From underdogs to top dogs

Chapter 78

"I swear Humdinger gives us too much homework just to feel joy." Rubble groaned, carrying his books from his social studies class.

"I know. Why, of all people, does he teach social studies?" Zuma said.

"Beats me." Chase shrugged, walking alongside his friends. "Are you guys going to Marshall's before their initiation night?"

"You bet."

"Dudes of couwse I am. I just hope Ev stays cheery today."

"Us too."

In their photography class, Marshall, Everest, Chelsea and Skye were sat on their table, blank sketchbooks in front of them as their teacher announced their assignment for the year. On the board, he'd written 'portfolio'.

"Okay class, this years assignment os for you to build your own portfolio. Much like a modelling portfolio. Images can be edited however, an original of each edited photo is to be in your books too. Other than that, experiment and have fun. You are more than welcome to work with friends on this."

Skye was smiling from ear to ear. It'd been ages since she'd put together a portfolio and she loved photography. She looked at her friends who gave a slight deadpan look.

"No fair." Chelsea rested her cheek on her fist.

"You've had a head start." Marshall laughed. "You Okay Love?" He turned to Everest who was looking down at the table.

"Yeah. Yeah I'm good." She said as he took her hand and stroked it with his thumb.

"Come on it's Savannah's birthday and you look like someone died." Chelsea said. Skye kicked her under the table.

"Chelsea!"

"What?"

Skye leaned over and whispered into the brunette's ear.

"They lost Toby, Savannah was a twin."

"Oh shit! Ev, Marsh I am so sorry! I didn't mean..."

"It's ok. Don't worry about it." Everest assured, leaning into Marshall. "I just feel like even though it's our daughters birthday, I shouldn't be happy."

"Don't be silly." Marshall kissed her head.

"Why don't you have a tradition? Something to celebrate Toby each year?" Skye suggested. Marshall's eyes lit up.

"That's a good idea. In fact, you go home after school, I'll catch up."

"What are you doing?" Everest smiled.

"You'll see." He winked.

"Hi kids!" Mrs Clark called as the teens walked into the house. Savannah, upon hearing the group, crawled out and clung to Ev's leg.

"Hi birthday girl." She cooed, picking up her little girl. Savannah giggled and clapped her hands. The girls stood in the hallway while the boys made themselves at home in the living room like normal. The bundle in the auburn haired girl's arms, spotted Skye and tried to wiggle her way over.

"Excuse me Savie, does mummy get a kiss?" Everest giggled. Savannah turned back to Everest and gave her a kiss on the cheek before trying to get to the blonde again. The girls laughed as Ev passed her daughter to her best friend.

"You are so clever." Skye smiled as Savannah played with her long blonde ponytail and pulled off her glasses.

"At least she's not talking yet because I think she's gonna take after me and be gobby as hell." Everest chuckled just as her daughter poked Skye in the eye with the frames. Sweetie and Chelsea collapsed on the floor laughing while Everest tried not to.

At that moment, Marshall came back, a blue package under his arm.

"Hi babe." He kissed Ev's cheek.

"What on earth do you have there?" She raised an eyebrow.

"One paper lantern. I thought we could let it go later off the decking." He smiled.

"What for?" Chelsea cocked her head to the side.

"Not what, who?"

"Ohh." The girls smiled as they understood.

"Toby." Savannah clapped her hands.