Timeless

46

1997-October-Stevie

"Boys, if mom comes home and finds her kitchen like this she'll kill us." I hear Sara state firmly.

I groan and roll off the couch. When I stand up, a wave of nausea and dizziness hit me and I steady myself with the back of the couch and peer over to see Lindsey in the leather chair. I slowly walk into the kitchen my eyes going wide.

Dishes were overflowing, mail was piled up the electric skillet had grease in it and the kids were dripping pancake batter all over my marble countertops.

"WHAT THE HELL!" I yell

"MOM!" They yell in unison.

"Where's Aunt Lori?" I question.

"Well, Jessie has the flu. They're staying in the condo anyway so it's not that far, I didn't have classes the last two days so I told Aunt Lori she didn't need to worry about coming out here with a sick Jessie to watch the boys." Sara shrugs.

"You've been alone for two days and my kitchen looks like this. I can understand the mail but the dishes and the electric skillet Christ sakes." I look between the three of them.

"Sorry, mom," Sara says sheepishly.

"Okay...Breathe Stevie...breathe. Boys, go get ready for school, Sara you and I have got to start on this kitchen. I'll make the pancakes you clean." I state firmly.

"I really am sorry mom, at least I kept the other rooms clean." She shrugs.

"I know." I sigh.

"So, I thought you'd be home later." Sara looks at me.

"Your dad and I got in at three o'clock," I say looking over and grimacing at the stove clock reading six forty-five.

"Oh momma I'm sorry. Were you sleeping on the couch?" She chuckles.

"Actually yes, your dad is still passed out in his chair. We were too tired to climb the stairs. But you're fine, I have a doctor's appointment at ten anyway. What are today's classes?" I question.

"I have two midterms ten to five. Then I'm going to Sammy's to watch Scary Movies and traumatize Micah's friends. The kids are eleven, they're trick or treating and the when they get back Sam and I have planned some good tricks up our sleeves." There's an evil twinkle in her eyes.

"You be nice to that little boy." I scold.

"We'll try." She laughs.

"You're horrible." I laugh as well.

"Halloween is in my blood. I'm a little disappointed you aren't having our annual Halloween party." Sara pouts.

"I know, there's just a lot going on right now." I sigh leaning against the counter.

"I know. I'm glad you and daddy are touring together again. I know when I was younger I asked dad to quit, but he really despite being a studio rat loves touring and that year you were sick he stopped everything. He had a tour planned but came first." Sara smiles.

"I...didn't know that," I shrug.

"I know." She smiles.

"Are you going to drive the boys or do you want me to?" I ask flipping the pancakes.

"I will. Mom, you've had like three hours of sleep." Sara says.

"I've done it when you were little," I state.