Roman and Sloane's wardrobe.
"The UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST." Roman replied.
"It's going to be so much fun. We can do horseback riding, camping, boating and swimming, plus lake, pond, river and stream fishing." Sloane explained.
"The two of you stay together. And listen to the chaperone. It sounds like you're going to have an amazing time." Brooke replied. Before restarting the car. And pulling out from in front of the school.
While Brooke listened to them recall their day. She knew her role as their mother mattered to her more then any other title she had.
Once they got home. And she sent them upstairs to wash their hands and change clothes. While she entered the kitchen to make them a snack.
She found Lucas in the fridge. Removing a bottle of alcohol. She assumed he bought recently.
"How was work at the office.?" Brooke asked.
"My last two books haven't made it on any list. So what does that tell you.?" Lucas replied.
"You've built a collection of novels and have a fanbase."
"Sometimes you won't make any list. That doesn't mean you aren't talented." Brooke replied.
"The written word is dead. That's been said for years now and now it's becoming reality." Lucas replied.
"I think you should pull back from writing. Maybe take some needed off time. While i get back into the store again."
"What do you think about that.?" Brooke questioned.
"I think you told me you had more money then you'll ever need. Yet you want to waste time and energy at the store when you don't have too. Why is that.?" Lucas questioned.
Leaving the kitchen as he opened the bottle.
The issue of Julian was long over. But for Lucas he had no clear understanding why Brooke felt the need to do the labor the store required. The day to day routine.
While Brooke found herself yearning for everything that came with the career she longed to pick back up.
"Cheese and crackers please." Sloane said.
"With grapes and strawberry." Roman added in.
Brooke smiled. Swallowing hard.