Page 26 of Adventures in Spring

“I promise.”

I hold my little family as they all sob in my arms. I feel so fucking helpless, I need to fix this and I don’t know how. But I trust Lorenzo to help us. He won’t let us down. We just need to find a way to keep Seth’s parents away from my kids.

Emiko

We’ve been back in Wintervale for a week. Leaving my kids was the second hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through. My parents called to tell us that Seth’s parents called and said they want to see my kids tomorrow. They’re supposed to drop them off for the day and pick them up in the evening. Kaito and Miyuki don’t want to go, but we can’t say no. And they said they don’t want my parents or my brother there. Every time I think about it, I start to cry. I want my babies back in my arms.

I feel arms wrapping around me and I hold onto Rhett.

“I love you,” I whisper to him.

He squeezes me tighter.

“I love you, Emiko. We’re going to get through this and our babies will never have to see them again.”

I look up at him, “Our babies?”

“If that’s okay, yes, ‘our babies.’”

“It’s okay. I’d like to sit down with them and talk about what we are and what you are to them.”

“Sure. I want to ask them what they want, too.”

“When this is all over, that’s what we should do. Thank you for loving us, I never thought I’d find someone to love us again.”

“I hope that I’m doing Seth proud. I never want to take his place, for you or for the kids. I want to be the next part of your life.”

“Youarethe next part of our lives. And thank you for not trying to take away Seth’s memory.”

“I’d never do that. Seth is the reason I have you and the kids. He’ll always matter in our lives and he’ll always be a part of it.”

I’ve been staying with Rhett since we came back from Springfield. I can’t stay in the apartment without my babies. Being with Rhett and his family makes me feel happy. And I need to feel that right now.

This school day is finally over and I can call my babies when I get back to Rhett’s house. We call them everyday and talk to them, and sometimes we video call. I miss tucking them in at night and making breakfast every morning.

I stop at the country store to say hi to Rhett. When I walk up, he’s yelling at someone. He never raises his voice.

“Who the fuck do you think you are? You don’t know Emiko or our kids.”

I turn the corner and see Sabrina standing in front of him.

“She’s not yours and she doesn’t deserve you. You and I can start over. You know that’s what you want.”

“Fuck you. You don’t know what I want. But I’ll tell you. I want Emiko. I love her and my kids. Yes. My. Kids. And if you continue to fuck with my family? You’re going to regret it.”

“What does she have? A fucking magic pussy that’s sucked you in?”

Felicity comes running up and slaps Sabrina.

“My brother won’t hit a woman, but I will. Now get the fuck out,” she says to her.

“You’re going to regret this,” Sabrina says as she stomps out.

I walk over and hug both of them.

“Thank you,” I sniffle to them.

“You and your ‘magic pussy’ are welcome,” Felicity says as we all laugh.

---