Page 39 of Surviving in Everton

“I don’t know, maybe… I’m just excited to finally be able to give that bitch everything she deserves. Here’s what we’re gonna do…” Nate explains his plan, and I gotta admit, it’s kinda genius. I don’t know why none of us thought of it first.

Chapter 17

Rowen

Man, this was such a great weekend. First, I took the kids to the zoo on Saturday. Violet got to see a lot of magical creatures that she thought were only myths, including her all time favorite, unicorns. I still can’t believe everyone kept it from her for so long, but it was totally worth it to see that look on her face when she saw them for the first time. I’m so glad Quinn got it on video so I could show the guys when they got home.

Turns out they got home before we did on Saturday, but they decided to give us the night to enjoy our sleepover. I’m glad they did too, the kids had a blast. When I woke up Sunday, the guys were over, taking care of the kids and making breakfast. I could definitely get used to that, walking into the kitchen to Hudson wearing his cute little apron, cooking for everyone. Getting good morning kisses from all of my guys. Then spending a lazy day just hanging out, watching movies together. It was the perfect ending to an amazing weekend, but Monday came as always and with it reality invaded my happy little bubble.

The guys are sure Dr. Johnston is going to call me today. I’m not so sure I’m ready to hear what he found out since we last talked. I’m sure it won’t be good news, but what if it’sreallybad? I don’t want to think about all the terrible things that could be wrong with me thanks to the foreign magic Harris put in me. I still don’t know how anyone could help him do something like that.

I could tell the guys were all slightly distracted yesterday, and I wonder what they were trying to hide from me. I can appreciate them letting me have the weekend and not telling me what happened with Brad, but at the same time, now I’m really curious. What the hell happened? And why is no one talking about it? I’m pulled out of my thoughts by an incessant ringing. I look around expecting the sound to magically stop. When it doesn’t, it finally hits me that it’s my freaking phone. I smack my forehead and answer it just before the call gets sent to voicemail.

“Hello?” I answer, wondering who would be calling me this early.

“Is this Rowen Thompson?” the chirpy voice on the other end replies. Ugh, it’s much too early for this amount of cheerfulness. I haven’t even gotten Violet to school yet.

“Yes, this is her,” I respond questioningly.

“This is Mindy, from Dr. Johnston’s office. He wanted me to call you first thing this morning and see if you could come in to go over your results,” she announces in her stupid cheery voice.

“Oh… uh, yeah, I can come in today. What time?” I stammer my response.

“As soon as possible, dear. He has a few things he wants to discuss with you.” Again, why is she so happy to be calling me to tell me this?

“I’ve gotta take my daughter to school, but I can come by after that.”

“That’ll be fine, dear. I’ll let the doctor know. See you soon,” she trills then hangs up.

“Who was that, Mommy?” Violet pulls me out of my daze. I shake my head to clear the fog and turn to face her with a smile on my face.

“Just the doctor’s office, sweetie. My results are ready and the doctor wants me to come in after I drop you off at school,” I attempt to reassure her. Apparently I didn’t do that good of a job, based on the look she’s currently giving me.

“Did you forget I can feel your emotions? I know it’s a big deal, because you’re really nervous. I thought you agreed not to try to hide things from me?” She crosses her arms and glares at me. It’s a pretty cute glare and I have to stop myself from smiling.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s a hard habit to break. You’re just a kid, Violet, it’s my job to protect you. One of the ways parents do that is by hiding things that could be upsetting. There’s no reason for you to stress out about what the doctor has to say until we know what it is. That’s all I was trying to do. I will tell you what he says,” I promise. She uncrosses her arms and wraps them around me instead.

“I love you, Mommy. I just want you to be okay,” she whispers as she holds me tight.

I squeeze her tighter to me as I fight to hold back tears. “I love you too, baby. You know the guys and I are going to do everything possible to make sure I’m okay.” We stand there for a while, comforting each other, until Violet finally pulls away.

“Can we go to the bakery for breakfast?” Violet looks up at me with pleading eyes.

I can’t help but chuckle. “Are we out of baked goods already?” When she smiles sheepishly, I have my answer. “Yes, we can go to the bakery. Go get your backpack.”

* * *

The drive is quick,and soon we’re walking into one of our favorite places. The smell of fresh baked muffins and cinnamon rolls greets us like an old friend. As we walk up to the counter, Hudson pops his head out of the kitchen to see who walked in. His smile lights up his whole face when he sees it’s us.

“There’s my two favorite girls! What brings you in so early today?” he teases us.

I roll my eyes “Get over here and give me a kiss, then feed us. We’re hungry you know,” I demand.

“Yes, ma’am.” He smirks at me as he walks around the counter and finally gives me a proper hello. “Alright, what do you want today, Violet? Cinnamon roll or muffin?” He raises his brow.

“Hmmm.” She taps her index finger against her chin as she contemplates. “What kind of muffins did you make today?”

“Apple cinnamon, banana, pecan strudel, chocolate chip, and strawberry and cream. Any of those sound good, or you gonna stick with the cinnamon roll?”

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