How My World Changed Forever...Again

From Balitmore to LA

-November 20th, 2019-
Katie's [Donnelly] POV
I'm so freaking excited! Colleen had the twins at the beginning of November. We didn't think we were ever gonna be allowed to go to LA until June of 2020. Turns out, some things changed.  Nothing is great, but nothing is bad.  The treatment plan I was on didn't work.  However, I'm on some medicine that has given me my strength back and the cancer isn't spreading.  I'm going to start a clinical trial in three weeks, so right now, I'm on a two week break from chemo, and a three night trip was approved. My mom and I are flying out with Katie, Annie, and Hayley to see Colleen. And the best part is, she has no idea.
My mom and Katie have been working with Erik and Rachel, and it was arranged that we'd fly out today. Colleen's birthday is tomorrow, and Erik really wanted to surprise her.
We're getting a few last things in order before we meet the Leblanc's at the airport.
In the car, my mom says to me, "so, Katie, you know you have to wear a mask in the airport, right?"
I sigh. I know. I know it's to protect me. But to everyone else, it looks like I will get them sick. I don't fight it. I was approved to leave the house and fly across the country so I'm not gonna complain.
When we're unloading bags, my mom says to me, "here, let me get that," grabbing a suitcase from my hand and pulling at my back pack.
I spin around to face her and snap, "mom! I'm fine! It's just a bag!"
I have gained most of my strength back in the past couple months. I went from being in a wheel chair to walking without crutches some of the time. My mom still thinks I can't do anything and I'm sick of it.
"Okay, okay," she says, backing away. "I know. You're fine." I think she's trying to convince herself.

Colleen's POV
Erik had been acting weird all day. As I'm nursing the girls, he comes in the room with food for me and says, "so, after they're done, I can watch them if you want hop in the shower?"
"Okay?" I say, puzzled. "Thanks..."
"And Rachel's coming over later too. She told me to tell you."
"Why didn't she just text me?" I ask, skeptical.
"She was worried you'd be napping or something..." he says, his voice trailing off.
I shake my head and ignore the weirdness of the conversation and focus my attention back to my precious little angels.
I've been really fortunate what it comes to feeding. Some women have a hard time getting one baby to latch let alone two. Both Hazel and Violet have been pro nursers. I bought a special pillow that is made to nurse twins, and they can just lay on it while I have two hands free.

Annie's POV
Hayley, Katie, and I run through the airport, jumping onto our rolling suitcases. I hear my mother's voice from down the terminal shouting, "girls? Can we not do that?"
"Sorry!" I shout back.
Normally, it wouldn't be an issue. But the reality is, Katie is sick, and if she uses too much energy, things can go downhill fast. I think we all forget that sometimes because she can seem so healthy.
On the plane, Hayley sits by the window, me in the middle, and Katie in the isle. Jill sits across from Katie then my mom next to her.
     The whole time, I'm really antsy.  I haven't seen Colleen in quite a while, considering Hayley and I were living with her for a while there.  This flight has never felt longer.  I'm just so freaking excited!

Hayley's POV
     When we arrive at Colleen's, Rachel comes outside to meet us in the driveway. The older girls get out first and she greets them. Then me. I run and jump into her arms. "Hey, guys! You all look so cute!" She says quietly and cautiously looking back at the garage. "Colleen's already really skeptical."
"How is she?" My mom asks quietly.
"Good. I don't think she's slept but she says she feels good. Okay, let's go in."
Rachel goes in first and says, "Colleen," getting her sister's attention.
Colleen flips her head around from the couch to face us. I feel a smile spread across my face.

Colleen's POV
"What the fff..." my voice trails off at the end because there are children present!
Rachel takes Hazel from my arms as Erik is holding Violet. Within seconds, I'm off the couch and hugging all the girls. "Oh my god, I can't believe it!" I say over and over again.
Annie, Hayley, and Katie all surround me with Katie and Jill nearby.
"How is everyone?" I ask, excitedly.
"Good," they all repeat back.
After a moment of settling down, Jill says, "just so you know, Katie hasn't had a chemo treatment in a week and doesn't have another one for another whole week. The drug is only in her body for 72 hours, so she's completely clear right now."
I nod. I don't really know what chemo can do to other people especially babies, but apparently it could be a risk.
"Well, I guess you're not here for me. Do you guys wanna see the girls?"
They nod excitedly. I lead them to the couch, standing above Erik.
"So you're the famous Erik Stocklin I hear so much about?" Katie Leblanc asks laughing.
He blushes. "Nice to finally meet you and congratulations," she says.
"Okay, this is Violet," I say gesturing to the infant in Erik's arms, "and this is Hazel," I say towards Rachel. "And don't be fooled, the only way we know them apart is because Violet's big toenail is pained purple," I say laughing.
"Hold on, Rach, will you go grab the boppy from upstairs? Not the double one, just the single."
She nods. I take Hazel and say to Katie and Jill, "you guys can take them if you want while I get the pillows set up for the girls."
"We're gonna wash our hands," Jill says. "Where's your sink?"
"Just use the kitchen one," I say pointing.
Erik and I pass Violet and Hazel over to Katie and Jill while their own daughters watch eagerly.
     When Rachel comes back with the boppy, I say, "okay, I only have one of these pillows, so you girls will have to go one at a time.  Who wants to go first?"
     "Me!" They all shout at the same time.
     "Of course," I say, knowing that was inevitable, "I'm gonna say Katie can go first."
     Katie sits on the couch, the boppy placed around her stomach.  "Hazel is usually the more chill of the two, so she's probably the better one to handle.  Jill, I believe you have Hazel."
     Jill carefully lays her on the Katie's arms, rested on the pillow.  "Oh my goodness!" Katie exclaims while keeping her voice to a whisper.  "She's so tiny!"
     "No.  No, she is definitely not tiny," I say laughing, remembering labor.  "Most twins weigh at least two pounds less than each of mine."
I watch Katie's attention continue to be captivated by a little tiny human. I can't believe she's here. There was a time when I wondered if this kid would ever meet my babies, and now she's sitting in my living room doing just that. Jill tells me that she's healthier than ever since diagnosis, and they're on a really good track. I am so humbled that while on two weeks off of chemo, this is what she wanted to do with her free time.