Dr Mandy Miller-Jenkins sighs as she signs the paperwork. Phew. Being a doctor is hard. She smiles at the nurses working behind the desk. Since she was on break she decided to go grab a coffee at the hospital cafeteria. Atlanta's Children's Hospital wasn't the biggest or fanciest, but Mandy worked here because it held the largest children's cancer ward in the state. There was fancier, bigger hospitals, but she chose this one because it was one of the least funded in the country.
After sitting down she checked her email. What's this? A Unicorn Club reunion? Cool. No way was she missing it. She wrote back to Ellen she'll try hard to make it. She felt bad she couldn't return home, but her patients needed her. Especially her kids.
She texted her husband Andy to tell him she may be late again. Already she could hear his complaining. But as much as she loved him and their kids, she always felt like she was needed here. Her patients needed her. Andy wrote back that she needed to put her family first too. Mandy tried not to feel guilty. But she promised to be home as soon as possible.
Andy mutters angrily as he put his phone down. Once again Mandy is working a double shift. He pretended not to be pissed for their daughter's sake. Little Penelope seeing her dad's angry expression goes up to him and gives him a hug. Andy's anger quickly disappearing as he hugs his youngest. He kisses her head.
"Dad. Is mom working late again?"
"Yes." As much as he knew Mandy loved her job, she was starting to get burnt out. Ever since her cancer diagnosis in the sixth grade, Mandy was passionate about beating cancer. Luckily her cancer was limited to a small gland, but it terrified her. She swore to make sure other kids her age didn't suffer in fear like she did. Which is why she choose to be a doctor specializing in children's medicine.
Her and Andy knew each other in high school, but it was junior year in college at Tufts that they started dating. Mandy was attending medical school and Andy was taking heavy chem and biology classes. He dreamed about finding a cure for cancer since his favorite aunt died of breast cancer back when Andy was in eighth grade. He and Mandy were randomly assigned to one another in Andy's chemistry class and when they started talking about their lives is when Mandy asked him out. Who would have thought. Andy's passion for finding a cure impressed Mandy.
They immediately started dating after that and after a few years and four kids later were now living in one of Atlanta's most richest areas. But even with their nice home, two Mercedes and their success, Andy and their kids just wanted their mom.
The triplets, seven year olds Xavier, Warren and Danneel came charging in. Andy smiled at his kids. He hoped Mandy came home soon, the kids wanted to order a pizza. Tonight was movie night. He picked up five year old Penelope and tells his kids to change out of their school uniforms and get ready. They were going to ambush their mom.
Mandy was talking to her coworkers when she saw her husband. Her eyes lightening up when she saw her kids. Her coworkers laugh when they dog pile her. Mandy starts laughing. She decided not to pick up that extra shift. All five walk away to pick up the pizzas.
Andy smiles. Works like a charm.
Later that night after the kids are put to bed, both Mandy and Andy talk about the Unicorn Club reunion.
"The Unicorn Club? What is that?"
"Only the most exclusive club at SVMS. Only for the prettiest most popular girls in Sweet Valley."
"Sounds like a snobby group. Kidding!" When Mandy pretends to hit him. "Sounds great. Are we invited?"
"Yes. The party is still in the early stages, but Ellen says that Mary and Grace are trying to get a hold of Jessica and Lila. It will be held at Casey's in Sweet Valley."
Andy hoped Mandy could go. He really missed her. He made a decent living as a medical biologist, but he always made time for his family. Mandy missed a lot of events because of her career. She missed Mary's wedding, as well as her older sister's convocation at Stanford. Not to mention the triplets kindergarten graduation. Hopefully this party could make Mandy relax. As much as she loved her career, it wasn't her whole life. They kissed and Mandy immediately falls asleep in Andy's arms.
Ellen smiles at Mandy's RSVP. She crossed her fingers Mandy could make it. She missed her. Especially the kids. Andy, she didn't know very well, but was a major hunk. Mandy lucked out. She remembered how upset Mary was when Mandy couldn't make it to her wedding, but she understood. Mandy's job as a pediatrician was extremely busy. She was glad Mandy was healthy those days, but she needed to take a break. Hopefully this party helped.