Should've Been Us

Brave

Antonio awoke feeling refreshed. After having cleared the air with Josie, and breaking Mike St. Ange's nose, things were right in the world. He got up, showered and got ready for his day. He went to check on Grace before making breakfast. He smiled at his still sleeping daughter. He wasn't going to wake her. He went and started breakfast. Leaving Josie to sleep in a bit was a gift he felt she strongly deserved, especially since Grace was starting to sleep longer through the night. Soon the smell of eggs, toast and bacon had the kids flocking to the kitchen table.

"Morning." Antonio greeted them. "Okay, so breakfast... then you guys finish getting ready for school. I'll drop you guys off on my way to the District today."

"Sweet!" Diego exclaimed. "I hate riding the bus."

Antonio laughed. "I know. So, eat up, then grab your school stuff. I'll go see if your mom wants breakfast before y'all eat it."

"Hey, Dad?" Zoë asked.

"Yeah?"

"Since when did you pick up Mom's slang?"

Antonio stared at his older daughter.

"You said 'y'all'." Xavier pointed out.

Antonio thought about it. "Oh. Yeah, well... I guess she is rubbing off on me a little bit."

The kids laughed and went back to eating. Antonio made a plate and brought it with him to Josie. He knocked on the door.

"Hmm?" Came a sleepy grumble.

"I brought breakfast." Antonio said.

Josie popped up in the bed. "Breakfast?"

Antonio laughed. "I see where the kids get their attention for food."

Josie glared at him. "Uh, excuse me?"

"Just kidding... yeesh."

Josie stretched. "What time is it?"

"6:15... I'm gonna drive the kids to school today... I texted your dad and let him know I'd be a little late."

"You know you can call him 'Dad' too." Josie pointed out.

"I don't think I'm just there yet, Jo." Antonio placed the tray on her lap. "Don't forget, up until a couple years ago, I was determined to lock him up."

"That's all in the past right?"

Antonio nodded. "Of course... as long as he doesn't break the law."

"That's common sense." Josie took a bite of the eggs. "Mmm. What is your secret with the seasoning on the eggs?"

"Not telling." He grinned. He looked at his watch. "Okay, so I'm gonna check on Grace again... she was still sleeping when I first got up."

"Okay." She smiled. "I'm just going to enjoy this for a little bit."