A Different Divergent: Everyday Love

51

I'm lying in bed, drifting in and out of consciousness. My rational brain knows I should get up and face the day but after last night, all I want to do is lie here and get as much rest as possible. I told the kids that they were going to be grumpy today if they didn't calm down and go to sleep. What I failed to realize was I might be just as out of sorts for not getting enough rest as they would be.

"I know you want to say goodbye, guys, but Mommy is still asleep," I hear Tobias say in a hushed voice. Goodbye? The word penetrates the thick fog of sleep, and I pry my heavy lids open I blink a few times to get my eyes to focus and see my husband and kids just on the other side of my open bedroom door.

"I'm awake," I croak. Four pairs of blue eyes look my way and beam. Before I get a chance to sit up, Tyler and Tessa crawl into bed and practically attack me. Tobias picks up Teags and sets her down in the middle of the melee. I'm trying to pick out what they're saying, I'm usually pretty good at it, but my exhausted brain can't keep up.

"Hey guys, settle down," Tobias says, coming to my rescue. Sometimes I swear that man can read my mind. "Maybe you can talk one at a time."

"I'm going to go play with Zane," Tyler says butting in before Tessa can speak. She frowns at her brother. "He invited me over today. I don't think it's gonna storm no more." His brilliant smile fades then he looks over his shoulder at his father.

"I checked the forecast, buddy," he says, lovingly ruffling his hair. "It's supposed to rain all day but the storm is definitely over. If for some reason they got it wrong, you can come right home. I promise." That makes our boy feel better, and his sunny disposition practically lights the room.

"I go wit Yiam," Teags says, impishly grinning. She's excitedly bouncing up and down on my thighs. "We pay. I lub him." An involuntary growl emits from Tobias' chest. At least I hope it's involuntary. I chuckle and shake my head.

"Mama, Mama!" Tessa says, patting my arm to get my attention.

"What is it, little one?" I ask, turning her way.

"I go with Avey and Cal," she proudly announces. "All day."

"What are you going to do with Avery and Callen?" I ask. She shrugs her shoulders. "You don't know?"

"No," she says. "I just go."

"Okay," I say. I look up at Tobias and he mouths, "It's a surprise." I nod.

"They wanted to say goodbye before they left," he says. "I hope we didn't wake you."

"I was ready to get out of bed anyway," I say, finally getting myself into a sitting position. "When are you guys leaving?" They start talking at once again. "Tyler?"

"As soon as Zane eats breakfast. I already ate. I had eggs and bacon and toast and juice and milk and so did Tess and Teags." He gulps down a huge breath because he just said all that in one.

"That sounds good, buddy," I say. "What about you Tessa?"

"I go soon," she says. "Avey pick me up."

"Teags?" I ask. It's her turn to shrug her shoulders.

"She can go next door anytime," Tobias says.