"I really like Pennsylvania," Alicia says sleepily, leaning her head against AJ's shoulder as they watch a movie side by side, Sara and George playing with Andre in the front yard, Sofia overseeing them. "I could see making a home there. I will misS the rest of you, though," she says, squeezing AJ's fingers. "You won't hate me if I go across country, will you?"
"Hate you?" AJ asks, her gaze drifting from the TV to rest on Alicia's barely focused eyes. "Of course not. I might pout a little, I'll miss you, and I'll be sad that our kids can't grow up together, but I understand. You and Ricardo haven't necessarily had the easiest time and I get why you're both thinking about a change of scenery. I get it, I do. Mike and I moved to Texas for the same thing, but ultimately decided to return to California because... well, it's home, I guess."
"Yeah," Alicia murmurs. "For all that I know of, the same thing will happen here. Ricardo loves California. And he seems to change his mind fairly often. Not even a year ago, I thought we were going to move permanently to Egypt. Now that would've been wild."
AJ smiles. "Don't hate me for being selfish, but I'm glad you didn't. Pennsylvania is one thing, but completely out of the country is just too much, even for me. Although I can absolutely see you making the Egypt themes your own, especially in your fashion lines. Get a real Cleopatra vibe going."
Alicia grins. "I'd look pretty amazing, huh? But I think I can still make something out of Pennsylvania chic."
"Absolutely," AJ says, then pauses. "What is Pennsylvania chic? I have no idea."
Alicia giggles, running a hand lazily over her stomach. "Honestly, I have no idea either. Maybe we can look it up, I can make some kickass maternity clothing based off of it if anything catches my eye."
AJ hums, tapping absently at her phone as she looks it up. "Yeah," she says, glancing over at her. "So how is the pregnancy going? Everything well so far?"
"Considering," Alicia says. "Yeah. I mean, my pregnancy with Andre wasn't horrible, but this one feels different. Like, I know every pregnancy is different, but I feel more comfortable, like I know what to expect better."
"I kind of felt like that with George," AJ says. "Just don't get too disappointed or frustrated if something unexpected happens. Each baby have their own way." She hands the phone over and Alicia smiles, examining the different clothing options on the screen, exhaling softly as AJ smooths a hand over her stomach.
"Ok?" she asks, about to move her hand back.
"Yeah," Alicia responds softly. "It's just, uh. I miss being touched, I guess. Ricardo not being here is weird. I guess I grew kind of dependent on his touch during Andre's pregnancy, but I don't have that now. It's just weird."
AJ makes a soft tsking noise, leaning closer. "C'mere, momma." She hugs Alicia tightly, rubbing her back. "Listen, I know I'm not the same as Ricardo, but I'm here. Any time you need some comfort, I'm here. Just let me know, and me and the kiddos will give you all the touchy-feely affections you need. How's that sound?"
Alicia laughs through her tears. "I don't know what I'd do without you," she mumbles, burying her face in AJ's shoulder.
"You'll never have to find out," AJ murmurs, rubbing her back. "Here in California, or all the way over in Pennsylvania, I'm always just a phone call away. I promise."
"Or in Egypt," Alicia says with a soft laugh.
"Or in Egypt," AJ agrees.