My Buddy Archie [3]

74..

"I'll be working late tonight," he muttered and he buttoned his shirt. "Have to visit the new building, then I have meetings about the new building..." a sighed punctuated his sentence, making it clear he couldn't wait for his paternity leave to start tomorrow.

He was a lot more awake this morning than he was yesterday. Niall, Archie and I stayed up until late the night before eating a birthday cake that Archie made—it was a nice little surprise for Niall. He's been so stressed and tired, I could really see how much he appreciated someone doing something for him, on his birthday no less, even if it did lead to a little less sleep.

Today he was well rested, and the dread he had for his day was almost palpable. I walked across the room, standing next to him and locking eyes with him the mirror. An easy, close-mouthed smile stretched over his face. "Just have to get through today and tomorrow," I told him. "Then you'll be home with me for three whole months."

"You, and the twins," he corrected.

I waved my hand, "Yeah, yeah—them too." Chuckling, he turned his head to kiss me on the cheek, then walked across the room to put his shoes one. Leaving him to it, I went to check on Archie, making sure he was actually awake. "Archie," I called as I knocked on his door.

"Yeah?" I pushed the door open just as his head popped out of the collar of his shirt.

"Just making sure you're up. That's a good outfit."

He looked down at himself, "Thanks." When he looked up again, his eyes lingered on my protruding belly, a mixture of disgust and curiosity in his expression. It made me a bit self-conscious, but I knew he didn't know any better. Kids his age always stare without actually meaning to.

I left him alone to finish getting ready and make a quick breakfast for him and Niall. Niall was usually out of here by the time Archie's bus came, but I didn't let that stop him from eating breakfast. I don't need him passing out from malnutrition. Knowing me, I'll probably take it as a sign from the universe, telling me one of the twins will be prone to passing out, or be allergic to 90% of foods or something...

Yeah, I don't need any passing out.

Niall rushed through the kitchen, grabbing a couple pieces of bacon and the yogurt I put out for him. He kissed me on the cheek again, gave Archie a hug as he got down the stairs, then was out the door. I felt a small pang in my heart. We never have family breakfast anymore, not even on the weekends. I was starting to hate the new guy just as much as Niall does.

Archie's small voice brought me from my thoughts, redirecting my attention to him. "Mum?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think Dad will come to my practice today?"

Oh, honey... "I...I don't think so, honey. He's working late today."

His eyebrows pulled together as he pushed his eggs around on his plate. "Neither of you come to my practices anymore."

"I'm a bit too big to safely drive right now. And...you know Dad's working. He would be there all the time if he could."

"I don't care," he grumbled. He corners of my mouth turned down as I looked at him. I didn't even realize before, but Niall and I have been...slacking, slightly. Even now, as I'm looking him in the face, I can't remember the last time I actually sat down and asked him how he was doing, how he was feeling about this huge change that's about to shake up his life! What's wrong with me?! What kind of mother am I?

I walked over and sat in the chair next to him, "Archie." He didn't look at me, just kept pushing his eggs around. "Look at me, buddy. I'm going to make you a promise, okay?" His eyes slowly moved over to meet mine, glancing down at my belly for a second before looking off to the side. "Listen, Daddy and I haven't been very good with spreading our attention lately, and I'm so, so, sorry for that. You'll always be our Archie, though. We'll always love you. You know that right?"