Together Forever

Chapter 4: How could I resist you?

The latter half of the drive went by quickly. Frida curled up with her boys in the back while Verity and Benny played a very intense game of Eye-spy. She won, obviously.

When they arrived back at Benny's house, there was still a lot to do, so, although it was dark, they began taking their suitcases out the car. A lot of shouting, arguments and general chaos ensued. Verity got hit by Kasper's suitcase, Benny kept straining his back by lifting Frida's many, many bags and so on. So by the time he remembered that mini Andersson and his mother were still in the car, it was already way past the 5 year olds bedtime. He found it odd that Frida hadn't got out the car yet, he always remembered her being almost too eager to help, so wanted to check on her.

She couldn't have changed that much, surely?

Frida had her arms wrapped securely around her child, head drooping over his as they both snoozed contentedly. Benny took in this beautiful picture with soft eyes. After a short while, he decided he'd better take them inside. The kids hadn't eaten since breakfast and from what Frida mentioned earlier, it didn't sound like she even had that.

Tugging the small child out of his mother's grasp, he carefully lifted him into his arms, the boy's head lolling backwards, arms and legs akimbo. Re-adjusting him slightly, he made his way towards his house. There he met Leo, and practically threw Kasper into his arms.

"What are you doing?" The teen asked, giving his father a mildly bewildered look.

"Oh, mamma fell asleep in the car, so I'm just going to take her inside!" He sang out joyfully.

"Well, I can do that, don't worry. Mamma's scarily light so I know I won't hurt myself, how about you take Kasper inside and order the food with Ver instead?" Leo chuckled, making his way back towards the car. Until his father stopped him, guiding him back inside, all the while saying,

"No, no! It's a little cold out here, you go warm up boy, make sure your little brothers gets their pyjamas on. Discuss what you want for dinner want for dinner with your siblings and then mamma and I will order it." He gave Leo a reassuring smile, who didn't ask any more questions.

Opening the car door once again, Benny gazed down at his ex-wife. She had aged much better than he had since the last time he had properly saw her. The moonlight bounced of her light blonde hair and illuminated her gorgeous freckles. Benny could count every single one of them and never get bored. The freckles were something each of their children had inherited from her. He was so very glad of this, he loved those freckles. However different his children with her looked from each other, they all had one thing in common. Those freckles. He began tracing a pattern of the ones on her nose with his finger absentmindedly. He missed this.

"Mhh, that's nice." Frida smiled in her sleep.

He cursed himself for waking her. Luckily though, she hadn't really woken up at all, and just snuggled back into her seat. Swinging her deftly up into his arms, he shut the door with one hand and he clung onto her with the other. Leo was right, she  was light. Too light for his liking. But as long as Frida was healthy....

"Benny? Why are we here?" She mumbled quietly, giving a tiny yawn.
"Because sleepy girl, this is my home." Benny laughed.
"Could you take me to a hotel?" Frida pouted, rubbing her eyes a little. Such lovely, unique eyes."
"Tempting"  Benny chuckled.

He was only playing. Of course. Yes.

Frida slapped Benny's chest lightly, still laying in his arms like a rag doll.

"You know that's not what I meant! Think of the example you're setting for your boys, Andersson. And Verity too." She said half into his chest.

"I know, Frid, I know!"