I rush down the narrow hallway of our cozy home, the sounds of laughter and frustration echoing from the living room. "Victor!" I call out, my voice stressing the urgency of the moment. "Could you please just pause for five minutes? I have a class to teach in half an hour!"
From the living room, I hear the familiar sound of the Fortnite theme music mixing with a round of cheers. "Just one more game, Mom!" Victor's voice rings out, a hint of defiance woven into it.
"One more game?" I mutter under my breath, rolling my eyes before glancing back toward the living room. That's when I catch sight of Sabrina flying across the soft rug, arms stretched wide as she effortlessly flips and lands on her feet, a smile lighting up her face. "Sabrina, sweetie, that's incredible! But can you maybe save the gymnastics for outside? It's a bit crowded in here!"
Sabrina looks at me, her dark hair flipping over her shoulder as she grins. "But Mom, this is how I'll impress the judges! You taught me that practice makes perfect." She doesn't even stop to catch her breath as she springs into another series of backhandsprings, her feet barely touching the ground.
Yes, she is truly my daughter—a whirlwind of energy and athleticism. "I know, honey, but it's also how you end up in the hospital. There's such a thing as too much practice!" I laugh despite my agitation.
A door creaks behind me, and I feel Luke's presence move beside me, strong and steady. "What's going on in here? Sounded like a circus," he says, looking playfully at the chaos unfolding.
"More like a WWE match," I reply, throwing my hands up in mock frustration. "Vic won't get off Fortnite, and Sabrina thinks she's a superhero. You know, typical Tuesday."
"Sabrina, can you give your brother a little bit of space? The last thing I want is to get a call from the leader of the gymnastics team about some injury because of a video game," Luke adds, trying to keep a straight face, though I can see the corner of his mouth twitching.
Sabrina spins on her heels, her hands landing on her hips. "But Dad! The tournament is coming up, and I need to practice!"
"You also need to avoid broken bones," I interject, exchanging a knowing glance with Luke. "Besides, we both know your skills are already off the charts."
"Alright, alright," Vic finally pipes up, his eyes reflecting an almost unbearable annoyance with his sister's non-stop interference. "I'll turn it off! But can you at least play with me tomorrow after school?"
A small weight relieved from my shoulders, I feel the ease in the air. "Yes, I'll even join you for a few games if it helps. But right now, you need to give your sister her space to practice, okay?"
Vic drops his controller with a thud, his frustration palpable. "Fine! I can't believe you're actually encouraging her to do flips while I'm over here trying to save the world in Fortnite!"
"No one said being a brother was easy, Vic. You've got to learn some patience," Luke chimes in, a playful grin planted on his face.
"Patience is for Jedi," Vic mutters, picking up a pillow and launching it in Sabrina's direction as she giggles and dodges it. "And I'm no Jedi!"
"Maybe you should work on that instead!" Sabrina retaliates, and before long, the two are engaged in an all-out pillow fight, laughing and playfully scuffling.
Luke places a hand gently on my shoulder, his eyes sparkling with pride for our kids. "Looks like they're finding common ground."
"Yeah, amidst the chaos," I reply, watching them wrestle their giggles mixed with exasperation. "They really are something."
"But seriously, Taylor," Luke says, shifting into his parental tone again. "You need to get ready for your class. Do you want me to talk to Vic about managing his time better with the games?"
I wave a hand absently. "No, I'll handle it later. I'm too preoccupied with Sabrina doing backhandsprings on our navy couch." I chuckle, running a hand through my hair. "No offense, but it's like I'm managing a zoo here!"
Luke laughs, and the sound washes over me like a soothing balm. "More like a well-loved circus." He turns his attention back to the kids. "Sabrina! If your dad tells you to stop, you need to listen. You can do practice outside later, trust me."
Sabrina rolls her eyes theatrically but doesn't argue, hopping to her feet and fluffing her hair like a diva. "Okay, okay! I'll stop!"
Victor grins victoriously, reveling in her temporary surrender. "Ha! I win!"
"Only because Mom's a dance teacher and Dad's... well, just Dad," she retorts, smirking.
"And don't you forget it!" I interject, her words striking a chord of pride within me. "Every time you flip, remember where that inspiration comes from."
"Yeah, yeah, you guys are old," Victor teased, sticking his tongue out, breaking the tension and distracting them momentarily from their previous squabbles.
Just then, the clock on the wall gives a loud chime, ringing deep within me as I realize how quickly time has passed. "Alright, you two. I've got to get ready! Luke, can you keep an eye on them?"
Luke raises an eyebrow, feigning exasperation. "Do I have a choice?"
I laugh, knowing the warmth beneath his mock complaint. "Remember, focus on Sabrina's backhandsprings. Just—don't try it yourself, okay before you break something? I need to come home to my family intact."
He chuckles, and I rush to the bedroom, glancing back one last time to see my husband taking charge amidst the giggles and tussles. I smile, my heart swelling with gratitude for the delightful chaos that fills our home. At the end of the day, no matter how interesting things get—this is where I belong, this is my heart.
As I hurriedly change clothes, I can still hear the sounds of laughter echoing through the hallway, a blissful reminder that even within the bustling errand of family life, the joy and love shared among us is truly the greatest score of all.
YOU ARE READING
Love You Forever Baby Girl
RomansA Luke Castellan (Charlie Bushnell😭) X Taylor McLean daughter of Aphrodite and Posideon. (Long story) love story