AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, yeah. I had an early breakfast before leaving my place, but I would sure love some of that pudding,” Annabeth said as she sat down on one of the chairs.
“So, the nannies seem good. Are they the ones that look after the kids when you’re not around?” Jessica asked, taking a bite of pudding.
“Oh, yes. They are the best. I had to select them after so many tests, and there were so many applications too. Let me tell you, Jessica, selecting a nanny is not an easy job. It’s been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make as a mother, but I’m glad it worked out because they’re very good with my kids.”
“Not only did she stress herself out, but she also stressed the whole family. I had to go over there to calm her down after she had rejected a nanny for like the millionth time, and her prospects were not looking good to find a better one,” Annalyse added.
“Yeah, looks like it.”
“When you have babies, I will tell you all the tips and tricks,” Annabeth said, giving her a wink and giggling. At the mention of babies, Jessica coughed.
“More grandchildren!” exclaimed Annalyse.
“Are you fine? Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you, dear,” Annabeth said a little apologetically.
“No, it’s fine. Just hadn’t thought of kids yet.” Or ever, Jessica thought. Matt’s children. Her and Matt’s babies. The thought seemed too foreign and too distant right now. Of course, she would love to have kids someday, but right now, when things between her and Matt were still very new and in the process of developing slowly, the thought of kids made her stomach queasy. Annalyse excused herself when her phone rang. “Sorry, gotta take this. It’s Joseph.”
Seeing this as an opportunity to change the topic, Jessica said, “Tell me about your husband.”
“Oh, he’s the best —a wonderful husband and an amazing father to our kids. Carlisle just left for a business trip this morning, and I already miss him terribly,” Annabeth said and smiled. Jessica saw that she was in love with her husband very deeply, and it warmed her heart.
“How did you guys meet?” she asked.
“We were high school sweethearts. He’s actually a couple of years older than me and was in Matt’s year. They are good friends, and that’s how I got to know him actually because he would come to see Matt quite often, and I would be there too. The three of us spent a lot of time together,” Annabeth told her story, and her eyes took on a look of dreaminess as she spoke.
“Oh my god, you married your high school boyfriend! That’s so cute,” Jessica said.
“Aha. His family is one of the shareholders in our business, so you can imagine that our parents were thrilled that we were together. When he left for college, I was still here, and we had to do long distance for a bit. Those were the hardest months of our relationship. We only met on holidays and vacations, and it was all I could do not to prevent him from leaving, you know?”
“Yeah, long distance is hard.” Though Jessica hadn’t had a serious long-distance boyfriend, she could imagine the things the distance would prevent the couple from doing, and she couldn’t imagine dating anyone that way. She was impressed and amazed by how much effort Annabeth and Carlisle had put into their relationship to work. “But I am so happy that you guys worked it out,” she added and smiled.
“Thank you. When I was done with college, we got married. We married pretty young since we were in love and had been dating for years. Our parents gave us their approval, so we didn’t see any reason to wait any longer, and marrying him was the best decision ever because now I didn’t have to stay away from my best friend slash love of my life.” She giggled and did a cheerful gesture with her hands.
Jessica took a glass of water and did a fake cheer. “To successful marriages,” she toasted.
“To successful marriages!” Annabeth cheered, and they downed their water, then looking at each other and burst out laughing. Jessica was so happy to have found a friend in Annabeth. She loved her like a friend and sister, and she was grateful to Matt for bringing such wonderful people into her life.
“So… Annabeth, I was thinking that we should take the kids out somewhere today. That way, I’ll get the chance to bond with them, and they will have a good day out of it,” Jessica said.
“OMG! Yes, that’s a great idea! What do you suggest?” Annabeth clapped her hands.
“Hmm… I was thinking of some amusement park for kids. Would Ethan and Noah be okay with it?” Jessica asked.
“Of course. They probably can’t get into the rides for bigger kids, but with the help of Magda and Susan, they should be just fine.”
“Awesome. I’ve heard there’s a huge indoor park for kids at the big mall down in the city. Let me just make sure they’re open today,” Jessica said as she looked up the number on Google. She dialed it, and the man on the desk confirmed and that it was open, and that was safe for toddlers as well. Feeling excited, both Jessica and Annabeth got up to get ready to take the kids to the park.
The kids absolutely loved the amusement park. It was perfect for them. Andrea looked like she was having the time of her life. Even little Ethan and Noah had a great time. Jessica bought them stuffed toys and candy, and they loved her for it. Andrea was quickly talking to Jessica, calling her ‘pretty auntie’ instead of Auntie Jessica, and Jessica was loving the little girl. She saw that once she got over the initial shyness, she was just as friendly as her mother, Annabeth. Jessica wanted to do everything she could for these little kids. At one point, Annabeth went, “Jessica, are you putting yourself on the list of people who spoil these little devils? There’s Mom, there’s Matt, and now, you?”
“I aim to be at the top of that list, Annabeth. Just you watch,” Jessica said, laughing.
“Oh damn, watch out kiddos,” Annabeth said, also laughing. Jessica wanted to be that sort of aunt who spoils her nieces and nephews and who the kids adore. She was already in awe of the children. They even did a video call with Matt to show him just how much the kids were enjoying, and Annabeth fake complained about how his wife was spoiling her kids. Matt gave Jessica a nod of approval, and that made all of them laugh.
After a long day at the park, then catching something to eat, they returned home. The children had so much fun, and they all fell asleep on the car ride home. Even Jessica and Annabeth were feeling exhausted.
After coming home, Jessica found Matt in their room on the phone with someone. At her arrival, he finished the call and hung up.
“Hey, you. How was your day?” he asked.
