"You make me happy when skies are gray," I half whisper, running my fingers through Presley's long hair. "You'll never know, dear... how much I love you." I give her a gentle wink, "Please don't take my sunshine away." Smiling softly, my eyes fall on the floor, where Joplin and both of my grandchildren are listening very intently.
I got home earlier this evening and to my surprise, they were all waiting for us at the airport... My babies. I've missed them- I've missed everything about being at home, tucked away in my little safety net. Back where I belong.
"Are you tired?" My voice is low, only because I can tell that my audience can hardly keep all their little eyes open.
Curling into my a little more, Presley's head stays plastered to my chest. "Mhmm," she wasn't supposed to come pick us up, but on the way home, she told me that she had gotten into a little argument with her husband, and it was better that she left before things got out of hand.
So, of course, like all fights usually end, Presley and the kids are here for the night, which I secretly love.
It's amazing to me how things change as life moves forward. When I was young, I couldn't wait to live by myself. I couldn't wait to make my own rules, not have to worry about anyone or anything besides rent and for a long time, I loved that life. I loved being alone, being free, but now, since my kiddos have left, I hate it... I look forward to the few nights I get where they're here, safe, with me.
I sleep better when I know that they're just down the hall.
"Let's head upstairs." Kissing the top of her head, I slightly motion for her to stand up and she does, taking both our blankets with her. "Come on, babies." Wiggling my fingers, I watch as they both hurry towards me, leaving their aunt curled up in a ball on the floor.
It stays pretty quiet as we all trail up the stairs, biding our good nights as we head in separate directions down the hallway. Since we've lived in the same house for a million years, nothing's really changed, besides keeping it updated... The dark green counters from the 90's wasn't exactly the most ideal style anymore. Anyway, since nothing ever really changes, they both still have their own bedrooms- not pink with flowers on the walls anymore, but it does gives us enough space when they're here.
Sighing heavily, I journey through the bedroom, setting my earrings on the nightstand before getting ready for bed... I've missed my bed more than I've missed anything- don't tell my kids.
"Knock, Knock?" She whispers, peeking around the door in such a shy way.
Speak of the devil.
"Come on in," I can't help but smile as I pull a nightgown out of the dresser drawer, watching her venture towards the bed. "What's up?" Sneaking into the bathroom, I leave the door half cracked, just so I can hear her.
"Umm," she lingers for a moment, "I just really missed you." Joplin repeats the same statement for the third time this evening. I mean, I know she missed me, but I don't think she's ever missed me this much.
Creasing a brow, I stare at myself in the mirror, readjusting my pink silk nightgown before I open the door. She's laying on the other side of the bed, wrapped in a throw blanket as she stares at me from across the room.
She's different, she really is. And sometimes it scares me.
"Honey, is everything okay?" Falling onto the edge of the mattress, I start rubbing lotion into my legs and then up my arms, all while she sits very quietly.
