Growing Up |TAYVIN (Sequel To AWRFT) *discontinued*

2. Anxiety

*Ellie's POV*

Mommy said that she wanted me to stay home from school with her and the boys today, because of what happened last night. I was sad, because today is Lucy's birthday, and they'd be having cake at recess, and I was going to miss all the fun.

"What's the matter baby?", she asks, as I eat my French toast at the breakfast table.

"I'm missing Lucy's birthday", I mutter, taking another bite and looking down at my lap.

"Is Lucy your friend with the glasses, Ellie?", Noah asks curiously, looking over at me.

I ignore my little brother's question and stare at the ceiling.

"Aww sweetie", Mommy says, getting up and kneeling down beside my chair.
"Mommy and Daddy don't want you going to school today incase anything happens, and we want to bring you to the doctor later for a check up", she says, kissing my cheek.

"Kay", I whisper.

"Lucy can come over for a play date next week, I promise", she says, as she stands up and rubs my head.

"BABY EAT", Luke screams from his high chair.

He always screams for no reason, and it's normally funny, but this morning I didn't feel like laughing.

"Is Lukey still hungry?", Mommy coos, lifting him out his high chair and carrying him over to the cupboards.
She hands him some goldfish crackers, and he pats her cheek.

"I want some too!", Noah says excitedly, running over to Mommy.

Mommy lifts Noah up and he sits on the countertop, eating crackers.

I wanted to talk to Mommy about how I was feeling, but she was always busy with music and with the boys, and I didn't want to bother her.

I miss the times when Mommy and I could just cuddle on the couch for hours without being interrupted by Luke crying or Noah complaining.

"Ellie, can you go upstairs and start your shower like a big girl? Daddy will be home soon and your doctor's appointment is in an hour", Mommy says, turning around and smiling at me.

I snap out of my daze and nod my head, running upstairs to the bathroom.

*****

When I'm done in the shower, I go into my bedroom and start picking out some clothes, and Mommy comes in.

"I'm sorry I couldn't help you with your shower honey, the little kids were being fussy. Did you remember to shampoo and condition your hair?", she asks, as she sits down on the side of the bed.

I nod, and she gives me a high five.

"You're growing up way too fast, baby", she says, kissing the top of my head.

I choose some black jeans, a grey sweatshirt, and my maroon Toms. I like to choose what I wear by myself, and my Mommy is a good Mommy because she always let me wear what I want to wear.
My friend Ava's Mom chooses her clothes for her, and that isn't as fun.

I sit at my vanity as Mommy blow dries my hair, and brushes it out.

"Up or down?", she asks, referring to my hair, as we make eye contact in the mirror.

"French braid", I mumble, and she starts separating my hair into separate strands.

I watch as she carefully plaits my long golden brown hair, and I feel the bottom of the braid tickle the centre of my back when she finishes.