Chapter Eight.
We arrived home around three in the afternoon. We could have been earlier but it was a challenge to wake Roxy up. As soon as we arrived, my mom left to go to the supermarket since she wasn't feeding two mouths now, but five. We decided in the car how the sleeping arrangements would be. Roxy and Jade would take Robbie's bed and Aiden would sleep with my mother.
I was hard at first to convince my mom not to sleep on the couch, but I somehow managed. "Marley, can we go out somewhere?" Jade asks me.
To be honest, I'm exhausted. All I really want to do right now is to sleep, but the main goal here is for them to not think about their mother's death, so I'll have to cooperate. "Where would you like to go?"
"To the beach!" Aiden lets out.
"How about we go to the park today so we can go to the beach early in the morning this Friday?" They think hard about it, but then agree.
"I'm going to drink a cup of coffee, please go help them change." I tell Roxy and she nods.
The weather in New York was chilly, but here in Miami it was the opposite. Right now they weren't feeling the heat because of the air conditioner, but they will thank me once we get to the park.
I sat in the kitchen, cup in hand, going through my phone. I texted Charley and Vicky telling them I had just arrived home. I also texted Burger and for some reason felt the need to text Luke as well, so I did.
"Are we ready?" I shout the question so the kids and Roxy, who are still in my room, are able to hear it.
"Yes!" Aiden squeaks in excitement.
-
It was almost four-thirty by the time we arrived at the park. I decided I'd bring them to the same park I go to with Charley, it was my favorite. Not only because I share my best memories there with my best friend, but because it is actually beautiful. It has a playground with swings and a sand box and slides, there's a lake where birds swim in and you can even feed them.
Pigeons surround the benches and people often throw corn and bread to them, especially old people, it's really adorable to watch. There are flowers everywhere and so many different types of them too. Although my favorite thing about the park is the ice cream truck, it's always here from 2pm to 8pm.
"Look at me, Marley!" Aiden called for me, he was at the top of one of the slides and was about to skim down.
"Oh wow, you're a pro-slider!" I exclaim as soon as he reaches the bottom.
Jade had been playing in the sand box since we got here, trying to make a sandcastle I suppose. Even Roxy was having fun swaying on the swings. This is exactly what they needed.
I look at my phone's screen, it was seven already. Not that it was too late for me or for Roxy, but it was for the kids, especially since it was getting dark fast.
"Let's get going, troop." I tell them, and they're exhausted enough to not complain.
I got in the car after putting Aiden's safe belt on and making sure Jade had hers put on as well, and Roxy joined me in the front, taking the co-pilot seat.
There was a little bit of traffic, which got us home at almost eight, but I didn't complain. The road was fun. Radio Disney was on and the four of us sang to every single song that came on. I really do have the best times when I'm with them.
I opened the door of the apartment and Aiden rushed inside, "Pee-pee time!" He said while running into the bathroom. That's when I realize the smell of grilled cheese inside the apartment. I turned to look at the kitchen and there was my mom, but she wasn't alone.
