But Who's Counting?

Chapter Eighteen

The next morning, I find myself pressed against Sophia's body. She's sprawled out against me, her body rising with each harsh breath she takes.

When I bought her to her room last night, I cleaned her up and attempted to lay her in her bed. She only sat on the bed and began crying when I told her to call my name if she needed me. I was originally going to go sleep on the opposite couch of Maya, or even her guest bedroom, but my sick baby momma had other plans.

Scared that she would cry until she threw up, I slipped into her bed. She laid on one side while I laid on the other. Sophia was out like a light when I attempted to move so I could check on Maya. By the time I made it downstairs and transferred Maya and her belongings into the guest room, she was in the bathroom throwing up. Mind you, I was only gone for three minutes.

I supported her as she leaned against the stomach, sobbing. She was half asleep, reminding me much like Maya when she was sick— besides the protruding stomach.

She washed her face and brushed her teeth again, falling asleep clutching my arm.

When Sophia was sick, she tended to be very cuddly.

Now, I'm attempting to peel her hot, sticky body off of mine. That doesn't seem to work, though, because she only grips me tighter. Shes hugging me like a human sized teddy bear. Her stomach was propped up on mine and a leg was entangled in mine. Her face was cradled between my neck and shoulder, her breathing hitting my Adam's apple.

Since Sophia won't allow me to get up, not that I'm complaining, I order some soup from Panera bread. It was 1:20 when I woke up, so I think it's time I woke Sophia up, at-least long enough to take some medicine.

I gently shake her while whispering her name. She moves around rubbing her eyes, tiredly, before rolling onto her side. She rolls off of me and I begin to try again.

"Sophia... come on baby." I coax, pulling her hands away from her eyes. Her eyes flutter open as she realizes her surroundings.

"I do not feel good, at all." She huffs.

If she starts crying again, I don't know what I'll do.

"I know. I'm going to get you some medicine."

"Hallway closet, middle shelf in the last basket." She directs, laying back down and chucking her shirt off, leaving her in a sports bra and shorts.

I follow her directions and find the medicine right there. I grab three bottles that read 'safe for pregnancy' and shut the closet. I run downstairs, looking for a water bottle.

I returned to her room, her basically naked body on the bed, the covers kicked off and her body taking up the whole mattress.

"Here, take all of these. They will help you feel better. I'll go pick up more medicine later." I promise, slipping her the pills and water.

"When did you get here?"

"Around 4:30 this morning. How are you feeling?" I responded, picking up her covers and beginning to fold them. She presses the back of her hand to her forehead and another one to her stomach.

"I'm awfully hot. In both ways." She winks at me before frowning. I laugh at her playful joke before turning my attention back to her illness.

I, personally, think it would be better if I took her to the hospital but I know she is going to refuse against it. Maybe I should let it play out until she decides she wants to.

"You are."

"I feel like I'm going to die."

".. Do you want to go to the hospital?"

"No. I'm fine. It's just a virus."

"You probably should go to the hospital. If you have the flu, that could potentially be terrible for the kids." I said, softly. I watched as she slightly paled, looking at me with wide eyes.

"Like... like what?"

"Harm of the baby. You're both more prone to illnesses since your immune system is compromised. You can get hospitalized if it's severe enough. You can't take many medicines."

"Should we go?" She says quietly.

"I think so."

"I don't feel good enough to move. Is Maya here?" She asks, blinking rapidly. She picks at a loose curl. I run a hand through my hair. It was hard for me to look at her like this. She looked sick and looked as if she was going to drop at any moment.

"I'll help you, if you want. Yeah, she's in your guest bedroom." I said, she pulled at her hair. Her eyes started to droop as she let out a whine.

"Alex!" She lets out suddenly before throwing herself back. Her back hits the soft padding of the bed as she begins to cry. "I really don't feel good."

I curse softly before getting up. I decided, myself, that I'm going to take her to the hospital. I tell her that it's okay before heading into the room where Maya is. I shake her awake and inform her to go brush her teeth, wash her face, and then get dressed. I grab my bag, leaving my clothes on from earlier and heading back to Sophia's room.

Once in her room, I see her covering her eyes.

"Which drawers have which?"

"The middle draw has maternity clothes, bottom drawer has undergarments and gym shorts." She moans out. I begin to open the drawers and chuck random things inside. Then, I open her closet and throw in a pair of shoes and socks. I grab a extra pair of socks and my sweatpants out of my bag and begin to slip them on her. She aides in helping, fortunately not attempting to stop me. I grab my extra hoodie and slide it over her head and slip her feet in her shoes before aiding her up. She leans against me as I look for her phone and charger. I tuck them into my pocket as I hear Maya enter the room.

"Daddy, I'm ready. Where are we going?"

"The ER. Grab Daddy's car keys from downstairs and wait by the door." I say. Maya dashes out the room with her backpack in her back.

"Alex.."

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, fatty." I joke, seeing a smile cross her face. Her body heat was burning my body but she was walking pretty slow. I decide to pick her up bridal style and head down true stairs and out the door.

—

4 hours later, I decide it's best if Sophia moves in with me for the time being. Since the doctor agreed, so did Sophia. The doctor realized us with a prescription and for her to drink plenty of fluids. The twins are okay. We had them checked up on while we were their and the Doctor said to come back in a week and if Sophia takes the medicine as prescribed, she should be alright.

So, I take Maya and Sophia home. Upon arrival, Sophia falls asleep and Maya talks my head off. When we get out the car, I carry Sophia up to the apartment and put her in my guest bedroom. I'm sure she wouldn't appreciate it if I placed her in my room.

She wakes up for a quick second and I make her take the medicine that was prescribed and she's back to sleep in no time.

I head downstairs, deciding to check on Maya since she was being too quiet.

Entering her spotless bedroom, I move my gaze around for her. She lays on top of her bed, arms crossed behind her head and her legs stretched out as Calliou pranced around the screen of her television.

She paid me no mind as Calliou asked his sister if he wanted to make cookies.

"Hey, Maya?"

"Oh, hey daddy." She said, still not really paying attention. "Are you hungry?" I ask, seeing her tiredly rub her eyes.

"Yeah. Are you ordering food?" She asks, yawning and stretching out her legs while doing so.

"What do you want?" I asked. I most likely wouldn't be able to order since she was extremely tired and would probably fall asleep before the food got here.

"Chicken nuggets and ketchup."

"I'll go put them in now. Start cleaning yourself up for bed." I instruct before going to the kitchen. 

I begin to put Maya's chicken nuggets into the oven, grabbing the ketchup and pouring it into a small dipping dish. I grab her a ginger ale, since I know she's going to ask for it later, and place it on the table. I grab her napkins and then find myself make me something to eat. I don't know what I should make Sophia, but I decide to cut up some avocados and mangoes, since that's what she's been craving and I placed them both onto small separate plates and grabbing her a ginger ale as well. It's good for you when you're sick so I figure she should have some.

After twelve minutes, Maya's food is ready and is being placed in the freezer for a quick cool down. I grab Sophia plates and drink, heading upstairs. She's still sleep so I shake her awake, telling her to eat. She thanks me and takes the cool drink out my hands.

I stay for a moment and started to exit when I heard her begin to softly talk. "Alex, I know you're already taking care of me but can you sleep with me?"

"Sleep with you?" I sputter, not realizing what she first meant. She looks at me with tired eyes before nodding. "Sleep, not sleep." She lets out a laugh, a small smile on her face as she eats a mango slice. "When I'm done, I'll come in here. Don't worry." I say, now finding my way back downstairs.

Four hours later, I find myself in a position that is becoming a little too familiar. Sophia's body is cuddling into me, a layer of sweat encasing her forehead. I entangle us and pull the covers off of her. She pushes into me more, but when she move slightly is when the cold air slips between us, making me slightly cold. She's breathing hard, moving around slightly.

After I left her, I gave Maya her food. She ate quickly, then decided to go watch tv in her room and eventually fell asleep. I plugged in her phone and turned her tv off.

She looked so beautiful. Despite the sweat in her forehead and the small snores escaping her throat, she still glowed and looked like that beautiful Sophia. I smile to myself before closing my eyes again.

I wish I could fall sleep like this for the rest of my life.

-

The next morning, Sophia looked much better. She just complained of her head hurting.

I woke up before her, watching her sleep — in the most non-creepy way possible. I loved the way her tongue slowly caressed her lips, even in her sleep, when she always tried to cuddle closer to me and when she would reach out for me.

As much as Sophia would deny, she loves cuddling.

"Give me a kiss." She said, tiredly.

"What?"

"I want a kiss." She whines, moving her legs. One begins to rub against my leg as she feels for me again.

"Alexander here." I say, grabbing her hand that was traveling especially closer to Alexander Jr.,.

"Can I have a kiss?"

"You're sick."

"You slept in the same bed as me and I feel way better. Just my head hurts. Now, kiss me." She said, playfully reaching for me. I let out a chuckle before holding her off.

"Nope, maybe when you get better."

"When I get better I'll be able to actually kiss someone attractive."

"Like who?" My interest was peaked and although I already knew she was joking, I knew she had somebody lined up to make me jealous.

"David." She let out a heavied breath so I turned around and decided to press my lips again hers. She ran a hand through my hair before pulling away.

"I'm horny."

"Nope. Maya has basketball practice and I have work. I'm sorry baby." I lied, getting up and denying her. She let out a groan before pulling the blanket over her face.

I hear the front door open and I already know it's Chance. I quickly put some presentable clothes on. I go in the bathroom and brush my teeth and wash my face. When I exit the bathroom, Sophia is still laying in the bed, sulking. I let out a chuckle before telling her that I'll  be back.

Sophia's POV

The door shuts behind Alex as he leaves the room. I finally remove my head from in between the pillow and blankets, frowning.

My body's need to have s*x was back and it made me upset. My body was craving the one thing I couldn't get.

I threw my legs over the bed, sitting up and running a hand through my nest of a head. I guess I'll get up for the day.

After almost fourth five minutes of taking a shower, doing my hair (not really, I just put it in a bun without combing it. At all.), brushing my teeth and getting dressed and still Alex hadn't came back, I headed downstairs.

I was still upset but now I was just alone. My foot hit the final step and the apartment looked completely deserted. Maya's bedroom door was wide opening, it was usually closed if she was in it. The tv was off and the living room was clean besides the glass of juice that sat on the table.

I made my way to the kitchen, nearly having a heart attack when I see a tall male figure, dressed in all black. From the hat, I knew it wasn't a burglar or anyone. I was used to seeing this hat. The curly hair under the hat sold him out the most.

"What are you doing here?"

"Alexander wants me to watch you. You're sick." Chance says, pulling a orange juice carton out and pressing it against his lips. He takes a long swing before offering me some.

"No thanks. Where's Alex?"

"Basketball."

"Oh."

"Maya plays." He says before closing the fridge door.

I grunt as I grab a glass and begin to fill it from the water dispenser. I put the headache medicine in my mouth before taking a quick swing of of the water.

"What do you want to do?"

"Kill myself." I grumble annoyed.

"Alexander would kill me if that happened." Chance laughs. I was so distracted that the glass slipped from my hand, shattering upon impact of the ground. I mumble a curse before beginning to bend down. I didn't have shoes on and if I stepped in the wrong place I could easily get glass lodged in my foot.

"Don't move." Chance instructs, stepping on the glass with his Timberland boots on. He picks me up, carrying me to the couch before telling me to stay there while he cleans the glass. I agree, not in the mood to debate or disobey.

Ten minutes later, the glass was picked up and Chance sat on the couch with me while I watched the vampire diaries.

"Have you spoken to David?"

"Yeah. Crissy hit his girlfriend."

"Nevermind. I don't even wanna hear about her." Chance let's out a sigh before speaking again. "If it's a boy, you should name him Chance."

"Who in their right mind would name their child Chance?"

"My mom." He rolls his eyes at me with a frown. "Well, her and I will need to have a talk soon." I joke.

"Did you tell Alexander yet?" Our conversation was jumping from topic to topic but I really didn't mind. After being sick for practically three days and not really talking at all, I was glad for more conversations.

"Tell him.."

"That you want to have his kids."

"I already am."

"Let me rephrase that: that you love him."

"I don't!" I didn't mean to sound so harsh when I said this, it's just... we aren't even dating. Love? That's a huge leap.

"You're going to Sarah's family dinner. You don't just go to family dinners without loving that person."

"I'm having his kids. You don't think I should meet his family? We'll be connected soon."

"Sophia, you and I both know once you move to California you'll barely see them."

"I'm not moving anymore.. atleast not anytime soon."

"Because you love him."

If Chance was trying to play matchmaker between us, he wasn't doing a good job reminding me that I love Alex.

"Wait, what?" I backtrack. Alex told him what?

"Alexander told me about all the snuggle time you guys have been having."

"Alex tells you everything. It was only because I was sick."

"So you sought comfort from Alexander?"

"Chance! Shut up!"

"Don't shoot the messenger."

"Who are you messaging for?" I question, seeing the amusing look in his eyes as he draws two loops joining together.

"Your heart." He whispers and blows me a kiss. I fall into a fit of laughter with Chance. We laugh at random things for the next couple of minutes before suddenly, I feel self conscious.

"What if his mom doesn't like me?"

"Trust me, she'll love you. She absolutely despised Leah. Leah was a b***h though. You're nothing like Leah. Don't worry. Aunt sarah will love you. Don't be surprised if she asks when the wedding is, she'll love you that much. Then she's going to expect you to be back everyday. And she'll throw your baby shower." He shrugs, checking his phone.

I guess.

I don't want to break Alex's heart. I didn't even mean to get pregnant.

"Actually, she'll probably be kind of surprised. Alexander's usually really careful."

"What do you mean?"

"He's always been careful. Only reason Maya is here today is because Leah was a psycho who wanted a baby and put holes in the condom. He's never not used a condom or made sure the girl is on birth control."

"My birth control was faulty."

"What birth control? You stopped taking birth control when your arm broke, remember?"

"What?"

"When you broke your arm in April? The doctor said you shouldn't mix medicines so you stopped taking the birth control." Chance said, his tone dropping as if he was confused as to why I didn't remember this.

He's right.

I wasn't on birth control.

I was on antiobiotics.

"I told him I was on birth control! That's why he didn't wear a condom!"

"He would have worn a condom even if you were on birth control." Chance looks at me like I'm crazy.

"He didn't!" I exclaim the obvious fact. I let out a sigh before thinking.

"Yeah, maybe he just wanted you to have his babies." He winks, pulling out his vibrating phone. 

-

After a couple hours, Maya and Alex return and Chance leaves.

"Maya, shower. Now. Then get dressed." Alex demands and I already know he's in a foul mood. I go ahead and head upstairs so I won't be in his way.

I head to the guest bedroom, quickly shutting the door when I hear the angry and harsh footsteps behind me. I'm almost to the bed when I hear Alexander banging on the door.

"Come in?" I say, skeptical.

"Come here." He demands, entering the room. His hair is a mess and his eyes are bloodshot. Was he crying?

"Alexander, what's wrong?" I question, not moving. Alexander lets out a grunt before telling me to come here again. My legs betray me when they begin to carry me to the brooding man in front of me.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" He says.

Oh god. Is this about what Chance and I spoke about earlier?

Damn you, Chance.

"Is there anything you want me to tell you?"

"Don't f*****g play games with me right now."

"Alex, I don't know."

"Tonight, don't even f*****g trying anything at all or else. I'll drag you out of there and I swear I'll lock you to my f*****g bed." He threatens.

"What the hell is your problem?"

Instead of answering me, he harsh presses his lips against me. When I don't open my mouth for him, he begins to suck on my bottom lip. He pulls at it once more before moving to my neck, sucking even harsher than before, undoubtably leaving a large noticeable hickey. I let out a moan as his hand trailed down my hips and into my pants.

"Moan again for me baby. You feel that? Only I can make you feel like that. Now, be a good girl tonight and maybe you'll get rewarded afterwards. f*****g try me if you want to, Sophia. But right now, kiss me." He demands and I have no choice but to kiss him. The tone behind his words is making me submit faster than a Wolf submits to its Alpha.

My head nods as he holds my neck and chin. He has complete control over me right now and when he pulls away, he leaves me in a daze.

"Get dressed." He demands before leaving the room.

He left me on edge, on purpose.

Now, I wanted more. I wanted his lips against mine again, his tongue fighting mine for dominance as his hand travels down to my core. He teased me to get what he wanted.

But two could play at this game.

-

After an hour, we are all dressed and ready to go to Alexander's moms house for dinner. Maya is rambling as we sit in the car, talking about how she couldn't wait for me to meet her Aunts, Alexander's sisters. I had no idea how many siblings Alexander had but I hoped they weren't all here. Too many people at one time would make me even more nervous.

Alexander forced me to wear a oversized sweater, which surprisingly, if you didn't know me, hid my pregnancy. It just made me seem a little more on the chunky side.

We'd been driving for almost forty minutes when Maya suddenly squealed. "Sophia! This is where Daddy used to live! Nana and my aunts lives here!"

I glance back as Alex pulls into the driveway. Immediately, Maya jumps out and begins to sprint for the front door with her bare or doll in hand. When I reach for the door, Alexander locks the car doors.

"What now?"

"Remember what I said."

"What'd you say?" I joke, seeing he wasn't as amused as I. Since Alexander left me on edge earlier, my body was craving for him to touch me. Even a kiss would help the aching pain.

"Don't act up. Now, give me a kiss baby." I happily obliged with his words, pressing my lips to his as he holds the back of my neck. When I pull apart, he whispered in my ear. "Don't forget baby."

My heart instantly swoons since he called me baby twice in the same minute.

I basically give out and drunk smile before beginning to exit the car, my plans from earlier instantly leaving since all I can think about is riding Alex after this is over.

Alexander grabs my hand as we make out way into the house. The bottom floor is deserted, looking like that's not where the party is. As we find our way up the stairs, I realize it's not.

At the top of the stairs, two guys stood talking with Maya. When their attention turns to us, Maya begins to leave the room, leaving the two guys 

and Alex and I.

Alexander's POV

"These are my brothers. Anthony and Andrew, this is Sophia." I said, gesturing towards each other. I really didn't want to do this because I knew them. I knew how much they liked to joke about a girl I had over. Being the youngest of the triplets always led to them messing with me more — despite being richer and wealthier than them.

"Hey." Sophia said, smiling. She had thrown her hair into a nice bun but had a nice visor on around her head. She thought it would hide the slightly big pimple she had in the middle of her forehead but, it was slightly visible. Knowing my brothers as well as I do, they were probably going to mention it being the jackasses they are.

"You are magnificent." Andrew said. He licked his lips before quickly smirking at me. Anthony nodded before bringing her in for a hug.

"So.. Sophia. What are you doing here with.. him?" Anthony said, grabbing her hand and walking her to the couch.

Anthony and Andrew were both older than me, but Andrew was older than Anthony by 12 minutes. Anthony was older than me by 16 minutes. My mother went through an extremely hard pregnancy. My father had decided he didn't want to be with my mother at the moment. He didn't come back until I was born, literally. They called him all night and just as my head peaked through he entered the room. After that, they got married and happily raised 8 children. Andrew, Anthony and I were the oldest. Next in line were my twin sisters, Aurora and Arabella who were 14 and total pain in the asses. Then there's Madison, who's 9 and the newest set of twins who are about to turn two, Sebastian and Stella.

My having a single baby was very rare in my family. Almost all the kids born into my mothers bloodline are twins or triplets. My mother is a twin her self.

I think by the time my brothers and I turned 3, we knew who was older than who. Andrew definitely used it to his full advantage, usually yelling at Anthony and I... Mostly me. I always did what he said — what anybody said really. Once we got to being 7, they always messed with me. Andrew was always a bossy one. He was also the laziest athlete you could meet. He was naturally good, but he was lazy. By seven, Andrew was a track star. He didn't even try. He just DID. But when he got home, he didn't wanna do his chores or do anything but lay in bed and sleep. He always told me to do his chores or clean his room.

Anthony? He was a whole different story. He was a athlete and musician. He played basketball from middle school all the way till college. But he could play the piano flawlessly, he was self taught. That was one of the ways he pulled chicks. Telling them he could play the piano if he met them in a bar or they would instantly swoon over him if they caught him at a game. My brothers were literally athletic gods. I could play basketball but not as good as Anthony. I could run but not as good as Andrew. 

I was always been the more mature one but they were bossy. They liked rough housing and playin football while I liked staying inside our closet and reading. I liked to do puzzles and write. The only time I went outside was when I knew that they weren't gonna ask me to play anything wih them. When we turned 9 the whole game had changed because then, Aurora and Arabella were born.

They cried, a lot. Once they got around three, we could make them do whatever we want. Arabella. She would do anything we told her to do if it meant she'd get her pacifier. She constantly called it a "biyah" completely pronouncing it wrong. If we told her to get us a juice out the fridge and we'll get her "biyah" she would be back fast than you can spell my name. Aurora was a more stubborn one but she olwould only do one command at a time. God forbid you ask her to bring you a cheese stick AND a water. She won't even return. Aurora and Arabella were inseparable then and they are inseparable now.

Now, they are both probably the smartest freshman in the entire country. My parents put them both through both spanish and French before they turned six while Aurora played basketball and Arabella was cheerleading captain. Both for varsity. Despite both being in 8th grade, Aurora had been playing on the varsity basketball team and Arabella had became the varsity cheer captain that year.

They both had curly black hair but instead of having the normal brown eyes, Aurora had grey eyes and Arabella had blue eyes. Aurora often wore blue contacts, hating her normal eye color. Aurora was probably a inch taller but now that they are older, you can always tell who's who just by how they dress. Aurora is always wearing vans and black skinny jeans while Arabella wears all types of clothes.

Madison was maybe the most like me, for what I know. She always wants to come to my house, probably to play with her four year old niece. All I ever see her do is read. She got skipped for kindergarten, having a 8th grade reading level and doing math at a 4th grade. She was very tall but very babyish. You won't even catch her eating any type of candy or sweets. She's a very picky eater. She will only eat fruits. She won't even eat ramen noodles unless it has vegetables in it. 

Now, Sebastian and Stella I couldn't really tell you about. I have already moved out so by the time they were born I was too busy with my own baby. But I do know is that they are both extremely light in skin complexion with green eyes and the small curly black hair. When they were a couple mouths younger it wa alike they were blubber stuffed into clothes. Now they definitely have more shape. They are the exact same image of each other, Sebastian just has more teeth than his younger sister.

"She's here for dinner tonight." I said, sitting on the love seat across from them. I toyed with my watch before looking back at Sophia. She had a bright smile on her face and was looking at me.. "You guys are copy and paste, literally."

I hope she remembers what I told her, because I was in the mood to punish and my d**k was in the mood to get sucked. I knew her hormones were acting wonky lately, so I only hoped she slipped.

"But besides that, who's the most attractive? Drew or I? Baby boy over there doesn't count." Anthony prompted, staring into her f*****g soul. She laughed before slightly shaking her head. She toyed with the hem of her overly large sweater. Andrew leaned over her, also curious of the answer.

"You guys literally all look exactly alike. I couldnt choose." She said with a kind smile. I know if I would to ask her later, she would say me regardless.

"Alexander!" Someone called, leaving me to look back in the direction.

"Oh god." Andrew mutter before turning on the TV.

"Yes?" I called out before seeing Aurora emerge from the hallway. She smiled at me before leaping over the loveseat and squeezing in between me.

She smiled brightly and toyed at the ends of her hair. She started to pat my thigh causing me to immediately ask "What do you want?"

"Well.. since you're so generous to ask, I need a new phone. Preferably the new 8plus."

"You just got a new phone Christmas... Why do you need one already?"

"Because it wasn't even new, it was just a stupid replacement for the phone I already had." She complained. Her eyes dashed to where Sophia and our brothers were chatting, before looking back at me. "Who.. who's that?"

"My friend, Sophia. She's here for dinner." I say, seeing she's not paying attention. I started to say girlfriend, but decided not to. She was going to be my girlfriend pretty soon, whether she liked it or not.

"Are you guys dating?"

"No. Now, what about the phone? What's the deal here?"

"Why does it always have to be a deal?" She exclaimed, tugging her hair. I laughed quietly before lookin back at her. "I'll give you fifty dollars for a case for it and I'll watch Maya for the total amount of seven days. But I want to be introduced to Sophia, now. Deal?" She said, holding her hand out ready to shake my hand.

I looked into her grey eyes before adding another perk to the deal. "Take her to her play date as well."

"Let me use your car."

"The Range Rover only."

"Deal! Now introduce me to your girlfriend." She said, smiling at me. "Not my girlfriend." I mumbled before standing up.

"This is my baby sister, Aurora. Aurora, this is Sophia."

"You're pretty. Why are you with jackass over here? I'm not a baby, I'm almost 15." She corrected, staring at me. Her eyes diverted back to the beautiful woman on the couch.

Her pregnant stomach was hidden by the large sweater she wore but she was still glowing that beaitfyl pregnant glow. Her dimples seemed deep and her straight white teeth just went with everything else perfect about her.

"He invited me. It was nice to meet you. Alex, can you point me to the bathroom please." Sophia said politely standing up and beginning to cross over to me. I stood immediately, nodding before gently grabbing her hand and walking her towards the bathroom. I went down the dark hall, helping Sophia while she wobbled down the hall.

"You guys are literally copy and paste." She said, looking over and smiling at me. "They are pains in the ass."

"Are you the youngest? Besides your sister." She asked, putting a hand on her tummy. I nodded, rolling my eyes. I turned the corner, stopping promptly right where the bathroom was.

"Where'd Maya run off to?"

"Probably playing with my little sister." I said pushing the slight ajar door open more. Sophia gasped before slapping my arm.

"You have more siblings?"

"Trust me.. You don't want to meet them. There's a lot more. You'll see them at dinner though." I said, slightly pushing her into the bathroom.

"Give me a kiss." I say, seeing her smile fade as she rolls her eyes. She still pressed her lips against mine, letting me suck softly before pulling away. She smiled widely at me before closing the bathroom door. I pushed my hands into my pockets and slowly walked back to the room where most my obnoxious siblings laid.

"She's hot!" Andrew said, sucking a lollipop. I rolled my eyes as I watched him bite the lollipop and throwing the stick into the coffee table. At some point, Arabella had joined them with Sebastian. She was sitting where I previously was sitting. "Hey Alex. You never come to family dinners so.. why are you here?" She asked. Looking back as Sebastian smiled at me. His curly hair was over his eyes and he kept pushing it away before flapping his hand at me as a way to wave.

"Oh, you didn't see her?"

"Who?" Arabella said, looking up from her phone with curiosity. I rolled my eyes for what feel like the thousandth time tonight before pointing behind me. Before I could answer her with my words I was cut off by almost everyone in the room except Srabella and Sebastian. "His girlfriend." They all rang in unison. I let out a frustrated grunt before putting my hands out.

"We aren't dating, we are just friends. Please stop with the dating jokes." I said, leaning against the wall. Andrew rolled his eyes, looking down at his phone. "Last time you brought a girl over for a FAMILY dinner you told us she was pregnant. That you wanted to marry her."

"Well this is different."

"Leave him alone! If he doesn't wanna tell us about their rendouvouzs then he doesn't have to. Save it till dessert though Alex!" Aurora joked, laughing with the rest of my siblings. Anthony rolled his eyes before pointing at Aurora "You're only saying that because he's getting you a new phone!"

"I'm earning the phone!" She yelled back, slapping his hand out her face.

"Wait, why does she get a new phone? What about me!" Arabella said, looking up from her phone and looking at me.

"I'm earning it! Plus you got the seven upgrade because you're a spoiled brat! I'm watching Maya for a week and I have to take her to her play date!"

"Because you got one for Christmas!"

"A replacement!"

"A phone, none the less!" 

"I still have the stupid 6, you have a sparkling brand new 7!" Aurora yelled, throwing her hands up. Arabella put Sebastian down before standing up, yelling again.

"Because my phone broke!"

"Daddy! Aunt Maddie broke my Barbie!" Maya's upset voice shut everybody else, her voice was filled with anger as she stormed into the room, tears flooding down her face.

"It was a accident!" Maddison said, coming in right behind her with a shocked expression in her face. I mentally face palmed because I knew I was gonna have to hear Maya complain about it for the next twelve hours.

"It was not! Uncle Drew!" Maya said, looking to her uncle for assistance. He held open his arms making her run right to him. He coped words while Maddison just stared at me.

Sorry lil sis, can't help ya.

"It was an accident Alex." She said, crossing her arms. She was the oddest out of us all.. she has straight blond hair and was really skinny. Her blues eyes burned into Amaya's skull.

"I'll buy her a new one." Andrew announced, holding her tightly to his best.

"Moms outside. I'm going to go help her." Anthony said, walking down the stairs. "I'll go get Stella." Arabella said, placing Sebastian in a high chair. She turned around and walked down the opposite hall. Andrew let go of Maya, who was still crying. She wiped her eyes, looking at me "It was my favourite Barbie! It was the one that looks like Sophia!"

"I thought you said it was the Barbie with the babies..?" Andrew said, pulling his eyebrows together.

"It has curly hair like Sophia." I said, quickly trying to delay the whole "Oh she's pregnant!" Thing. I motioned for Maya to come here as my Mom and brother were walking up the stairs — pizza filling their arms while Anthony had two bags on each arm plus four pizzas in his hands.

Maya gave me a hug while they put the pizza on the counter. "I really liked that Barbie." Maya whispered in my ear. I sighed, knowing she has crates full of barbies in her room back at home. She sniffles a sob before I replied saiying, "You have over two hundred barbies, one missing won't hurt!" I tried to help her cope but instead, she pushed me away running toward my mom. "Nana! I'm here today! I told you we'd come."

Bipolar.

"Maya! Hi baby!" My moms blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail as she stopped down and hugged my daughter. I leaned back in my chair, looking at all the commotion.

Sophia still hasn't came back from the bathroom. Maybe I should check on her?

She's probably fine. She'd text me if she needed me.

But maybe I should still heck to see if she's okay. I didn't want anything to go wrong during this pregnancy. I wanted to have a healthy baby and a healthy baby momma. Too many bad things could happen and I wanted to prevent as many as I could. I stood up, turning to go down the hall before being called back by my mom.

"Alex! I missed you my love." She exclaimed, pushing her glasses up her nose and smiling brightly at me. I couldn't help but add a smile to my face; hers was too contagious.

"I missed you too Ma." I said, walking towards her open arms. She threw her arms around my neck, nearly choking me as she shook me from side to side. She pulled away and smiled again before pulling out paper plates. She placed them on the counter while Maya situatied herself at he table. I looked around the room before grabbing the paper cups. Everybody was sat around the table, Maya was at the end of the table with Sebastian's high chair next to her. One side of the table sat Andrew, Anthony, Aurora, and an empty seat for Mom in the middle of them. On the other side of the table, it was completely empty.

"Okay! I got Stella!" Arabella said, placing her in the other high chair next to Maya. "Alex, pass the cups out. Arabella, while you're still up get the sprite out the fridge." My mom instructed. I passed cups out to each person before seeing Sophia out the corner of my eyes. She was walking down the hall, eyes down on her phone.

The room quieted down as she entered the room, causing her to look up. She smiled gently at the other eyes before tucking her phone away. I placed the last cup down and quickly grabbed the babies sippycups, rushing to put them at their seats. The table was set, everybody had a plate and cup at their seats. There was a roll of paper towels in the middle and there were three pizzas on each side of the long table.

My mom took her seat, looking up at the both of us. "Alex... Introduce us." She instructed. I nodded, walking over towards Sophia as she blushed, it rising over to the peak of her nose.

"Cmon, come sit down." I said, walking towards the first two empty seats. "Mom, this is Sophia. Sophia, this is my mom. You met my brothers and Aurora. The one standing by the fridge is Arabella, Aurora's twin. These two that Maya is in the middle of are Sebastian and Stella. Right here, next to me, is Maddison." I said in a quick breath. I pushed her chair in before slipping into mine. My mom smiled at Sophia before looking at me. "Well, it's nice to meet this beautiful young lady." She licked her lips before looking around the room. Arabella was slowly walking back to her seat, which was next to Maddison.

"Bella, hurry up. Sit down." My mom said, furrowing her eyebrows. Arabella put a little step into her pace, sliding the Sprite soda down the table towards Andrew. She mumbled to herself before my mom directed someone to start grace.

Two minutes later, we were picking pizzas out of the box and placing them on our plates. I poured Maya, Sophia and I's drinks which earned me pointed stares from both Aurora and Andrew.

"Oh my god! That's Sophia Matthews! Isn't it?" Arabella yelled, nearly spewing her food at her twin sister who was sitting in front of her. Sophia placed the pizza down from her mouth and put it on her plate. She looked down the table with a small smile before licking her lips.

"Yes...?" She said in a nervous tone. Arabella gasped loudly before kicking her feet against the table stand.

"Mom! That's who I told you about! Wait! You didn't cheer at Vernon Hills, right?" Arabella asked, pushing herself a little over the table trying to look down towards Sophia and I.

"Yes, I did." Sophia said, as everybody else took bites of their pizza. Maya was almost done with her first piece and was reaching for a piece in the box. Andrew was chewing and watching the exchange between them. Anthony looked with wide eyes as my mom looked back and forth confused. "Are you sure baby?" My mom asked my sister for my sister earthly replied, "Yes! They talk about her almost every practice! I watched all your videos, I just can't believe you're in my house. That's the cheer captain who was cheer captain since the end of her 7th grade all the way till she went to college. But she broke her femur during her finale championship! They still won!" Arabella exclaimed, raising her voice. Sophia smiled before looking down at her food.

"Really? That's really cool!" My mom said, smiling hugely at Sophia.

"Oh it's nothing." Sophia said as I took another bite of my pizza. She looked up just as Maya tried to grab a piece of pizza. She gently slid her a piece up onto her plate while the rest of us ate.

"Can you like, show me some of your stunts? We still have the rope at school and they would be glad to have you back they ask about you all the time. I wanna know the backflip roll that you did! I know you broke your femur from it but it's cause those girls couldn't catch. You can just do it on the ground. You're literally who I inspire to be! I'm cheer captain! I only got it in the end of eighth grade but, I'm cheer captain!" She said, picking up her unbitten pizza and finally taking a bite.

"I don't think that's a good idea." I said, looking at Sophia and placing my hand on her thigh. I felt her tense underneath me but at least she didn't push me off... progress.

"Me neither." Maya said, picking up the unbitten pizza.

"Be quiet Alex. Could you please! I have a mat downstairs and you could come to my practice Monday!" Arabella pleaded while Sophia looked at me.

"Arabella.." I said. My mom hushed me before everybody pointedly looked at Sophia with the same expression except Maya and the youngest twins who were both playing with their sippycups.

"Maybe some other time.." Sophia said uneasy. Arabella sighed sadly.

"Why not after dinner? We could go down to my mat in the gym downstairs and just mess around! I loved the bubblegum stunt you did freshman year! Where did you get the idea for that? Could you show me? I wanna try it with my team.." Arabella trailed off, taking a sip of her soda. Before either of us could come up with a reason, a very young voice spoke up; and she sounded angry.

"No! That is dangerous and we don't want the babies hurt!" Maya yelled, angerly taking a bite of her pizza not realizing the can of worms she just opened.