Growing Older (Travlyn Fic)

Travis

"He's so cute," I exclaim.  Katelyn holds little Jacob with ease. I never got to see Abby at this age, but I imagine she would be something like this. Small, red, and pudgy. All together adorable.

"That's my brother!" Alina informs me, from her spot it my lap. We're are sitting on the plush couch in Sylvanna's house. This couch holds a lot of memories. I've comforted Aphmau, held Alina for the first time and broke down sobbing on this couch more than once. Fun times.  

"That's right," Katelyn says, smiling down at Jacob. He's sleeping, his beautiful bro"Man, I remember when Abby was this small." I glance over at our two year old whose chasing Garroth around the room. It's adorable to see. Mainly because Garroth and his long legs are barely moving, meanwhile Abby's are moving ten million miles an hour.

"Uncle Gar!" She squeals. "Come back!" 

"Abby, watch out," I call out, wincing as she narrowly misses a coffee table. She pays no attention to me. Her laughter is light like a fairy. It never fails to bring a smile to my lips.

"I'm watching her, Trav. Don't worry," Garroth says. Abby wraps her arms around one of his legs.

"I got you!" 

"He's so tiny," Katelyn says, bringing my attention back to her. Her attention is held captive by the three week old bundle of joy. We've been over here multiple times to visit Aph and them, but holding Jacob never gets old. "It's been so long since Abby's been this little." Abby glances over, momentarily distracted by the mention of her name. "Yes you, Abigail."  I reach over and brush some of her messy, long blue hair out of her eyes, tucking it behind her ear. Her eyes flit up to meet mine. They're shining.

"Are you crying?" I ask, my thumb lightly brushing the black mascara off her cheeks. "You are."

"Sorry. Memories. All that yucky sentimental stuff. Irene, I've gone soft." 

I chuckle. That's my Katie. 

"You have not gone soft."

"Do not hit me with the stereotypical, 'showing your emotions is good for your soul'" I put my hands up in surrender, the couch squeaking as my weight shifted. 

"Lina, come play!" Alina jumps off of my lap. I didn't think my smile could get wider.

"Hey, your words not mine Can I hold the baby, now?" 

"Fine." Katelyn smirks. "You may." Carefully passing Jacob over into my arms, I cradle him careful to support his head. I might not of known Abby at this age, but I sure knew Alina. The resemblance between her and Jacob is uncanny. I almost feel sixteen years old again. Almost. 

The thought of sixteen year old me makes me cringe. Irene, I had bad hair that desperately needed a chop. I think of my sweaty palms and my nervous energy especially around Katelyn. I think of how much I've grown since then. I have my own daughter now and all though it hasn't been easy, since Katie and I got back together are relationship has become stronger. 

Jacob squirms in my arms. Am I holding him wrong? Slowly his eyes open. 

"Oh, look at his eyes!" Katelyn cooed, saying what I'm sure everyone was thinking. "You are a handsome little fellow, aren't you."

"Handsome like his, Daddy," Aphmau's voice squeaks. I look up to see her standing in the doorway. Alina runs over to her, whispering something that I can't hear. Aphmau shakes her head, her messy bun bobbing up at down. 

"Mama," Alina whines. 

"No, Mija." 

Garroth turns around and scoops up a surprised and squealing Abby.