Revival of the Forgotten {Ky & Vy//Marr}

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Vy Pryce

Decades must have passed, or at least that’s the assumptions consuming my instincts. With the numerous events scattering the dramatic timeline, how could I possibly perceive anything different? Except that only a couple of years have actually drifted by, while we’re left in the whirlwind of the aftereffect. The day I met Kyanite we were bred to be enemies. And now she has impacted my life as much as my own Daughter has, in mainly positive aspects at that. But the path to this outcome was neither easy nor paved.

The current routine vaguely opposes my previous lifestyle, while in reality they’re also polar-opposite. Every day the Career Gym smoothers my hours, but I’m no longer the one being trained. Trainees are forced to study from me, rather then the other way around where I was annoyed by Instructors. The yearly Game has halted it’s threatening grasp from over me, while I’m still left paranoid over the results it may provide in the future. Brooklyn is no longer that tiny, though she continues to be a bundle of agonizing joy all in one. Honestly I wouldn’t alter a single aspect now, where as over two years ago I was begging for a change. Guess some miracles do occur…

Only omission resides in a new Career of mine. Has the average district two fighters suddenly switched on me? Because these wannabes are weak compared to the combats we conspired in my history. Hell, Kyanite & I threw each other in the damn hospital during round one back in our day! Yet here I am, witnessing one of my Trainees fumble and fail against his opponent. The smirk the other Trainer delivers in response has my craving to get into the ring myself. “Come on Samuel! Pull your shit together!” But I refuse to give up on him.

A loud impact to the matted floor sounds the end of the battle, before the bell even has a chance to deliver the news. Samuel whines in pain, as his Rival gloats in his minor victory. “I think I broke my knee.” Sam whimpers, providing even more satisfaction to his Challenger. Personally I can’t resist chuckling as well, as I’m certainly aware that he was not injured to that extent. Unfortunately, I know far more about impaired knees then I prefer.

“You’re joking me, right?” I question. Internally begging for him to simply be a smartass as I am, and be entirely faking this baby act. Why else would he just so happen to claim that his knee is hurt? Yes, dreadfully my limp has become a little obvious over time from far too many impacts to the same kneecap. Not really humorous comedy. But the look on Samuel’s face is sincere; he didn’t achieve anything more then a sprain, he’s just that much of a wimp.

Impatiently I grab his shoulder to drag him to the outside of the ring. Luckily the other Trainer isn’t a complete jerk, and gestures for his student to leave. “Quit embarrassing the both of us. Have you never watched a damn Game?” The last part is complete sarcasm; everyone views the Games. “You’re going to need to grow a thicker skin if you’re going to last here.” I warn a second prior to calming things down. This Boy’s not going to change in a single instant.

“Now are you ready to toughen up, or is the old lady with a limp going to have to help you to the Nurse’s?” I offer, nonverbally pleading for him to be strong.

A light wince spreads across his face as he places his feet upon the ground, small improvement. In return a reassuring grin slides across my cheeks. Might take him a bit, but progress is definitely plausible. Perhaps our situations are simply switched. Took me a while to grow soft. “You’re not old, and I am tough.” Surprisingly sparks from Sam’s tongue.

“Okay, at least you have the social part down. Now to have you gain some muscle.” And with that lighthearted conversation we journey down the hall; where I know my favorite Nurse is on shift.

“Kyanite?” I call out for, not wanting to gain attention from any other nurse. She may only be training herself, but this is practically a petty injury to attend to. There’s no doubt that she hasn’t been able to handle this sort of accident since she was ten. “My Trainee here believes he broke his knee.” The coy smirk that’s directed her way uncannily remarks to the information we both know about in my medical past.

“I don’t think I did. It just hurts a ton.” Again my gaze travels to Samuel as more words flutter from his mouth. Without another sentence of my own my dark stare demands for him to sit down on the examination table and quit whining. Maybe I’m being a bit cold, but clearly that’s what this year’s potential volunteers are in need of.

Subtly my eyes travel back to Kyanite, immediately sinking into a calmer expression. “Did we complain this much when we were Careers?” I question the Brunette, purely to get my Trainee to hush.

[*]

Staying in the hospital was never my strong point at all. Never had I thought that I would take on this roll but here I am, dressed in a light grey scrub top with pants to match. My hair done up in a ponytail and a clipboard in my hand as I stand behind my boss. I am a healer in training now. So much has changed in the past year that I can only recall the major components that have landed me in this position. First, it would have to be Matthew. Someone that I fell head over in hills in love with and then ended up with component number two. My precious baby girl, Mira, who is making me grow up unbelievably quick and in a hurry. She's taught me so many things in the past year that I can't even comprehend how I'm able to keep going and have all this courage to keep going. Those smiles though keep me positive that life has to be taken one day at a time. Naps are the regeneration of a bad day to turn it good. If you don't like it, spit it out and try something new. Things my baby girl taught me about life is that you can only try to get back up again when you fall.

If only she didn't keep trying to walk and grow up on me.

"Ms. Ruze. What do we want to do for Mr. Summerlee?" She turns around to me, asking me a question as I quickly divert my eyes to my notepad, examining the notes I transcribed from our recent visit with the patient in room three.

"X-ray. 500 mg of a pain reliever to be administered orally in office. Hand brace if it's just a minor sprain, or to be wrapped and immobilized if the ulna is fractured." I state with confidence and look to her with the utmost fear that I might have missed something or said something wrong. Though, Healer Hollins only give me a very slight nod in my direction and walks away. A breath of relief escapes quickly, leaving a smile in its wake as I trudge quickly in her direction and follow her like a lost puppy.

"Room two needs the wound cleaned out and if you don't mind, tell him to wear gloves next time he decides to climb the rope and act like a fool. He'll never get far in the games if he takes this career stuff as a joke."

"Yes'm. Will do." I tell her and knock on the door to the room with a silent answer to enter. Inside, I look at the twelve year old boy, barely even able to start training here with us, yet here he is and in a good amoount of pain from the open wound on his left hand. I tilt my head slightly and give him a 'tisk, tisk' from my voice.

"Next time you show off in front of your friends, might want to practice a little bit of intelligence. It's all fun and games until you are the one left to look like a fool and end up in my office. Might I suggest gloves next time, dear? They really do come in handy." I tell him, and he scowls at me. Almost seven years ago I was in his position with my hand crushed in a battle with Jins. A burn and a crushed hand are totally different things, but the pain is no less irritating to deal with. I can see the tears wanting to well up in his eyes, so I smile at him.

"What happens in this office, stays in this office. If you want to cry, do it. I won't judge you. It hurts. I understand that. I've been in your situation before." Humiliation is the most damaging of all wounds. So, I set to work on his hand, cleaning it gently with a rinse and putting the skin back to where it should be so that the healing can take place. Only a few minutes later, do I hear my name being called out into the hallway. "Seems that I'll be busy today."

I take another ten minutes to finish him up, putting a salve on it and wrapping it to cover the open wound before letting him walk out of my office a new kid. No more tears lingering in his eyes and his impressionable youthful stupidity no longer going to be a problem for him in the next couple days. The voice that called out earlier though settles in my mind.

"Vy?" I state, washing my hands and exiting the room after getting it ready for the next patient. The moment I lay eyes on her, my heart leaps with joy. Even though we have different careers to attend to now, it's nice to know that I will get to still see and enjoy her aside from being at home. "Come on in, dear. We'll get you taken care of."

Inside, the young boy sits down. He probably isn't but two or three years younger than me, but I'll be nineteen just around the corner and then this will become my entire profession from here on out. No longer eligable for the reapings have put me into a calmer mindset because without Matthew at my side, I no longer have to worry about her well being if I am to be sent off.

"My trainee here believes he broke his knee." I nod my head and immediately look to his gait before he sat down and then how he moves when he does. I can already see the way his knee don't bend right, but the fact that he can still walk on it gives me a good vibe that Vy is indeed on the right track. Her body movements screams that he's not as hurt as he is thinking. Perhaps a sprain, but nothing more. A pulled muscle could also be doing the damage, but a little investigation would be needed first.

"How did this happen, Sam?" I ask him, without even asking his name. My job is to know the faces and the names that go along with them. Afterall, I see them on a daily basis.

"Sparring..." He offers up quietly, and then Vy comes in with a right good statement.

"Tell your trainer that she needs to be compassionate when there are injuries." I give her a side eyed glance, but with a hint of a smile. However, I feel the need to make the situation a little lighthearted as well. "I only seemed to complain when I sunk a knife deep into someone's buttox after he impaled my shoulder with a training knife."

The look on Sam's face is priceless and elicites a good chuckle with the situation. "Those were real injuries, but all injuries aren't suppose to be treated the same. Let me look at ya, Sam. Roll your pant leg up for me." With a waiting stance, he lifts the fabric up to reveal a bruising knee, but only in two small places on either side of the knee cap.

"Vy, will you mind staying with Sam here, and I'll go check with Healer Hollins on getting him an x-ray." As if I run this place myself all the time, I turn to the small fridge and retrieve an icepack and gently place it on his knee. Before I step out of the room, I give a passing glance to Vy. "Would you also mind making sure he keeps this ice pack on his knee until I return?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

And hushed my Trainee most certainly becomes, just as myself though no instructions directed me to do so. The delicate candy laced with Kyanite’s words, along with the confidence that coats them, could settle a hefty crowd with ease. Of course she seals Samuel’s lips shut, which I’ve been failing to achieve. Now that I need him to speak, he’s as hesitant as he was in the ring. Fantastic, he cowers to attractive females as much as he does to intimidating muscle. This kid needs strive for other dreams, and leave potentially volunteering for the true fighters.

“He was swept to the mat, and his Opponent’s foot met with the side of his knee.” I explain a bit more in depth, capable of gaining more control then my unfortunate Trainee. “But I didn’t hear a crack nor did he scream, only whined.” Even before I became a Trainer I gathered the knowledge on how to predict the extent of an injury simply by witnessing the accident. Any Career that closely observes a plethora of combats could adapt to this skill.

Still Ky’s the one with the talent of healing, so I leave the true result to her conformation. And evidently she’s also the one with a softer heart, as she prescribes to my Trainee that I need to be more compassionate. Automatically a sarcastic chuckle escapes from my lungs, way before I have a chance to prevent it. “I’ll leave that part for you, Ms. Ruze.” I insist with crossed arms that obviously indicate my refusal to budge from my position. If I revealed a sweet side, then these kids would never grow thicker skin. But if they do occasionally require comfort on their breaks, I’d prefer they ran to Kyanite. ‘Least she is tough as well, and won’t completely baby them in her nurture.

There are too many babies at home to ever do that.

Memories of the past gently grace the air as Kyanite shares of the severity it took for her to complain. It wasn’t an event we conspired, though I remember the story nonetheless. Impacting moments consume our history, and I completely understand why she went with an innocent one.

Another snicker unfolds from my interior when Ky remarks that those were real injuries. But she always cares for the tiniest cut with love and concern. She studies his bruising with the kindhearted quality that makes us a pristine team. “I thought this wasn’t a serious injury?” Of course I still object when she calls for an x-ray, and requests that I remain with my Trainee while she schedules this. Just like my spontaneous bursts of laughter earlier, I can’t resist my eyes from rolling.

“Yes, Ma’am.” But to no surprise, I comply willingly afterwards. How could I possibly argue with her? There’s been so much confliction in our olden days that a debate here is undesirable. Kyanite’s the Healer after all; she knows what’s best. If she wants me to stay with my Trainee, make sure he doesn’t remove his icepack, than I’ll do just that. “Pretty sure he’s not as stubborn as me.” I reassure her, positive that Samuel won’t dare to depart that icepack from his knee for a single second.

“So you and Healer Ruze are friends?” Samuel questions out of the silence Kyanite left behind.

Instantly my expression sinks as cold as the pack is on his knee. “If you’re going to be scared during a damn spar, you should be even more fearful of me.” I advice harshly, wanting to avoid any questioning to the relationship Kyanite and I have. Truthfully, I don’t think either of us knows. Two recently single mothers living together and trying to get by. Luckily Samuel is intelligent enough to not speak any further on the subject.

The atmosphere calms as soon as Kyanite returns, though Sam appears as baffled as he was prior. “So how long is this going to take? Because the daycare closes in less then an hour.” I whisper to Ky as another nurse helps the injured boy into a wheelchair. None of my Trainees are aware of Brooklyn, and I plan to keep it that way. But our little ones still come first.

“His mom works in the office downstairs. I can go get her, then go pick up the Tykes if you need to finish up here?” I offer, satisfied with any outcome since by the end of the day we’ll all be under one roof. It was a struggle to get here, but now here is awfully preferred. "Guessing he'd rather have his Mother's hand to hold, rather than my hard fist."

[*]

Excusing myself from the patient and his trainer has to be done. The matter of the boy's knee was going to cause a little bit of concern for a minor sprain or hopefully nothing worse than just a muscle strain. Those can be healed within a couple weeks and being eased back into training and by the looks of it, this boy is definately no Vy. This kid will need time to heal. It makes me wonder why Vy is training him when he is clearly not the fighter type. He's soft. A little weak around the edges, yet he does fight and show up for training. Maybe, he's just doing it so that he's prepared should he ever have to be pushed into the games. I wonder if he's going to turn out like me? A healer of sorts? It would be interesting if he did. I would love to have my own protege running along side my heels and doing what I need at a quick call or nudge of my head. One day...

"What it is Ms. Ruze?" Healer Hollins asks when I step into her office. She looks up to me from her paperwork, setting the pen down and tilting her head just slightly. "Well?"

"New patient came in followed by his trainer. Already did assesment on him injury, and was needing to have your insight on the injury. I'm goign to be ordering x-rays on the young man's knee. Some bruising, pain and tenderness."

"Are you asking for my permission to let you do this or do you think you are not qualified to make your own judgements? If I have to look over your work before you're finished, then what am I teaching you?"

A nod of my head respects her words. "I'll go ahead and get the x-ray ordered, Healer Hollins."

A quaint, "Mhm" escapes her before she picks the pen back up and I go off on my way to seek the tech that will actually follow through with the procedure and just like that, I'm reentering the room, greeted by Vy and Sam's presence as the nurse is helping Samuel into the chair to be escorted out for an x-ray. A whisper turns to me when I glance at Vy. Apparently, the time has been lost to me as it's getting late and the daycare will be closing soon. That means, that my shift will be over in no less than thirty minutes depending on how Sam's x-rays turn out.

"Well, once the x-rays are done, it'll take about fifteen to process. After that, it's letting Healer Hollins read them and then we'll know where to go next with him." I tell Vy. Information about my patient is given to me about his mother working downstairs and I give her a nod. "I'll take care of that. I'll inform his mother that he's here, but if you wanted to go and pick up the girls for me, that would be great. My shift should be over quite soon... depending on Sam's disagnosis."

Sam exits the room with the nurse in tow, leaving both Vy and I to listen to the silent room and I walk over to the sink and clean my hands. "You aren't going too rough on him are you Vy? Don't want to break your little fighters. Though, as many times as you've had your knee broken and shoved and pushed in directions that it shouldn't go, you should be more considerate of his pain.. even if his pain threshold isn't as high as yours. You're a monster. He's just a kid." I try to reason with her, and turn around with the towel in my hand.

"Take it easy on him, okay? At least lighten up on him just a little? He's different than you. He reminds me of me, a little. He's got a soft heart. He'll grow better with a different regiment. Endurence instead of strength. Make him stretch his limits. That... or I'll take him away from you and train him as my own..."

I chuckle. One thing I know she hates more than anything is competition and I remember how much competition we had in the past years growing up. I fold my arms up in front of me, and shake my head. "In all seriousness though, Vy, he's a good kid. You're doing good. Being tough on him is good. He responds well to it, whether you think he does or not."

A sigh escapes my lips and then a more lighthearted question soars, "What do you want for dinner tonight? I'll make sure to go to the market before I come home since your picking the girls up."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Just a year and a half ago I never would have envisioned myself in this daily situation. The Panem arranged for Kyanite & I to be enemies. Perhaps they prefer for the majority of its citizens to be rivals, to prevent a positive collision that could turn against them. But occasionally unconditional friendships do blossom in the ashes of hostility. Somehow that’s apparently what happened between us. After that very Panem placed it’s isolating back towards us, we only grew even stronger together. The light at the end of the tunnel turned out to be at the rockiest of bottoms.

Before my main concern was on whether Brooklyn has a better life then I did, and now I have Kyanite to assure that she most certainly does. Being a young Mother has frightened me more then any battle I’ve ever endured, but together our girls are flourishing. When one of us is unable to retrieve them, the other always can. “Sounds good. You’ll get home five, ten minutes after us.” I tease, with my confidence that Sam is fine seeping out just a smidgen more. I’m sticking to him over exaggerating this whole ordeal, while Kyanite comments that I might be going a little too tough. At least I’m softer towards our girls.

“Well I was a monster kid when I was his age.” I protest, crossing my arms once again; unsure if I should be flattered or offended by her last words. “And that was just around the time you broke my knee, and I broke your arm. Neither of us even whined as he is…we kept fighting until we were pulled a part.” A light laughter crumbles from my lips at this memory, as it flashes in my mind like a projector. Purposely I gaze out the window to the nurses flying by to attend to another Career or Patient of theirs.

Again Kyanite’s insisting that I ease up on him just a smidgen. Apparently Samuel resembles her a tad, and she knows exactly the strategy to help him…if I don’t follow her instructions, then she’ll take my Trainee for herself. “If he did break his knee, then I definitely will. I made him walk all the way here by himself. If not, please train him as a healer.” Obviously that is not what she was implying, but I tease her again all the same.

“Glad you think so.” But at the end of it all, we do both have respect for each other, and the innocent taunts are left behind here. “He just needs some time…and an even devise of both sides.” And she’s also correct in her view. I may not be able to provide it, but that’s what makes us a great duo. Thankfully we also leave all work here though, and it’s about time to return to our mommy duties.

Yep, it most certainly is. Easily my eyes trail back over to Kyanite, as a deep grin forms across my cheeks.

A while ago I absolutely would not predict my life to unravel like this. The men have fled from our routine, yet we’re still standing happily intact. Like any normal family, Kyanite’s generous heart questions what I want for dinner. “As long as you’re cooking, anything.” I reply openly. Evidently the only desirable meal I can prepare is breakfast, and maybe a sandwich. “Perfect. I can never control the girls in public during rush hour.” I share the subtle chuckles with Kyanite. Another aspect I could never assume was whether the chaos would ever calm. Finally it has simmered down to peace.

“Alright, we’ll see you at home.” One last flash of a smirk is directed Kyanite’s way before I depart from the room myself. The Girls always grow more anxious the longer we keep them at daycare. Can’t keep them waiting any longer if we’d like to get a relaxing evening.

As always priceless grins and giggles are delivered to me the second the two Rugrats see me. “Hey babies. How’re you two today?” Immediately I scoop them both up, while they’re too excited in their bursts of cackles to answer me. “Did you watch out for Mira, Brooklyn?” I do at least get a confident nod to that question. Throughout everything, it seems as though these two have become closer then anyone. These two will always have each other; Kyanite & I were successful in that aspect. Perhaps with the new circumstance we’ve been presented, we can succeed a lot more.

[*]

"The only thing I remembered whining about was when your daughter, well, sister at the time, wouldn't leave my bedside and continued to try to get on the bed shortly after the surgery. So, yes. I did whine, but not over the pain nor the break. Kinda funny now that I have my own daughter and I love your daughter more than life. We were horrible kids, weren't we Vy?" I have to add in by the time, she gazes ut the window to watch something. I can only assume there is more bustle outside going on since the end of the shift is nearing. All the rest of the healers are probably wanting to finish their rounds before any more careers are brought in to doctor someone else.

And just like that, we see eye to eye. If he did break his knee, then she'll go easier on him. Maybe even feel bad that she made him walk all the way here. However, she also wants me to train him in the art of healing. That will obvsiously have to come later on when I get fully certified to do so. For now, it's nice to hear her say that.

"Thank you." Is given and accepted from Vy, with a smile to go along with it. Real life interrupts for a moment, breaking all rules of being formal in the work place and when food is mentioned, Vy could really care less. She would much rather deal with the rugrats then brave the chaos that is the marketplace. I nod. "I'll get something good, then. Put some water on to boil when you get there if you have the time."

I stick my tongue out at her when she mentions seeing me at home, and behind her back when she wasn't looking. Back to my patient, I walk through the hallway and down to the x-ray room to await the results of my curious disagnosis.

....

"What do you mean, you're out of it? You always have the fish." I argue with the vendor. Fish can be rare sometimes to have, but this guy will always have some stashed away for late comers, except for today. Today, he has ran out and leaving me without a dinner dish to prepare for me and Vy special, so I quickly sigh and leave to go to another stall. With my eyes glinting toward the muliple vegitables, another idea strikes my fancy and I collect the colorful veggies and slip my coin into the hands of the vendor with a pleasant nod.

"Kyanite..." I hear my voice being called and from the other end of the market. My eyes quickly scan the area, curiousity peaked. Only, I dont' see anyone of interest, so I conclude that I must have just imagined it and so I turn around to go home when I hear the voice again, but closer.

"Brittany." I state when I nearly bump into her when she sneaks up too close to me, and her full smile entices me with nothing but bad memories and harboring hatred. "To what do I owe this honor?"

I try to be nice. I don't want to make this any more awkward than it already is. I just know that in the past, Brittany and I don't have the best of terms. She hurt Vy too much and tried to take Brooklyn more than once. She deemed Vy a horrible mother and that I'll never forgive her for. But to be civil is to be professional. So, I slip into my healer mode and address her that way.

"How's my granddaughter doing. You taking care of her alright? Fed? Clothed? Bathed? You keeping her all safe and sound whereever it is you live?" I straighten my posture and clasp my hands together in front of my body.

"Yes'm. Sure am. Full belly every night. Happy as a lark. Loved so much by both me and her mother and new little sister. A nice, big happy family. Thank you for inquireing about her, but I do have to get home. Supper is on the stove." Two steps are taken away from the blonde, whose eyes are staring me down as if I was suppose to submit to her, then her attitude changes completely.

"That's alright. Take care of my grandbaby. Tell, Vanity, that I'd love to see her again. Set up a meeting for us, will you, lovely?" She asks before she turns on her heels and sashays away from me. I turn to go home with very little care to even mention this meeting with Brittany.

....

At home, I walk through the door; arms full of fresh produce. Even then, I can hear the sqealing of Mira complaining of hunger and Brooklyn's noise of disaster with something falling. I laugh immediately and rush into the kitchen to set the bag down. "Vy? Vy, where are you?"

I turn to the stove to turn the boiling water down, and then go to search the upstairs for her and go to the girl's room to see her standing there with Mira on the changing table. "ARe the girls giving you a hard time already? Want me to help?"

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Did I already consider how I never would have foreseen myself in this lifestyle? Not complaining in the least, only still a bit shocked. Back then my own daughter alone was a handful, and I didn’t dare desire another Rugrat…despite how amazing she’s always been. Now there’s newly one Mira bouncing in the stroller, before Brooklyn’s even four. She’s certainly grown though, as she now slides happily through the slippery ground beneath us. Could have sworn yesterday she was just learning how to walk. But she’s even capable of entertaining her little sister at this age.

How odd that our story played out this way.

In a smidgen of time we make it to the warmth of our home. Already the girls are trying to bribe me for a snack, but their curled bottom lips and widening eyes won’t pay for Kyanite’s reaction when they’re too full to eat a healthy dinner. Going to have to thank her again for saving me from going through the market. These two are bottomless pits, having the appetites of little boys. “Nope. Ky will be home soon to make dinner.” Whines erupt in response, but at least it’s more tolerable from them.

“How about we build a castle with the block, and then knock it all down?” That ignites a more preferred reaction, with heads nodding vigorously. Yep, I most certainly didn’t picture this as my nightly routine. And though I refuse to admit to it, I wouldn’t trade this for anything else.

Of course I am lucky that the Girls easily get distracted, and I can often step back for ten minutes before one realizes. Things would rarely get achieved if we lost ourselves in playing all day, such as forgetting to boil water, which I quickly excuse myself to do. First and only valuable advice Brittany ever delivered was to always use the back burner, and make sure the handle was out of reach of tiny hands. Hopefully I wasn’t the mistake to make her learn that trick.

To no surprise the second I return to the precious two, a new duty is presented. “The second I get one potty trained, there’s another one wearing diapers.” But I have to laugh, because still I wouldn’t have it any other way. The delight these two conspire is worth every stage requiring deep sighs and patients. “Let’s go rascal. Be good Brooklyn.” Knowing the mischievous three year old that she is she’ll get into some sort of innocent trouble.

“We’re potty training you two months after you start walking.” I tease Mira, who only giggles back at me with a nodding head. I’m positive she understands what I’m saying. “You’re smart, I know you can do it.” And her head then shakes back and forth, just to taunt me back. She’s so much like her Mother. “Really?” It’s impossible not to laugh, especially with her chipper chuckles squeaking right back. “Don’t be a smart a…butt like your Mother.” That makes her cackle even more.

Right on cue I hear steps creaking the staircase, and it’s certainly not Brooklyn’s coy tiptoes. Without Kyanite I definitely wouldn’t be able to constantly handle one, let alone two. But as a team, it’s occasionally a peaceful stroll. “Just doing the favored job of a dirty diaper. They’re just hungry, but surprisingly not too cranky.” It’s these simple facts that determine whether we’ll have a pleasant night or not.

“But I’m all done here.” I share while scooping up Mira from the changing table. “Was just telling this little one here that we’re potty training her soon, because she’s a genius.” After meeting Kyanite halfway to the door I reunite the two, especially given that Mira’s arms couldn’t stretch any further towards her Mother. Both of our rugrats act as though they haven’t seen us in months whenever it’s only been a few hours. “She may eat off your thumb if you don’t cook dinner soon.” I warn jokingly.

Not wanting to leave Brooklyn to make any more of a mess, I lead the way back downstairs. “So what was Samuel’s diagnostic Doc?” I curiously question during our journey. Generously I’m greeted with only scattered blocks in the living room, done by none other then my offspring.

“Let’s build another Girls, Kyky has to cook.” Truthfully it’s simply the best way to get them to collect all the blocks to rebuild. Sometimes I get fortunate enough to prevent them from flinging them all over again, making the cleanup that much easier. Ironically that’s where my home brain revolves now.

[*]

Watching Vy take care of Mira makes my day great. To see her interacting with the little one alongside her own daughter puts such a good feeling in me. She loves her and her own daughter. My lips part in order to offer help to her and instead I get potty training advice and timing for when to start teaching her. She's barely even walking yet Vy is already wanting her to become potty trained because she's simply a genius. I shrug my shoulders, not going to deny Mira my words of such other. She will be smart and take to all tasks with ease if she's anything like me.

A chuckle escapes me because of my own thoughts and as Vy finishes with her, she scoops her up and then passes her off over to me. Immediately those drool covered lips go to give me kisses, making me retaliate with a gross effect only to have Mira giggle at my attempts to avoid her. Her fingers latch on to my hair, pulling me closer to her and then I dip her down to my knees and back up. Her instincts kick in, grabbing hard to my hair, pulling it so she doesn't fall although my hands are already on her back and below her bottom to keep her from falling from my grasp.

"Momma's girl. Mira is mommies little baby girl. How was daycare? Huh? How was it my precious girl?" I kiss her cheek and then pretend to eat on her arm as I follow Vy out and to go down the stairs where we end up meeting with Brooklyn who's block tower is all over the floor and the sound realized as to who it was in the first place when I walked in. "Brookie, baby. Kyky is home. How was daycare?"

Even though I know not to bring work home with me, Vy questions about her trainee's diagnosis. I shrug. "Well, it's not as bad as he was thinking, but it's not as minor as you were hoping it was. Just a lateral collateral ligament sprain." I watch for Vy's eyes to flicker in my direction and then when she does, I shake my head. "It's just a knee sprain, Vy. Simple as that. Some ice, rest and relaxation and a brace and he'll be good in a couple weeks. Very minor though. If you can give him about a week and a half before starting him training again, it would help him. Though, after that, he should be needing to get that strength up again."

Mira's hand touches my nose and then she pulls at my lip in which I have to back my head away from her to keep her nails from digging into my chin. "No, no, Mira." I condone her, and just by the simple coo of the negative reaction, has her bottom lip poking out. My lips turn down adn i look at Vy. "What have you been teaching her? Brooklyn? Are you teaching her to be a pouty face?"

I cuddle the little one before sitting her back in the floor by Brooklyn and putting my hands on my hips. "Well, Vy... I'm going to get the food started. If you wanna help, we can put Mira in the highchair and we can double team supper adn get done faster. I don't know about you, but I'm absoluetly starving after that market place fiasco..."

I pause a moment, a flash of Brittany coming over my memories as I turn abruptly and go into the kitchen and turn the stove back on high to get the water to boiling. Slice after slice, I put the cut vegitables in the pan and then mix up a sauce to go on top. "Vy... can you come in here?" I question. "I got some news from Jeran today, I forgot to tell you."

In the quiet of the room, I also mutter something else. "...and something about Brittany, too."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

At least this is a desirable life. A sturdy roof protects our heads, while the house provides a flourishing amount of room. Each of us is relatively healthy, finally. The Girls are plenty happy. Drama has avoided our presence for a decent amount of time. Somehow now my major concern resides in injuries, and my idiotic Trainees that constantly achieve them. I swear, Brooklyn & Mira are as tough as half of them. Until hearing that Samuel’s results are longer then just a sprain, which has me reconsidering Kyanite’s advice from earlier. But still this is the most of my problems these days.

My eyebrows arch inward, baffled by the words fluttering from Kyanite’s lips. Good thing she’s the healer, and not me. The second my focus settles on her, she reassures me that it is only minor. Worse then what I was assuming, but still far from critical. Perhaps a combination of Kyanite’s and my tactics would excel. “Eh, I give him a week. Only took me that long to get back into training with a broken knee. We’re trying to make him stronger, remember?” That sounds to be about an even trade between the two of us.

This is a discussion for only work though, and with a subtle shake of my head I forget about the subject for the night. We always did agree to concentrate on the family while at home. It was my mistake for bringing it up, and I’ll gladly submit to ending it. Ignoring the misshaped leg of my own, I use it to gently kick isolated blocks to the center of the room where the rest are being regrouped by Brooklyn. My mind remains on this serious task, till Kyanite easily captures my attention again.

It’s impossible to resist chuckling as Ky notices the extent of the pouty face Mira has improved with Brooklyn’s influence. And to no surprise even the three year old begins cackling uncontrollably. “Pretty sure they practice in the mirror while we’re not looking.” I suggest since the tiny Blonde is too busy dying of giggles to share the truth. “But I definitely didn’t train them to do that.” The soft laughter eventually starts to fade, especially when I’m requested to assist in the kitchen.

Instantly I dive to the carpet, where the Girls are beginning to rebuild. “I’ll clean up after. I suck at cooking.” I complain, unable to even fake a whine. Even though we’re all starving, if I even step into the kitchen I’ll end up destroying our meal. Plus if I can keep the youngsters tackling me on the floor, which they automatically do, my cleanup will be even easier. “Ah, you two are so strong.” I pretend to be overtaken, incapable of departing to help. Unfortunately I’m called in a few minutes later though.

News about Jeran? Must I be informed? The first couple of weeks were dreadful for us all, as we desperately tried to reconstruct the scattered pieces the boys left behind. Now things are finally looking up. But of course I travel to Kyanite anyways. “Watch Mira, Brooklyn.” That’s the only place I have confidence in currently.

Cooking is the last talent I have; yet the second I enter, I desperately gaze around for something for me to do. “What’s up?” I question, noticing a couple of dishes I could occupy myself with. The running water may drain out the noise a tad, but the sink’s only a foot away from the stove & Kyanite.

Two weeks ago I would of pleaded for the information that he was going to return. At this moment I’m praying to hear that he’s doing well, but won’t be venturing home any time soon. For once things are going smoothly, and I’ll brutally battle anything that attempts to mess it up…even if it’s the confusion of my first love. The Girls are more important.

[*]

Vy refuses to help me at first, stating that she was going to ruin the food if she stepped foot in the kitchen. She somewhat reminds me of Matthew in that instance, but I resolve to let it go and get the food going per the norm. That is, until I call her in there to talk about more personal things like my brother.. and her mother. I know the way to ease into it because I'd rather have the good news first and then the bad so it wouldn't linger over the good and be missed in conversation.

"Watch Mira, Brooklyn." I hear Vy's sultry voice call over to Brookie and then await her in the kitchen where I'm stirring the pot. Vy's question about what is going on comes up immediately. I don't look at her though. I barely even glance in her direction until I take a wiff of the food's steam and inhale the scent.

"Jeran's been assigned to another district. He'll be leaving for district ten in a few weeks with a few others. Recruiting and stuff. He sends his best for you. He misses the house. He misses Mira and Brooklyn." I start and look over to her as she occupies herself with the dishes. "Thank you!"

I add in a great amount of enthusiasm cause that's one thing that me and Vy have in common. She's the yin and I'm the yang. I cook and she will clean. We work well together in this little flip flop of a family that we've concocted. "Do you miss him? Jeran?" I wonder outloud.

I lay the spoon down on the counter and walk nearer to the sink where I prop myself against it. I look at Vy, searching her eyes and stature for anything or any sign of missing him. Anything to tell me that what my brother and her went through wasn't going to effect our friendship. Both of us has had to deal with breakups and goodbyes. I'm surprised we're both still whole.

We depend on each other right now.

"So, there was something else I was wanting to talk to you about and please, just don't get mad, okay?" I ask her, warning her even before I even go any further. I know the situation that she was in right before Jeran had went to get her from that horrid person of a mother. I know the way she looked when she was being helped in. The look on Brooklyn's face about being so concerned about her mother. From what Jeran had said, Brooklyn was having to take care of her own mother at just three years old. Talking about her mother is making my insides boil with rage already and the words havn't even passed my lips just yet.

"Your mother found me today." I glance at Vy up and down, and then let my eyes linger on Vy's feet as if I was ashamed to admit this, but it's the anger inside of me that is making me hide my eyes from gazing into hers. I"m sure she's going to be pissed as well. "She wanted to know about Brooklyn. She wanted to know if we were... taking care... of her, properly?"

I scoff at the idea because it's literally so ludacris because she was the most horrid thing to Vy. She always had been and always was, but toward Brooklyn, she wasn't - until she made her take care of her own mother. "She wants a visit with her... and I told her that she was loved by both me and you and her new little sister. A big, happy family, is what I said. Then I left."

A sizzling occurs beside me, and my eyes dart to the stove as the water is boiling out of control and popping water bubbles out onto the burning embers of the coils under the pan. I race over and turn the knob down to control the intensity. "I didn't know what else to do other than to just kinda put her off and leave. Does she know where I live? Where we live?" I look at Vy honestly, and stir the vegatables and then take the pan to the sink to drain them.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Am I clutching my breath as I agonizingly a wait for Kyanite to speak? Seems as though she’s tauntingly pausing her tongue to see if Jeran’s name ignites anything from me. But as much as my insides claw for faster information, the poker face I’ve mastered over my life remains intact. For nearly a month now we’ve maintained a joyful household. I refuse to already allow an obstacle to impair all we’ve struggled to create, let alone some minor news. As much as I still love Jeran, I don’t wish for him to change what finally feels right.

Thankfully a relieving sigh evaporates from my lungs when Ky shares Jeran’s new assignment. A guilty ache pains my spine, but at least I know nothing will be altering just yet. For now he’s happy and safe elsewhere, and as are we. Somehow my expression refrains from illustrating the satisfaction I shouldn’t be having. Perhaps grieving would be more appropriate, yet I’ve simply never been one to sulk. The breathtaking moments we conspired together will always illuminate my thoughts. I should still be praying for his return. Though I’m unable to trail from the idea that everything’s currently spectacular as it is.

So the briefest moment that the topic is switched, I desperately grasp it like a comedic lifeline in the bitter sea of drama. A smile subtly arches my lips from Kyanite’s gratitude for cleaning the dishes, though it was mainly encouraged by the reassurance that this is not going to be changed. “Told you I’ll always clean if you cook.” I remind, even if she’s fully adapted to this trade of ours. Unfortunately though, our pleasant exchanges are constantly balanced with the opposite.

Why must she wonder about the current take I have on Jeran, on her brother? With the chaotic conflicts battling in my brain, I’m not even quite sure myself. And there’s no resisting my jaw from clutching at her question. I will always love him to some degree. But at the end of it we weren’t meant to be. “I don’t miss the way things used to be.” Is the only way I can conduct an answer.

Suddenly Kyanite’s presence closes some distance between us. She’s a foot away, yet I can feel the warmth she’s absorbed from the stove nipping at my defrosting skin. Instantly my expression calms as I gaze her way, curious to why her stature has shifted. My attention entirely leaves my chore at hand to become focused on her. The report on Jeran isn’t the sole reason she called me in here. My features sink as I realize the next part is going to be even worse. Ky begins with a request that I don’t get angry.

Again my teeth clench, before my head gets around to nodding in agreement. “Yeah, okay.” A year ago I would never have been capable of making such a promise. But for Kyanite, for either of our girls, it’s a task I’ll willingly cave to. I brace for the impact, only to inhale a toxic name that’s impossible to prepare for…mother.

There’s an instinct to break the remaining three dirty dishes awaiting my diligence. My fingers clench, stretch, and squeeze the edge of the sink to avoid any old impulses I used to contain. With a foot of snow blanketing the District, this is no time to travel to Brittany’s to clarify why she shouldn’t even dare look at any of us. There’s a family here right now that I have to care for, and be responsible for. I have to prove exactly how we’re properly caring for my daughter.

“And what did you say?” My voice is surprisingly mellow compared to how I would of responded in the past, though my posture remains as tense as ever. How can I possibly exhibit my anger around Kyanite? It’s not as if she decided to encounter that horrid of a person. Amazingly though, she handled her a lot better then I ever would have.

Another smile even rekindles on my face, extremely proud over how Kyanite reacted. But of course she buries herself in cooking, possibly before even noticing my nonverbal response. More words flutter from her, and it appear that she doesn’t realize the significance of her actions. Hopefully it brutally showed Brittany that Ky’s no one to mess with. We shouldn’t have to worry about her stalking us to our home now.

“Doubt it. And even if she did, she hasn’t been a physical threat for over a decade.” I assure, my tone completely shifted from the concern it held prior. “Plus she preys on the weak, and you pretty much told her you’re no one to fuc…” Blocks come tumbling down in the other room, followed by a load of giggles. “Don’t worry.” My grin is directed her way to prove to her that it’ll all be fine. “I’m going to get the girls set up at the table.”

There’s a slight urge to envelope my arms around Kyanite, to confirm that we are completely safe now. “You did great Kyanite.” But instead I only leave her with that and a confident smirk. “You girls hungry?” I question the second I enter the cluttered mess of the living room. Without a moment of hesitation Brooklyn’s assisting Mira to her still wobbly feet, and I scoop them both up for a faster travel.

[*]

No matter how easy I tried to bring on the news of Vy's mother, it stains the air with a pungent smell. The distaste is still there as I can tell immediately how Vy's posture changes and as much as I've been around her, the sudden silence is enough to tell me that she isn't happy. I wouldn't be either and I'm not. I'm pissed at her mother but I try to keep calm and cool. Vy's curiosity gets the better of her and she questions how I handled that monster of a woman. The air around Vy steadies out immediately and even though I can barely see her reaction through the steam of the water draining into the sink.

Calming words reach my ears, curse word or not, I can hear Vy's enjoyment of how I handled that woman. Very lightly, I grin and glance over to Vy just as her vision is forced into another direction with a down tumble of blocks creating a huge noise.

"I'm not going to anymore..." I state as she suddenly says something that turns that light grin into a full blown giddy-like smile. "Thanks!"

I turn to watch her walk out of the kitchen and that gives me a few moments to stare after her and sigh. So much I wanted a confident hug from her because I feel like that we could have used that at a moment like this. The need is gone though just as she walked out and my mind clears and goes back to the task at hand. "Vy, you will not have to worry about your mother if its the last thing I do." I say as I pop a peice of a vegitable into my mouth, testing the doneness of it.

I move fast to get the matching peices of tumblers for the girls to drink out of and the plates for all of us and set the table. With Vy out of the room tending to the girls, I make haste to get the next thing ready for the food. The bread is thrown into the oven for a quick browning and before I even know it, dinner is done, and the girls are at the table.

As the night settles near midnight, Mira's wide awake. Her lovely green eyes keep staring straight up at me without even the littlest little sign of her going to sleep despite the yawns that keep occuring. Her fingers latched onto my shirt without letting go. Her lower lip puckered out as if to make me suffer to the ways that her big sister has taught her. "Come on, Mira. Everyone else is asleep. Time for you to do the same, baby girl."

I hum a gentle tune, and her eyes clench close but not for long as she whimpers and straightens out her back and demands to be put down. I hold on tighter to her and try a new position with her head on my shoulder and start to pat her back. A gentle rocking motion does nothing for her and her whimpers start to get louder as I shush her; comfort the sleepless child. "Mira. Come on my sweets. You miss daddy don't you? He could always get you to sleep. You never gave him any problems..." I fuss with a gentle and coo like voice to her and start to pace the living room floor, occasionally stopping at the window to glance outside at the rising moon and the starts that are twinkling.

"Once upon a time, in a beautiful land there was two little girls who wanted to play forever. They would wake up early every day and follow the path to see the end of the waterfall..." I start a story, hoping that she'll start to settle.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Hungry girls eagerly settle into the appropriately sized seats. Just last year at this time, this image was unimaginable. Drama was constantly occurring, and the future was unpredictable. Now Mira is just beginning to fit into Brooklyn’s old highchair, and she has a big girl booster for herself. But the truly surprising aspect is the ones sitting around the table. Though a couple more used to occupy this dinner occasion, we’ve finally regulated to a satisfying temperature. Dangerous dilemmas no longer threaten our concerns. Somehow we can actually be a family.

Brittany will not affect this household, nor will anyone else.

She attempts to pollute my mind, to distract me from this lovely meal, while I viciously resist. The lady that’s unable to physically consume my day cannot inflict upon it. Mentally perhaps, though I will not allow for such. Instead I concentrate on Kyanite, and the precious little ones we have. There’s a desired standard that we’ve conspired; and as long as I have that, I’m capable of protecting it with every fiber of my being. Subtly I dissipate from the fret Brittany instilled in me a while back. She’s incapable of damaging the preferred life I’ve built for Brooklyn, for us all.

After only a few round of giggles and baby gibberish, my thoughts are entirely around the priceless members present. Unfortunately it’s around this stage that the clock speeds; and as the saying goes, time flies by. Before I even realize, Kyanite is bathing the Girls while I clean the kitchen to Capitol standards. Why the good times must go, as the bad stubbornly lingers, is beyond my understanding. But I will gladly persist for shorter peaceful years.

Evidently this strategy works in my benefit, given that I enter the living room to a sleeping Brooklyn. “Have to love that the three year olds get a shorter naptime.” I grin happily and scoop up my adorable rascal. My eyes catch stubborn Mira though, exhibiting the same habits Brooklyn usually has. Unfortunately she’s far from tuckered out, meaning our night is not venturing down that easy of a path. Still optimism remains with me. “I’m sure she’ll be rubbing her eyes soon. I’ll be right back.” Is promised to Kyanite before I take the one sleeping toddler up to their room. One down, one more to go…shouldn’t be too difficult, except that I’m far too aware of how these two are.

Fearful that I may awaken Brooklyn to second burst of energy, my movements are cautious and slow. This Rugrat could sleep through an earthquake, yet I’d rather not cause the rare incident that she raises alert from her slumber now. Oh so gently I place her in her toddler bed, and tiptoe from the shared nursery. One success accomplished, only one more to go. Dreadfully though, Mira’s refusal to go to sleep greets me at the staircase.

Will a single adult night not be granted to us for the next ten years? At this rate, seems so.

But I refuse to cave just yet. Plenty of times I’ve coaxed Brooklyn to sleep when I didn’t believe it’d be plausible. Maybe tonight we can enjoy a couple of hours in the silence of our new situation. “Want me to try?” I question after a few moments of quietly listening to Ky tell Mira a story. Once she notices that I’ve been spying, I speak again. “Guessing this is why two parents are constantly needed. We all need a break sometimes.” Is commented prior to even self-absorbing what I was saying. And without another word, I take Mira’s still petite body into my own arms.

“Are you giving mommy a hard time?” I ask Mira with a soothing tone that’s trying to persuade her into dreamland. Already her clenched knuckles are attempting to pull the sleep from her eyes, fighting the powerful influence of the sandman. Relentlessly I cradle her against my chest, refusing to let her go as much as she contrasts it. The exhaustion I’ve bottled all day breaks out in a sigh, to hopefully be absorbed by Mira. This worked for Brooklyn; it could still contain the same magic. I sink into the couch, as a calming shhing noise sings from my lips.

Takes about three minutes of subtly fading crying before it hushes to a sudden stop. Still I wait another two until I approve of the temporary victory. “Why are all the women in this household so stubborn?” I tease Kyanite in a soft voice. “Guess they are easier then the men were…” A chuckle rocks my chest, though luckily doesn’t awaken the now sleeping Mira. “I’m going to go put her in her crib.” I announce proudly, and carefully pull from the sofa. “Don’t you fall asleep on me to.” Is jokingly warned prior to my journey upstairs.

No noise follows the click of the door shutting off the nursery. A baby-monitor is already downstairs, but the girls are quite good at sleeping through the night. And with that in mind, I cross through the kitchen to get a bottle of wine before going to rejoin with Kyanite. The alcohol refrains behind my back at first though. “Mira’s a year old now…” I lean against the open frame separating the two rooms, feeling the need to convince Ky of this event. “The girls sleep through the night. I think it’s about time we have a little fun.” And with that I reveal the liquid, and a shit-eating grin of mine. “Up for finally relaxing a little?”

[*]

This fussy, sleep fighting baby of mine pulls the nerves in one bad direction while I'm forced to still keep my motherly attitude about. Perseverence and patience will put her to sleep eventually, but I feel that she'll wear me out first and formost before she'll even get a wink of sleep. Though, with Vy putting Brooklyn to bed upstairs, I'm unsure of how long she'll actually be up there. Perhaps she will fall asleep and then I'll be up all night trying to sooth this little one into the dreamland I want her to visit. As much as I try to rock her and sing and tell her stories, it doesn't work for sleeping but it does for calming. The story of the two little girls continue as they frollic and play in the meadows nearest the waterfall and when I mention the word cat, Mira perks up again and grabs a handful of my shirt and refuses to allow me the win of the war.

"Want me to try?" A saviors voice comes from the other end of the room and I turn to look at Vy with a surprising glance. She didn't fall asleep, despite my earlier thoughts and the sight of her gives me hope. However, her comment of having two parents is a little tough to swallow even after the past three months. Though, I only nod at her and kiss Mira's cheek as she is coddled into Vy's chest and arms wrapped tight around her. It's enough relief that I find myself yawning as I watch Vy sway with the little one to coax her into sleep though she does still seem to fight her. She talks to her, asking her questions in such a tiny voice that Mira is in awe of her for some reason. In a way, she treats her like Matthew did but not quite. He wouln't let her get away with being that tired and fuss girl she's suddenly become around me.

While Vy has given me such a break, I turn and go to the couch and sitting down and laying my head over on my arms over the arm of the couch. Comfort evelopes me. The cushions of the couch lulling me to exhaustion and thankful for the one person in the world that has been to stay. "You are a life saver, Vy." I comment just a few minutes into her rocking my daughter. I would have to say though, watching her put Mira to sleep has a certain amount of feelings wanting to invade my thoughts, though I push them away in awe that in just a few short minutes, she's put her to sleep and the silent sound of her breathing crowds the room.

"You little turd." I say to Vy as she starts to walk off with the sleeping princess and leaves me to the quiet room to fall prey to the sandman. Slowly my eyes fall and for a few moments I feel my body being lifted into the sky. Perfectly at ease, I drift in and out of consciousness until I hear the footsteps that loosen my hold on the dreamland that my body was attempting to escape to.

"Mira's a year old now... the girls slee pthrough the night. I think it's time we have a little fun..."

I perk up. I sit up and lean my head on my hand and glance to the bottle of wine that she now reveals and my lips are already lifting with excitement; sleep disappating.

"I could definately use it, Vy." I move my legs and give Vy the space beside me. I pat the seat and then look at her. "Where are the glasses? Never you mind... I'll go get them. Pop the cork." I tell her as I race into the kitchen and grab two different glasses perfect for such an occasion, though I'm careful of my gait so my rushing around don't create noise to wake the sleeping ones.

Back in the living room, I twirl the glasses in my hand and then take a close seat next to Vy, sitting at an angle so my body is turned toward her and my legs are now tucked under my body. "Relax... drink... I havn't had a drink since ... well... a little over a year ago. Having a child... a baby really takes things away that you normally want to do." I place the glasses on the table and then steal the bottle away from Vy.

"I'll pour!" Each glass is given the same ammount and I sit the bottle down and grab the two glasses, handing one to Vy. "To... kids... life... and the lack of a great sex partner." I giggle, and shake my head. "Nah, seriously though... Thanks for helping with Mira..."

I take a drink of the wine, and then look to Vy. With a grin, I study Vy a little too long and then sit the glass down. "Hey Vy..."

The urge to do something crazy hits. Something weird and unconventional as I gently, yet quickly close the distance between the two of us and kiss her without warning. A flood of embarrassment hits me though a moment later and I resume my position on the couch and the glass of wine is promptly back in my hand and a gulp taken.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

“You are a life saver, Vy.” Continues to repeat over and over in my head. So many other occasions I’ve endangered my life for our fragilely forming family. Yet it’s now that the significance over my value is verified by myself. Perhaps it’s been this way for a while, but it’s at this moment that I’m capable of realizing it. Am I helping Kyanite as much as she’s rescuing me? We most certainly assist each other in every aspect we require. Just maybe our partnership is balanced. Except for this very instant, all that matters is the influence this wine can cause us.

Gratefully I take the offered seat next to Kyanite, only to be notified a second later that glasses are needed. In the heat of the moment, ecstatic over a break from parenthood, proper utensils were far from my mind. Before Brooklyn I drank from the bottle. Guess we should drink like actual parents. And since Ky insists on grabbing the necessities, there’s no room to complain. Rather I willingly follow her instructs in freeing the wine from it’s cork, and the block from our inspiring beverage. Soon enough warmth reoccupies the seat next to me, and the two glasses she wanted clatter against the coffee table.

Like always her words never fail to strive, conspiring a desirable conversation as she usually does. Relaxing…drinking… Though her timeline calculation for consuming alcohol last throws me off a tad, until she distracts me with snatching the wine. “Fine, you pour.” I agree, satisfied with the filled cups she provides us. “Pretty sure it’s been close to two years since you drank though, because I know you didn’t when you were pregnant.” Is reminded since I’m confident in my long observation. “Better take it easy, you’re probably a lightweight.”

Then we take a toast to the good life we now have, including the ones we’ve lost to achieve this. A sarcastic cackle seeps from my own mouth at her comment, unsure how to react. Thankfully Ky redirects it to my assistance with getting Mira to sleep. Automatically a shrug consumes my shoulders, not desiring to take any credit. “You’ve been there for me just as much.” Still I raise my glass to our accomplishments, and take a sip. “To our family.” And with that another gulp of my wine is taken.

Heavily my head falls against the sofa, and I’m not positive if it’s the exhaustion or the half a glass of wine taking over. Either way though, the situation I find myself in is unbelievable. This is what I prayed for Brooklyn and I to have. Past a long struggle, this is what we have. Kyanite’s sweet pitch derails my train of thoughts, and I gratefully focus on her. “What’s up?” I question after she calls for my attention.

Never would I have predicted such a scenario. Chemistry had been boiling between us for quite some time, but I assumed it was solely from my end. Then the gap closed between us, and her lips attracted to mine. The softness and flavor was none other that I felt before. She pulled to me, and I swear I didn’t imagine it. Sparks flew. And I’m left in the confusing aftermath of what it all truly means. Redness colors her cheeks, and I…

“We both help each other more then we know.” I play it off as though nothing major happened. The biggest grin I’ve ever maintained graces my face. My heart races more then it ever has before. But I verbally act as though it was no big deal.

Unmistakably my smirk grows, illuminated by the enjoyment Kyanite’s given. More and more sips are taken to conceal this sensation. “You helped me with Brooklyn probably before Mira was even conceived. The least I can do is pay you back…plus I know how difficult it can be on your own.” Instantly I shake my head of the thought, recapturing my dampening smile immediately. All that truly matters is what we have now.

Just like the first kiss, my lips reconnect with Kyanite’s…except this round I exhibit the emotions we’ve evoked since the camping trip that first connected us nearly two years ago. “Wanted to make sure I wasn’t imagining the feelings.” I explain before returning to my wine, a bit bashful myself. The sensation we share is unmistakable, yet it’s something that keeps me as baffled as everything else. I won’t risk our family, but I can’t ignore this newly found love.