This is the day

 

Rosie had a plan, but she wasn't so sure her Aunt would like it. Actually, she'd read up on how to go about making a move as soon as school was over at the end of the month. However, she hadn't exactly talked to Chance about it, but was certain he'd be up for it. She hoped.

As it was Prom never came. Hope against hope the school put it off until May, but it didn't happen in spite of restrictions being lifted. It was safer this way. And another year of online graduation. It would soon be over by the end of the month.

And then it came in the mail, she'd been accepted to move into the tiny house community. 

"What is this?" Her Aunt Ellie wanted to know.

"A place to live. I won my own home!" Rosie's smile was weak, but somehow someone read all the e-mails she sent and the letters. She wanted a place of her own. Well, with Chance of course. After all, she'd been on birth control for over a year and hadn't even started a sex life. She knew all along who she wanted to be with.

"How did you do this?" Her Aunt only winced as she read over the letter as if it might be a hoax.

"I don't know," she shrugged. Naturally, she'd used a lot of vocabulary words and read up on how people got in.

"Maybe it's a mistake." Ellie looked at her as if not to get her hopes up.

"It can't be," Rosie pointed to the address. Her tiny house was waiting for her. Of course, her Aunt was looking at her as if she was from STRANGER THINGS or just a hopeless romantic.

"It's in the city," Ellie reminded her it was for homeless people. Rosie wasn't completely homeless. Ellie shook her head. 

"Why are you so against me, finding my own way?" She was practically in a stomp.

Her Aunt drew a breath and put her hands on her hips and gave Rosie a glare. "All right then." She said she wasn't against Rosie moving in with Chance. "It'll be a learning experience for both of you. You might find out you don't get along as well as you think you do." She said if she wanted to go through with this. Then why not. 

Her Aunt got on the phone then to tell Chance's brother the news. Rosie winced hard as if she might be praying. She hoped Chance's brother wanted him to move out.

Ellie still wasn't sure how Chance felt about this whole ordeal. She didn't really get a chance to talk to him, but his brother sounded as if Chance was with Rosie he was OK with it. Now the next step was to call Rosie's father. Naturally, he didn't answer his phone. She left a message that his daughter was moving out on her own.

"I don't know why he's this way," she told her husband, Drew. "He wasn't like this growing up." She practically winced tears. Why was this all up to her? Sure, she knew he was in and out of rehab as of late and she was glad she could help with Rosie. But still, he was MIA at the moment.

Drew kept assuring her that she meant a lot to Rosie. After all, who had cared for Rosie's health and her future. She was there for her for what a girl needed growing up. They always talked. 

Ellie finally got a hold of Rosie's grandmother to ask about Kyle. But she didn't seem aware of his whereabouts. "You know, he lost his job."

Suddenly, it felt as if Rosie was the grownup, not her dad. But he wasn't living at his mother's. For all Ellie knew, maybe he was in a homeless shelter. "Well, if you see him, can you tell him his daughter will soon be moving out with her boyfriend."

She was certain the news would shock anyone, but Kyle's mother. "Oh, I forgot all about her graduating this year." She sounded sad. "I'll send some money right away."

"That's OK, you don't have to, but I know she'd love to hear from you," Ellie told her she was quite mature and was taking some courses to help her at the daycare that had hired her. But Ellie was careful not to say much more to Kyle's mother. Ellie doubted the woman would remember her now. But once upon time Ellie's dad was with Kyle's mom. It seemed a lifetime ago.

Happy 4th!

Just when Rosie was certain she'd gotten away with her blissful night with Chance, Ellie caught her off guard while they were making up her bed with the new sheets they'd found at Walmart.

"I know he was here," Ellie's words made Rosie cringe.

"It's not what you think," Rosie hoped her so-called Aunt didn't think the worst. "I'm not my mother."

Rosie was close-lipped as she thought about it. She didn't mean to sound so snide. She did love her mother, even if she was a teen when Rosie was born. Suddenly, she felt her throat go raw as tears emerged from her eyes.

"I didn't say that," Ellie shook her head. "Honestly, I..I definitely remember having feelings for someone when I was your age..and..and..I am just saying, be prepared."

Rosie looked at her oddly. Rosie gritted a smile.

"If you want, we could go for a checkup. I don't think it's too late to get an HPV," Ellie told her there was no mention from any of her medical records that Rosie was up to date on her personal health.

Rosie pressed her lips tight.

"You know, it's not a bad idea to be on the pill for a year before you're sexually active," Ellie said she needed to see if that sort of medication would be OK for her body. After all, being in a relationship was life-changing.

Rosie wasn't sure to laugh or cry. She was glad to know her mother's best friend because it felt like she might be talking to her. Even if it wasn't so.

"Chance seems to care about you," Ellie smiled.

"Yeah, I know I should care more about him too," Rosie didn't want to get Chance into trouble.

"Look, I'm not going to mention this to him, when he comes over to the cookout," Ellie promised she wanted them to be safe and she was here if Rosie needed to talk.

Hello February

Seeing Eric in the grocery store was the last thing Ellie expected. She thought he'd moved away to Iowa and was probably busy with the Caucus.

"Aren't you supposed to be in Des Moines?" She asked and when he turned to look at her he looked as if something was stuck in his throat.

They'd lost touch. She hadn't told him she divorced and remarried, but she was with the kids and Drew. So she introduced her old boyfriend from high school to Drew.

"Well, you know-" Drew started, "I knew her first."

Ellie looked at Drew as if this was no time to be joking. Eric and Syd were no longer together.

"What happened?" She thought their marriage was rock solid. They'd been through so much together and there were their kids. They had two now.

"We..we grew apart,"  he said. Ellie wanted to tell him that was too vague, but she knew she didn't really have a right to know. They were once friends. Now, hardly acquaintances. But he'd moved back he'd got on as an auditor for the City. He was living in his father's home.

"They moved to Florida," he said they were downsizing.  Eric's oldest was now in school. He had custody of the kids.

Ellie couldn't believe it. She felt bad for him and the kids, too.

"Where's Syd?" Ellie wanted to know.

"Russia," Eric told her. She worked for the embassy.

It's that time of year

Ellie watched the newborn sleep. She couldn't resist smiling. After all, he was the spitting image of his father, Drew. It felt good to be so genuinely happy, yet there was a little guilt that prevailed.

Her daughters wouldn't be seeing her dad during the holidays. No rushing to the airport of driving down to Oklahoma on the toll roads at a halfway point for the exchange of the girls. Her ex was busy these days and had no time, for anyone. Of course, when he did, that meant she had to drop everything. He could be quite demanding when he wanted to be.

But since she'd remarried, maybe that ended his thoughts of them ever getting back together again. He'd been more reserved these days. Of course, he was a world a way and she did have her life with Drew and the girls.

Her step-niece moved in at the beginning of the school year and it didn't look as if her father Kyle would be coming for Thanksgiving.

A part of her missed the old Kyle that she knew when she was in school. She knew it was trite, but he was first love, but she never told him. She never would. They'd become step-siblings instead and now it had come to this. Rosie was part of her family now.

"Do you think it'll be just us for the holidays, Mom?" Her oldest asked. Her hands holding tight to the crib.

Ellie nodded. It sounded so glum to hear, but she was happy. Happy they could stay in their jammies all day if they wanted too. Ellie motioned for her oldest not to talk too loud.

Thanksgiving was the last thing Ellie had on her mind, but she heard Drew downstairs. He was bringing in groceries. He shouted he'd found a sale. He'd bought the turkey and even ham.

Ellie sighed. Honestly, she wanted to go back to bed, but she could hear him conversing with the girls. They were going to make fudge this year and make care packages for those who couldn't come to Thanksgiving.

"Just two ingredients," he said. "Peanut butter and cake icing!"

She heard them cheer him on. The baby's eyes open. A little startled. She picked him up. Of course, she'd been waiting for this moment. She loved holding baby Easton.

Ellie & Drew

Ellie didn't want to think of it as the worst of times, but it hadn't been the greatest weather for traveling during Christmas. She'd done her best to deal with the arrangements with her ex-husband. She'd brought the girls down to his parents like he'd asked, but instead of going back to Nebraska..she'd stayed in a hotel.

Her older brother had moved to San Antonio with his family. They were hours away from the vast central Texas location she was in. At least, Drew came down to stay with her. He wouldn't dare leave her too alone. After all, they were a real family.

He even went with her to pick up the girls. Ellie knew it was a bad idea.

"We have to get it over with, sooner or later," Drew said. Although, he probably wasn't used to how they would treat the foreigner.

"This is my husband, Drew." She introduced him to her ex-in-laws.

Of course, there was an uncomfortable silence as if she'd brought somebody into the country on a green card.

Thankfully, the girls were excited to see him. And they hadn't picked up on 'husband' til the ride home.

"You mean, we can call you Dad now?" Asked the oldest one.

"If you want too." Drew drove them back so they could have Christmas at home even if it was close to New Year's Eve.

Ellie was happy that he hadn't gotten into an argument with any of those in her past. He just kept smiling.

"Of course! We want too." Chloe said it was the best Christmas present ever.

Ellie sighed with relief, as if maybe it would be the beginning of a very good year.

will they know about us

Drew was feeling guilty, keeping the marriage from the kids. At first, they going to have a quiet ceremony while the kids were with their father at his parents in Texas. But he didn't like the idea of sneaking off. He wasn't sure if he really wanted to spend time with Ellie's ex. Although, he knew it would happen sooner or later.

Somehow, getting married here seemed much more feasible. If only it could be like the tea party wedding he'd gone to where he met Ellie and the girls that first time.

"They won't hate us forever," She told him they'd be happy if they had a tea party when they told them about the baby.

Just one more thing that made Drew's heart skip a beat. He was going to be a father. The thought made him feel a little faint. The only person he'd told was Draco. Of course, it was Draco who found an old friend, Garvin to marry them. Garvin just so happened to be someone who married people in Old Towne. He wasn't even a minister.

While the girls went over to the neighbors so they could do some Christmas shopping, they stopped by the shop, had a few pictures taken and got married. Draco and Macy were their witnesses.

Now, Drew thought he would be physically ill. How could he keep this from them? Why couldn't they be there?

Ellie reminded him that she didn't want her ex to know at the moment. It was best to keep this a mute subject. She didn't want any drama this holiday. After all, they would be alone for Christmas and New Years. Had he forgotten that?

Hello December

Who was she going to share this with? Ellie paced about when she had a chance, thinking she should talk to her mother about this, but they were barely on speaking terms these days. Besides, when her mom did call it was to talk about herself and all the things she was doing with her life at the Reservation in South Dakota where she was head of some education project. She was also married to the chief. These were things Ellie was supposed to be proud of. And she was...it was just ...her mom gave up on her after she divorced that cowboy from Texas.

"I should have told her something," Ellie winced, thinking Mae her neighbor wouldn't want to hear about her life, either.

"Maybe she heard it in your voice," Mae smiled.

"Oh, she never listens to me." Ellie gritted, slightly. It was best not to dwell on her past with her mom. Besides, Ellie was happy. Drew finally moved in and, all was well. For the most part...

"He, he wants us to get married." There were several reasons why, yet what remained was the fact it was love and they wanted to celebrate it.

"And, I try to tell myself we..we shouldn't rush into things, but, you know, he hasn't really changed. I mean, I knew him when I was six and I thought he was wonderful then and I think that now, too." Ellie wrapped her pale fingers around her coffee mug. "It's just, there was a time, I used to think, oh be a grown up and have a grownup relationship. I mean, there were times I was so sure I was in love, just to find that person found the love of their life with someone else." She told Mae she felt as if she'd been stuck in a rut. But it wasn't that way with Drew.

"We'd like to go somewhere during Christmas break and just get married. You know, not ... make a big deal out of it." She finally told Mae.

"Oh, but the girls wouldn't like that. They would want to be a part of the wedding." Mae smiled, telling her it didn't have to be big, but at least something they could all enjoy.

"I know." Ellie pressed her lips tight. She pushed her coffee away. She couldn't handle it lately, even with cream. Still, she was certain she and Drew needed to do this quietly. It was something she could celebrate with the girls later. Besides, their father would make a big deal about it, and she didn't need any stress right now. After all, they would have a baby brother by mid-summer.

a fraction of the cost

Winter was coming. It didn't help much that Drew got sick before he could get his flu shot.

Thankfully, it was Ellie to the rescue and he was getting used to staying with Ellie and her girls. He had never had a family like this. As long as he could remember it had always been just he and his mother. He had never been a dad before.

True, he could have taken off on his motorcycle on those beautiful fall weekends. Now, he had his bike up for sale. He didn't think he was changing even if his mother told him so, and she liked it.

"You know, where you want to be," She'd said on one of their weekend conversations on the phone.

Still, he wasn't sure how to get there.

"But, you're already there." Her voice made him smile. Perhaps, she was right. He did spend all his time with Ellie and the girls. "You'll figure out how to put the house up for rent and all your stuff in storage."

Of course, the thought put a tickle in his throat, as if he might be coming down with something, again. And he guessed that was OK because he didn't want to be alone, anymore.

Hope tomorrow is like today

Rosie felt bad. She hadn't seen Ellie and the girls in forever. So she decided to spend her Sunday with them. After all, Ellie knew her mother best and her Dad, too. Ellie was her dad's step-sister. Although, she knew him way before they became siblings.

"Has he called you?" Rosie wanted to know.

"Sorry," Ellie said she hadn't heard from Kyle in a long time. She wasn't so sure he would like how she was now.

"Why is that?" Rosie tensed, thinking her so-called Aunt was the best role model she'd ever had. Instantly, she hoped Ellie wasn't taking the path her father Kyle had with drugs and visits to rehab.

"Oh, he'd probably just make fun of me." Ellie's smile was open. She told Rosie about the new guy in her life. "The thing is, I knew Drew long before I knew Kyle." They'd been in elementary school together. Drew used to read to her when she was in first grade. He was in third grade back then. "And we met again, over the summer at a wedding, just to find out a few weeks later, he's my neighbor."

She told Rosie that the girls liked him. Naturally, Zoey and Chloe chimed in, "We love him!"

Rosie was making sugar cookies with the girls. They talked about Ellie's boyfriend for quite a bit. They even showed her a picture of him.

Rosie grinned and got out her phone to show them pictures of Sunny.

"He's my best friend." She told them.

Ellie told her she was happy for her. "I'm glad to hear he's your best friend." Ellie then talked about her teens. "I'm afraid I worried too much. Thinking, I was never good enough."

"You? How could you say that?" Rosie smiled. "You're the best."

Ellie smiled and shook her head. "Thanks, I guess, but remember no one is perfect. We all make mistakes. You just have to hope for the best and hope tomorrow will be full of sweet surprises."

Rosie nodded, remembering how Ellie's father divorced Rosie's Dad's mom, but they lived together now after he got sick with cancer. Now he was having to take care of her, who was still trying to get off pain medications.

Rosie wanted to worry less and enjoy her school life with Sunny.

you had me at hello

Ellie knew it was real. She was certain of it when Drew kissed her back in July when the girls were with Lon. She knew it had to be.

She hadn't forgotten Drew the first moment she met him so long ago. He was so adorable, yet shy. But so proper.

It was fun to see this side of him now. He was a regular guy after all, even if he'd probably been playing a violin since he was born.

She giggled when he told her about what he had said to the colleague.

"I don't know why I even did it." He gritted with a smile. "Are you mad at me?"

"You just don't want anything to change." She told him. Summer was almost over.

"I don't want to go out with him and don't even want to invite him over." She knew he was serious. "I'm the worst." He went on to help her with the dishes, after another evening meal. Their hands touched. His warmth was next to her shoulder.

"So what are we going to do about this?" She couldn't help but ask.

"Do about this?" He scrubbed a plate a little harder as if maybe he wasn't doing this right.

Ellie laughed softly.

"You know," she wanted to know where they would all live if they moved in together. She would hate to mess up the girls routine too much. They loved this house.

"We could get married where Draco got married." He looked at her with a quick smile.

Ellie wasn't sure what to say, but she liked the idea.

somebody I used to know

Drew didn't know what to say when he found out his longtime friend and sometimes foe, Eugene showed up at the music department. He was now a colleague and he wanted to go out.

This would mean drinking all night at various clubs. Eugene might have known a thing or two about developing skills in string instruments, but he was pretty much a party animal, too. It made Drew's head hurt just thinking about venturing out with Eugene.

"I just can't." Drew bit his bottom lip, thinking he needed to nip this in the bud before it got out of control. "I-I have kids now." He found himself put on the spot and he didn't know any other way to get out of it.

True, there was a time Eugene had been there for him, to console him when he didn't feel he would make it in the education of music. Still, Drew did wonder if Eugene had thought it was more than that. He certainly wouldn't ask now.

"What? Kids? Since when?" Eugene winced as if they'd made a pact so no such thing would ever happen.

"Um," Drew didn't really want to go into details. "I need to be home with them." Drew really hadn't thought he'd changed, but it felt to him that Eugene knew someone else in his head. As it was, back in his college days, Drew went for the ride for the most part. Trying to fit in with the others. Although, he never had the party passion that Eugene remembered. Drew was the sober one who would get Eugene home safely.

"I can't believe it." Eugene didn't get it. "Then, when will I meet them?"

Drew felt light-headed, thinking he didn't want Eugene to meet Ellie and the girls.

"We..we have a schedule." Drew finally told him. But deep inside, he knew he didn't want Ellie to meet Eugene. After all, Eugene always prided himself in being a lady's man. Still, he was as single as he ever was.

it's the little things

"Oh, you didn't have to do this," Drew smiled all over. It felt like Christmas in August as he held on to the beautifully crocheted slippers.

"I did. I honestly did." She smirked as her two girls pulled on her, dancing about wanting to know if the slippers fit.

Drew tried them on. Now they pulled at him to come into the dining room where they'd been busy with no-bake cookies and lemonade. It was a party just for him. Zoe said she missed him the most and Chloe promised she missed him more.

Drew shook with laughter. Why was it the three of them had made his summer the best? He was bogged down with schedules in the music department at the university. No one was ever that happy there. Some days, he wondered if he had it in him to go on. But today was spectacular.

He put his arm around Ellie and squeezed her tight. "I want to start dating your mom." He announced.

The girls looked at him a little peculiar. He was sure he'd hit a sour note. But they both giggled.

"We thought you already were," Zoe said looking ever so wise. It was a sigh of relief to know it was OK with them.

He wanted to tell them he loved her and he loved them too. He didn't know they were even who he was looking for. Honestly, he felt certain he would be solo for the rest of his life.

"I just want to thank you. Thank you for letting me know you and letting me be here, right now." He sighed.

It was time for a group hug.

those long days of July

"You need to crochet Drew some slippers, since he took care of you, when Dad was here," Zoe informed her mother, Ellie. They were anxious to see Drew. Perhaps they were glad their Dad left when he did. They were both pooped, from the zoo, the baseball games and the water park. Of course, he'd taken them to movies and out to eat. He'd even read to them at bedtime.

"But, I think that's enough until next year." Zoe shrugged with a yawn.

Ellie told her she'd crochet the slippers, but she wasn't sure how she felt about their feelings for their Dad. She felt a little sad, since they didn't seem all that sad to see him go.

"He'll be back, before then," Ellie said he promised to be here for Christmas.

"Really?" Zoe winced as if she didn't know if she could take so much going out.

"Remember, its summer down in Australia at Christmas, and he said it wouldn't feel like Christmas if there wasn't any snow."

Zoe slightly nodded as if she didn't want to dwell on it. Instead, she wanted to look through yarn and find just the right colors for  Drew's slippers.

"Did he even ask about me?" Zoe said aloud.

Ellie couldn't help but smile. She nodded. "Of course, he did. He wondered if I had made any crowns for you two. He asked about the sock critters, too. Do you think we should make one of those two?"

"Of course, we have to let him know that we appreciate him. That he took time out of his busy schedule to be with you when we were with Dad." Zoe told her.

"You, didn't really worry about me, did you?" Ellie looked a little surprise.

"Oh, I knew he'd come over. He usually does. It's just what in the world would you two talk about, without Chloe and me, around?"

"It was hard at first." Ellie shrugged. "But we found some things to do, and even went out a couple of times."

Zoe gave her the eye, as if they weren't suppose to go out without her and Chloe.

thinking it over

Ellie hadn't meant to spend so much time with Drew, but what could she do with the girls off with Lon to baseball games, swimming, and the fireworks.

Sure, she wanted to muster up the courage to tell Drew, he didn't need to do this, but she could see he'd probably be at home doing nothing, too.

They tried going to a movie but didn't find anything they wanted to watch.

"Is it just me, or is it everyone loves so much action these days that no one cares if there is a storyline." She hated to sound so pessimistic.

Finally, they went off to the lobster fest which was a bit ridiculous since they lived in the landlocked heartland. Still, the seafood was fresh and at least it felt as if they were out doing something. And he did make her smile. Actually, she was downright giddy when he held her hand.

She couldn't say exactly when it started. Maybe he was afraid he might lose her in a crowd. After a while, it felt so natural. Still, she couldn't exactly say what they were doing together.

"Let's just say we're dating." He smiled with a shrug when she started talking about it, after their busy week that didn't end on the 4th. "I'm sure the girls would want to know."

She nodded, thinking it was best to let it go. This was no time to ask if he was really OK with that.

"I used to get so nervous," Ellie sighed. "When it came to dating. I mean, I always felt I never wore the right outfit, or my hair was right. I guess I worried too much."

"Don't worry about those things with me. I like you just the way you are. I wouldn't want to change anything about you." Drew laughed softly. "Now, when it comes to me. I'm sure you'll hear all sorts of stuff you don't want to hear. Why would you be with a guy like him?"

"Who would say something-"

"Um, I don't know what the girls' father would think of me." He sighed and then said. "Well, I actually do. He'd tell you, you could do better."

"Don't even think it." Ellie winced. "I don't care what he thinks. The girls already love you."

It was true. She knew they were smitten the moment he came over and said hello at Draco and Macy's wedding.

She was certain now she wouldn't let anyone crush what she felt for Drew.

Hello July

Drew decided he'd fry up some chicken nuggets for the girls, of course. He'd seasoned up the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Honestly, he was going for his grandmother's German recipe. She always did know a thing or two about being a short order cook. He smiled thinking about her. He guessed no one would think it to be so, but his childhood memories were full of a woman with a German accent who always felt she needed to fatten him up with her fried foods and pastries.

So he fried up the dredged meat and packed it up for a picnic. Hopefully, he wasn't too late, as he went to Ellie's. But she was home alone.

"Where are Zoe and Chloe?" He asked. She slowly told him they were with their Dad.

"He's here already?" Drew winced as he made it through the front door and then to the kitchen with his picnic basket. "I thought, it was later this month."

She shook her head, no, as if she didn't have much to say.

"Well, I made something." He would go on, getting out the mashed potatoes and the green beans along with a carrot salad. He was sure she needed to eat something.

She watched him in the kitchen doorway, leaning and hugging herself as if she might be sick. He'd never seen her so sad.

"It'll be OK." However, he knew no wine tonight, just lemonade from her fridge door. He talked of his German grandmother then. "She always made these vegetable gravies. My mom never figured it out. People probably don't cook the way she did, anymore. But she somehow could make do with whatever was in the fridge. Only, she really liked going grocery shopping every day. She never bought a lot, but her fruit and veg were always fresh." He mentioned there was a farmer's market tonight at the park. "We should go, after dinner."

He knew she wouldn't say anything. It was as if she needed to stand still until the girls came home.

Finally, Drew managed to get her to the dining table to sit. He even made a paper plate of food for her. "You know, you have to eat. Keep up your strength."

But she looked as if she were about to cry. Drew couldn't smile. This might be the saddest first date he'd ever been on. Still, he'd wait. Maybe if she talked about it, she would feel better.

we're staying home today

Ellie was thankful that Drew invited her and the girls into his life on such short notice. Still, it was a bit awkward, but not for long. He knew what they needed, food, a place to clean up and get ready for the daily shift of life.

"But, how do you know if the power is even on, where you work, or where the girls stay?" He'd ask, thinking they should just take the day off. There was a lot of damage in the neighborhood. He'd seen plenty of trees down. "You guys could just stay. Here." His smile was quick and she couldn't help but watch his face light up.

After breakfast, he told her to go to her house and see what she could salvage from the fridge and freezer. He had plenty of room. There wasn't much in his own kitchen. Still, she felt she was putting him out. But he coaxed her into it, while the girls kept busy with some markers and paper. He'd watch them.

She went to pack up what was still good in the fridge and freezer. She was back twenty minutes later with groceries to unload.

"Aw, chicken nuggets." He smiled. They could have lunch now. Of course, he left her on her own soon to see if he could help the neighbors in any way. There was plenty of branches to move.

Ellie felt a little low that she wasn't out there volunteering. It was best to keep the girls out of the way. They did at least have their dolls and pillow beds now. Without cable TV, there wasn't much they could do, but she found a Little House on the Praire book on a shelf in the livingroom. It was as if it had been waiting for her to read it aloud on this lonesome muggy day.

on the upside

Drew really hadn't meant to stay over, but then again, he didn't want to be alone. Especially, when the power went out.

Of course, Ellie was ready for that. She brought down the pillow beds for the girls and then mats for themselves. No one was exactly happy in the beginning. The girls listened to the sirens, waited for the wind, then the rain and the hail.

"I never thought it got this bad around here?" Drew shrugged, but he got an earful of how trees came down last year and roofs were ripped off. Sometimes, the wind alone could put people and homes in danger.

Later, the girls got out their snacks and juice boxes. It wasn't until well after twelve that Zoe and Chloey settled down. Lots of stories were read aloud and just when Drew thought he might doze off, he was wide awake.

Although, he wasn't all that nervous about being there. Still, he felt he should be checking out, outside. So at four in the morning, he got JoJo and went back to his house. To his surprise, he had electricity, but no internet.

He had time to get his kitchen cleaned up just to make a mess for breakfast, but he tidied up and went back to Ellie's to invite them over to his place.

"It's the least I could do, after all the homemade meals you guys have me be a part of." He smiled.  Drew was even happier when the girls loved the French toast and omelets.

the wonder of it

Everyone was so quiet. Drew was beginning to think his timing was all wrong. How would he ever say what was exactly on his mind? He looked at the girls, who were starting to eat their mother's casserole. He looked at Ellie who was eating quietly. Drew got more of the cheesy macaroni to eat.

He would wait. Finally, everyone finished up and he helped wash dishes. He remained even lipped, wondering what he'd done wrong.

"Should I," He paused thinking he shouldn't be here. "Should I go?"

"Oh, no." Ellie winced almost smiled but then even lipped said. "I mean if you're busy-"

"No, not really." He pushed his hands in the back pockets of his faded jeans. "Are the girls, OK?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so." She put the leftover casserole in the fridge. "Thank you, for helping me eat this."

"What?" He looked at her blankly. He didn't think it was bad.

"The girls hate their vegetables," Ellie said.

"There were vegetables?" He smirked. Ellie lightly laughed.

She told him that the girls liked him very much. "But, but they can be so." She gritted.

"Oh, they're sweet. And, and you're so calm with them." He smiled. "You're a great Mom."

She nodded, but he felt she might melt into tears. Drew couldn't help but want to give her a hug. He doubted this was the time to tell her he wanted to ask her out. Instead, he brushed a tear away and asked her what was the matter.

It was then she told him their father was coming in a few weeks.

"Is he? Is he going to stay here?" Drew couldn't help but ask. She shook her head, no.

"Are they going home with him?" Drew knew that wouldn't be easy for her.

"No...no..no." She shook her head, but she looked a bit uncertain. She said he was busy, always on the go. "I didn't see him that much when we were married. I mean in the latter part, before we split. And then, he's living in Australia now."

Ellie hugged herself hard as if she was more nervous than she wanted to let on. Drew wasn't sure what to say. Finally he asked if it was too late for them to walk down to the park.

"I'll get JoJo," Drew said. "You know, there's a storm coming after nightfall tonight."

"A storm? Really?" Her eyes tensed.

Drew smiled. They just might be up all night in the basement.

summer days

Ellie really didn't have anyone to talk too. She'd hate to ramble to the other's at work about her summer. Honestly, it was nothing big. Only something simple. She'd found someone to spend time with, with the girls.

A part of her felt so happy about this and yet she was sad. What if it was nothing like she thought it was? What if Drew didn't want to be there, after all.

He was so good putting on the show. Zoe and Chloey had to be his biggest fans. Maybe she was too.

He was easy to be around. Although, they never talked as much as she hoped they would. After all, the two girls wanted him to entertain them.

"We're going to drive him crazy." She hadn't meant to say it out loud and yet she had to tell the girls to stop bothering him so much. "He has better things to do than hang out with us."

Of course, they stopped chattering about and stared at the cauliflower with mac and cheese as if this was unacceptable.

"Eat your food," She coaxed trying to make them realize they couldn't depend on him and be so demanding. Both looked sad as if they were on the verge of tears.

A knock came to the back door. It was Drew. She gave them the eye to be quiet. Surprisingly, they were.

"What's the matter?" He smiled.

"Oh, they aren't sure about the mac'n cheese." She sat him a plate of the casserole.

"It's gotta be good. Your mom wouldn't make anything bad." His smile was open.

Ellie did her best to hold in a laugh. He really didn't know her that well, but maybe he would if the girls would quieten down.

Drew took a bite of the mac'n cheese. She was certain he'd make a face, but he kept smiling and the girls began to eat.

it's kind of happening

Drew rubbed his thumb and forefinger. The sharpie would not come off. He winced hard. It was days ago since his rock painting afternoon with Ellie's girls. Would it ever come off?

He heard Draco in the hallway. Drew's little office was in the art department.

"Hey," Drew went to his doorway and gave his friend a wave. They hadn't talked much since Draco's wedding. "How's it going?"

"Um, OK." Draco shrugged, but in the next breathe was telling him about Macy.

"Wow, that was fast," Drew said before he could think it through about the pregnancy. He bit a grin as if he should shut up now.

"So, how's your summer going?" Draco went into Drew's office and made himself at home.

"Not bad," Drew had to admit. "I've, well...just hanging out with Ellie." He knew it wasn't exactly dating, but her two little ones could keep one busy and it was a good excuse to see her.

"Are you dating?" Draco asked.

"Oh." Drew winced, shook his head no. He didn't think so.

"Well, maybe, she's not dating, anyway." Draco shrugged and mentioned he'd never seen her with anyone.

Drew nodded.

"But, do you want to date her?" Draco smirked. Drew couldn't help but let a smile slip.

"I dunno if I would know, what that is." Drew gritted trying to think of his last date. It was frightful. He really wasn't as easy going as Draco might think. Looks could be deceiving. Sure, plenty tried to set him up from time to time, but it never worked.

Unfortunately, he really liked how things were with Ellie. It wasn't that complicated.  They were still friends, after all this time. That had to count for something.