"Morning Chlo," Beca said as Chloe walked into the kitchen.
"I feel like complete shit, Beca," Chloe whined. "It's not the side affects, I think I have the flu."
"Do you want to go to the doctor?" Beca asked.
"No, I mean it's not like they can do anything. Can you make me some tea?"
"Yeah, at least we don't have any plans today, so you can rest."
"I have plans, I was gonna go to Norah's play. She's in community theater."
"You can't go in your condition, Chlo."
"I have to go, I promised her."
"Chlo, why are you so close with this kid?"
"Because she's going through similar things that I'm going through. I wanna be a role model to her. Her parents and older sister aren't there for her. And I want to be there for her."
"That's sweet Chlo. But you can't go, you're too sick. Just let her know why you couldn't make it. I'm sure she'll understand."
"I guess...i feel bad though."
"Chlo, don't feel bad, it's not your fault that you're sick."
"Ok. I'm gonna go lay down."
Chloe went back to her room and found a text from Norah.
Thank you so much for dinner last night. It really meant a lot. I'm excited to see you tonight at the play.
Hey, I'm so sorry, but I can't make it tonight. I have the flu, I think, and Beca said I need to rest.
Don't worry about it! Feel better!
Thanks Norah. Good luck tonight.
Thanks!
Beca came in with a cup of tea. "Here ya go. I'll take the kids out somewhere so you can rest."
"It's ok, you took them out yesterday. Camila and Harper are playing in her room. Where's Michael?"
"He's asleep in the pack and play. I decided to bring it over because I wasn't sure how you would be feeling."
"Oh ok. I think I wanna try and watch some tv in the living room. Just to sort of get my mind off the fact that I'm sick."
"Alright, I'll help you up. What doesn't feel good?"
"I'm freezing, so I probably have a fever, I have a horrible headache, I feel all achy, and my nose is running."
"Yeah it's definitely the flu." Beca wrapped a blanket around Chloe and led her to the couch. "Do you want something to eat, maybe some toast?"
"Yeah, that would be great, thank you."
Beca came back with a plate of toast. "Here you go! I'm gonna feed Michael. Do you need anything else?"
"I'm ok for now, thanks Bec."
"No problem."
Beca brought Michael back in the living room. "Camila, Harper! Come play in the living room."
Camila and Harper came into the living room. "Can you guys play dolls with us?" Harper asked.
"Sorry Harp, I gotta feed the baby and Aunt Chloe is sick and needs to rest."
"Mama, you're sick?" Camila asked.
"Yeah, I have the flu, I just need to relax a bit and I'll get better. You and Harper can play in here for a little bit. Just make sure not to bother Chloe too much cause she needs her rest."
Camila and Harper continued playing with their dolls for awhile and Chloe watched tv. After Michael was down for a nap, Beca sat down on the couch next to Chloe and wrapped her in a hug. "Becs, I don't want you to get sick," Chloe said, slightly pulling away.
"I don't care, you looked like you needed a hug. Being sick sucks, it's a dark painful depressing hope that takes forever to climb out of. I wanna make you feel better."
Chloe snuggled back into Beca. "I know but I don't want you to get sick."
"It doesn't matter, whatever it takes to make you feel better, Chlo."
Chloe sat up and looked at her daughter and niece. "Look how cute they are. They're the future us."
"Haha yeah well hopefully they don't have to go through what we did." Beca laughed. "You did good, Beale."
"What?"
"Camila's doing just fine. For everything you're dealing with, you're an amazing amazing amazing mother and I had to repeat it 3 times because you mean that much to me."
"Aw Bec thank you, that's so sweet. You've done an amazing job with your kids too. They really are us. I can't wait to see them when they get older."
"Yeah, it'll be amazing. I'm glad we get to be best friends because I probably would be in LA right now with some guy I hate, but instead I have an amazing family and an even more amazing Best friend."
"That's sweet Bec. Love you weirdo. You know there's one thing I've never told anyone?" Chloe got a slightly sarcastic gleam in her eye.
"What?"
"Hmmmm I think I'll make you wait another 10 years."
"Nooooo Chloe why???"
"Because it gives us something to look forward to."
"Alright, it's a deal."
"Ten years?"
"Ten years."
