Highschool Lovers

tiny baby Luke

I settle into the rocking chair with baby Luke nestled against my chest, feeling the warmth of his tiny body and the weight of exhaustion pulling at my eyelids. I glance over at the chaos erupting in the living room.

"Mia, please don't throw your toys!" I call out, trying to maintain some sanity while I gently rock Luke.

"But Mom!" Mia's voice is filled with that sweet exasperation only a four-year-old can produce. "We're just having a party with the toys!"

"More like a tornado," I mutter, biting my lip. I peek over the back of the chair. Charlie is crawling, arms and legs moving at lightning speed towards a pile of blocks while Chandler chuckles behind him, shoving a stuffed unicorn into his mouth.

"Chandler, no! That's not a snack!"

Adrien appears in the doorway, his hair slightly tousled, an amused expression on his face. "Need any help?"

"Oh, I would love some help," I reply, rolling my eyes playfully. "But at this point, I think only a miracle could keep them contained."

He steps over a runaway action figure. "Okay, how about I try luring them outside for a bit?"

"Fine by me," I sigh, glancing at Luke, who squirms, wide-eyed. He's transfixed by the antics of his older siblings. "But you know it's a little too chilly for them out there."

"Just a quick play, then we can warm up with hot cocoa," he replies, winking at me. "I've got the magic touch."

He strides into the fray. "Hey, little superheroes! Who wants to help Daddy on a secret mission outside?"

"ME!" Mia bellows, her hands shooting up.

"I wanna go!" Charlie exclaims, scrambling to his feet, finally letting go of the unicorn.

"But what about me?" Chandler whines, flopping down dramatically.

"Everyone can come. Just wait for a second." Adrien kneels beside them. "We need to grab our coats first. Think of it as getting ready to battle the cold!"

I watch, half proud and half envious of his ability to whip them into a frenzy while I try to remain calm with Luke. He lifts Mia and Charlie, who shriek with delight, while Chandler begins to wail.

"Chandler, sweetheart," I call, my heart aching at her tears. "You can help me find your jacket, okay?"

She pauses, her tears stopping mid-sob, eyes brightening. "Okay! I wanna wear the sparkly one!"

I set Luke down in his crib, knowing he'll protest but desperate to give my arms a break. "Alright, let's go find it together."

"Luke's not going!" Mia shouts from the hallway.

"No, sweetie. Luke's too little for outside right now," I say gently, cringing inwardly at the protests—but knowing this is for the best. "And he needs to nap after watching you be wild."

"Oooh, that's okay! I'll show him how to be a big kid!" Mia shimmies around, pretending to dance, earning a giggle from Charlie.

Chandler pulls at my pajama pants, her eyes wide. "Momma, I want to help!"

I smile despite everything. "You are helping, baby. You're trying to help me find your jacket. Come on!"

Just then, Luke lets out a soft whimper. I rush back to his crib and pick him up again. "Shhh, little man, let's try this again in a bit!"

"Is he hungry?" Adrien asks, reappearing with the twins clad in their bright jackets, looking like little bundled-up marshmallows.

"No, he just gets distracted." I kiss the top of Luke's head and wrap him gently in a blanket. "Can you take them out for a few minutes? I'd like to try again before the storm of energy returns."

Adrien grins, his blue eyes twinkling. "Leave them to me, but you'll owe me when I get back."

"Deal! Just don't let them eat any snow!"

As he leads them out, I watch from the window, feeling the weight of impending chaos lift slightly. "Okay, Luke," I murmur. "Let's try this life together."