Family Struggles - 14. Health Crisis

Health Crisis:

On the ride home from school on Thursday, Kyle laced his fingers with Blu.

“I’m glad Lily agreed to do this for Bella,” Kyle glanced into the rearview mirror at Bella, who was texting like an addict.

“Yeah, I’m glad she could make the time. I know Mom and Dad have their own plans now that they have sold the business. It was nice they put their retirement on hold to help all of us kids out but…” Blu trailed off.

“What’s wrong Babe?” Kyle squeezed Blu’s hand.

“I don’t know,” Blu looked at Kyle sadly, “I just wish we didn’t really need their help so much. We have to be able to handle this on our own.”

“Babe, Mom loves helping with her grandkids,” Kyle kissed Blu’s hand.

Blu nodded, then looked out the window watching other people’s lives rush by. They all just seemed to have it together. Everyone was rushing here or there knowing where they were going and in a hurry to get there. He loved his life, family, and their easy-going attitude toward everything. It was their take it as it comes attitude that made things seem relaxed most of the time but every now and then Blu felt a little lost, something felt off, he just couldn’t put his finger on what.

The twins sat in the back listening to their music on their cellphones, tuning the world out except for the occasional elbow they gave one another. Bella sat silently while her fingers worked the tiny keyboard on her phone texting god knows who, but she was smiling so there wasn’t any real cause for concern.

“Mom is meeting you and Bella at the doctor's office and then you’re going shopping for her dress?” Kyle asked trying to get a feel for whatever weighed heavily on his husband’s mind.

Blu clasped his hands in his lap with a pensive expression on his face, “Uh, yeah. Will Jared give you a lift home from school or should I leave you the car and get a taxi there.”

“I’m sure Jared will give the boys and me a ride home,” Kyle smiled at Blu, hoping to cheer him up.

“Thanks, Blondie.” Blu smiled back.

*****

Blu knocked on Kyle’s classroom door waiting for him to come in the hall as he had a class.

“I just came to say goodbye before I left,” Blu said when Kyle stepped into the hall.

Kyle gave Blu a quick hug, “The doctor’s visit is just routine, I’m sure everything will be fine. You guys have fun, spoil Bella with a beautiful dress. Oh, remember no leg showing, god do I sound old.”

“Oh she’ll be getting one with a chastity belt that has jaws and dye packs, the works trust me.” Blu laughed.

Kyle placed his hand on Blu’s shoulder, “Don’t forget shoes and a purse, for her to stuff god knows what in it.”

“Being a girl seems too complicated,” Blu chuckled, “thank you for the reminder, I’ll try not to forget and it’s not like Bella would ask. She barely ever asks even if she needs anything, sometimes I wish Bella could be more comfortable and ask for things she wants. Doesn’t mean she’d get them but still, it would show she’s settling in at home more.”

“I agree,” Kyle smiled remembering how shy their daughter is.

“Okay, well you better get back before they form a death metal band in there. I love you, see you at home.”

“Love you too,” Kyle said as he opened the door, “Levi get away from the drums!”

Blu chuckled as he skipped down the hallway. “Typical Levi,” Blu said out loud amused.

*****

“Mom,” Blu said once he was close enough, “Hey Bella.”

Blu hugged his daughter, leaving his arm across her shoulders. He wanted her close to him.

“How did it go Sweetheart, not too traumatic?” Blu asked with an affectionate smile for his daughter.

“It was okay Pop. I didn’t like it – at all. But I survived.”

Pulling his daughter closer to him for a side hug, he smiled before answering, “Just be thankful you aren’t Lincoln, the poor kid is in for a nasty shock on Monday at his appointment. I’m insisting he gets checked for diabetes.”

Bella’s whole body shuddered, “Ew, yeah. My doctor’s appointment was great.”

“How did yours go Mom?” Blu asked.

Lily fidgeted as a slightly pained look quickly passed over her face, but it was gone in an instant.

“About the same.”

“Okay. Are you ladies ready to shop for a dress?” Blu asked with mock enthusiasm.

Lily and Bella laughed, then turned and headed toward a trendy dress shop for young women.

“Uh, no way, Mom. My daughter is not wearing some slutty dress from the Tara Reid collection.” Blu grumbled as he saw a display in the window.

“Blu Sky Waters, I would never let my grandchild dress like a hussy.” His mother grabbed his arm dragging him into the shop.

“I don’t know Ma, I’ve seen photo’s of your teenage years,” Blu mumbled.

“Keep that up young man and I’ll get your Nan down here, god knows what she’d talk Bella into wearing.”

Blu changed his tune quick smart, “What are you talking about Mom? I think you’re doing a great job.”

“Pop, Grammy, look at this one.”

Bella held up a dress to show her Dad and Gram.

“NO!” Lily and Blu griped unison.

Bella put the dress back disappointed, while Blu narrowed his eyes at his mother.

“What? I said no Blu.”

“Mhmm.”

Blu wandered around the shop, he came across a nice pastel yellow dress that had a collar and fell to the ankle the material was soft and flowing.

“How about this?” Blu showed them excitedly.

Bella looked disturbed, Lily bent over laughing.

“It doesn’t suit your complexion honey, why don’t you put it back,” Lily remarked between laughs.

Poor Bella looked relieved and mouthed “Thank you!” to Lily, who winked in response.

They all wandered around the store then moved on to another. It all seemed much the same to Blu, this section for nice quiet church girls, this section for hookers, that section for sluts, there didn’t seem to be an in between. Every time he suggested something he either got an eye-roll or told ‘No,” that was from Bella, what his mother was dishing out seemed just this side of violent. For fear of brain damage, Blu took a break and sat out on a chair out front of the shop until Lily came and got him.

As Lily approached, Blu covered his face playfully screaming, “No, not the face.”

People were horrified as they walked by all looking at Lily like she kicked a puppy.

“Get in the shop, you little…” Lily said not wanting to manhandle Blu as people were staring at her like she was some kind of horrible monster.

Blu just laughed and went into the shop.

There was young Bella in a nice pastel blue flowing dress with spaghetti straps, the hem fell somewhere between her knee and ankle. The dress sat nicely on Bella’s figure, it wasn’t tight but still showed the slight womanly curves her body was starting to introduce. The dress was tasteful and Bella looked stunning in it.

Upon seeing her dad walk up behind her she spun around barefooted.

“What do you think Pop,” Bella asked with a hopeful inflection.

Blu put his hand over his mouth, he was speechless – almost.

“Bella,” Blu said, his voice thick with emotion, “you look stunning.”

“Pop could you send a photo to Daddy, I want to know what he thinks too.”

“Sure sweetheart.”

Blu took a photo on his phone and text it to Kyle.

“Your Dad reminded me to tell you, make sure to get shoes and a purse that will go with your dress.”

“It’s okay Pop, this is enough.” Bella smiled.

“Aren’t we the parents here?”

“Yes,” Bella said sheepishly.

“So if Daddy said you should get a purse and shoes we should be allowed to get them for you.”

“It’s just–”

“Bella, honey, just please let us do this. It’s just as exciting for me and your Dad as it is for you. We want to.”

DING!

Blu checked his phone, then showed Bella her Dad’s response.

Kyle: Bella is absolutely beautiful, that dress is just perfect. Make sure she gets her purse and shoes!

“Ha! Told Ya!” Blu chirped playfully at Bella making her chuckle and blush.

“Alright baby girl, you get changed. Pass the dress over the door and your Gram and I will go to the service desk and pay.” Blu kissed Bella’s cheek. “You look beautiful my daughter.”

Blu waited for Bella to put the dress over the door and went to the cashier to pay, Lily by his side looking a little distracted. He handed over the dress and credit card to the lady.

“Kyle says we have to get her shoes and a purse, but what if we take her to the salon make it a nice girl shopping experience for her. Plus I’ll be happy to see those split ends gone. We’ll get a coffee while she gets pampered?”

Lily smiled at Blu and gently nodded her head, wearing the pained look from earlier.

“There you go, thank you for shopping at Tammy’s,” the saleslady smiled handing Blu the bag.

“Do you know where we can get shoes and a purse to go with her dress?” Blu asked the lady.

“Actually, there is a little hole in the wall accessories shop over by ‘Jetts’ salon. As for shoes, personally, I would shop around until she finds the pair that is ‘just right.’ There are plenty of shoe boutique’s as well as Macy’s and the like.” She smiled.

“Thanks,” Blu said.

Lily and Blu wandered just outside the shop waiting for Bella.

“Are you okay Mom?” Blu asked.

“Huh? Oh yeah, I’m fine.”

Blu watched his Mom for a moment not believing a word she had said. Bella joined them outside the shop.

“Thank you, Pop.” She hugged Blu.

“Thanks, Grammy,” she said then hugged, Lily.

“Apparently, there is an accessories shop over by the hair salon we should be able to get a purse,” Blu told Bella.

“Pop, really–”

“Don’t argue with me or I’ll pick one out for you. If I go home without everything your Dad wants you to have he is going to make me sleep with the twins. I ain’t doing that, Levi kicks.” Blu screwed up his face sub-consciously covering his groin.

Bella and Lily giggled.

The trio made their way to the hole in the wall shop.

“You two pick out a purse, here Bella put it on my card.” Blu handed her his Amex card, “I’m just going to pop next door for a moment.”

Blu watched his daughter and Mom go into the shop before he made his way to the salon.

“Hi, I was wondering if you had time to fit my daughter in for a haircut this afternoon?” Blu asked the young girl at the reception desk.

The salon smelled of chemicals and shampoo, the décor was what Blu would call over the top Bling! The music was louder than it needed to be, but it was only loud enough to hear it over hairdryers and conversations.

The receptionist smacked her lips together as she chewed gum making Blu cringe as she checked the book.

“Uh…yeah, Blair can fit her in now, his next appointment canceled. Hang on and I’ll make sure.” The girl threw her head back and screeched, “BLAIR!”

A flamboyant guy about Blu’s age bounced into the reception.

“Hey Kitten, what’s…”

The guy spotted Blu standing nervously, he went from fun to predator in a nano-second.

“Well, hello handsome, what can I do to you today?” he purred.

“You’re bad,” Kitten smacked his arm, “Where’s Blair?”

“He’ll be back in a mini,” said the predator not taking his eyes off of Blu, as they ran up and down his body.

Blu felt like a side of beef in a slaughterhouse and wanted to ditch the whole idea of a haircut.

“I’ll come back,” he said walking backward out of the salon, he bumped into someone, “Sorry,” Blu mumbled. “Way to keep the stereotype alive.” Blu thought.

He couldn’t high tail it out of there fast enough. There was no way in hell Blu was leaving his daughter alone in that place.

“Hey Pop,” Bella sauntered over to Blu giving him his card, “look.” she pulled a clutch purse the same color as her dress from the bag she was holding.

Blu smiled at his daughter putting his arm around her shoulder.

“All we need now is shoes,” Lily said.

Blu noticed how tired his Mom looked. After they found the shoes they would sit down and have a coffee. They wandered around the mall in and out of shoe shops, Blu determined never to go shopping again. Impossible feet since they had kids, they all needed to eat and wear clothes.

“Gah! I can do it all online now.” Blu thought.

An hour, that’s how long it took Bella to find some shoes.

Blu’s phone rang, he checked the caller ID to see it was Jared.

“Hey, Jare,” Blu said answering the call.

“Unc Boo you hoppin wifout me?” Kasey said with a pissed off attitude.

“You were busy with Spotty, buddy,” Blu answered on the fly.

“Nu uh… Potty seepin,” Kasey was not backing down.

“I’m sorry Kase, I’m taking Bella to the bookshop tomorrow did you and Poppy want to come with us?”

“Mhmm, get me ice ceam?” Kasey asked curiously.

“Is there a please attached to that demand little man?” Blu chuckled.

“Peas Unc Boo,” Kasey whined.

“Flavor?”

“Cocholate, an trawberry, an nilla,” Kasey thought of all of his favorite flavors making sure he didn’t miss any.

“Neapolitan got it.” Blu smiled. “I’ll bring it over when we get home.”

Blu ended the call smiling to himself. That kid is so damn adorable and has everyone in the family wrapped around his damn finger especially his Pappy.

“Okay ladies, let’s grab a coffee and sit, then we can get the hell out of dodge.” Blu clapped his hands together. “Don’t let me forget Kasey’s ice cream or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Bella and Lily laughed as they made their way to whatever served coffee first. It just so happened to be outside another salon.

“Ma, order me a latte please, I’ll be right back.”

Blu wandered over to the salon, this one looked more subdued than the last. He approached the guy at the reception desk.

“Hi, I was wondering if you would be able to fit my daughter in for a haircut this afternoon?”

“Uh, I’m sure we could, we don’t usually do little kids though.” The guy said apologetically.

“She’s fourteen,” Blu told him.

“Oh,” the man's head tilted as he observed Blu, he opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind.

Blu smiled as he knew what the guy was thinking.

“She’s adopted, don’t worry I didn’t have a kid at eleven-years-old.”

“Oh, thank god,” the guy's entire demeanor relaxed, “sorry that was a little judgemental, it’s none of my business,” he said sheepishly.

“It’s fine, I probably would have thought the same thing in reverse.” Blu gave the guy a warm smile.

“I can take her now if she’s around,” he said.

“Yeah? Thanks, she’s just grabbing a hot chocolate she’ll just be a minute.” Blu went to leave. “Oh, can you make it whatever she wants, just no bold bright colors.”

“I wouldn’t, she’s only fourteen. I’ve got you don’t worry. She’ll come back a beautiful young lady.” The guy laughed.

“Thanks.”

Blu ran out to get Bella, Lily handed him his latte as they walked over to the salon.

“Bella, sweetheart, this gentleman is going to cut your hair for you. Talk to him about what you want. And don’t get any funny ideas about coloring, I’ve already told him no primary colors.” Blu laughed.

Bella just looked horrified as she turned her body into Blu.

“Pop,” she whispered, “I’ve never done this before.”

“It’s okay sweetie, this nice man will help you find a haircut you like. He’ll make sure it suits you, he won’t make you look silly, I promise. Grammy and I will be just outside the shop drinking our coffee if you want us. Just text we’ll come in.”

Blu kissed his daughter on the forehead, then looked her in the eye.

“It will be fine, I swear.” Blu smiled affectionately at his daughter.

“Promise you’ll just be outside?” Bella asked nervously.

“Promise, baby girl.”

Bella reluctantly turned to follow the man giving her a warm smile, Blu heard him talking to Bella to soothe her nerves. The guy was good.

*****

Lily sat at a table just outside the coffee shop, sipping her drink, while her knee bounced nervously.

Blu sat down across from his Mom. “Mommy you are scaring me, tell me what the hell is going on. Don’t bullshit me either. I know you and something isn’t right.”

“Oh, my baby boy, when did you get to be such a grown up?” Lily reached over patting Blu’s hand.

“I’m not Mom, I’m still a kid, raising kids. Don’t change the subject; please tell me, I’ve been watching you all afternoon and I’m worried.” Blu bit his lip nervously.

Lily looked down at the table sniffling, “Your Father and I were going to wait to speak to you and the boys until some of the other test results came back.”

“What tests Mom?” Blu asked fearfully.

“Blu, don’t worry.” Lily took his hand in hers, “When I had my last mammogram it showed a mass, we are still waiting on bloodwork and biopsy results to come back.”

His eyes started to sting, Blu swallowed around the lump forming in his throat.

“What does it mean Mom?”

“Dr. Fredricks thinks that if they do a mastectomy and chemo, I will be ok… hopefully,” Lily mumbled the last part.

Blu observed his Mom for a moment, she wasn’t being completely truthful with him and he knew it.

“Mom, I’m guessing if Dr. Fredricks has already told you all of this you already have the results of those tests, but you and Dad have been putting off telling us, boys.” Blu’s voice thick as he tried to hold the tears back.

“Blu, don’t be mad at us, please. We received the phone call this morning,” Lily pulled her handkerchief from her pocket dabbing her eyes.

“I’m not mad Mom,” he said just above a whisper, “I’m scared, you’re my Mom. I need you, nothing bad is allowed to happen to you.” Blu’s eyes watering.

“Baby boy, I can’t control this. If whoever decides it’s my time, I know Rain will be waiting for me,” Lily sobbed quietly.

“I love you, Mom,” Blu said as his tears fell silently, he reached across the table holding onto his Mom’s hands for dear life.

“I love you too, Blu. I have one thing to ask, if something does happen to me – ”

“Mom nothing is going to happen to you,” Blu said defiantly pulling himself together trying to be strong for his Mom. “It will all work out you’ll see, plus if you leave I’m putting Nan in an assisted living facility.”

Lily held up her free hand which was shaking.

“Just listen to me. If something does happen, you have to promise me that you’ll watch out for your Dad. He’s having a really hard time being strong at the moment. If your Nan ever heard you mention any form of a nursing home she would put you in the ground, just warning you.” Lily sniffled.

“I know Mommy, I promise to look after Dad.”

They sat in silence, holding hands while they waited for Bella. Blu’s back was to the salon, but Lily perked up and a smiled grew on her face as a beautiful young lady approached the table. She put her hands to her mouth as more tears fell.

“Bella sweetie, look at you. You look all grown up.”

Blu turned to see his daughter stand next to the table shyly from the compliments from her Gram. Her hair was shorter by six inches, it was cut and styled nice and fashionable it framed her beautiful face, she had some caramel streaks through it, giving her hair a nice natural sunkissed appearance. Blu stood and hugged his daughter.

“What do you think Bella, do you like it? I think you look gorgeous,” Blu mumbled into her hair as he squeezed her tighter.

“I do Pop, it’s nice I think.” Bella pulled away from her Dad smiling, “The man let me come get you, so you could see it before you pay.”

“I’ll pay him double for that haircut, you look so beautiful, Bella.” Blu gently touched under her chin with his knuckle in a show of affection before going to the salon to pay. He tipped the man generously and made another appointment for Bella for after school the night of the dance for her to get her hair and nails done.

*****

Monday after school Tony and Bella were hanging out at Tony’s house while Kyle and Blu took the boys for their yearly checkup with their new pediatrician, Dr. Marks. The two boys not knowing what to expect were nervously peppering their Dads with questions.

Levi looked at his Dads with trepidation, “Why can’t we just go home? I’m not sick, neither is Link.”

“This is only a check-up guys if you can honestly tell us the last time you went to the doctor for a check-up,” Blu said putting his hand up to stop Levi from arguing, “the broken arm doesn’t count. If you can tell us that we’ll go home.”

Levi’s eyebrows scrunched up, “I… uh… hmm… you’re gonna make us go, huh?”

“Yes, Levi, we are. I can go in with you if you want me too,” Kyle reassured their son.

“People will think I’m a baby though,” Levi grumbled.

“Levi, we can tell people, you let me come in so I felt better,” Kyle chuckled.

Levi smiled, “Thanks, Dad, you’re the greatest.”

The car came to a stop in the pediatrician’s parking lot.

As the boys crawled out Lincoln looked at his family, “Since Dad is making sure everything is okay with this doctor guy, I think Levi should go first.”

“I can come in with you if you want Link, I’m fine being a big baby,” Blu said.

“We’ll see, if Levi doesn’t run out of the room crying… Maybe I can do this myself,” Lincoln smiled at the group.

“I’m not crying, don’t think I forgot about the chicken comment last week either,” Levi glared at his brother.

Kyle looked at the twins, “Enough, we don’t need a brawl in the doctor's office.”

The family walked into the waiting room, stopping at the reception desk to fill out paperwork for the kids.

After they were registered they turned to find a seat spotting Liv and a young boy sitting off in a corner by themselves.

“Hey, Blondie is that Liv?”

“Ya, it is. Let's go sit by her while we wait,” Kyle nudged the boys in Liv’s direction.

Lincoln walked over, “Hi, Aunt Liv, we don’t need you here with us.”

Chuckling Liv answered Lincoln, “You’re safe Link, it’s a coincidence that we’re here at the same time.”

Liv pulled Lincoln in for a hug, “How have you been Buddy, everything okay?”

“Yes, Pop, made us come here for a checkup. He says he’s getting me checked for dibeetes or something,” Lincoln rolled his eyes.

“Really?” A concerned look washed over Liv’s face as she turned to Blu, “Is there any reason to suspect he’d have diabetes Blu?”

Blu huffed a laugh, “Only the quarter pound of sugar the kid has at breakfast, every day.”

“Really Pop, rice crispies need sugar or they don’t pop,” Lincoln huffed, “you’re too old to understand.”

“Maybe so, but I’ve seen you with your tongue buried deep in the frosting container.” Blu’s voice serious and not budging one ounce from his need to have the kid tested.

“Pop, Khan made me taste it, before he had a lick,” Lincoln said in a fluster.

“So Gross,” Blu chortled.

A little boy sitting between Liv and Blu giggled.

Blu looked down and smiled at the boy, who was wearing a germ mask.

“You like frosting too huh?” Blu smiled.

“Uh huh, but I can’t really eat much right now,” the little boy said taking off his ball cap showing his bald head.

“I like your haircut,” Blu said, “I should get one like that. Is it easy to manage?”

“I don’t have to worry about washing it,” the boy giggled.

“Hmm, you seem smart, maybe you could rub off on these two scoundrels,” Blu chuckled.

The boy motioned for Blu to come closer so he could whisper in his ear.

Blu leaned down so the boy could reach his ear.

“People don’t like me being near their kids.” His voice barely loud enough for Blu to hear.

He pulled back stunned, then tilted his head, “Why are you mean? Do you say naughty words?” Blu clicked his finger, “I know, I bet it’s because they’re poo heads.”

The boy giggled, “No, I’m always sick.”

“See they are poo heads, you can’t help it if you’re sick, can you? It’s like saying you can change your eye color.”

“I got somethin’ called Lukemia,” the boy admitted.

“Do you want to hear a secret that nobody else here knows?”

The boy nodded his head, waiting for Blu’s revelation.

Blu leaned down and whispered to the boy, “My Mommy is sick like you. Please don’t tell anyone.”

“I promise,” the boy whispered then acted like he was locking his lips throwing away the key.

That made Blu chuckle, he looked at Kyle who was watching Blu intensely.

Kyle gave Blu a look that let him know they were going to have a discussion later.

“Levi Dalton,” the nurse called out.

“Pop, are you sure we can’t go home?” Levi made a last-ditch effort to leave.

He just smiled at his son, didn’t even answer.

“Fine, Dad, let’s go,” Levi grumbled as he stomped off in the direction of the nurse.

Blu said to the little boy, “That was my son, Levi, and this,” he pointed to Lincoln, “is my son Lincoln, or Link. They’re twins, and we have a daughter who’s just turned fourteen.”

“Cool, I never had brothers or sisters. I’m Cody,” the boy seemed to relax.

“How old are you Cody?” Lincoln squeezed his way into his Dads chair.

“I’m ten,” Cody answered.

“What grade are you in?” Link started his interrogation.

“Fourth,” Cody coughed, “How ‘bout you?”

“Sixth, what do you like to do?” Lincoln smiled.

“Hmm, I used to like playing baseball. Now, I just read when I’m not too tired,” Cody said.

“Link is a musician, he’s pretty good too. His Dad is teaching him all different instruments. Do you like to play anything?” Blu asked.

“I never really tried, hopefully, I can play baseball after I get better,” Cody stated.

Lincoln looked at Liv, “Does Cody live in a foster family like we did?”

Liv smiled at the boys, “He’s in a peculiar situation, hopefully, we can find a good home for Cody like we did for your family.”

“Pop, we have room. Why can’t Cody come live with us? He can have my room,” Lincoln stared at Blu waiting for an answer.

“Lincoln Dalton,” a nurse called out.

Lincoln held up his hand, “Pop?”

“Liv honey, why don’t bring Cody over for dinner tomorrow night?” Blu said standing from his seat.

“Yes!” Lincoln shouted, “I can move my stuff into Levi’s and my room.”

“Do you like blue colored walls? They aren’t too bright,” Lincoln was on a roll.

Cody giggled at the boy's excitement.

“It’s not as easy as that Lincoln,” Liv told him, “but we will definitely come around for dinner so you guys can hang out for a couple of hours okay?”

Lincoln bumped shoulders with Cody, “I’ll protect you from people, that’s what brothers do.”

“Dear god,” Blu thought.

“Come on bossy boots, or I’ll suggest they give you a shot.”

Lincoln’s eyes got huge, “You said no needles. Aunt Liv they can’t use needles can they?”

Liv laughed. “I’m sure they can, but in your case, I think your safe. Poor Cody here has to have them all the time.”

“Oh… If Cody has to have them, then I can handle whatever they want to do,” Lincoln looked at Blu, “Pop, I can do this on my own.”

“I can’t, so can I come with you?” Blu asked.

“If you can sit there and not cry,” Lincoln set his Dad straight.

“You watch me, buddy.”

“Oh I will,” Lincoln chuckled.

*****

That evening before bedtime Kyle and Blu were sitting downstairs watching the television just enjoying a relaxing evening at home.

“I guess Lincoln will never let you live down the diabetes test,” Kyle chuckled as the pair snuggled on the couch.

“Probably not, but trust me on this, that kid was sweating those results.” Blu grinned.

Kyle smiled, “I’m just glad the kids are healthy.” He became quiet after making his statement remembering what Cody has faced in his short life.

Blu didn’t say anything he just snuggled deeper into Kyle, he needed the comfort the stress and worry were doing him in.

There was a loud raucous, then they heard stuff sliding across the floor upstairs.

“What the heck is all of the noise?” Kyle asked as he turned the television volume down.

“I don’t know,” Blu said sitting up on the couch listening out for the noises.

The noises continued for a while, peaking Kyle’s curiosity.

“Maybe we should check on the boys,” Kyle mumbled.

“Dad, Pop, where’s the vacuum?” Lincoln yelled down the stairs.

“Um, what do you need the sweeper for?” Kyle asked.

“To clean, duh,” Lincoln said sarcastically.

“Come on, I need to clean Cody’s room before bedtime,” Lincoln waited expectantly for an answer.

Blu looked at Kyle concerned, “Why? Is he sneaking him in the friggin’ window?”

“Babe, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him more determined,” Kyle sighed.

“What are we going to do? I don’t want to disappoint him but can we really take on another kid?”

“I have concerns, especially with whatever you’ve been hiding,” Kyle blew out a slow breath, “since Friday, you’ve been keeping something from me.”

Blu looked away for a moment, “What do you want to do about Link?”

“Babe, I honestly don’t know what to say. I feel bad for Cody, but are we ready for whatever the future might hold for him?” Kyle looked at Blu trying to read his mind.

Moving toward the stairs Blu hid his face from Kyle, he was so close to tears. He had no idea how he had concealed his emotions thus far. It was far too hard to deal with his Mom going through something like this. It’s going to be harder watching a young boy go through it. The train of thought made Blu feel guilty, the little boy has no one to love him while he goes through something so traumatic. He knew there was no way they could turn their back on Cody, but what if it went badly. Link was already attached to him and they had only met hours ago. What if the little boy didn… “Stop it Blu,” he thought to himself, “the kid is going to be fine.”

He made his way up to the boy's room. When he got there he found that Lincoln had moved everything from his old room into the one with Levi. Blu stood stock still shaking his head. He couldn’t face it, so he made his way to his own room, closing the door behind him. He sat on the edge of the bed and bawled like a baby. Blu felt bad for leaving Kyle to deal with the twins but he didn’t know how to handle it or himself, he needed time to work things out, to process everything.

Kyle tucked the boys in kissing them goodnight, promising them they would talk about Cody tomorrow, as he shut off their light. He walked to the master bedroom door tapping softly on it, as he opened the door.

“Babe, can I come in?” Kyle asked with concern.

Blu whimpered his answer as he tried to pull himself together.

Kyle closed the distance between him and Blu, sitting beside him he pulled his husband into his arms.

“I’m not sure what is going on, but I’m right here with you.” Kyle kissed the top of Blu’s head which was buried in his chest.

Blu sobbed for what felt like hours.

“We have to take him in, he has no one to love him. He’s doing it all alone, at least Mo… Oh my god, baby what if she dies,” Blu collapsed into Kyle broken, “I can’t lose her baby, I can’t–”

“Shh… We will Babe… Mom?” Kyle cradled Blu in his arms.

“Mom, umm, Babe you should’ve told me. You didn’t have to go through this by yourself,” Kyle ran his fingers through Blu’s hair.

“She has breas…” Blu sobbed he was inconsolable.

“Mom is too strong, and too stubborn to let this get her. Plus she loves her grandkids, hell I guess she’s getting a new grandson who is just as much a fighter as she is,” Kyle stated adamantly.

Kyle moved back on the bed, pulling Blu with him. He held his husband in his arms quietly crying his own tears into the top of his head. They drifted off to sleep, not knowing what they would face as a family. One thing they knew is they were blessed with each person in their family.