Misty Hill Manor

Family Hell

Mike paced up and down the hallway waiting for Peg to come out of the bedroom. He was rehearsing how he would tell her that all of his kids were coming for the weekend. He was trying to figure out how he was going to tell her they would be there any minute. Its not like it is the first time he's ever done this. That is probably why he's pacing this time. Last time she told him he would be sleeping on the sofa for a week if he did it again. Last time she was so mad he thought the paperwork would be served the next week and he'd be single again. But, he didn't get anything and she forgave him. He didn't understand why he needed to "warn" her before, but the reason for letting her know ahead of time tends to elude him. He forgets. Then, forgets to write it down when he does remember. He blames it on age, but he's always been a tad aloof when it comes to planning. Probably why Robin never let him plan things. His last pace and turn to head up the hallway towards their bedroom he met her half way. Face to face, she looked at him and slumped. 

"What happened?" She said, without surprise

"The kids are coming over this weekend." He said, without flinching. 

"Great!" She said with a smile. "When are we to expect them?" The doorbell rang. She glared at him and turned to head down the stairs.

"Now" He mumbled following her.

"Beck! Ben!" Peg held her hands out and hugged her step grandson. "I'm so glad you're here!" she said, planting a kiss on his cheek. "I missed my little man." Ben looked up at her and smiled then went behind his mother. Peg grabbed Beck and hugged her. "Your room is in the same place and ready for you two. Is Sam with you?" She asked, looking behind them towards the road.

Beck hugged her back "No, he has to work this weekend. It's just us." 

"As usual" Ben added

"Oh, stop." Peg patted him. "Daddies have to work. Grab your stuff big guy, I'll help you to your room."

"Thanks!" Beck gave her bag to Ben and pushed him along. She hugged her father tightly and kissed him on the cheek watching Peg and Ben walk up the stairs. 

"How's it goin' pop?" She asked him quietly.

"Oh, great!" he popped back."Just dandy!"

"Liar." She responded. "I can tell when you're stressed. Be honest with me!" All of the girls are very protective of their father. Peg isn't their favorite person. But, he loves her so they tolerate her. She does try, but is obviously worn by the time their visits are over. But, for good reason. Bonnie likes to talk about Robin. On purpose. And no one stops her. They giggle. Even Mike giggles. It infuriates Peg. 

"I'm fine, really." He smiled and hugged her again. 

"Ok, but if I find out you're lying I'll drag you behind my car." She laughed and headed towards the kitchen.

Mike went to follow her and the doorbell rang again. They both stopped mid step and turned to stare at the door. "Is it?" Beck asked, looking back at him.

"I'm sure it is, I'm not expecting anyone else." he started towards the door and whispered back to Beck. "Remember, don't say anything about her losing her job. We're not supposed to know." 

"Right!" Mike said as he looked through the side window. "Yep, it's your sisters!" He opens the door and goes in for a group hug.

"Hiiii Dad!" Bonnie says, trying to wriggle from his grasp.

"Dad!" Bryn hugged back. "Are you ok? You're kind of.. " wriggling with her sister. "hurting me." Mike relented

"Oh, sorry! I'm just so glad you made it!"

"You didn't hug me like that." Beck said, coming up behind him with a mouth full of food. "No, Peg did." He smiled. Beck wrinkled her nose and went back to the kitchen.

Bonnie and Bryn followed their father into the house. Peg came downstairs to greet them. "I thought I heard doors slam! Girls!" She walked towards them with her arms open. Both girls glance at one another and then to their father. Confused. 

"Look at you both! You're so beautiful!" She hugged them and turned away to stand near Mike. "Your rooms are ready, and still in the same places. Bonnie, I fixed your bed. Let's keep the gymnastics down to a minimum this time. Shall we?" She said with a smirk and turned towards the kitchen. "That's not what broke it!" Bonnie giggled under her breath close to Bryn's ear. Bryn snorted. 

"Dinner will be done in an hour. Get settled in ladies. We have some catching up to do!" And she was out of sight. 

"Dad.. Did someone steal your wife?" Bonnie asked without filter.

"What, uh... NO!" He looked down the hall and back at his daughters. "She does seem a little, off. Doesn't she?" They laughed and headed upstairs. 

"BEN!" Bonnie screamed, Ben squealed. Mike laughed and shook his head.