Highschool Lovers

poor baby

I stand in the middle of our chaotic living room, juggling all of my thoughts like the toddlers hurdle around me. Mia is trying to color on the walls with crayons, completely ignoring my earlier warning. Charlie and Chandler are locked in a fierce battle over a stuffed bunny, each pulling on an ear with determination. Meanwhile, Luke crawls over to a bag of flour on the floor, his tiny hands reaching out with fascination.

"Adrien!" I call out, panic rising in my voice. "They're gonna break something! Can you please help me?"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Adrien rushes in, ducking beneath the doorway of our sunlit home. "What's going on?"

"Just... look!" I gesture around, but my eyes are fixed on Luke, who just managed to tip the flour bag over. A cloud of white fills the air, sparkling in the sunlight, and immediately, I'm gripping the edge of the dining table, my heart sinking.

"NO!" I yell, lunging toward Luke, but it's too late. He's taken a mouthful and starts gagging.

"Y/N!" Adrien's voice jolts me back to reality, and my eyes widen as I see Luke's face turn a shade of bluish gray.

"Oh my God, Adrien! He's choking! What do we do?" My voice trembles, panic clawing at my throat as I rush toward our baby.

"Call 911!" he says urgently, his hands deftly rushing to help Luke. As I fumble for my phone, the world narrows in on that moment.

"Breathe, Luke! Just breathe!" I plead, my heart racing as I throw the phone to the side and knee down beside them. "Don't leave us, baby!"

"I've got him, Y/N. Just stay calm—" Adrien's soothing voice attempts to anchor me, as he pats Luke's back gently but firmly.

In those seconds that feel like hours, I watch our little boy struggle, and time stretches thin.

Then, suddenly, it happens. Luke sputters, coughs, and lets out a wail, his color miraculously returning. A sob of relief escapes me as I scoop him into my arms. "Oh, my sweet boy!"

Adrien brushes flour off his cheeks, and for a moment, the world stands still, before the reality sinks back in.

"Should we still go to the hospital?" Adrien asks, glancing at Luke who is now crying but safe in my embrace.

"Yes, better safe than sorry," I reply, wiping my tears as I gently rock him. "Let me just—"

"Mia! Clean up that mess! Charlie, help her!" I direct as the chaos resumes.

Once we're in the hospital, my heart starts racing all over again. I feel jittery as the nurse walks in, her friendly smile slowly fading as she looks us over.

"You ok, little guy?" she coos at Luke, who is still sniffling in my arms.

"This is a bit irresponsible, don't you think? Four kids at 21?" she suddenly chastises, eyeing us critically. "You need to keep a tighter grip on the younger ones."

Adrien's jaw tightens slightly, and I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"A mistake could happen to anyone," he says, his voice steady, but I can hear the edge.

"Yeah, like putting a bag of flour where a crawling baby can reach it," she shoots back, arms crossed.

"Luke is okay now, and that's what matters," I interject, my protective instincts flaring. "We're doing our best..."

"Just keep an eye on them," she replies, her tone softening for a moment. "Trust me; it gets easier."

"Until they become teenagers," I whisper under my breath, and Adrien stifles a laugh beside me.

The nurse glances back, amused. "Oh, just wait; I've seen it all. You'll survive."

"Somehow," I reply, exchanging a glance with Adrien, relieved laughter bubbling up between us.

"Yeah, we definitely will—with a little help from each other," he murmurs, nudging closer as we can finally breathe again.

And despite the chaos, as I cuddle Luke to me, I can't help but feel grateful for our beautiful mess of a family. All bets are off, but that's what makes it all worth it.