Ages:
Ned - 43
Katie - 39
Lana - 21
Emma - 18
Asher - 14
Willow - 10
Emily - 4
David -1
It had been one week of absolute hell.
Throughout Emma Clancy's entire life she had only seen her parents fight a total of twelve times. They usually kissed and made up by dinner time. Or the next morning. But this? This was hell. Her parents could barely look at each other, after a whole week. Was that even supposed to be possible for them?
All Emma knew was she was over it. She was done with her parents being selfish. Over them fighting over something that wasn't even supposed to be their fight.
This was her decision.
They had to deal with it, so what if her mother that it was a good decision? At least someone supported her. She'd never seen her father act so childish. It was like he was losing his pride over her not going to college. As if she needed a reminder that she would be the only one out of all her siblings to not go to college. He reminded her every other day.
Lana hadn't gone to college right away. Why couldn't she take a year off? She wasn't saying that she didn't want to go to college at all. She just wanted to take some time for herself, to just work with her mom.
School had been getting so busy for Emma lately. All of her pre-college courses made her drop orchestra first semester and the violin was the best thing to ever happen to. She played every so often now when she had time in between homework, but not nearly as
much as she'd like to.
Lana still lived at home for god's sake. She'd lived in the dorms for her first two years at Rockland before moving back home. Lana told their parents it was to save money but had told her she just wanted to spend as much time with her before she'd have to move to the city for medical school.
Lana and Emma were the closest, nearly inseparable when it came down to it. There were no secrets between those two. However many secrets were kept between them.
Emma drove and Lana was the passenger, texting their father. It had been an ongoing battle. Their parents refused to speak with each other today and Lana had been communicating with them for the last few hours. It hadn't been fun.
"I can't get dad to agree to have family dinner this week. He says he had to get reports done at the hospital, but it's January. Didn't he just do them?" Lana sighed, rubbing her temples. Why was he making excuses? Did he want this to keep on going? "And mom agreed. She says she just wants to talk to him. She doesn't understand why he's taking this so seriously and wants to get past it. All of the other fights have purely started because they are mad at each other. She is also asking us to stop at the grocery store and get more chicken breast."
"Okay, so nothing new?" Emma sighed, taking a turn slow. Her tires started to skid on the patch of ice, but she controlled it and turned onto Katie's street safely. "Great."
"Nope," Lana scoffed. "I told her okay about the chicken and that I'd talk to dad. Does he owe any of us favors?"
"Probably Katie," the blonde shrugged, looking over her. "Or Aaron. They've been around longer." Lana snickered, the younger sister had a point. Their siblings were definitely here long before they were. "Ask them."
"Group text it is," Lana giggled.
Emma slowed in front of Katie's house carefully. She didn't want to slide or get stuck. It had snowed last night, not much, but the plows hadn't gotten out since it was still coming down nicely.
It was almost ten when they climbed out of the car.
"I hope Katie has ideas," she muttered. "I can't do this anymore."
"She always does," Lana came around the car and locked her arm in her sister's.
They walked carefully through the shoveled snow to the porch as the door opened and their brother-in-law, Ned, stepped out. Their visit was impromptu and he practically jumped a foot in the air when he looked up to see them standing there.
"Emma, Lana, hey!" Ned said, smiling at them as he pulled the front door closed. "Gave me a scare for a second there. Your sister is inside. Good morning to you both." He pulled his gloves before he went to hug them both, kissing them on the cheeks. "I better get to shoveling before it starts to come down harder." It was a chilly December morning and he was coming out to start the van and clear the fresh snow out of the driveway. "How were the roads on your way over?"
"Morning Ned," she laughed, following him to the edge of the porch. Lana went straight in, wanting to have enough time to explain everything to Katie before she came in. "The roads weren't too bad. It was kind of icy on 3rd and when I turned on this street."
"Good to know," Ned said, walking around to pull up the garage door and grab himself a shovel. "Can you yell for Asher when you go in? He's supposed to shovel the pathway before we leave for his game."
She was right. There was a game. Pregame rush was never a good time to talk to Katie. Her mind was always going a mile minute, making sure Asher had his gear, that Willow and Emily were fed and dressed. Now she had David on her hip now too. She couldn't imagine how stressed she was now.
"Ahh, I thought there was a game today. And yeah, I'll do that," she nodded to him, stepped toward the door. "How have you been? I feel like the last time we talked was Christmas."
He shrugged, coming up to the railing to look up at her. "It probably was," he sighed. "You know how busy it can get at the station during the holidays. Lots of break-ins and other crimes. People like to use the holiday as an excuse, but everything has been really good. Katie and I are in a really good place. All the kids are good. Life is just good. How about you? How are your parents?"
"I'm good. Stressed with school and SAT prep, but good." She laughed, sighing. He could read her body language completely, something was definitely up. His face was already changing to asking her a question without even having to open his mouth. Damn Ned. Damn him. "Mom and dad aren't so good though. They're fighting. Bickering really, like children."
The blond man leaned on the railing, pondering his response. "They always figure it out," he shrugged. "I'm sure they'll be alright. Katie and I have had our rough patches. Every couple has."
"This time is different. I don't know why Ned," she sighed, leaning in too. "Have you talked to my dad lately?"
"No. Not really. Like I said, I've been busy. LeTrai is looking to retire and…. I think he's gonna ask me to take his spot." He grinned, smoothing his hair back. She practically leaped down the steps and hugged him. Ned, the Chief of police of Grandview. That would be the day she'd love to see. "Okay. Okay. Yes. I'm excited too, but it's not guaranteed. I haven't even told Katie yet. Don't breathe a word of it to her."
She pulled back then, shaking her head at him. "You should tell her," she nodded, grinning at him. "You know you want to."
"I don't want to get her hopes up," he sighed, leaning the shovel up on the porch. "What if I don't get it?"
"Tell her," Emma scoffed and rolled her eyes. She hugged him again. "Do it because you know you'll get laid."
"Don't think I haven't thought about it," the man chuckled and she shoved him off and flung snow at him. "Hey, I'm the one shoveling lady. Don't throw snow at me when I can do this..."
He shoveled up a scoopful and Emma gasped, shaking her head. "You wouldn't," she was already running toward the door and away from him. He totally freaking would. "Ned freaking Banks I will kill you." Emma ran up the stairs, her blonde curls bouncing as she opened the door and closed it behind her. Katie turned as the door slammed closed and the snow hit the door. "Your husband is a maniac."
"I know. A shovel full of snow?" Katie laughed, looking up from David who was on her hip, eating grapes from a tiny bowl. The boy was a monkey of energy for fourteen months. "Are you ever gonna quit eating?"
"No," the boy sang, giggling at his mother as he chomped on more grapes. "Down mommy?" He plopped down, running around on little legs as Katie put his bowl of grapes on the counter and went about to ready some snacks for the game. Like she always did, Lana intercepted the tot, swinging him up and kissing him. She was sitting on a chair from the dining room she'd pulled near the counter. "Nononono!" He giggled and wiggled from her arms and ran past to the living room where his toy chest sat.
Emma and Lana were coming in on a pregame rush, a crazy time for any family. Asher came running down the stairs, being huge to her, even though she was four years older. He had shot to six feet recently, just like Ned had. His hair had darkened one winter and he resembled Katie more now than he ever had.
"Hey Ems," Asher grinned, his brown eyes piercing into hers. "Everything with grandpa and grandma good? You said something at lunch yesterday." They were so close. They didn't get to see each other as often, they both had busy schedules, but Emma always met him for lunch in the library. They had with Lana too when she was senior. "Are they okay?"
She smiled. Everyone who knew was worried. That made her feel better. No one would let them give up without a fight, not that it was at that point. She hoped it wouldn't get there.
"I think they'll be fine," she scrunched her nose up and shook her head. "They're just arguing right now. More than ever."
"My mom and dad can be like sometimes too. Things are better though," Asher chuckled and grabbed his snow pants from the closet near the door, pulling them on. "Scott came over and took the little ones last night, and I don't think they realized I was home because Coach canceled practice because of the snow..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "I think heard whip cream and I don't know if it will ever taste the same."
Emma laughed so hard that she snorted and Asher punched her in the side, resulting in a kick to his shin.
"Okay, truce!" He winced. "Gameday, remember?"
"Yeah. Sorry." She backed off and giggled. "I'm also sorry for the loss of your innocence. Not like they haven't always been crazy."
"Yeah... I know." Asher's face was an open book to her. He definitely knew how his parents were. Happily in love, as they were, even when they weren't. "It's all the usual stuff."
"Just ask Uncle Scott right?" she snorted again.
"Too many times Emma. Too many times," Asher sighed, slipping his boots on. "But about grandma and grandpa. You know how the hospital can be stressful. Grandma's store too." She rolled her eyes, smiling at him. He reminded her of his father. The same simple wording. Quick and to the point. "It puts stress on other normally good relationships and it can ruin them. I was like six, but I remember when my dad slept in a different room for a time. It was over his work. He's always worked a lot."
"I don't like it, Ash." She sighed. "It's been too long."
He nodded, hugging her. "Just pray," he said, patting her shoulder. "We're on our way out mom."
"Okay bud," Katie said and smiled at him as she came into the busy foyer. "What's up with you." She was turned to her youngest sister now, peeking back at Lana. "Why are you two here?
"Lana has been trying to get my attention but I've been busy. So just talk, now." She walked over to the stairs then, stepping up. "Willow, the van leaves in twenty. Bring your sister down with you."
"Yes, mom!" The ten-year-old yelled and Katie was ruffling Asher's hair and kissing his cheek as she walked past him. God, she was just like their mother. "Drew, your mother wants to speak with you in the kitchen."
"Auntie Katie, just tell my mom I will have my hat and mittens on. That's all she's gonna tell me." Drew was shuffling toward the door. "We have to get going too soon."
"Oh okay, fine. I will." Katie smiled and waved him off. "Go out and throw snow around like the clowns you all are. Asher tell your dad to come in and see me when he's done."
"Awesome. Will do," Asher said and the boys fist-bumped and booked it outside, both holding their hockey sticks.
They were a bunch of monsters. Big, hockey-playing and video gaming, bottomless stomached monsters.
"Those two are gonna eat me out of house and home. I have packed so many snacks," Katie sighed, walking in with Emma then. "So what's up? You left me a voicemail about mom and dad fighting...? Is it really that bad?"
"Jim and Melinda are fighting?" Hannah laughed, looking up from her phone. "That's a unicorn sighted. Also, I heard Drew, no need to tell me."
"No couple is perfect," Katie scoffed, crossing her arms. "Our parents fight more than you'd think. I would know, but mom hasn't said anything to me. That's why I'm confused." Katie came over to where she was before again. "Are you coming to the game Ems? We could keep talking there."
"Ooh yes. I love a good hockey game." She said, coming up to the kitchen island. Lana swung their giggly nephew around, kissing his cheek. He had come back from the living room. "Davey, is that you? Oh, bud I missed you."
"Tete!" Little David squealed, wanting to be put down by his other aunt then. The fourteen-month-old took wobbly steps to the blonde, hugging her legs. "Up!" Emma pulled the little tike into her arms, kissing his cheek and listening to his babble of words. He could only make out a few, but it was a vocabulary that Katie was working on. "Miss you."
"I missed you too," she hummed, smiling at him.
"So... lil' sis?" Katie leaned into her, nudging her. "Get to talking."
"I will. One sec," Emma squeezed David and smiled at her sister. "It's been a few days since I saw you. You look less stressed."
"Yeah. Life has calmed down. Emily isn't so cranky, Willow finally started volleyball and Ash had this big test and I was worried about him. He passed with flying colors though," Katie shrugged like it was no big deal. "I'm starting to wean Dave off breastmilk now. Ned has to put him to bed now.
Katie was such a super mom, that was for sure. The mother of four still hadn't gone back to work since she had David. There were just sometimes when her family had to take her priority. Ned made more than enough and she liked being home, although she'd get bored of it eventually, she always did.
"How big?" Emma furrowed her brow.
Asher was a freshman and that seemed like so long ago for her. Four whole years ago for her. She was in Business Math and AP Calculus now. She was a senior with a million different big life decisions to make left and right or at least that's how she felt.
"You remember the civic exam right?" Katie asked. "Well, he's been worried. He's not good with memorization."
"Ugh, don't remind me. It took me a week to get that stuff down, but if it makes you feel any better I have my SATs next week. All this week and into next is prep." Emma hugged David then, soaking in all the cuddles she can get from her nephew while she could. She was just so stressed. She hated testing, but if there was one thing Emma loved more than anything it was her family. You would never catch Emma missing out on a family event. She was always there. "And I want to make sure I'm prepared just in case I change my mind on college, so I need your help with the English stuff if you're up for it. You know I'm not so good with my essay writing. I'm good with numbers."
"Yeah, I'd love to. You can always stop by Emma," Katie rubbed her back, smiling at her little sis. "You know me and test prep. Just text me a day you're available and we'll find a time."
The side door in the kitchen opened, revealing Ned, who shook the snow off his hair and boots before pulling them off. "The van is started and the driveway is clear. The boys are finishing up the walkway now." He sighed, his cheeks were bright red from the cold. "Ash said you wanted me?"
Katie nodded, sliding her hands into the back pockets of her jeans as she leaned into the counter with a huff. His arms wrapped around her waist before anything else, pressing his lips to her neck. She leaned in and looked up at him. "I just wanted to see you," she whispered, squeezing his hands at her waist. "I've barely seen you this morning between going to get the kids and letting me sleep in."
"You were up late last night. I wanted to let you sleep in," Ned chuckled, smiling at her. Katie laughed, turning in his arms and kissing him. The next words were barely heard, but Emma smiled as they came out of her brother-in-law's mouth. "I had fun with you. So much fun Katie."
"Last night? I haven't heard about last night yet..." Hannah giggled, fanning her neck and locking arms with Emma. "Sexy sexy I hope."
"Very," Ned pulled back, licking his lips as he smiled at his wife.
"Quiet you," Katie sighed, pushing on his chest a little as she looked at Hannah with a wink then. "And I'll tell you later."
"Asher told me all about the whipped cream," Emma gushed, cackling. "Hope you know you have scarred him and will never like whipped topping again."
"What? No. You're kidding." Katie turned her head, her love bubble had burst. Before the mother of four was concentrated on her husband, the few moments she could spend with him before going to get the girls and grabbing David. She would have to dress the younger ones and herself before going outside then. Until Ned's hand traveled from her hips, which was hugging her behind, that had pulled her focus for another split second. Katie started shaking her head at her younger sister then. She'd made sure. Asher was supposed to be at practice until nine. Emma just started shaking her head then. "He was at practice until nine. Hannah, you brought him home right?"
"Nope," Hannah blushed crimson then. "Cancelled because of the snow. I texted you, Katie!"
"My phone was off," Katie sighed and pressed her face into Ned's shoulder. "Oh. My. God. That's why Ash wouldn't look at me today. I knew something was up but I thought it was something else." Katie pushed Ned to the side, kissing his jaw as she whispered in his ear. The man blushed at her sister's words that were definitely only for him to hear. God, Katie... this is why she was in this mess. "I hate myself. I need to have Ned talk to him," Katie rolled her eyes, biting her nails. "So... are you gonna talk about mom and dad now or what?"
"Oh. Right. It's hell." She muttered. "And not good hell like usual... bad hell. Terrible hell Katie. All week."
Lana agreed, standing up. "We need you to talk to them. It's been a week and we can't take it anymore."
"I need details before I do anything," Katie said, crossing her arms. "Who said what? What's happened?"
"Well you know mom, she put all this positive energy towards my choice to not go to college. She wants to give me a day on my own at the shop once she shows me the ropes this summer." Emma explained, getting excited. "And I want to take a year off simply because I want to focus on my music too. I had to drop orchestra this year for college prep courses that are required now."
Katie loved to see her sister get like this. Especially about the store. She imagined her mother, the same age. Same passion. "I saw the requirements when we were helping Asher pick classes," Katie nodded, rolling her eyes. There was no freedom for kids anymore. It was so hard to make room for any kind of art class as an upperclassman. "It's total bull."
"Yeah," she sighed, face falling. "And you know dad. He's pissed. I hate when dad is mad at me."
Katie shrugged. She would be too. "I understand dad," Katie muttered. "You should be going to college."
"I've heard this all week Katie. I've made my decision. Please don't turn on me too," Emma pleaded. She couldn't handle Katie hating her too. Not her big sister. "Please."
"I don't hate you, Emma," Katie said and shook her head. "Are you sure this is the right idea though?"
"Why should I pay for the skills mom can teach me?" She said, looking at her.
Katie softened, studying her sister. "Okay. You do have a point there." Katie was torn. She could never pick between her parents. "So they are just mad that they disagree? Why is that a big problem?"
"I think it's more than that," Lana sighed, rolling her eyes. "Dad's working more. He's super stressed with the new interns starting and all. Plus his assistant up and quit. Nurses are on strike too."
"You should help him out, Lana," Katie suggested before moving on. "And mom?"
"You know, the usual kind of tourist season. Plus twins are haunting me and she has something, but hasn't identified anything." Emma shrugged.
Nothing was different. Life has always been crazy for them. It just always had been with their family's gift. Or was it the darkness that surrounded Grandview?
"I'm on mom's side. I've been told to stay away from the hospital." Lana put her hands up defensively. Lana was deathly loyal to their mother, she'd always had been.
"I don't care. We don't pick sides. That has always been the rule." Katie muttered, getting straight to the point. She was over this too and she barely had to hear it for very long. "It doesn't help any of us. We need to be clear-headed. You need to go help dad out and be his assistant. You need to help mom out at the store after school like you always do. I'll talk to them and let you know."
"Okay," both of the girls muttered.
They knew Katie was right.
Emma was distracted, ghost energy was definitely running amuck around here. The floors creaked and the curtains blew near the sink. "Who's haunting you?" She asked.
"Some little girl," Katie shrugged, turning her head at the sound of giggles. The stairs creaked then and Emily came running in with Willow right behind her. "I caught Emily playing with her in the closet yesterday and today. Emmy says her name is Lizzy. Let me know if you hear anything." The blonde nodded, looking around, but the noise was gone. She'd just keep an eye out for anything. "Do you want this responsibility, Emma?" Emma's attention was back on her sister. "The store? This is what you want right?"
"Yes, Katie," she said immediately, smiling. She did. She wanted this. She wanted to work at her mother's store full time and be her partner. Their mother wasn't getting any younger and with their parent's savings, they wanted to settle down soon and enjoy their retirement. That was still a bit away, but that was the plan. "I do."
"Tell dad that," Katie said, smiling at her. "That's what he needs to hear. He'll put all of his feelings aside if this is what you want to do, but I'll still talk to them."
She nodded, believing her sister. She'd been right too. Her father had put his worries aside when Katie had finally talked with him. Really talked with him. He'd seen both sides and talked to her mother, things changed. They apologized and life was normal. That's just the way things work. At least that's how it had always been with their family.