Two unperfect parents

chap. 1

The cozy, dimly lit living room is filled with a warm glow from a few scattered candles and the soft hum of music in the background. The scent of lavender wafts through the air, blending with the faint hint of weed smoke. Elizabeth sits on a plush, deep-blue couch, a glass of red wine in her hand, her laptop open on the coffee table in front of them. Robbie is sprawled out next to her, a joint in hand, his eyes half-closed in thought. The room is a mix of bohemian and modern aesthetics, with bookshelves lined with novels, records, and a few plants hanging down, giving it a relaxed yet artsy vibe.

Elizabeth leans in closer to Robbie, her eyes focused on the screen. "Okay, babe, we need to decide. Male or female?" she asks, her voice soft but determined.

Robbie takes a long drag from his joint, exhaling slowly as he contemplates. "I don't know, Lizzie... Maybe a guy? Someone who plays an instrument, you know? It'd be cool to jam together. Maybe teach him some stuff," he says, a lazy smile spreading across his face.

Elizabeth rolls her eyes playfully and nudges him with her elbow. "Robbie, honey, you can't just pick a kid based on that. We're not shopping for a new guitar or a bandmate," she teases, her tone light but firm.

Robbie chuckles, the sound deep and relaxed. "I know, I know. But... I just think it'd be easier, you know? To connect with someone over music. Plus, you know how I am with noise and... kids can be loud," he admits, his voice trailing off as he stares at the laptop screen.

Elizabeth reaches over and gently takes his hand, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. "I get it, Robbie. Really, I do. But remember, we're doing this to try something new, to see if we're ready for a bit more in our lives. We can't control everything," she says softly, her eyes searching his face.

Robbie sighs, looking back at her with a mixture of love and hesitation. "Yeah, but what if it's too much? What if I'm not... cut out for this?" he mutters, his eyes dropping to their intertwined hands.

Elizabeth squeezes his hand reassuringly. "Hey, we're in this together, okay? And we don't have to be perfect. We're just opening our home to someone who might need it for a while. It's not about being the perfect parents or guardians," she says, her voice warm and comforting.

Robbie nods slowly, his thumb absently rubbing against her hand. "You're right. It's just... new, you know? And you know how I am with new things," he laughs a little, trying to lighten the mood.

Elizabeth grins, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Yeah, I know. But you're also the most caring, big-hearted guy I know. You'll do great, babe," she whispers, her lips lingering near his ear.

Robbie turns to her, his eyes softening. "Alright, Lizzie. Let's see who we've got then," he says, exhaling and sitting up a bit straighter.

Elizabeth smiles and pulls the laptop closer, clicking through the profiles. "Okay, so I found someone I think you'll like. Giusy, she's 14, from Italy. She's into culture, wants to be a diplomat, plays volleyball, loves art and movies. She's learning English, French, and Dutch, and she's also into cooking and gardening. Oh, and she's an aspiring vegetarian," Elizabeth lists off, her excitement bubbling over with each point.

Robbie raises an eyebrow, a slight grin forming on his lips. "She sounds... well-rounded," he comments, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But does she play any instruments?"

Elizabeth laughs, giving him a playful shove. "Not everything is about music, you know? You can teach her if you want. But she's got a lot going on that could be really cool to have around. Plus, she's introverted like you, so maybe she won't be too noisy," she teases, winking at him.

Robbie chuckles, taking another drag from his joint and leaning back into the couch. "Alright, alright. You've convinced me, Miss Saleswoman. She does sound interesting," he admits, his eyes sparkling a little.