Caraleigh

 

The next morning finds me running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Both kids are a bit grumpy because of their fun-filled weekend with late nights and no schedule and I’ve reached my limit when Luca whines. “Luca! I said enough! Finish your breakfast and then go and brush your teeth. Now!”

Ralynn, who was also a bit whiny, starts shoveling her cereal in without speaking. Guess it pays to occasionally crack the whip, huh?

“Uh-oh, looks like you two are misbehaving this morning,” DJ says, coming in and going directly over to the coffee pot. “Considering how much fun you both had this past weekend, seems to me you wouldn’t want to start the week getting into trouble. Now, what’s the problem, Ray?”

Leave it to DJ to get to the nuts and bolts. Me? I’m just what my mom would call outdone. Getting both of them up and dressed was like pulling hen’s teeth, and then? They bickered over which cereal they were going to eat, which seat they were going to sit at, even which juice glass they wanted to use! Sipping my diet soda, I give her a look to convey it was “everything”.

“Ray? I’m waiting,” she states, stirring in some sugar. “And seeing as you both still have to brush your teeth then we have to head to school? Your time is up.”

“Mommy, I’m tired,” Ray says. “I don’t wanna goes to school today. I didn’t want Frosted Flakes and then Luca got the bestest seat.”

DJ rolls her eyes at me and I bite back a grin. “Suck it up, buttercup. You are going to school today and as far as what cereal you’re eating, you’ve always enjoyed Frosted Flakes which is why we bought them. And that is Luca’s seat, we’re guests, remember?”

Ralynn’s eyes tear up and her lips wobble. “Ah ah...no tears, missy. If you’re both so tired, then I’ll let Nan know that you need a nap after she picks you up from school. How does that sound?”

“No! Not a nap!” they both cry out.

“Then what do you suggest?”

They fall over themselves apologizing, words coming out of their mouths that have me choking back laughter.

“Hmm, that’s all well and good that you’re both sorry and I’m sure Cara appreciates it, but I think that early bedtime this week might do you both some good so you remember that cranky kids have consequences.” Damn, she’s good at this shit!

“I like your idea, DJ,” I state. “Now, you two need to go up and brush your teeth so we can head out. I start my new job today and do not plan to be late.”

Ten minutes later, DJ has the two kids in her car and headed toward school while I quickly clean up the kitchen before leaving. I am one of those women—I can’t leave dishes hanging until later. I credit my mom for that, she is affectionately known as Mrs. Clean for her housekeeping ways. Guess it bled into me. Grabbing my insulated bag that has a small lunch in it and a few drinks, I head off to work.

“Cara?” Nan calls out as I reach my car.

“Hey, Nan. Thanks again for watching the kids this weekend so we could go out.”

“Never a problem, dear. How were the kids this morning?”

“Oh my goodness, we had two brats instead of well-behaved rugrats, that’s for sure.”

“Yeah, Lily was the same. I know I’m picking them all up today, would it be okay if they had a little rest?”

I can’t help it, I start laughing. When I finally calm down, I say, “DJ told them that if they couldn’t behave, she was going to make sure you had them take a nap every day! They weren’t happy about that at all.”

“Well, once I make sure they’ve done their homework and give them a snack, I’ll have them watch a movie or something. No major running around.”

“I trust your judgement. We told them they would have early bedtime this week, which they aren’t happy with, but DJ reminded them that actions have consequences.”

“Yes they do and both kids are so well-behaved, it’s obvious that you and DJ are doing something right with them. I know you’re headed off to work and it’s your first day. With Braxton leaving on his trip, come home planning to eat dinner. Let DJ know as well.”

“Nan, we can’t ask you to do that, you’re already doing so much!” I protest.

“You’re not asking, I’m telling you that’s what we’re going to do, okay? I love cooking and if it helps the two of you, then all the better. In fact, I’ll have DJ bring over whatever it is you make for the kids’ sandwiches and I’ll get the kids to make their lunches as well. That way, once you two get them home and bathed and put to bed, you can relax.”

“Nan, you’re a lifesaver, that’s for sure! It’s been so long since I’ve worked that I was a bit worried, to be honest. Especially once DJ goes back to her house to get things finalized before she moves because then? I’ll have two kids to take care of!”

“We’ll manage dear. Now, you head off to work, I’m sure you’re anxious to see Braxton.”

A light blush covers my face and I nod. “Are you...are you okay with how fast all of this,” I wave my hands in the air, “seems to be happening?”

“Caraleigh, I’ve never seen my son so happy. Ever. Even being Lily’s dad, he has had a cloud of sadness that surrounded him and I’ve prayed for years that someone like you would come along and light up his world. So no, I don’t think it’s ‘too fast’, I think the prayers were finally answered.”

At her words, I can’t help it, I reach out and give her a hug. She’s so fucking different from Mrs. Jensen, my mother-in-law, and I need her to know she’s important. “Nan, I think I love you,” I whisper.

She chuckles lightly then says, “I already love you and Luca and your crazy friend and her little girl, dear. Now, scoot.”

Ah shit, she used the mom tone on me. With a wave, I turn and get into my car. Time to go to work!