Honey And Sugar

Chapter 11 "Transition and Changes"

"Oh, cutie patootie! I'm going to miss you two!"

Izzy has Sheba on her hip and an arm full of Merissa, plastering kisses over the both of them. Cameron stood to the side with Caleb, who had bundled up close to his chest as they talked softly. Justin has his arms around my waist as we watched nearby.

"We have to visit more often. The girls would like it." Justin mumbled into my ear.

I hummed in agreement. "Definitely once we have the means. We just haven't had time."

"Justin, Destiny, get over here." Izzy said smiling and we separated from each other to each give Izzy a hug.

"You sure you can handle two girls while Destiny is working, Justin?"

Justin snorted as he stepped out of Izzy's embrace. "They're my girls. I'm pretty sure I can handle them."

Izzy and I shared a look. "We'll see."

I stepped in to squeeze Izzy next. "Good luck with your family. We'll probably see each other again while we are helping Orlan and Chris with their wedding."

I heard Justin audibly groan and I elbowed him as I stepped away from Izzy. "Thank you and we're looking forward to it."

"Speak for yourself." Justin muttered and I turned to glare at him.

"Don't worry about him. Let him whine about it like a big man-child. Caleb does it, too."

Caleb quickly turned from his conversation with Cameron to frown at Izzy. "No, I don't."

Izzy rolled her eyes and waved him off. "Come on, we need to get on the road."

Cameron opened the door for them and they filed out. Justin, Merissa, and I waved goodbye from the doorway while Sheba watched passively with her knuckles in her mouth.

Once all the excitement passed and the door was closed, everyone turned to look at me. My eye twitched in annoyance as Justin smirked. "Time to uphold your end of the agreement."

I sighed and turned to go to the living room as I pulled my phone out. Everyone else followed behind like ducklings. I scrolled through my contact list as I sat down and found my mother's number.

I clicked it and everyone listened to the dial tone. Finally, the ringing stopped and there was silence on the other side.

I bit my lip and glanced up at everyone. Merissa managed to give me thumbs up with both hands while keeping her grip on Sheba. Justin and Cameron smiled encouragingly. "Hi, ma."

There was a sigh on the other side. "Have you finally put your pride aside?"

Irritation sparked in my gut and I shot back, "Have you?"

"If you called me to start an argument, I want no part of it."

"You started it." I quickly bit my tongue and the line was silent again. Justin came over to place a comforting hand on my back. "Look, ma. I'm willing to put aside this pettiness if you are. Merissa misses you and I shouldn't keep Sheba away from you. They're growing up."

"You are, too."

I hummed. "Yeah, me too."

"What about me?" Justin whispered playfully and I swatted at him without looking.

"Justin and I have decided that we're coming to visit, so do we have a truce?"

She scoffed. "Forget a truce. I forgive you, you troublesome girl. I want to see my grandbabies."

With the tension cleared, everyone decided to say hello. "Hi, Mrs. Vasten!"

My mother laughed wholeheartedly on the other end and greeted them back. "Hey, everybody!"