Life with Evans

Thanks giving

"So the chair just kinda folds down, and then it's a bed, a pretty decent bed as well. The blankets and things are stored inside and the headrest is your pillow" I was explaining my latest plan to my dad who was desperate to get out of hospital and have something else to think about.

"Sounds like a brilliant idea sweetheart"

I'd been doing a little bit of research into how families can stay in hospital with loved ones without too much impact on the hospital staff. The parents in the children's ward, the spouses of others who want to be there if anything changes. Watching my mum sleep in hard chairs for a few nights was horrid. Talking to parents who have slept in them for months was devastating and I was planning on a way I could help.

"She's been very busy" Chris chipped in.

"I can tell" dad smiled over.

"I thought that once you're out, we can work on it together. Gives you something to google from your bedrest"

"Well cheers for reminding me of bedrest" dad said sarcastically "but I'm excited darling. Thank you"

I checked my watch "shit, right dad we've got to go,  Chris has a flight to New York, I'll see you later"

"Good luck with that Evans. Location stuff right?"

"Yes, Sir. Thank you. I'm sure this one will keep you up to date" he pulled me in for a hug. "I just need to pick your brains a second. Liss, go and say goodbye to your mom, we'll be ages otherwise" Chris stayed with my dad and I went to find my mum and say my goodbyes.

At the airport I really didn't want to let him go. He'd been the one this keeping us all going the last few weeks. He'd made sure we'd rested, and eaten, and taken breaks from the hospital. He'd driven my mum around, checked in on their house. His mom had cooked us dinners, his bother-in-law had practically been our personal doctor. And now he was off for a week I felt like my strength was leaving.

"You'll be fine Baby! Stop your worrying. I'll be back for thanks giving, and we can all have a big family thing. It'll be good! Now go help your mom set up things for the big return!" He gave me a quick kiss before jogging off to check in, where he was a little late.

Dad had made it back home by the next evening. Mum and I were looking after him. She'd been given a good chunk of time off by the university and his health care had provided someone to check in on him, medically, each day. It was giving me more and more comfort in the fact that I might not have to be hanging around much longer.

I'd cooked us dinner the second night of dad being back. I'd been sleeping at mum and dad's. It meant I was there if they needed anything and I still didn't feel like Chris's place was mine.

"You have the money to buy somewhere though right?" Dad didn't like the fact that I didn't have a property "could you not buy somewhere and rent it out or something? Just so you have your feet on the ladder?"

"Yeah. I suppose. I'll look into it. Or I'll just winge at Chris to let me buy into one of his places"

"That's exciting. You know that your in that space" my mum was always keen to talk about my and Chris's relationship.

"Well yeah, it's been 18 months together now. It feels good. I'm excited about just being with him but making it a bit more financially serious would be good" I joked, but I was really happy and I actually saw a future with him that I couldn't wait to start.

We spent Thanks giving at Chris's mom's. Her house was made for family, it was wonderful to be able to all sit together at a giant table, the kids had their own little space, seeing Chris and his siblings joke and tease each other made me so happy. Everyone watching the football game whilst others helped in the kitchen. It felt like we were all part of this family. 

After dinner, my parents headed home. It was good for my mum to not have to cook, but the day had taken its toll on dad and he needed rest. I decided they'd be fine without me and Chris and I would spend the evening together for the first time in ages.

The playroom had been turned into a bit of a free for all, the smaller kids were in bed and Richard, Scott and Carley were wrestling. Chris was umpiring and throwing the kids about whilst I sat and watched from the door feeling exhausted just watching them.

"He's gonna make a great dad some day" Lisa had had a glass or two of wine after the meal and was in prime mother-in-law mode.

"That he is. He's just a giant kid" I smiled.

"They all are" she took a step in as Chris and Scott piled on each other "right you lot, time to take a break before someone gets hurt!" The boys continued to slap each other with massive grins on their faces as everyone was frog-marched out of the room.

"Just in time Ma, I was about to kick his ass!" Chris joked as Scott shoved him into the door frame.

"Both of you stop!" She scolded again. "Christopher, are you and Alice staying here tonight?"

"Nah, we'll head home in a bit I think, right?" He had his arm draped over my shoulder, and looked down for my approval.

"Yes I think so. Thank you for the offer though" we got our things together and Chris sorted a taxi.

In the car on the way back I rested my head on his shoulder as his arm wrapped me protectively. "I'm so happy right now" Chris mumbled into my hair.

"Yeah? Me too"

"I fucking love you" he shuffled down in his seat.