Twenty.

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Christmas. A day I've been dreading since realizing that I wouldn't be able to be home with my girls for it. A day I could care less about, but don't want to take from my friends, knowing they're excited I'm here to celebrate with them...

I'll try to be present. Be happy. Be willing. I'll try.

"Knock, knock."

I turn my head from the spot I've been staring at for the past hour, seeing Stella make her way through the door, a sympathetic look on her face.

"Merry Christmas," she tells me sadly.

I give her a weak grin. "Merry Christmas."

"I know you really want to be with the girls and it's torture to be here instead," she says. "But... we're really happy to be with you today."

"I know," I tell her. "I'd rather be with you guys then alone. I'm grateful. I just... thought I'd be home by now."

She nods. "I get it." She pauses, licking her chapped lips before speaking up again. "Come downstairs? Jaclyn's making us a breakfast."

"Jaclyn's here?" I ask, confused.

She nods. "She decided to bring Liam over here for Christmas since she knows how you feel about Charles and want you to have a good day since you can't be with the girls and Joe."

I raise my brows, shocked. "Wow."

She grins. "She does care about you, Addie."

I nod. "I'm seeing that. Wait," I give her a confused look. "When did she start to cook?"

She laughs lightly, shrugging. "After my dad died."

I nod. "Okay. I'll um, I'll be down in a few."

She gets up, ready to leave the room before turning back around, sighing in defeat. "I know you said you didn't want us to ask anymore, but... how are you feeling Addie? You're body went through a lot and it's only been a week."

I sigh. "I'm fine, Stells."

"Addie," she says, giving me a look. "I know you're irritated that we're not letting you research and stuff, but you need to heal."

My jaw tightens as I force myself to gulp down all the things I wish I could say right now, turning to look at the windows, the curtains pulled close to prevent the sun from entering the room. "I have been healing. For a week. I need to research again to get back to my daughters, Stella."

She sighs, leaving the conversation and the room, her footsteps descending downstairs.

I roll my eyes at her attempt. It's almost like she thought another conversation about why they aren't letting me research would do absolutely anything to change my mind. Sure, I have a severe concussion, I don't care. I'll be fine. I just need to get home.

Forcing myself out of the bed, I notice the time, knowing Joe and the girls are definitely already up, grabbing my phone and tapping Londyn's name.

"Hey," she answers softly after only one ring.

"Hey, how are my babies?"

"Missing you," she tells me honestly.

I pause, pressing my lips together to keep myself from crying. It's too early for that. "Are they smiling at least?"

"As I look at them right now, yes."

I nod to myself. "Good."

"Willa hasn't let go of her little wooden heart all morning. Joe's forcing a smile. But they're getting ready to go to Kevin's now."

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