Only A Moment

Sorry is a Verb

WILL POV

Addison handled Sophie's news better than I expected.  She brought Raj back to the apartment with her and we feasted on baked potatoes with cheese, sour cream, chives, and steamed broccoli while relaxing in our cozy place, enjoying nice conversation with our meal.

I like Raj.  He's kind and respectful plus shows Addy so much care in his actions.  The way he gently teaches her even simple things shows me they're a good match. She fascinates him, between her optimistic perspective and outgoing personality. My little sister has always had a lot to say but a single look from Raj and her expression shifts into one of dreamy bliss.

We teased the shit out of her when he wasn't around, but she did the same to us.

They headed to the other apartment- Addy's apartment now- after dinner to do homework then she planned to drive him home.  My sister was still borrowing Sophie's car most of the time and started picking Raj up before school when she realized how tough it would be to ride a bike in snow and ice.  He would make Mango Lassi's for their breakfast while Addy packed sandwiches or wraps they'd eat for lunch along with any snacks he brought.

Watching them was adorable.  It made me a little sad I never had those early moments with Sophie, but we were building a family together.  As we had noted in the past, we put the cart before the horse in a number of ways.

I was thankful we were stronger now.  Milo only brought us closer when an unplanned pregnancy from a one night stand could have easily torn us apart.

My Dad called while we were eating and invited all of us for dinner on Saturday night at the house.  He was relieved Mom talked to Sophie today and I agreed, knowing how hard it must have been for my Mother to humble herself a bit.

It was no surprise to either of us that Sophie showed so much grace. Dad loved her like a daughter and spent as much time as he could manage with us, growing a relationship with Milo while Mom kept her distance.

Until now.

The rest of the week flew by and suddenly it was Saturday night.  Sophie dressed in the red cropped sweater she wore the night we met along with a comfortable pair of high waisted black pants that she insisted were basically sweats.  Her long dark hair was in soft waves while she kept her makeup simple. Addison trimmed Sophie's bangs that morning while Raj gave me a haircut as well. Both were thankful for the experience while we knew they were more than capable of handling what we asked of them.

Milo was napping as we tucked him into the car and Sophie pumped before we left.  The bottle was slipped into his bag so my parents could each have a turn holding and feeding the baby when we arrived.

Raj and Addison were going to meet us there once we gave the all clear.  He was nervous but my sister did a great job helping him understand more about how our parents work. Raj made the comment that if our Mom didn't like Sophie there was no way she would approve of him, but we did what we could to calm his anxiety.

We agreed we don't want to completely shun them from our lives if there is a chance for reconciliation, but we also will not put up with a whiff of the disgusting shit my Mom has spewed toward Sophie and others.

An apology means nothing without actions.

I got the car seat out of the backseat when we arrived, staring at the house where I grew up with a long sigh.  Milo was a little cranky since he wanted to eat but I knew Sophie's plan to have a bottle ready that they can use to feed him was best.  He had a clean diaper and would easily devour his food then be ready for a nap.

My Dad opened the door and broke into a wide grin while welcoming us inside.  He pulled Sophie into a hug, "It's so good to see you guys."

She smiled softly, taking off her boots at the door along with her coat.  Dad took the car seat and had a glimmer in his eyes, "So, how is our little man doing today?"