Generations: The Long Game

The Year That Wasn't Promised

The alarm blared and he fumbled for his phone knocking it clear from the nightstand. He squeezed his eyes shut as the sunlight shone through the drapes in their bedroom. Searching the bed and finding his hand only filled with cool bed sheets, he realized she must have been up awhile. It had become common for her to be up before him this last week.

They had a jam packed day ahead of them, but as it had been all week, his first order of business was finding her. He padded down the hallway when he heard her talking and stopped, his breath catching in his chest.

"You know Rory the last time we talked like this mummy didn't really think she would be here today. Mummy was very sick, but now that mummy is all better, I still want you to know about the people you can rely on in your life. The truth is darling none of us are promised the next year. Or any year really.

Your Aunt Autie is tough on the outside but so soft and tender on the inside. Don't tell her mummy said that. Mummy really likes her car. She would always be there for you darling and your uncle Winter too. He has the tools to get through some rough times because he worked hard to get through his own. Get him to read to you. He does the best voices.

Your Aunt Char is all heart. She loves hard. I've always admired that about her. And Rory that woman can figure out anything. You'd almost think she was psychic.

Your Aunt Shibs has had to be a survivor her whole life. She can teach you the value of how true happiness lies in just being yourself. And your Aunt Viv is so special. She cares for people with every fiber of her being. Her empathy knows no bounds. That's a special skill Ror. That is what makes her such an amazing nurse and an amazing partner for your aunt Shibby.

Clodagh and Sorscha can teach you how to never give up. No matter what obstacles life puts in their path they always find a way sweet girl. Always.

You also have Carly and Eric. They will teach you about striking out on your own and finding out who you really are. Carly will teach you about joy. That girl always finds her smile. Even if it takes her a bit of time.

Deliah and Sara can show you how to fight for the love that really matters even when it seems like you can't even trust yourself.

As for our wildcard. Your aunt Mia sure has changed this year. She changed mummy too. Rory she can teach you how to heal the stubborn wounds. The ones you think you'll never get over, but you will, darling. She is stronger than even she knows and I know she would want you to have that too.

Now Rory last time I asked you to watch after your daddy. Instead Daddy and Mummy will be here to watch over you and Em."

"Always." She turned at the sound of his voice. "How long have you been there?" He smirked. "Long enough. Long enough gorgeous. Did you forget Em and I have an appointment at the barber?" She smiled up at him. "I didn't forget, my love. Go get yourself ready and I will go get him around."

As she roused the sleepy little boy, she tousled his curls. "Come on sweet boy time to get up sleepy head. You and daddy are going bye bye." The little boy jumped up at the idea. He squirmed as she buttoned his trousers and pulled the jumper over his head causing his curls to bounce momentarily.

With the little girl on her hip and urging the little boy, they made their way into the kitchen where Reece already had their breakfast laid out. The little family giggled through their meal as Marjorie and Reece discussed everything that they needed to accomplish before all their family and friends arrived later in the day. "I'll clean him up while you clear and then the two of you best get to the barber."

As she listened to Reece urging the little boy to put his arms in the sleeves of his coat, she rocked the little brunette. The quicker she went down for her morning nap, the quicker she could get to all the things on her list. As the little girl nodded off, Marjorie's excitement grew. She laid her down and got right to work decorating the house. "Oh bollocks! I'm going to have to wait for Reece to hang this banner."

As the thought crossed her mind, he walked through the door with a cake balanced on one hand. The other holding the hand of the little blonde. He disappeared into the kitchen as she started to unbutton the boy's coat. As she pulled his hood down she gasped. Just then Reece padded back into the foyer. "So what do we have left to do gorgeous?"

"Reece Emery Knight! Where are his curls? What have you allowed that barber to do? I told you he was getting too old to be cutting hair. His beautiful curls, Reece! Gone. Just gone!" She stood and crossed her arms across her waist. "Okay, okay. I knew you were gonna be angry, but Marj the are gonna grow back. I won't take him to that barber again. Besides look what he's done to my 'tache. She looked up at him and kissed her teeth. "Your 'tache? Reece you're worried about your 'tache?" She looked up at him again and cracked a smile before letting the giggles escape and roll into a belly laugh. "Okay it does look..." She trailed off as he grabbed her by the waist pressing his lips to hers as she giggled. "Come on then. I need help with this banner."

He smacked her bottom as she walked away and then scooped Emery up. "Let me settle him in the lounge and I will be right there gorgeous." She smiled back at him with a wink. As he settled the little boy he heard her still mumbling to herself. "It's a good job I love him."
*****
As their friends and family began to gather in the lounge she could hear the giggle of small children and the chaos of everyone speaking at once. She wandered from group to group engaging in brief conversations when a young brunette bounced right into her. "Oh Lynn you alright?" The girl looked up with a smile. "I am, Aunt Marjorie. I found this in your garden just now." Before she could hand the clear plastic bag to Marjorie, Mia stepped in and took it. Brushing the young girls hair from her face she spoke. "Oh that is mine sweetheart. Thank you." Marjorie looked at the young brunette and shrugged as they both moved in different directions.

As the redhead made her way back to where her wife stood, she saw Deliah and Sara. "How are you lot?" Deliah looked to Sara with a smile. Sara looked at the redhead. "We've just started our medications for reciprocal IVF. It's been a crazy day. Exciting but crazy." Marjorie coming from behind the redhead clasped her hands to her mouth. Mia rolled her eyes. "Marjie you really do love a new baby." The brunette slapped at the redheads arm earning her a stern look. "Oh you shush. I just love to see our little family growing." Looking around the room Mia raised an eyebrow. "For an only child you have a strange definition of 'little family'." The brunette shushed her and looked to Sara. "My love how are you getting on at the restaurant? Reece hasn't said." Sara looked at Deliah with a ear to ear grin. "I really love it actually. Reece has been so kind and I am learning a lot from him." Deliah chuckled. "Yeah now our knives have to be in the 'right' order." The four laughed before Marjorie moved on again.

She stopped to check on Carly and Siobhan sitting with Cory and CJ away from the cacophony of the room. "You alright?" The blonde looked up. "The girls were a bit overwhelmed by all of this." The blonde waved her hand out in front of her. "Auntie Marj gets it girls. This lot can be a bit daunting at times." Her eyes wandered to Reece as she heard the doorbell sound.

They both reached the door at the same time. "You ready for this?" He looked into her deep blue eyes knowing she couldn't hide anything from him there. "Reece it's the right thing to do." As he pulled the door open she nodded. The three woman at the door shivered from the cold as they stepped into the foyer. The grey haired woman gave them a warm smile as a redhead they barely knew spoke. "You understand the rules? You will be responsible for them until a decision is made." He looked to Marjorie who nodded. As they let the other two women out, Marjorie turned back to the lounge and returned with a slightly perturbed looking Autumn. "Big brother?" He looked from his wife to his sister. "There is someone in the kitchen for you." The pair followed her through the swinging door. "Genevieve!" She looked from the elderly woman to her brother. "We'll leave you two. Meet us in the dining room in a few minutes."
*****
Marjorie looked around the rosewood table. Their friends ... their family. The village she never imagined they would have. She would have. They were all here, even a new face or two, and amongst the chaos was a lot of love. She pulled the little girl's high chair close to her as she spoke. "These are our people Aurora. These are your people. Happy birthday sweet girl."