Forever and Always

Chapter 9 - How Will I Know

Taylor's POV

I collapsed on a nearby bench tired from running around. I cannot believe I lost my kids. I turned on my phone to look at my lock screen. Kayla and Owen were smiling back at me. Only 20 minutes had passed, but it felt like a million years. I took a deep breath in and closed my eyes for a moment to think of anywhere they might have gone. Central park is huge; they could be anywhere. I got off the bench and started to walk down a path with no particular purpose. Hot tears began streaming down my face. I heard my self sobbing louder than I could ever imagine. Then I realized that I wasn't the only one crying.

"Mommy! Mommy where are you I want to go home." Yelled a little girl in between sobs.

I started turning in circles trying to find where the voice was coming from.

"Kayla is that you? Where are you?" I yelled back to the voice.

I took a few steps off the path and saw Kayla and Owen walking around the trees holding hands. I ran towards them.

"Kayla! Where have you been? I was so worried about you and Owen. Nevermind that, I love you both so much. I am glad I found you guys safe and sound." We were crying and hugging at the same time. Our little family looked like we had spent a week in the jungle.

"Mommy, I went to find Owen and when I found him, I didn't know how to get back to you. Owen scraped his knee on a rock."

I looked to Owen. His leg was full of blood.

"What happened Owen?" I asked him.

"I fell."

"Okay, let's get you home. We can clean up that wound with a nice bandage and then eat dinner." Both kids slid their hands into mine and we headed home.

After dinner I gave the kids their baths and tucked them into bed. I sat on my bed with my laptop open getting ready to Skype my mom.

"Hi Taylor!"

"Hi Mom." I said tiredly.

"How was the kids first day in New York?"

"It was eventful. Do you think I am a bad mother?"

"No, not at all! What brought that up?"

"Well, I thought the kids would have fun hanging out in Central Park this afternoon. I sat nearby and watched them play hide and go seek. It wad getting dark so I told Kayla to get Owen for dinner. They got lost. I was too focused on something else and didn't realize how long they were gone. I couldn't find them for a while and I got scared. Obviously I eventuall found them, but Owen was injured and they were both shaken up."

"Taylor I hate to say it, but that happens to every mother at least once. All you can do is learn from this experience. How was the rest of the day?"

"It was good. The plane ride went better than I had anticipated. You should have seen the look on Owen's face when he got in the cockpit. He was fascinated. Kayla loves the city. She told me she wants to move here someday. I have been thinking about relocating for a while."

"Only you know what is best for you and your kids. I see someone is out of bed now."

I turned to look over my shoulder. Kayla was standing in my doorway.

"Kay, can't you sleep? I asked her.

"No, I heard you talking to Grandma."

"I'm sorry. Would you like to say hi?"

"Yeah!"

Kayla jumped onto my bed and climbed into my lap.

"Hi Grandma."

" Hi sweetheart. How do you like New York?"

"I love it! I never want to leave."

"Well don't be gone too long. I miss you all. Now go to bed and I'll talk to you tomorrow morning. Okay?"

"Okay, goodnight. I love you."

"Goodnight."

Kayla climbed under my covers and put on her headphones. I talked to my mom for a few more minutes.

"Hey mom, can I ask for some advice?"

"Anything."

"I am supposed to meet someone at the club house tomorrow."

"Who? Wait, nevermind. I know who..."

"Yeah, he said I could bring the kids. Should I? Is it good for them to finally meet him. It's just so complicated."

"Taylor, breathe. Bring them. If he said you could then bring them then do it. It may have a different end than your imagining."
"You're right. It could turn out well. Thanks mom. I love you. I'll call you tomorrow. Night."

"Good night. Have fun tomorrow."

I set my alarm, climbed under the covers and flicked off the light.
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My alarm buzzed precisely at 7:45. I forgot Kayla slept in my bed last night, so I tried to get ready as quietly as possible. I got the kids up around eight. I helped Owen get dressed in a cute mini suit and I brushed Kayla's hair. We sat on the couch for a quick family meeting.

"Okay, today I have an important meeting with an old friend of mine. He would like to meet you guys in person, so he gave you an open invitation. I want you guys to be on your very best behavior. We will be at a fancy clubhouse for lunch. You have to stay close by. I don't want to lose you again."

"Momma, we're not going to get lost."

"There are many important people at this place who are excited to meet you guys."

"I don't wanna meet people." Stated Owen who was playing on the floor.

I wasn't too shocked. He's really shy unless he is in a comfortable and familiar place. I bent down to pick him up. "You can bring Teddy and hold my hand the whole time if you want." I said trying to bargain with him. I got a head shake so I continued. "After this I promise we will do something super fun."

"What?"

"It's a surprise. Finish your smoothies we'll be leaving in 5 minutes. Not a minute later."

Sorry this update took so long. I have other chapters already written, which I will be posting throughout this week. Stay tuned! Thanks for reading :)