Just Breathe

Chapter Nine

Lia sat at the kitchen table with her siblings Thursday morning eating a bowl of cereal as Stella gabbed on about the picture she was drawing, which Lia couldn't quite tell if it was supposed to be a flower or a dog. Sebastian, always the more chill twin, was fiercely focused on an episode of Chuggington that lit the living room television screen as Tobi stood watch with the hope that one of the twins would lead to him enjoying some of their breakfast.

Vanessa came out looking like she was going away for a month, much less a four day trip with the amount of bags she dropped to the ground.

"Are you actually fleeing the country this time?" Lia asked with a raised eyebrow, referring to the joke her parents often shared at their kids' expense.

"Don't tempt me," Vanessa said with a smile, "I don't want your grandparents to have to worry about not having anything. Which reminds me, you're sure you're still good with staying here by yourself until Sunday?"

"Moooom," Lia held a knowing look at the umpteenth time she had been asked this very question, "I'll be fine! I'm just going to be studying. Besides I'll have Tobi as a watchdog!"

Vanessa laughed at the thought of their small mutt being anyone's security guard, "And taking some time to have fun. Who's coming over again?"

"Just a few friends from school," She didn't see the need to mention which school and who's friends they were.

"Alright, just make sure everyone leaves by eleven. It's still a school night," Vanessa said as she leaned down to tie Sebastian's shoelaces. It was almost hard for her to believe that she had one kid who was old enough to be left alone overnight and the other two were still in diapers. She and Lin had thought it would be a good experience for Lia, though, to have a few nights to herself before she went off to college in the Fall. Besides, both sets of grandparents were right around the corner if she needed anything and she had always been responsible. "And make sure nobody goes into any of our bedrooms or offices?"

"Mmhmm," Lia nodded as she ate another bite of her cereal.

"And I promise we won't bug you, but please when call or text, please respond so I know you're alive and didn't burn our apartment building down,"

Lia grinned, playfully rolling her eyes, "I will, mom,"

"Even if it's dad that calls or texts, answer."

Lia shrugged her shoulders, but nodded to ease her mom's worries. Lia and Lin had been rocky since their middle of the night argument. Neither was outwardly fighting with the other, but the usual thick as thieves duo were definitely in a tense place.

Vanessa walked into the kitchen to pour herself some coffee, "And can we briefly touch on the subject of Ayden?"

Lia's eyes scoured over to her mom, "What about Ayden?"

Vanessa had always considered herself to be open minded and liberal. But that didn't mean she was thrilled for this conversation, "You're going to have the apartment to yourself. No parents, no twins barging into rooms..." Her voice trailed off as Lia's eyes widened.

"Oh my god! Mom, I'm eating!" Lia said disgusted at the idea of having this conversation at eight in the morning with her mother as her younger siblings watched cartoons. The thought had crossed her mind, of course, but she wasn't going to admit that. She didn't even know if she was going to do anything, and a conversation with her mom wasn't the time she was going to decide.

"I'm just saying that we trust you and any decisions you make, but we're also not comfortable with the idea of him sleeping over here, alright?"

Vanessa knew her daughter was a smart girl and had raised her as such. She had always been thankful that Lia, overall, was always honest with her and they had a great relationship. She also knew she was a teenager with hormones, and wanted to lay some ground rules down.