Generations: The Long Game

Moments We Live For

To Naomi Angelnoosh
Your friendship means the world to me. Sorry it took so long to deliver on the promise. I hope you enjoy.

The 3rd of October 2027

Mia woke with a smile. She had been steadily home and back to work for two weeks now. It was both a relief and a sadness not to be needed by someone so much, but the love Char had shown her in these two weeks had grounded her somehow. Char always grounded her. As she looked down at the tangle the brunette had made of herself, she smiled. For much of the time she was caring for Marjorie she either wasn't home or frequently slept in the guest room so she didn't have to wake Char at the ungodly hours she would have to get up to get to Marjorie and Reece's home to care for her each morning. She didn't regret it. She would do it all over again. Even if it meant questioning her own sanity again.

She traced patterns on the brunette's naked back as she smiled. She had the whole thing planned out and hoped that her sweetheart would enjoy the day. As much as she had spent sleepless nights these last months caring for Marjorie, she knew her love had done the same. Bearing the stress of work and their family largely on her own shoulders without much help from her. She would give her the moon ... the world if she could. Char had certainly already given her that. To her, Charlotte and the children were her world. The only one she ever needed.

She peered at her phone and started to extract herself from the brunette. It was never an easy task to get up without waking her, but she managed it. After checking on the boys and peeking in on the girls she padded down the stairs and into the kitchen. Waffles were definitely on the agenda for the day. She carefully mixed the batter and prepared the waffle iron when she heard the stirring upstairs. She peered at her phone again. Almost time. She finished the waffles and ran up the stairs to make sure Lynn was awake and getting ready. A day with Reece and Marjorie was just what the girl needed. She had desperately wanted to talk to Marjie all those weeks ago.

Once the girl came down, she got her breakfast plated and sipped her tea from across the island. "Sweetheart did you pack your overnight bag? Uncle Reece is going to bring you back tomorrow afternoon, but if you need anything Mum and Mummy are only a text or phone call away. Don't forget your phone." The teen smiled up at her. "I remembered, Mum. I will be okay. I promise. You and Mummy deserve this day. You have both worked so hard, and I know I haven't made any of this easy." The girl dropped her head. Mia reached across the island and lifted the teen's chin. "Lynn don't for one minute think that we wouldn't give anything for you. We would give our own lives if it meant we could take your pain away."

Her phone pinged. "They're here sweetheart. Let's get your stuff out to the car." She helped the girl take her bag to the car, said her hellos and goodbyes to Reece and Marjorie just in time to find Charlotte and Lucy trying to carefully guide the boys down the stairs. She chuckled. "Let me help you sweetheart." She bounded up the stairs and pulled Reed into one arm placing a kiss on his brunette curls while hoisting Aki into the other arm. She watched as Char reached down for Carson who was fighting it. That boy was by far the fiercest and the most independent of the three.

They settled in at the table and enjoyed their breakfast together before getting Lucy and the boys ready for their day. Char went one way with Lucy while Mia tried to corral all three boys back into their room to get dressed. Char chuckled as Carson came bursting back through the door half dressed. "I don't think so little man. Let's go." She pointed to the door as he pouted. After a fair amount of wrestling the boys were dressed, hair and teeth were brushed, and shoes were on. Mia had packed each a bag for their overnight visit. She knew they had very few options right now and she trusted Char, but there was still a part of her that was still a bit concerned about their children being left in the care of Sara and Dee Dee. She shook the thought from her head and made her way downstairs with them. Sara definitely seemed prepared. She had brought things to occupy the boys on the drive and things for Lucy to do as well. Mia breathed a sigh of relief as she buckled their children in and kissed them goodbye. "We'll see you tomorrow my little sweethearts." It broke her heart when Lucy held on just a little too long.

As Charlotte settled into the Mustang, Mia checked the boot to make sure she had everything they would need. Reassured, she settled into the driver's seat looking at Char. "You all set, sweetheart?" The brunette looked at her dreamily. A look she could never tire of. "All set, beautiful." Mia smiled as she pulled the car out of the drive and placed her hand on the brunette's thigh. They chatted animatedly as they drove through the countryside. Char's mind was spinning trying to figure out where they were going, but Mia wouldn't even give her a hint. As Mia pulled into the clearing, Char's eyes lit up.

"Mia. The waterfall."