Better in the Long Run

Doin' Fine

"How is it already June," I shook my head as I flipped the calendar in the kitchen to the new month, "you've got what, fifteen days left of school?" I looked over to the kids as they were eating breakfast.

"When do we go to London?" Sutton asked as she put peanut butter on her toast.

"June twenty sixth to July eighteenth." I turned to face her, "I am aware we will be over there for your birthday but we will find something to do, okay?"

"Sure." She smiled and took her breakfast to eat. I sipped my coffee as the kids made their way upstairs to get dressed. I couldn't for the life of me remember where exactly we would be on her birthday but I was certain we would find something to do. My thoughts were interrupted by screaming and crying.

"What is going on?" I called upstairs. No response. I had to go upstairs and I found Easton and Beckett shouting at each other. "Boys!" I shouted louder than both of them, "What on earth is going on here?" My voice calmer as they both looked at me, stunned. "Well?"

Easton shrugged, "Becektt pushed me."

"Did not!" he retorted, "Easton tripped me!"

"I didn't. You're lying!"

"Both of you, stop. You never argue. Both of you, go brush your teeth go get your uniforms on please." I took a deep breath and watched them as they stood side by side, not looking at even looking at each other as they brushed their teeth then parted ways to get dressed. Eventually everyone got in the car and I dropped them off at school. Exhausted, I headed back home for doggy cuddles.

J: The boys have been at each other's throats all week.

H: That's not like them. Who's instigating it?

J: I don't even know. They blame each other for everything. So weird. We miss you!

H: I miss you too. Talk to them, try and stay calm. Just two more days :)

Hunter was away for work and I couldn't wait until he returned home. I didn't understand why all of a sudden, the boys began picking fights with each other, sometimes pushing or shoving, but mostly just shouting. I first figured it was just brother on brother sibling rivalry but it was getting to be crazy, especially for how usually quiet and sweet the boys were. The day was spent relaxing before I had to go pick the kids up. I decided that I would try and pull the boys one at a time to try and figure out what's going on between them.

"Hey Eas, can I talk to you?" He nodded and I took him up to my room, "I noticed, especially this week that you and Beckett seem to be fighting a lot. What's going on?"

"I don't know. He just doesn't leave me alone." He went on to say how he's not a little kid anymore and he doesn't want to do baby stuff.

"Oh, okay. Well, you know you're his big brother and he looks up to you. He wants to do everything you're doing." He rolled his eyes, "I felt the same way when Aunt Ali and I were kids. She used to copy me all the time and it drove me crazy."

"What did you do about it?" I shrugged, telling him that some things I couldn't change, like when she dressed like me, but my sister never liked reading and I did. So I just found something I liked that I did by myself.

"There's nothing wrong with wanting to do your own thing, but especially when your dad isn't here, I need you guys to cooperate. And Beckett needs you to be a role model." He nodded and hugged me, "You're a sweet kid, I know you don't like arguing. Try and use a calm voice to tell your brother you need space, okay?" He smiled and I sent him off. I called up Beckett and had a very similar conversation. As I began to figure, Beckett was just trying to get Easton's attention, especially because Hunter wasn't home. I had an idea and I called Grandpa Leo.

"Hey how are you. Yes he is. I'm good but I have a little situation over here... well I have two boys that are kind of missing their dad and I think they need to spend a day with their grandpa. Are you around tomorrow, maybe go fishing or take them to a movie? Ah, you're the best. Thank you Leo."

I packed the boys overnight bags and dropped them down by the door. "Eas. Beck, come here." They emerged from the kitchen, "Grandpa Leo is on his way over. You're gonna have a sleep over and go fishing tomorrow." They were happy and hugged me, "I love you boys. Be good for Grandpa okay?" I kissed the tops of their heads before they cleaned up their toys and games just as Leo rang the doorbell.

"Hey boys!" He enveloped them in a hug and Sutton emerged to say hello.

"Thank you so much," I hugged Leo and said good night to the boys.

J: Turns out that both our boys realize their behaviour wasn't cool. Easton felt like Beckett was bugging him all the time but Beck just wanted Easton's attention since you aren't here atm.

H: Oh man. You guys had good talks?

J: Yes, and your dad saved the day - well, the weekend. He just picked them up for a sleep over and fishing tomorrow

H: That's great. I'm glad. I hope that helps. I love you

J: I hope so. Love you too.