Generations: The Long Game

Candlelight and Fight

Mia had spent the better part of the week planning their candlelit dinner at home for Valentine's. Her thought was they wouldn't need a sitter and could spend their Sunday at home with the children. Once the boys were settled for the evening, the girls could be left on their own while she and Char went up to the rooftop balcony for a late romantic dinner.

As she awoke that morning, she was filled with excitement for the day. She honestly was amazed she had been able to pull off most of her plan without Char catching on even though it was happening right under her nose. She loved the family they had created. The family she never had, but always longed for. But when she was honest with herself, she missed the adventures they went on in the beginning. Even if it was just a day trip that found them exploring an area neither of them was familiar with.

That was why she made such an effort to make moments like this a little over the top. Char loved the simple moments. The little gestures. A single black rose from their garden with breakfast in bed. She also adored Mia's grander gestures and over the top mentality, so today she was going to give her both.

When she came down the stairs, she was surprised to find the lounge doors open. She peered inside to find Lynn curled up under a blanket reading a book. "You're up early. Everything okay?"

"Yeah, mum, I'm alright, you?"

Mia still got a twinge of pride in her chest whenever one of the girls called her mum. After three years she wasn't sure it would ever stop having that effect on her. It was somehow different and more honoring in her mind than when the boys called her mummy. Not that she didn't equally adore that name. When they first started talking, she had thought they would mimic the girls and call her mum. They had done that with Char and called her Mama, but for her it was mummy. The warmth that brought to her chest surprised her then and even still. This family ... her family had softened her, but it had also strengthened her.

"I am going to make mama breakfast in bed. Do you want anything?" The girl shook her head, and Mia left her to her book. Lynn was the quiet one in the family, but if something was bothering her Mia knew she would let them know in her own time.

She prepared the waffles, cut fresh fruit and made Char's coffee and a cup of tea for herself before heading out to the greenhouse she had had built last year. It was the only way she could have roses all year round and to her it was well worth it. She picked the perfect bloom and cut it before returning to the kitchen to put it in a small vase on the tray. She looked it over to make sure everything was exactly right before picking up the tray and returning to the room with Char.

As she reentered their room, she found Char already awake but still laying there. "Good morning sweetheart. Happy Valentine's Day." She waited for Char to right herself before placing the tray over her lap and placing a kiss on her forehead. "I love you."

Char smiled up at her. "I love you too." She knew those words never came easy for her wife, but even after all this time hearing it made her melt.

It wasn't long until Lucy and the boys had joined them with an energy that was hard to contain. Lucy had a way of getting them all keyed up, and this morning was no different. Mia snuggled in wrapping her arm around Char as they giggled at their babies running around laughing and playing. It was an added bonus to their day that Mia couldn't have planned but was glad it was part of their day.

Their day went by swiftly and it was soon time to put the boys down for the night. As Char got them down, Mia moved quickly to finish all the preparations. When she was finished, she popped her head into the nursery. "How are they?"

Charlotte looked up with a smile. "Reed and Aki are out, but Carson is holding out on me tonight."

Mia walked in and took the little redhead from her arms. "Are you being a mean redhead like mummy tonight?" She bounced him while pacing the room. Even after a year and a half she was mesmerized by how these little beings had changed their world. She placed him gingerly into his crib and grabbed Char's hand. "Come with me."

Mia led her to the rooftop. With a broad smile she kissed her. "Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart." They sat and enjoyed their meal and each other's company. It had been a while since they were alone, and both knew they could talk for hours like this. They were both a little dreamy eyed and more than a little bit tired, but neither was willing to admit it or end their night.

They were pulled from their bubble when they heard shouting. Charlotte's eyes got wide before she shifted herself so quickly to a standing position, she nearly knocked the chair to the floor. Mia was right behind her.

As they turned the corner into the hallway, they nearly ran into Lucy running from Lynn. "What on earth is going on?" Lynn fell silent and Lucy looked away. She grabbed Lucy's hand "you with me it is time for bed, and you go talk with mum, please, we would like to know what is happening here."

Mia followed Lynn into her room and closed the door. "Okay, Lynnie, can you tell me what just happened. I have never known you to get that angry with her."

"She took my journal. She has been snooping in my room. I am tired of it. I have no privacy."

"Is this why you were up so early this morning?"

"Yeah." The young teen hung her head. "I am sorry, mum, I know you worked hard on tonight."

"Lynn, Mama and I will be fine, but we need to know you are too. We will talk about it more in the morning. Get some rest."

She slipped out of the room and headed to their own. Char was already changed and in the bed. That woman did not waste time when it came to sleep. "Sweetheart, we are gonna have to talk to them in the morning. Lynn wants more privacy. She is getting older. Maybe we should have a lock put on her door. I don't know"

Char sat up but didn't speak. Were they really getting to that point?

"Welcome to teen parenting, baby."