Like we used to be

Chapter 28

Once again, it was summer at the Michigan Lake house. The familiar sounds of lapping water and the laughter filled the air. Mila and Quinn had returned to the lake house, as they had for years.

Quinn had arranged a surprise that Mila was completely unaware of: her little sister Lottie, was coming to stay with them.

Mila hadn't seen her little sister for almost 4 years, even though Mila's family was supportive about the two having the twins so early in their life's a couple months after the twins were born her parents suddenly changed their minds and stoped talking to Mila completely.

The sun was high in the sky as Mila stood on the porch, looking out over the lake. Quinn approached her, wrapping his arms gently around her from behind.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.

Mila nodded. "Just thinking."

Quinn kissed her cheek. "I have a feeling this summer is going to be special. Just wait."

Mila looked at him curious. "What are you up to?"

Quinn grinned but didn't answer. Instead, the sound of a car pulling up the driveway drew their attention. Mila turned to see a familiar figure stepping out of the car, looking around with wide eyes.

"Lottie?" Mila whispered, eyes wide with disbelief. "Lottie!"

Lottie's face lit up when she saw Mila. "Mila!" she shouted back, running up the steps to embrace her sister.

"What are you doing here?" Mila asked, her voice full of surprise and joy. "I had no idea you were coming!"

Lottie glanced at Quinn and smiled. "Quinn invited me. He thought it was time for a family reunion."

Mila turned to Quinn, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you," she said softly her voice filled with gratitude.

Quinn hugged her tightly. "I knew how much you missed her. It just felt right."

Mila wiped away a tear as she turned to Lottie. "Come inside, there's someone else who will be very excited to see you."

Lottie followed Mila into the house, looking around at the familiar yet slightly changed interior. As they entered the living room, Lottie's eyes fell on two small figures playing with a set of colorful blocks.

"Charlie, Lacy," Mila called gently. The twins looked up, their faces lighting up with curiosity.

"Do you remember Aunt Lottie?" Mila asked, smiling at the children.

The twins stared at Lottie for a moment, their expressions a mix of confusion and recognition. Lottie knelt down to their level, her smile wide and welcoming.

"Hey there beans," she said softly, using the nickname she had given them years ago. "Do you remember me?"

Charlie's eyes widened, and he turned to Lacy. "Beans!" he whispered excitedly, recognizing the nickname. Lacy giggled and nodded.

Lottie's heart swelled with emotion. "That's right! I'm Aunt Lottie. I've missed you both so much."

Charlie and Lacy approached her cautiously, their curiosity getting the better of them. Lottie held out her arms, and the twins hesitated for only a moment before rushing into her embrace.

Mila watched the reunion with tears in her eyes. Quinn stood beside her, his arm around her shoulders.

"They remember," Mila said, her voice choked with emotion. "They remember the nickname."

Quinn smiled. "Of course they do. It's been their nickname their hole life's."

Lottie pulled back slightly, looking at the twins' faces. "You two have grown so much," she said, her voice filled with awe. "I can't believe how big you've gotten."

Charlie looked up at Lottie, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Where have you been, Aunt Lottie?" he asked.

Lottie glanced at Mila, who gave her an encouraging nod. "I've been away for a while, but I'm back now. And I'm not going anywhere."

Lacy tugged on Lottie's sleeve. "Can you play with us?" she asked, her voice shy.

Lottie's face lit up. "I'd love to. What are we playing?"

The twins eagerly showed her their blocks, and soon, the room was filled with laughter as they built towers and forts together.

Mila and Quinn watched from the kitchen, their hearts full. Mila turned to Quinn, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you for this. I can't tell you how much it means to me."

Quinn kissed her forehead. "You don't have to. I'm just glad to see you happy."

Later that evening, as the sun began to set and the sky turned shades of pink and orange, the family gathered around the dinner table. Lottie's presence brought a new energy to the house, filling it with warmth and laughter.

After dinner, Mila and Lottie sat on the porch, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The twins were inside, tired out from a day full of excitement.

Lottie turned to Mila, her expression serious. "Mila, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Mila replied, sensing the change in Lottie's tone.

"How was it? Being pregnant with the twins and everything that happened after?" Lottie asked gently, her eyes full of concern.

Mila took a deep breath, thinking back to those challenging times. "It was hard," she admitted. "Harder than I ever imagined. Especially when Mom and Dad stopped talking to me. But Quinn was amazing. He stood by me every step of the way, and his family was so supportive."

Lottie reached out and took Mila's hand. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you," she said, her voice filled with regret.

Mila squeezed her hand. "It's okay. You're here now, and that's what matters. We have time to make new memories together."

Lottie smiled, her eyes misting over. "I'm going to make sure I'm here for you and the twins from now on. No more missing out."

Mila hugged her tightly. "I'd like that. I'd like that very much."

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Mila and Lottie sat together, talking and laughing, their bond as strong as ever. The summer at the Michigan Lake house was off to a special start, filled with love, reunions, and the promise of new beginnings.

~~~Izzy~~~
This is kinda filler chapter and mainly cause I wanna get another chapter out 😭

Also i have an idea for another story but idk if I should start another one since I already have two and sometimes forget to update but I actually kinda have an idea for this new story 😭😭