Speak Now

XXVIII

Ever since Sam and I started 'talking' more, James had taken a 'respectful' step back, giving me 'room' to pursue a 'future' with the man that I am 'obviously' attracted to. When James gave me his speech, I'll admit, I found it partly amusing, partly creeping, but wholly adorable. This morning, he was up at the crack of dawn and headed to the home gym that was in the main house, shouting as he was leaving that he'd be spending the day with my father. From my bed, I shouted, 'Later,' and tried to go back to sleep. I was interrupted, however, by the sound of three monsters rushing into my room. 

"What the-" I start to curse but manage to catch myself in time. Cracking one eye open, I see Sera lying next to me, a toothy grin on her face. Inching closer, I narrow my eyes in concentration, looking for what's different about my sister. Gasping, I reach over and pull her closer to me. "Nugget, did you lose one of your baby teeth?"

She nods enthusiastically. "Yes, and the tooth fairy came to visit me. And they left me some fairy dust so I can make a wish. My friends get money but I think wishes are better."

"I agree." I was slightly impressed that Dad was still pulling that stunt but it was also cute on so many levels. Owen or Levi- I can't tell which is which while still in a sleep haze- jumped on top of me, pulling at my hair and demanding that I give them cereal for breakfast. "Not now, Burger or Fries."

"I'm Fries," the Munchkin said, confirming that he was, in fact, Levi. He sighs heavily. "Fine. I'll go ask Sam. He can make breakfast. He can make you breakfast. We'll go upstairs now."

It takes a few seconds of me to comprehend my brother's words but when I do, it's too late. The little arseholes have fled the scene and I'm left floundering like a fish on dry land, wondering what state my hair is in, if I have any clean clothes lying around and whether or not I have any visible zits on my face. Rushing to piece myself together, I furiously brush my hair and grab my dressing gown, pulling it over the silk PJ set I was wearing before running up the stairs to see where my siblings are. To my relief, Sera, Owen and Levi and sitting in the living room, singing along to a French song playing on a YouTube clip. Tu as deux mains et deux pieds, tu as deux jambes, et un nez. I tuned out for the remainder of the song. 

The only mini that was missing in action was Joseph. Veering into the kitchen, I see my brother sitting on the counter, feet in the sink, while Sam is at a safe distance, cooking breakfast. All the while, he stands and entertains my brother as Joseph runs off a list of facts about dinosaurs, many of which, I haven't heard of yet. I announce my presence ever so causally by loudly yawning, earning a stare from Joseph who had to abruptly stop with his factoids and a grin from Sam. He leans over, taking his eyes off the eggs momentarily, and gives me a morning kiss. 

"So, I'm making breakfast," Sam tells me, just in case I hadn't already deduced this. Pushing the eggs away from the heat, he plates them alongside a couple of slices of wholemeal toast and smashed avocados, handing them to me while he pours three types of cereal into bowls, adds dashes of milk, and announces to my sister and the twins that breakfast was served. He brings two of the bowls to the table and sets them down before returning to the kitchen, grabbing the last bowl and letting Joseph piggyback as they make their way to the table. Joseph clambers down, waits for Sam to sit and then promptly jumps onto his lap and steals a slice of toast. Sam lets Joseph do this like it was totally normal, even messing up my brother's hair without being told off. "Martha, do you have plans for today?"