She’s been using her camera more and more since we got it for her birthday this summer. She mentioned wanting to take some photography classes at the local college to learn more. Monty and I both encouraged her to register for at least one class, but there was a waitlist for this semester so she’s waiting until something opens up in the new year.
Just then the bus pulls up to our house and Shiloh says goodbye and climbs onto the bus. My eyes prickle with tears as I watch my boy go off to another school year.
I feel an arm wrap across my chest and I instantly know it’s Monty by his height alone as he engulfs my frame with his.
“I’m fine,” I sniffle, “I just can’t believe that he’s in first grade already, it feels like it was just yesterday we brought him home.”
“I know what you mean, babe. He’s growing up so quickly, and he’s so caring and smart.” He places a kiss on the top of my head. “We did good.”
“We did.” I agree, then I hear Hayes scream with laughter and I look over to see him in Evie’s arms as she spins him, his head tilted back with joy. My heart swells with more affection as I watch the two of them interact, and something strong starts to show its urgency. That feeling comes with a flutter of butterflies and nerves, because I hope she feels the same about us. “She makes it better.”
The admittance flows easily out of me, and I know by the way Monty pulls me closer that he’s on the same page. “Yeah– she does.”
The first week of school was great for getting ready and out the door on time. The weeks following that were less than perfect. The second week of school Shiloh fought bedtime and the morning every single day whichcaused us to miss the bus twice and Evie having to go and drop him off at school.
Thankfully I adjusted my work schedule the first month to accommodate those potential late starts, so I brought Hayes into the spa with me and set him up in his own little area to play while I did my opening check list.
A week before Halloween Shiloh came home, he was a little quieter than usual, but otherwise still his energetic self. He didn’t eat much for dinner, which isn’t abnormal as he is known to change his food preferences and his favorite foods become gross. We were all winding down in the living room before bedtime when suddenly Shiloh puked all over himself and the couch. I hoped it was a one off, maybe something was just off for him.
Boy, was I wrong. Over the next couple days we all took our turns with the gastro bug. I somehow managed to be the last to get it despite being the one who was taking care of everyone as one by one they all got it.
Then two days ago, I was throwing the last load of laundry into the washer from our bedroom since Monty and Evie were on the mend. All of a sudden my whole body was cold, but I was somehow sweating at the same time. I managed to make it to the bathroom just in time to knee slide to the toilet before emptying the contents of my stomach into the porcelain bowl.
Just freaking peachy.
I don’t know how much time has passed, but I’m currently resting my head against the wall, still not far from the toilet just in case I need it. There’s a soft knock on the door and the soft tones of Evie’s voice filters through the barrier.
“Hey Jojo, are you okay?” There’s a brief pause before she continues, “I mean of course you aren’t okay– can I get you anything?”
Opening my eyes, I take that moment to do a self check. I still feel nauseous, but I don’t have this urgent need to throw up. I think I should try to at least eat some crackers, and try to drink something. If anything it puts something in my stomach so I don’t endup puking up just bile.
“Um,” I take a second to clear my throat, “maybe some crackers? A ginger ale if we have any left too.”
Evie tells me she’ll be right back and I close my eyes again. I must have dozed off because I’m startled awake by the soft touch of Evie’s hand on my shoulder.
“Woah, it’s just me.” She says softly. “Here let’s get you to bed, I put new sheets on and there’s a bucket for you if you need it. It’ll be a lot more comfortable than the bathroom floor.”
Groaning, I let her help me up, but I feel so weak and guilt waves through me at the thought of Evie having to try to help pick me up.
“Just give me a second, I don’t want you to hurt yourself getting me up.” I mumble as I try to get on my knees and instantly become light headed.
“Hurt myself?” There’s a brief pause before Evie huffs and circles me until she’s at my back. Using her arms she hooks them under my armpits and hoists me up to my feet. Holding me steady until I’m ready to walk, she moves until she’s by my side. My arm over her shoulder and her arm around my waist.
She supports me to the bedroom, and settles me sitting up against the headboard. She then proceeds to feed me crackers and small sips of ginger ale before telling me to lay down.
She leaves the room momentarily and comes back with a cold cloth that she gently places on my forehead. “Now try and get some sleep and I’ll be back in a bit to check on you.” She places a tender kiss on my cheek and then she’s gone.
While I still feel like absolute garbage, there’s a layer of comfort and safety knowing that I’m being cared for.
Chapter Thirty Six
Evie
Ten Months Postpartum
“It’sTinkerbell!”asmallchild points at me in awe. I give her a little wave that causes her to giggle and run off with her parents who are chuckling behind them.
Josie comes up beside me and we both watch as Monty goes up to the door as Captain Hook, with his long black wigged hair and his hook holding the candy bag, while his other arm is holding Hayes. Who is dressed up in a full body crocodile costume with a pocket watch around his neck. He has no idea fully what’s going on, but he can feel the excitement that’s coming from Monty and Shiloh.
