Team8s and Counting

184. Remember to Love Her

Bookmark was in bed, and she was getting ready to turn off the lights, when she heard a soft knock at the door.

"Hey Bookmark, it's Mom, can I come in?" Book asked softly.

Bookmark sat up in her bed. "Yeah, you can come in."

Book came into her room, and sat beside her daughter. "So...Mimi and I have a friend coming over here tomorrow."

Bookmark's brow furrowed. "A friend? You never told me about this."

Book nodded. "We just got the plan finalized tonight, she's gonna be here tomorrow at around 11. It's just going to be her and her two kids."

"How old are they?" Bookmark asked.

Book stroked her daughter's cheek. "Well, she has a little boy who's 3, and a baby girl who's around four months old."

Bookmark tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "A baby? And a toddler? That's... a lot."

Book chuckled softly. "That's why I wanted to tell you in advance. I know sometimes little kids can be stressful. It would be great if you could come down to say hello, but if it's ever too overwhelming, just know that you're free to stay in your room as long as you need to, okay?"

Bookmark nodded. "Okay, thanks for telling me."

Book gave Bookmark a kiss on the forehead. "Of course, honey. Have a good night."

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The next day, after Book and Taggy got ready for their guests to arrive, they heard the doorbell ring. Bookmark decided to stay upstairs for now and come down after she was ready. Book eagerly got up from the couch and let the three of them in.

"Icy!" She exclaimed, giving her long time friend a hug. "I'm so glad you made it, come in!"

Icy? Bookmark thought to herself. Does she mean...the Icy...Ice Cube...7th place in BFDI?

"It's been so long!" Icy responded. As she made her way in the house, her little boy walked beside her, a big smile on his face.

"Hi!" The little boy exclaimed. "I'm Glacier! And I like cars!" Glacier proudly showed off his bag of cars to Book and Taggy.

Taggy chuckled at the little boy. "Well, it's very nice to meet you, Glacier!"

Ice Cube followed him, pushing a stroller with her baby inside. She turned it around, letting everyone get a good look at her. "Meet Icicle, she's a real cutie, isn't she?"

Bookmark left her room lingered at the top of the stairs, peeking down at the lively scene below. It's actually her! She thought to herself. She wasn't sure what she'd expected from her mom's mysterious "friend," but seeing Ice Cube—a former contestant on Battle for Dream Island, after her and her friends had gotten through the entire first season—standing in her living room felt surreal.

"She's adorable!" Taggy cooed, bending down to wave at Icicle, who gurgled happily in her stroller. Glacier, meanwhile, zoomed a toy car he'd pulled from his pocket along the edge of the coffee table, making engine noises.

Book smiled at the little boy, then looked back at Ice Cube. "Looks like you've been busy, especially now that you have another little one!"

Ice Cube nodded. "There hasn't been a dull day since he was born."

Taggy grinned. "I can only imagine. Glacier seems like a little ball of energy."

"He is," Ice Cube said with a laugh, watching as Glacier darted across the room with his toy car, narrating an elaborate race. "And now with Icicle, it's a whole new adventure. She's the quiet one—for now."