We Are Forever

Celebrations

My mom showed up as planned on Sunday before my graduation. That gives us a few days to relax and catch up before graduation and my baby shower. So far this week has been exactly what I needed. I knew I missed my mom but I hadn’t realized how much until she came over. I guess no matter how much we grow we will still need our mamas. We are getting ready to head to the school for graduation. Abbi decided to get ready at her house since her mom will be in town. I swear her family is like gypsys. They are always traveling.

“Marie darling are you almost ready? We need to head over to the school soon.” Mom asks as she sits in a rocking chair by the babies cribs.

“Yup I am just going to spray my hair and we can head out.” I call from the bathroom.

“Okay. You know you really do move much slower these days. Maybe you should think all your events are happening thirty minutes before they are. Then maybe you won’t be almost late for anything?” My mom suggests.

“That’s actually a good idea mama. I may actually do that. Oh I forgot to tell you we have an ultrasound appointment tomorrow. They want to see what position the babies are in this way we can work on turning them so that I can avoid getting a c-section.”

“Oh wonderful! I finally get to see the ultrasound in person!”

After I spray my hair, we head on downstairs to meet Aunt Jenna by the front door.

“You look gorgeous doll! I am so proud of you!” Aunt Jenna says with tears in her eyes. Which then of course gets my mom started up again. And we all know my pregnant self can’t handle being around crying people.

By the time we climb in my Aunt Jennas car we all have tears running down our faces. Luckily I used my water proof eye make up.

It doesn’t take us long to get to the school and I immediately find Abbi waiting for me. She is standing with a lady who looks like an older taller version of herself. They look exactly the same except Abbis mom has a pair of familiar grey eyes.

“Hey girl how much more are you going to grow?” Abbi says while throwing her arms around me.

“Hopefully not much more considering it will be hard enough trying to get this weight off.” I say rubbing my belly over my graduation gown.

“This is my mama Joanna. Mama this is Marie.”

“It’s nice to meet you Mrs.Joanna. This is my mama Morgan and my Aunt Jenna.”

“It’s nice to meet you Joanna. Abbi has been a delight to have in my home. She keeps Marie busy and helps out.”

“Yes it’s very nice to meet you. She has helped my daughter out so much these past few months. The girls have grown very close.”

“Well I am certainly proud of her. She is a good girl. But don’t let that fool you. I never know what she will say next.” Joanna says while smiling at her daughter and pulling her into her side.

“Alright let’s head on in and find our seats! Marie I had them place you next to met. I know it is supposed to go alphabetically by last name. Surprisingly they agreed to put our seats next to each other.” Abbi says while pulling me by my hand.

My mom and aunt and Mrs.Joanna head to the football field where the ceremony is being held. We quickly find our place in line to head to the field with everyone. I wish they had done this in the gym being it is so hot. But I also understand family wanting to see the graduation ceremony.

After the ceremony finishes we find our family in the crowd. We take multiple pictures with our diplomas and without or caps and gowns. I am so excited to be done with high school. I just want to focus on my babies now.

“Y’all wanna head to Friendlys to grab some food and ice cream?” Mrs. Joanna asks.

“Yes please Mrs. Joanna!” I yell excitedly.

“Sweetie Joanna will do. No need to be so formal.” She says while leading Abbi to her car.

“We will meet y’all there.” My mom says.

After we get to the diner we sit at an empty table with chairs. Booths are a little difficult with my growing belly.

“So Marie tell me about your pregnancy. Does the father live here? I know you just moved here from North Carolina.”

“His name is Adam. We aren’t together and he wants no part of the kids lives.” I tell her and take a sip of my water.

“He wants no part of their lives? That’s crazy. His loss though. I’m sure everything will be great. Although maybe a little difficult since there will be two babies and one of you. Abbi already told me she plans to stay with you when the babies are born to help. What about his family? Will they be involved?”

“I know his mom wants to be in the picture and keeps pestering Adam about his choice. Honestly I don’t mind doing it on my own. He wasn’t the best boyfriend. Actually he wasn’t a real boyfriend anyway. Turns out I was part of a bet. I don’t want my kids to know that. I don’t want them to think it’s okay to treat people badly.” I say while running my hands over my belly.

“I think you have been raised very well dearest. And you were adopted as well right? You have raised a wonderful young lady Morgan.”

“Thanks. I like to think so. She is special for sure.”

“I can’t wait to for these babies to be born. I just want to love them and see who they look like.” I pitch in. I feel weird with them talking about me while I am sitting right here.

“So what are y’all’s plans now that you have graduated?” Joanna asks after the waiter takes our orders.

Abbi rolls her eyes and answers. “Well mom you already know I plan to attend college online for my teaching degree. I will also be spending as much time as I can with Marie.”

“I work in Aunt Jennas store part time until the babies come. Then after they get a bit older will work full time there. I am also going to do college online for my business management degree. But for now I just want to focus on my babies. Speaking of which I am sure Abbi has told you about the shower Saturday. Will you be coming?”

“You bet I will be there. I think these are really great plans you girls have. Jenna just send her on home when y’all get sick of her will you?” Joanna says jokingly.

“Oh please she is a true delight. I would have to worry about Marie way more if it wasn’t for her. She makes her happy and keeps her company. I consider her another niece.”

Our dinner comes and we eat and chat happily. Over all tonight was nice. It was nice meeting Abbis mom. Although she makes me feel awkward with how she keeps looking at me. And it almost feels like her and Abbi have their own silent conversation. They keep giving each other weird looks. The most haunting thing about her though is her grey eyes. The same eyes that haunt me in my dreams. Weird.

Saturday rolls around before I know it. My ultrasound yesterday showed the babies both in the right position to be born. My mom was so excited to be present during an ultrasound. We went early in the morning to Party City. We got some inflatable balloons that say “It’s a Boy” and “It’a a Girl” and took them over the the restaurant. It’s an intimate place with panel wood walls and a small bowl with a small bouquet of fake sunflowers.

We set up the baby elephant center pieces on 3 tables. Then on the long table we put the table cloth and cake. The food will also be on the table with the cake. Another table is set for gifts on the other side of the room.

“I’m here! I know I am a little early but I wanted to get some time with you before the chaos!”

I turn to see Lexi walk into the room with a huge box in her hands.

“Oh no worries it’s great to see you Lexi! How are you?”

“Oh I am good dear. So glad to finally see you! I got a few things in the car. Let me grab them and I’ll be right in.” Lexi says after putting the box on the floor next to the gift table.

“Let me help you Lexi. Less trips.” Abbi says as she follows her out the door. I love Abbi. She has been the best friend I could ever ask for.

After Lexi and Abbi finish bringing stuff into the building we grab a drink and have a seat.

“How are you holding up hun?” Lexi asks while she has a hand on one side of my belly and my mom on the other. Abbi snaps a few pictures of us while we smile at her.

“I’ll take pictures today since I know you will want them for my gift.” She says as she winks at me.

“Sounds good Abbi. I can’t thank you enough. And I’m holding up pretty well. I am ready for these babies to be out! They have just taken over my body. I just bought this dress for graduation and the shower and it is already too tight. I ordered a bunch of basketball shorts and shirts online. I also ordered a belly brace. It is supposed to help hold up the baby weight.”

“Those things work well dear. And i bet you are ready for them to come. I know what carrying one is like. I can’t even imagine carrying two.”

Abbis mom arrives and introduces herself to Lexi. They seem friendly enough but there is weird tension coming from them. Not sure what that is about since they just met.

My baby shower was perfect. Most of the women in Adams family came but so did the women of Abbis family. I didn’t realize that she had invited them and I am surprised they came. But we are so incredibly great full. The babies got everything from clothes to matching baby equipment. The box from Lexi ended up being a couple baby wearing wraps. She said it will make me free handed while working in the store. I also got some car seats for the kids from my mom and Joanna. They must have got them together when they met up after my ultrasound. I thought it was weird when Abbi picked me up from the doctors office.

Abbi got me a double stroller in green and grey. The seats move all directions. I can have the babies facing each other or away from each other. It is great! I will love being able to see my babies faces while walking. Adams family mostly kept their distance from Joannas family. I kept seeing glares and I honestly thought a cat fight was going to break out. Abbi was her usual bubbly self through everything. I am so happy with how everything turned out in general.

“I wish Adam would change his mind about the babies. We have more then enough room for you in our home.”

“Honestly Lexi it’s fine. I understand. And we will be fine.” I tell her as I lay my hand on top of hers. She flips her hand around and gives mine a gentle squeeze.

“I know you will. It is just rough knowing that I live so far. I know it is rough on your mom too.”

“My mom plans to visit often and I can always visit with the babies. You will see them Lexi. I promise.”

With that everyone helps me load everything into my minivan. It was a tight fit but Abbi made sure everything fit.

“Don’t worry I will get it all out and up to your room when we get home.” Abbi says when she sees me eyeing everything.

“Thanks Abbi. I can help but some of that is heavy and I can’t do multiple flights of stairs multiple times.” I say while grabbing up some bags.

“Psh girl go sit down somewhere in your room. Me and my mom plus your mom and aunt got this.” She says while shoving me towards the house. Honestly thank God because my legs feel like they can fall off any moment.

I sit on my rocking chair with my feet up on the matching foot glider. I love this chair. Me and my aunt picked it out at a second hand store. It’s light oak wood with white frilly cushions. It is so comfortable and I can picture feeding my babies and rocking them to sleep in it.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Abbi asks as she comes in with the last of the gift bags.

“Just thinking about having them in my arms instead of my belly. Rocking them to sleep and what not. I know people say it will spoil them but they deserve it. One day they won’t want me anymore.”

“Girl you got time until then. But I agree. I can’t wait to get my hands on those little rug rats!”

“You know I was thinking. I don’t have any siblings. Your the closest I have to a sister. I think as long as your okay with it Aunt Abbi it will be.”

“I’d love that. I will be the best aunt ever.”

“Psh girl you already are. Would you girls like to come down for something to drink and a snack?” My mom asks from the door way. She looks more tired then usual. At least she is staying until tomorrow.

“Yes please!” I say and my belly growls. Abbi laughs and wipes her eyes then helps me up. I know I will miss my mom but I also know she is ready to be home with my dad. He calls me every few days to check in. He said he would have come for the shower but that it is a women thing. I love my dad and miss him. He plans to come with my mom when she comes back to stay until the babies come.