Strength In Our Bonds (The Strength in Generations Accompanying Book)

A Day At The Park

When summer arrived, everyone in Balamb that was a parent came out in droves to have their children spend a little time outside, have them soak up the sun, and get to know other kids. No one really knew why this happened, since it never really got too cold for children to be outside there, but at any rate Raine organized a small get-together for the children at the park that included a barbecue picnic. But of course, before the food got done, the kids could busy themselves with slides, swings, and other playground things.

Raine and Kazel arrived at the park with their band of three- the twins and their baby sister- as noon was approaching. Raine had to take a good look around before spotting Gale and his wife and daughter, and she quickly directed everyone over there.

"Hey, there you are!" Gale turned from his current task of getting the grill from the top of his car to hug Raine. "I was wondering why you weren't here yet, since you're the one who came up with the idea and all."

"Just a bit of baby delay. I think we all know that feeling." Raine laughed a little, before waving to Leviesse, who was holding a large bowl of something, with Alexine at her side.

"Hi, Lexi!" Raine greeted the dark-haired girl. "You're getting so big!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Strussel." Alexine curtsied, holding the ends of her pink dress.

"She's going through a formal phase right now," explained Leviesse. "Frilly dresses, princesses, tea parties. Anyway, I made this." She held out the large bowl.

Raine gasped. "Levi! You, cooking?!"

The bowl was full of fruit salad.

"Well... close enough." Raine shrugged. "Kazel's over there with the twins and Noelle, if you want to say hello." She pointed to where Kazel was busy trying to spread their picnic blanket, with the twins trying to help, although Celeste was ruining it more than helping.

"Oh, you got Celeste to wear a skirt today!" Leviesse said.

"Barely." Raine snorted.

Gale had finally gotten the grill off the car, and was trying to find the right place to put it when he heard a voice say, "Put it away from the trees. Less risk of a fire hazard."

"Martine. My man." Gale grinned as the two performed a handshake. "Glad you got here early. You can help me with the meat."

"I brought steaks just for today," agreed Martine.

"Don't forget the other thing we brought."

The two men jumped, startled, seeing Leiria's head poking between them.

"Oh, yeah," Martine agreed, with no enthusiasm left in his voice. "Leiria thought it would be a good idea for us to grill some firm tofu. You know, for Aurelie and Harlan."

"Just because they're vegetarians doesn't mean they should have to miss out on the barbecue effect," explained Leiria. "I made many side dishes they can enjoy, as well."

"Mmm, creamed corn..." Martine licked his lips. He was a man that loved meat, for sure, but he was also a sucker for Leiria's creamed corn. "Leiria- what did you do with our son?"

Leiria smiled. "He's with his cousin," she replied, pointing to where their son Kennedy stood with Alexine.

"Your daughter's getting tall as hell, Gale; isn't she only six?" asked Martine. "Girl's already past my waist."

"Lexi has always been tall," Gale said. He added proudly, "Just like her dad!"

"Oh, Gale, I almost forgot..." Leiria turned back to him. "I invited a friend over with her husband and children. I hope that was okay, although I know I should've asked beforehand... I'm sorry..."