A New Chapter Begins...Again

t w e n t y - f i v e

You let Haylee sleep for a while. She slept through dinner, and you stayed up to catch up on work stuff, then Haylee comes down around 1

Haylee: Mom?

You: Hey bubba, you doing okay?

Haylee: I don't know

You: Come here

She climbs up on your lap, straddling her legs, and burying her head in your neck. You rub her back and just let her have a moment

Haylee: Why don't they believe me?

You: I don't know bubba

Haylee: Am I the one who's wrong?

You: No, you are not. I even have your scans from before you and Ryker were born to prove it

Haylee: Can I see them?

You: Yeah, they're in your room

You stand up carrying her to her room. You put her on the bed and grab a teal box from her closet, then hand it to her

Haylee: What's this?

You: I was hoping you'd find it on your own when you're older, but that's all your baby stuff

Haylee: Wow

You: Go on, open it

She opens the box and pulls everything out

Haylee: These are so cool

You: Yeah, that's the day we found out we were having twins

Haylee: You didn't know?

You: In the first scan, one of you was too small still, so when we went back a few weeks later you both were big enough to see

Haylee: Cool. Did you know our names then too?

You: We had a few ideas

Haylee: Was I always Haylee Kristen?

You: Your dad actually decided that for you

Haylee: What was the other name?

You: He chose between Haylee Kristen and Haylee Nicola

Haylee: Like grandma's name?

You: Yeah, but he liked Haylee Kristen

Haylee: So, you picked Ryker's name then?

You: I did. I always liked the name Ryker, and Dominick is for grandpa

Haylee: Cool

You: So, do you still believe those mean kids?

She smiles for the first time and you smile back

Haylee: No, I believe you mom

You: I'm glad. Why don't you head back to bed, it's late

Haylee: Okay, goodnight mom

You: Night my baby girl

You kiss her forehead and go back down to finish up your work

Harrison: Y/n?

You: Hey Harrison

Harrison: What are you doing? It's like 2 in the morning

You: I know. I just put Haylee back to bed, and I'm finishing up these papers

Harrison: Oh, have fun

You: Thanks. Goodnight

Harrison: Night

You finish up the paperwork and head up to bed. You check on the twins as you walk by, then climb into bed. Tom rolls over putting his arm around you, and you snuggle close to his chest

Tom: I love you shortie

You: I love you more Spidey

Tom: Not possible

You wake up the next morning to Tom staring at you

You: What?

Tom: You're just so cute

You: Thanks

Tom: Why'd you come in so late?

You: I was doing work for Monday, Haylee was up, then I had to finish

Tom: Is she okay?

You: Maybe. I showed her the box though

Tom: What did she think of it?

You: She really liked it

Tom: I'm happy she did

You: I just wish kids weren't so mean

Tom: Me too, but they're 10, it's a mean age

You: I know, but it breaks my heart

Tom: It breaks mine too, but she'll get through it

You: She's strong...like her dad

Tom: I think you mean like her mom, right?

You both laugh and Sam runs in

Sam: Hate to ruin the moment, but...

Tom: What's going on?

Sam: I think Haylee's having a panic attack

You and Tom sprint down the hall to Haylee's room