There Is Enough To Go Around

Chapter 5

It was around five in the morning by the time Stef had got back home. She was called into a drug deal with multiple people inside, the police needing as many cops to arrest and book in jail. She was supposed to be off work today, but because of the bust, she was given the next three days off with pay. Just enough time to spend with her family, as well as bond with their newest member, while finding a daycare or sitter for her when Lena and she were both working.

The blonde trudged up the stairs to her bedroom, the family not supposed to be up and around for another hour. Sleep was out of the question, Stef already had her coffee, and decided to take a shower, and peek in on little Mila. As she entered the bedroom, she stole a glance at her wife, to be surprised by another person in the bed. That person is no one but Mila. The little girl was snuggled close to Lena's chest, Lena's arms wrapped protectively around her. Stef couldn't help but smile and snap a picture of the moment. No doubt Lena was beyond ecstatic that Mila was opening up. Stef leaned in to kiss her wife's forehead before heading into the shower.

By the time she was done and dressed, and started on breakfast, she could hear her crew shuffling around upstairs, fighting over the bathroom. About twenty minutes later, Lena came downstairs, with Mila still in her pajamas and her hair in a mess. She clung nervously to Lena, as Stef came into her view.

"I see someone has taken a liking to you. Good morning lovelies." Stef said as she leaned in for a kiss from her wife. Lena kissed her back, before taking a seat at the counter, the toddler keeping her head buried into her neck.

"So what kind of call-in was it?" Lena asked as she took a sip of a glass of milk that was set on her place at the counter.

"Drug bust, but it went down pretty easily. Still took forever with the paperwork." Stef explained as calmly as she could. She knew Lena was not fond of her job, especially after Stef got shot over a year ago. She hated to worry Lena and found that writing notes put both women more at ease instead of waking Lena and having her stay awake worried. Stef walked to the stairs.

"Come on kiddos, breakfast is ready!"

"Do you really have to yell?" Lena asked. Not only did she not like the habit, but from Mila's sudden jump at the raised voice, she did not appreciate it either.

"Sorry Love, but going up the stairs doesn't get easier with age. Would you like some eggs little one?" Stef asked as she bent down a little in front of the girl to make eye level. Mila sat up a little, her curiosity peaked, but not enough to make her talk.

"Why don't you answer her sweetie?" Lena asked, knowing that it was Stef she was going to be staying with all day. She would have to warm up to her too.

Mila nodded, and Stef immediately smiled, praising the girl's cooperation. "Let's sit in your chair, huh? You can sit right next to Lena and Jude if it is a little scary." Stef said, trying to make it easier. If her wife was going to eat anything, Mila would need to sit in her own chair. It seemed to work, for she nodded a little and sat quietly as Lena placed her in the high chair and Stef set down the plate. The number of eggs and torn-up toast might have been a little too much, but Stef figured they needed to fatten her up somehow. Mila picked up the food delicately with her fingers at first, but eventually put it in her mouth. As soon as all the kids shuffled downstairs, she stopped. She didn't cry or reach for either of the women but sat completely still.

The teenagers went about their morning as rambunctious and noisy as usual, their nervousness of the toddler seeming to subside overnight. Jude continued to talk with Mila, and she seemed to be a little more mellow with her two favorite people beside her, but she refused to eat now, even after being reminded or Lena had tried to feed her herself. As the kids began finishing up and bustling around the kitchen, she tensed up and gripped her earlobes, and looked like she was on the verge of a meltdown or a panic attack.