The High Life. The final stretch

Chapter 18

As December wore on talk of going to America became the topic of conversation more and more.

2 weeks before Christmas it had been finalised that we were going to America for Christmas and flights had been booked. Everyone was excited apart from Jodie, no that would be a lie. She was excited but it would be the twins first trip on a plane and at only 6 months it was going to be hard on them.

"It's going to be fine Jodie." I said smiling she had brought the twins round for lunch. Sid had come round as well. She was nerves.

"Yeah don't worry Jodie we'll all be there." Sid said

"Yeah." I said smiling

"Thanks." Jodie said

"Have you packed yet?" Sid asked it was 3 days before the kids finished and we left for America.

"Nearly. Have to pack for 4 now." Jodie said

"4?" Me and Sid said

"James can pack himself." Jodie said

"True." I said

"I'm sure he can manage packing himself but that doesn't mean I would trust him to pack." Sid said

Me and Jodie started to laugh

"Mamma." Blake said coming over to me

"Yes sweet." I said picking him up

"Sleepy." Blake said

"Okay sweet. You can go up to bed if you like." I said

"Okay." Blake said he kissed me then took himself off to bed.

"Does he do that often." Jodie said

"Yeah. Most of the time he just takes himself to bed. It's very rare that he comes up to me and tells me." I said

"That's cute." Sid said

"Yeah." I said

"Bless." Jodie and Sid said

"Yeah." I smiled

I picked up a grumpy Luna who had be sat on the floor playing with one of Grace's old toys she too was starting to get tired.

"Think I might take them home." Jodie said she had a fast asleep Oscar on her lap.

"You can put them on my bed." I said Jodie said nothing for a second.

"Is that okay? I really don't want to go home yet." Jodie said

"Yeah that's fine." I said

She went upstairs and put Oscar on my bed while I got Luna off to sleep then when Jodie came back down stairs I took Luna up to bed. While I was upstairs I checked on Blake who was fast asleep in bed. I took a picture and posted it on Instagram 'Someone took themselves off for an afternoon nap'

"Thanks Rhi." Jodie said

"Your welcome." I said smiling

We sat talking about the Christmas break until Luna, Oscar and Blake woke up by this point it was time to go and get the others from school.

When the end of term came round the kids were over the moon to finally be heading back to America all of them loved being at the band house. Josh and Edward were coming away with us as well.

Straight after school on the last day of term we headed to the airport. Getting through the airport and onto the plane took us forever as there was 22 of us now. When we finally got onto the plane and took our seat we enjoyed the 12 hour flight.

An overnight flight made it a lot easier we had got Oscar, Luna and Blake off to sleep before getting onto the plane and they slept for all of the flight and were still asleep when we got off the plane at lunch time the following day.

"I'm so tired." Lilly said

"Yeah same don't worry you can sleep when we get to the band house." I said

"Okay." Lilly said

We got to the band house. Jodie, James, Michael, Josh, Charlotte and Connor all went to the supermarket to get food, all the children went to have a sleep and Me, Edward, Ashton, Sid, Brad, Luke, Calum and Tristan went to sit by the pool and to have a swim.

"I like being here." I said smiling

"Yeah it's lovely. What have you got Connor for Christmas?" Ash asked he was sat in the sun lounger next to me

"You'll see." I said smiling

"Come on." Ash said looking at me

"Nope." I said grinning.

"Kill joy." Ash said

"Yep." I said

When the others got back I made dinner and sent Ash and Connor to wake up the kids for something to eat.

It was a lovely lead up to Christmas. It was so hot and we all enjoyed chilling by the pool and not doing very much. Lilly had brought 4 books with her and was now starting her 2nd one just 5 days into our holiday.

"Lilly what you reading?" I asked

"Another book on Hitler." She said holding it up to show me

"What you reading the rubbish for?" Casper said

"Because I like it." Lilly said

"But he was a horrible man." Casper said

"Yeah I know but it really interesting." Lilly said

Casper rolled his eye.

"Casper." I said looking at him

"Sorry mum." Casper said

"If your sister wants to read a book about Hitler then she can." I said

"Stupid though." Casper said

"Casper....." I said glaring him

"But it is stupid why read a book about a someone so horrible when you're on holiday." Casper said

"No it's not." Connor said

"Stupid." Casper said again.

"Casper go jump off a cliff." Lilly said

"Lilly-Anna." Me and Connor said

"Sorry." Lilly said

"so you should be......Casper leave your sister alone and go for a swim." Connor said

"fine I will." Casper said

James and Jodie were silently laughing.

"Guys." I said looking at them

"Sorry." They said going quiet

"Don't listen to him Lilly." I said

"I won't." She said in a cool voice and looking back at her book.

I looked at Connor and we both smiled.