Page 69 of The Doctor's Twins

She brought out a box once and hauled out a stack of letters. We laughed so much while reading them. I couldn’t believe I was such a nut back then. How time and circumstances changed one’s outlook on life. What I wouldn’t have given to turn back the clock to a time when my biggest concern was what to wear to Macy’s birthday party.

The weeks flew by in a haze and before I knew it, it was Friday and Ben was off to collect Alyssa from the airport. I wondered what the two of them would talk about on the way home. I imagined that my best friend would ever so subtly interrogate Ben, and I wondered if he’d pick up on that.

I went downstairs when I heard Ben’s car pull up.

“Honey, I’m home,” Alyssa’s voice echoed from the entrance hall.

“Hey!” I called and grabbed her in a bear hug.

“Ooh,” she said and held on tightly, “it’s sooo good to see you!”

We stood there for a good minute.

“He’s amazing,” she whispered into my ear.

“I know,” I whispered back.

“Okay, kids,” Ben said when he’d placed Alyssa’s bag on the floor. “I have to get back to work. No parties and don’t burn the place down while I go back to work to bring home the bacon,” he grinned.

“Thanks, babe,” I said and kissed him before he left.

“Sure thing, gorgeous. I’ll see you later.”

“See you.”

I’d arranged to have the day off, so Alyssa and I could spend it together. There was so much to catch up on.

“I brought you a little something,” she announced while she was unpacking. “Here.”

She handed me an envelope.

“What’s this?”

“Open it.”

Inside, were pieces of paper that were folded over. I unfurled one and saw that it was a letter. I read it quietly while Alyssa carried on unpacking.

Dear Peyton,

I’m so jealous that Lyssa gets to spend the week with you. I wish it were me. I miss you, Sis.

The baby is growing like a weed. It seems every day I gain another butt cheek. The boys are getting impatient. They keep asking if I’m sure the baby is a girl. I showed them the picture of the scan and now they’re convinced their new sibling is an alien. Poor Jamie was completely grossed out when I explained to him where his sister will ‘hatch’ from. I tell you, having three small kids is going to be tricky. I wish you were here to share in my madness.

I think of you often, Pey. I can’t believe you went through so much on your own. You’re so brave, Sis. I hope we’ll get to spend more time together soon. Once the baby comes it will be all hands on deck on this side. I try to sneak in a quick power nap in the afternoon when the boys have theirs, but what are the odds of all three kids sleeping at the same time once Gabbi is born? Oh, yeah, we’ve decided to name her Gabriella.

Anyway, I’m happy that Alyssa will be with you for a bit. I hope you’ll visit us again soon. I love you, Peyton. I’m here if you need to talk.

Hugs and kisses

Madison

“No! Stop bubbling, you,” Alyssa said when she saw my tears. “This was supposed to make you happy, not sad.”

“Ugh! I can’t help myself. This is so thoughtful, Lyssa.”

“I can’t take the credit, I’m afraid. When I told your family about my visit, they insisted on sending you a note each. Your family loves you very much, Pey.”

“You know, Lyssa. It’s crazy how we take family and friends for granted until they’re thousands of miles away. I’m so glad you bugged me to visit. I’ve been so afraid of getting anyone hurt, but I see now that I was really hurting myself more.”

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