Young Writers Society

Juliet

Night vision helping me see, I follow him side-by-side.

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Jackie

I nod and sigh, changing Natalie's diaper

Preston

I take her to a couch and sit down, setting her down.

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Nic

I kiss her cheek once more before heading out and down to the school, waiting for Bryce in the parking lot. Once he gets in the car, I pull back onto the road and head home.

"How was your day?" I ask, sort of routinely despite my true interest.

He just shrugs. Studying him, I nod before focusing back on the road.

"Well, we have house guests," I sigh. "They're... unstable. Just your cousin Preston and his friend, but I want you to stay away from them."

Juliet

I set my head in his lap again and sigh.

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Jackie

I shift Natalie in my arms when I finish and carry her downstairs as she pulls on my hair lightly. I flash a smile and take a deep breath, kissing her tiny forehead and bringing her into the kitchen to get her some baby food.

Preston

I set a hand on the side of her face and brush her hair back, sighing.

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Nic

He doesn't say anything back and I sigh, kind of frustrated. Pulling into the driveway, i cut the engine and lead him inside.

Juliet

"I was bad today...wasn't I?" I ask.

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Jackie

I bouce her in my arms to get her occupied and set her in her baby seat, feeding her and pretending like the spoon is an airplane and making noises like she wants.

Preston

"Don't worry about it," I tell her. "It was expected."

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Nic

I flash a smile and join Jackie, Bryce following me in the kitchen.

Juliet

I nod and look down, guilty.

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Jackie

I look up at Bryce when he gets home and I flash a small smile, putting the spoon down and wiping Natalie's mouth, "Have any homework?" I ask him.

Preston

I lean down and kiss her forehead quick before sitting up, "Tomorrow will be better."

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Nic

I wrap an arm around Jackie and kiss her cheek again, waiting for Bryce to answer.

"Maybe," he says.

Juliet

I flash a small smile and sigh, biting my lip.

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Jackie

I study him, "What do you have?" I ask.

Preston

I sigh and keep my hand on the side of her face.

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Nic

Bryce shrugs, "Math and stuff."

Juliet

I smile wider, kissing his fingers.

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Jackie

Frustrated, I nod and look back at Natalie, "Do it."

Preston

I smile and let her, stroking her cheek with my thumb.

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Nic

Bryce nods and leaves the room. I sigh and look at Jackie, "Moody. I dread the day he becomes a teenager."

Juliet

I watch him before closing my eyes.

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Jackie

I nod and sigh, taking Nat in my arms as she mumbles something I can't understand, "Hes just going through...times."

Preston

I close my eyes as well, taking a deep breath.

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Nic

I nod and keep my arm around her, "As long as he doesn't act like his old man did at that age..."

Juliet

I cuddle into him, at peace.

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Jackie

I smile and nod, Natalie trying to fit her fingers in her mouth as she slobbers.