Highschool Lovers

pancakes and chaos

I lean against the kitchen counter, a wave of nausea washing over me as I rub my belly. The smell of pancakes wafts through the air, which isn't helping much. I glance down at Mia, who's trying to balance on one foot while Charlie and Chandler wrestle for a stuffed dinosaur.

"Guys, be gentle! That's not how you play!" I call out, hoping that they'll at least pause for a moment.

Mia giggles, losing her balance and toppling over. "Mommy! Look at me!"

"Sweetheart, I see you! But also, come help me with your brother and sister," I say, trying to keep my voice steady through the chaos.

Adrien pokes his head around the corner, flour dusting his gorgeous golden hair. "Need some support in here?"

"More like a miracle," I reply, shaking my head. "I'm not sure how I'll make it through this week, let alone another few months with those three and the little one on the way!"

He steps into the kitchen, setting down the pancake-flipping spatula. "I've got you. How about I juggle the twins while you take a breather?"

"Please! I could use a moment without someone climbing on me," I say, trying to smile through the nausea.

Just then, Chandler breaks free from the pile, waving a toy train in the air. "Choo choo! Mommy, look!"

I laugh despite myself. "Yes, baby! That's a very good train. Now, maybe we can play with the trains after breakfast, okay?"

Mia tugs at my pant leg. "But Mom, I want to play now!"

"I know, sweetheart. Just a few minutes, alright?" I smile at her, though my head is spinning.

Adrien kneels down to Mia's level, that soft smile he always has when he talks to the kids. "What do you think, Mia? If you help me set the table while Mommy gets a little rest, then we can all play trains afterward. Sound good?"

Mia's eyes light up. "Can I pour the juice, Daddy?"

"Absolutely! Just be careful, alright? We don't want a juice waterfall," he grins, making her giggle.

Meanwhile, Charlie has just discovered the pancake stack and is reaching for one. "Pancake!"

"Charlie, wait!" I shout, but it's too late. He's already managed to snag one and take a big, messy bite.

I groan softly, but Adrien saves the day again, kneeling beside Charlie and saying, "Yum! Charlie loves pancakes, huh? Why don't we go ahead and eat them at the table like big boys and girls?"

Chandler appears beside him, holding another stuffed creature—this time a fluffy bunny. "Fluffy!"

"Yes, Fluffy can eat pancakes too," Adrien says, taking both kids' hands to lead them to the table.

I watch with a mix of relief and amusement as he manages to corral the chaos and set them on course for breakfast. I lean back against the counter, finally able to catch my breath.

"See? Teamwork," Adrien flashes me a smile. "And it's not even nine o'clock yet."

"Tell me about it..." I murmur.

Just then, Mia shouts from the table, "Daddy, you forgot the syrup!"

"I'm on it!" he calls back, moving with exaggerated speed to retrieve the syrup from the fridge.

"Y/n!" He turns back to me as he pours it onto the pancakes. "Do you feel okay? Want me to get you something?"

"I'm okay, I just—" I let out a heavy sigh. "I just feel a bit sick."

He walks over, his brow furrowing with concern. "You need to be resting, not running around after our little tornadoes. Let me handle it. You can take a minute."

"You really are amazing," I say, leaning forward a little to give him a kiss on the cheek.

"I know," he teases, then returns to his task as I watch him juggle pancakes, syrup, and three eager little faces.

"Mommy, after this, can we go to the park?" Mia asks again, full of hope.

"Of course, sweetheart. Just let me finish up," I say, my heart swelling a little despite the nausea.

"Okay, and we can play with the dinosaurs!" she exclaims.

And as I watch my husband effortlessly manage the chaos of our breakfast-laden household, I can't help but smile through the chaos, knowing we're in this together.