Mama's Mess

Chapter Two

A couple of hours later, there's another knock at the door. I bounce Grace on my hip, answer it, and smile. "Hey, Mom, what are you doing here?"

I step aside and let her in, "I missed my grandbabies and my daughter, so I thought I'd stop by. I didn't come empty-handed, of course!" She holds up a Tupperware container and tote bag and grins.

"It's your guys' favorite. Now give me my grandbaby." I laugh and swap her baby for a Tupperware and bag. "You missed the boys; they are on their way to football practice with their father. But I will gladly eat these chocolate chip cookies."

I take them to the kitchen, open the lid, inhaling the scrumptious smell, I take one, and put the container in the microwave.

"The boys will be excited to eat those when they get back. You saved me an ice cream trip. Thanks, Mom," she smiles and nods, sitting on a stool, rocking Grace, and cooing, "What a beautiful girl you are becoming."

I smile and sit beside her."Definitely beautiful, but also a handful, especially with teething right now. " I sigh and rest my head in my hand. I hadn't had a good night's sleep in almost three days now and could feel it.

"Oh, the poor thing, no wonder your mama looks so tired. Neither of you are sleeping, huh?" Grace giggles and continues cooing.

"You know what? I could take her for the night. You could use a break, Laney. " I give her a tired smile. "Are you sure you want to keep her, Mom? That's so much to ask. "

She waves me off, "Of course, I want my grandbaby. I haven't kept her in so long."

We talk about our everyday lives for a little while. Talking about planning Lane's birthday next week, I have to make a Bluey cake. Then the inevitable conversation comes up.

“Laney, you need to take more time for yourself. No offence, lovebug, but you look rough. You gotta hang out with people your age, not just six-year-olds.” I sigh and stand up, wiping the counter, needing to move, trying to defuse the conversation.

“Mom, I’m fine, I just need some sleep is all.” She raises an eyebrow at me. “How about I take Grace the rest of the weekend, and you go out. Get some rest.” I put my hand on my hip. “Mom-” “No Laney, I'm serious. End of discussion.”

I huff but shut my mouth. There's no use arguing with her. “Fine.” She smiles triumphantly, and I make us a couple of coffees before sitting back down and continuing party planning.

"Well, it's starting to get dark out. I'd better head home before I can't see too well." I nod and head to the nursery to pack Grace's things. It'll be kinda nice being home alone. At least for a couple more hours. I haven't had the house to myself in a long time.

I grab her diaper bag off the hook and cram whatever I think she'll need for the weekend, probably overpacking, I stuff a couple more diapers and other essentials in the diaper bag. I walk back to the kitchen.

Just as Mom puts Grace in her car seat, she makes a face at Grace, making her laugh. "Oh, the fun we're going to have, my lovely!" I laugh and walk Mom out to the car, "I appreciate you guys so much more than you know." I help her put Grace's overnight things in the car and kiss her head. "I'm just a call away if she gets to be too much, Mom. "Oh, hush, you and your brother have prepared me for the worst," she laughs, "we'll be fine, don't worry about us. Enjoy the day without kids. You need the break, you know. " She climbs into the driver's seat and buckles in. "Thanks, Mom. I'll try to relax," she smiles and pats my arm.

"Well, be back sometime Sunday. I'm serious. Try to get some rest; it's not good for you to run on empty all the time. " I smile at her and nod. I

make my way back to the house and watch her pull away before heading in and sighing at the wreck of a house. Before any relaxing can ensue, I have to clean. A clean house makes for a clean mind. At least, that's what I say.

Three hours later, the house smells like Bleach, and I'm exhausted. I look at the clock. About an hour before the boys are due home. I grab my laundry basket and start to head to the bedroom when my phone ringing stops me.

I set the basket down and see it's James. With a sigh, I answer, “Hello?” “Mama! We won our scrimmage!” I smile and lean against the back of the couch. “That’s amazing, Lane, you guys are too good.”

I hear him laugh and talk to some other kids in the background. “Mama, can Carter and me stay with Dad tonight? Dana’s kids are staying too.” I bite my lip, but he sounds too excited to say no. “Alright, you can stay. If you need anything, even just to say goodnight, you can call me, okay?” “Okay, Mama! Love you!” Before I can respond, the line goes dead. I chuckle and run my hand through my hair. It'll be okay, I'm sure.