There Is Enough To Go Around

Chapter 16

The last week of August was coming to a close, and everyone was preparing for the new school year. Summer was diligent and busy enough with Brandon following through with his classical music scholarship offer, the twin's social life, and Callie working. Their family camping trip was to be followed during spring break, due to every teenager seeming to have their own schedules that summer. When the school became along, however, lots of milestones were being reached that year. Not only were Brandon and Callie going to be seniors, and Mila was starting preschool, but Jesus was also going to boarding school. With a scholarship, mind you. Most of his things were packed, and this would be the last week he would be in the Foster household.

One summer afternoon, while Callie was at work, Mariana at the mall, Jude hanging with Connor, and Brandon was of course was at the summer scholarship deal, both Mila and Jesus were slouched on the couch, gazing at the T.V absentmindedly. Lena walked in on them, having just gotten back from the gym. She looked at her two kids, automatically feeling a little disgusted. It was beautiful outside, endless possibilities just asking to be explored. And yet, Jesus and Mila sat almost zombie-like in front of the television. She walked in front of the T.V., automatically get a couple of groans from her teenage son and preschool daughter.

"It is beautiful outside, what are you two doing inside?" she asked.

Jesus shrugged. "Nothing to do Mama. Can you move, please?"

"Mama! We watchin dis!" Mila whined.

"I will not allow two of my children to laze around all day about the television. Go outside."

"And do what?" Jesus challenged.

Lena raised a strict eyebrow, quickly reminding her son to keep her son in check with his attitude.

"Take your sister to the park. It is going to be the last time you probably will be able to, with you leaving in a week."

"I am hanging out with her right now..."

"It won't kill you to be outside for an hour. C'mon Mila, let's get some sunscreen on you." Lena said, Mila immediately jumping off the couch, excited about the park. Jesus finally lugged off the couch and went to put his shoes on. Once Mila got her shoes and sunscreen on, he grabbed her hand and they were on their way, Jesus grumbling all the way. This was stupid he thought. He was always outside, and the moment she caught him on the couch, on a nice day (which most days were in his opinion) he got yelled at. At least Mila was happy, skipping in his long steps on the sidewalk.

Upon reaching the park, Mila let go of his hand and raced to the colorful play structure.

"Jesus, c'mon! I go down da slide!" she called, and he couldn't keep himself smiling at her. She always made things seem easier and happier. He raced over there, and as she slid down the slide, he scooped her up, tickling her all the way. After a few more trips down the slide, Jesus managed to glance at a couple of cute girls, who looked like they were watching him. He heard some whispered 'so cute' or 'don't you just love guys who are good with kids?' He smiled at that and suggested to his little sister that they should go on the swing, which just so happened to be close to the girls on the bench.

"Higher, 'Sus, higher!" Mila giggled, and he complied, as he occasionally flashed a smile in the girl's direction. They smiled back at him, as they whispered among themselves.

"Nice weather today, huh?" Jesus asked the girls on the bench, without turning around.

"Sure is." the one girl with long wavy blonde hair replied. "Do you always take your sister to the park? She is adorable." Jesus took his attention off of Mila and glanced at the girls.

"Usually. They grow up so fast, and who doesn't like to play with their little sister?" Jesus answered with a sly smile. Of course, that was only partially true. He did like to spend time with Mila, though it usually took a few pushes and threats from his moms to do it. But hey. Chicks dig guys who are good with kids. Why didn't he try this months ago?