Family Struggles - 7. Home

Family Struggles

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A month had passed since the kids came to live with Kyle and Blu, it has been a roller coaster of emotions for the entire family. Arabella was adjusting the best to her new home, the boys were making some strides but Levi was still keeping his defensive wall up.

Tuesday during their lunch break Kyle and Blu were summoned to the Principal Quimby’s office.

Kyle met up with Blu in the hallway just before they reached the office, “Any idea what’s going on?”

Blu shook his head, “Not unless it has something to do with Hiscock, maybe they fired him.”

“Sort of feels like being back in school as a kid,” Kyle chuckled, “Did Kaleb re-enroll?”

Laughing out loud Blu reached out and squeezed Kyle’s shoulder, “I hope he isn’t in my class.”

Kyle smiled opening the office door, “After you Mr. Waters,” he said with the cheesiest grin he could muster, Blu poked Kyles side walking into the office.

Mr. Quimby poked his head out of his office door, “I thought I heard you two, come on in,” he opened the door revealing Levi and another boy with a bloody nose sitting in front of his desk. Both boys gulped at the site of the two teachers, Levi’s head dropped staring at the floor.

“What’s going on Principal Quimby?” Blu asked, his eyes fixed on Levi, “is that kid okay?”

“He’s fine his nose stopped bleeding a while ago, I think he’s hoping for pity from his Mom,” Principal Quimby rolled his eyes, “But, I thought maybe you could help me get what happened out of Levi,” Mr. Quimby sat down in his chair crossing his arms staring at the boys, “Don’t think you’re getting out of answering my questions either Mr. James, your mother will be here shortly.”

Kyle leaned against the window sill staring at Levi and Scott, “What happened boys?”

“Ask him,” Levi muttered staring at the floor, “It’s his fault.”

“Lincoln’s such a fag,” Scott grumbled holding tissue to his nose. ‘No wonder Levi punched him in the nose,’ Blu thought to himself.

Mr. Quimby let out a slow deep breath, “Mr. James I will not tolerate comments like that, it’s against our discrimination policy.” Mr. Quimby’s intercom buzzed getting his attention he answered it and in walked a woman sporting a waitress uniform from the local diner who appeared with an exhausted appearance.

“Scott James, what happened to you?” Ms. James said as she pulled a handkerchief from her apron wiping at the boy’s bloodied face.

“Nothin’,” Scott said trying to get his Mother’s hand away from his face, “Quit it, Mom, geez.”

Principal Quimby leaned on his elbows against the desk, “Ms. James, the young man to your left is Levi Dalton, these two gentlemen are his foster fathers, Mr. Waters and Mr. Kyle, they are teachers here at the school,” Ms. James looked over at the two men, “Gentlemen, this is Scott’s mother, Ms. James.” The three shook hands offering ‘nice to meet you’ type comments.

Kyle looked back at his son, “Levi, what happened?” he asked crossing his arms.

“It wasn’t my fault you heard what Scott called Lincoln,” Levi said in a hushed tone still unable to make eye contact with Kyle or Blu.

Ms. James looked at Kyle who had an angry look on his face, she then stared at her son, “Scott Alexander James what did you say exactly?” she sat her handbag on Principal Quimby’s desk, hands on her hips, as she stared down her child.

“Mom,” Scott whined trying to avoid his Mom’s question.

“Don’t Mom me, answer the question or you’ll be old and grey before you’re ungrounded,” Ms. James said crossing her arms as her face turned red.

“I… um…” Scott bit his lip, looking at the ground, “I might’ve called Lincoln a fag,” Kyle winced as Scott said the word.

Ms. James sighed, “Your father might have had such bigoted views, but he’s dead and I will NOT have you saying such things,” she said making eye contact with Kyle and Blu.

Mr. Quimby looked at the parents before fixing his attention on the children, “Now,” he said clearing his throat to get the boys attention, “I do not like that language, it’s discriminatory and hurtful. Mr. James, have you learned anything from your actions?”

“Levi has a good punch?” Scott chuckled until he caught sight of his Mother’s glaring eyes.

Mr. Quimby shook his head, “Not exactly what I was going for young man, but it does appear Mr. Dalton gave you a good sock in the nose,” his gaze settled on Levi. “Mr. Dalton, how should you have handled the name calling of your brother?”

“He said it, I finished it,” Levi grumbled crossing his arms.

Kyle simmered for a moment at the disrespect Levi was showing the Principal, “Levi, answer Principal Quimby’s question.”

“Uh… I shoulda told a teacher,” Levi squeaked out as he tried to see how mad Kyle and Blu were out the corner of his eyes.

“Yes, you should have,” Principal Quimby leaned back in his chair sighing, “You are both lucky you’re not being expelled. We have a zero tolerance policy that includes violence Levi, and bullying Scott. Since you are both straight A students and generally good kids, I’m going to give the two of you three days of In-School Suspension. Levi, yours is for fighting. Scott, yours will be derogatory comments. I can’t guarantee what your parent's punishment will be, but I’m sure neither of you will like it,” he said rolling his eyes to the three parents. He excused the group reminding the boys to report to the ISS room in the morning.

Once the group left the office Ms. James stopped Kyle and Blu as the kids returned to their classes. “I’m so sorry for what Scott said,” Ms. James dabbed her eyes with a tissue, “His Dad was a very hateful man,” she said sniffling. “I’m trying so hard to raise him better since Jerome died, he’s home a lot by himself because I have to work so much.”

“Ms. James, just call me Kyle and my husband’s name is Blu. If you would like the nights you have to work late, Scott could come over to our house and the boys can have a chance to learn how to interact together,” Kyle said as he pulled a business card out of his wallet. “Here’s my business card, it has our home phone number on it. If there’s ever anything we can do to help, just ask,” he said handing her the card.

“That’s so nice, I’m Mattie,” Ms. James said as she slipped the card into her apron. Glancing at her watch, “I need to get back to work for the last few hours of my shift, I’ve missed to much time already plus I need to catch my bus,” she smiled.

“I’ll run you back to work, no need to worry about the bus,” Kyle offered, “I have forty minutes before my next class.”

“That’s sweet of you to offer. I appreciate it, plus I will be able to make up a little bit of my time,” Mattie said.

Kyle drove Mattie back to the diner, they both agreed to have Scott come over on the weekend for a few hours for the kids to play and get to know one another outside of school. Kyle learned Scott has become a bit of a loner since his dad was killed in an armed robbery of a convenience store.

*****

The drive home from school was quiet, the tension could be felt by everybody in the car. Kyle parked the car in their driveway, Levi couldn’t escape fast enough as he flung the door open and ran into the house. By the time the rest of the family reached the house Levi’s shoes were kicked off by the doormat and his backpack was on the dining room table.

Blu went to the kitchen grabbed five glasses and the pitcher of Lemonade that Kyle had made in the morning before they left for school. He brought the refreshment to the table while the rest of the family sat down and started their homework. Kyle went into his office to work on his lesson plans for class. Blu poured out the lemonade, placing the glass in front each of them. Levi grunted giving Blu the stink eye as only a pre-teen could.

Levi finished his homework jamming the books back into his backpack tossing it into the corner. He went into the living room turning on cartoons the volume blared through the house.

“Levi, turn down the tv please, other people are still trying to work. Can I see your homework please?” Blu asked nicely from the corner of the living room.

“It’s over there,” Levi motioned doing his best to ignore Blu.

Blu’s eyes flicked to Levi’s bag, “I’m not going through your bag Levi, bring yourself and the bag back to the table and we’ll go through it.”

“Whatever,” Levi stomped across the room picking up his backpack to the dining room table.

He sat next to Blu emptying his entire bag out on the table, “Thanks, Levi,” he smirked not letting the kid get to him, “Which subjects did you have homework in?”

“History,” Levi grumbled.

“Let’s start there,” Blu stated going through Levi’s paperwork until he came across a worksheet for history. He went over the answers, it surprised Blu that Levi had finished so quickly and the answers were correct. Lincoln was still working on his.

“Am I done?” Levi snatched the paper putting it away.

“Don’t snatch kiddo, it’s rude, what other homework have you got?” Blu asked.

Levi rolled his eyes, “I have math,” he sighed digging through the pile he created on the table.

Blu dug out the Math homework, same again. Levi had completed the worksheet, all correct. He didn’t want to question Levi that it was all his work, he could tell by the handwriting, but he had finished it so quickly he was concerned.

“Is there any other homework or assignments you should be working on before they are due?”

Levi shook his head, “Nope,” he grabbed the paper cramming it into his math book.

“We still need to talk about today Levi, you know there will be consequences for fighting. At school no less.” Blu warned the young boy.

Levi glared at Blu. Lincoln looked at his brother, “What you do?”

“Nothin’, mind your own business,” Levi shouted at Lincoln.

“Don’t yell at your brother, for now, you can go to your room and cool down,” Blu said curtly, waving his arm dismissively. He wasn’t going to put up with the abuse from Levi, but the boy had had a particularly trying day and Blu was trying to be sympathetic. But still, Levi needed to control his temper and learn to curb his lashing out.

“Fine, you like them better anyway,” Levi shouted as he stormed off, slamming his bedroom door.

Kyle came out of the office looking at the strange looks on everybody's face, “Everything okay Babe?”

Blu sighed, running his hands through his hair, “Levi’s upset, I sent him to his room to cool down. He didn’t take it very well.”

Kyle walked over kissing the top of Blu’s head, “He’s just having a bad day Babe, it’s not your fault.”

“I know,” Blu gave Kyle a weak smile.

“I’ll go talk to Levi,” Kyle squeezed his shoulder, “maybe he’ll explain what is going on if it's just the two of us.”

“Sure Blondie,” Blu rested his cheek on Kyle’s hand seeking the comfort from his touch, “I love Levi just as much I love the rest of our family.” Kyle nodded his head kissing Blu’s cheek.

Kyle went upstairs, he tapped lightly on Levi’s door. Getting no response from Levi, Kyle opened his door walking into the room he paused to close the door. Levi was laying on the bed face down sobbing into his pillow. Kyle walked over setting on the edge of Levi’s bed, “Hey bud,” Kyle rubbed Levi’s back causing Levi to flinch. Kyle took his hand off Levi’s back, “What’s going on Levi?”

Levi rolled onto his side scooting away from Kyle. He wiped his eyes, “You’re gonna hit me, aren’t you?”

“No Levi, I’m not going to hit you. I don’t believe hitting will resolve anything,” Kyle said softly reaching out placing his hand on Levi’s forearm.

Levi sniffled, “I don’t want to be hit, Mack used to hit me all the time.”

Kyle’s heart broke over the information Levi revealed causing him to hold his breath. Kyle centered his focus, “Who’s Mack?”

“He was her boyfriend,” Levi’s eyes still held unshed tears.

“Your Mom?” Kyle asked as he laid down beside Levi looking at him eye to eye.

“Ya,” Levi mumbled as his lip quivered.

“I promise I’m never going to hit you, Levi,” Kyle said lovingly.

Tears ran down Levi’s cheeks, “I know I shouldn’t have hit Scott. But when he said that about Lincoln and I thought about you and Blu I couldn’t stop.” Levi wiped his face on his comforter.

Kyle sighed, “Levi, names aren’t going to hurt us, you can’t fight everybody else’s battles. I understand sticking up for your brother if it was a physical altercation, but I don’t believe in violence.”

“I’m sorry,” Levi said in almost a whisper.

Kyle reached across the bed pulling Levi into a hug, “All of us love you Levi, even Blu and me,” Kyle kissed the top of Levi’s head as he shed a few tears of his own. “Nobody in this house is ever going to hurt you, Levi,” Kyle blew out a slow deep breath, “Can I ask you a question?” Levi shrugged his shoulders. “Did your Mom or anybody else hit you?” Levi nodded his head, “I won’t let anybody else touch you, buddy, just don’t hit anybody else. You know how bad it made you feel, ok?” Levi nodded his head burying his face in Kyle’s shoulder.

Lincoln tapped on the door cracking it open, “Blu… uh… sent me up to tell you Ms. Wynter’s is here.”

“Okay Link,” Kyle said, “We’ll be right down bud.” Lincoln closed the door heading back downstairs. Kyle released Levi from the hug he had on him and stood up, “Come on buddy,” Kyle offered Levi his hand pulling him up off the bed. Kyle wiped he tears from Levi’s face, “Go splash some water on your face and come downstairs ok?”Levi nodded his head and took off running.

Kyle walked down the stairs finding his family and Liv in the living room. Kyle smiled as he walked into the room, “Hi Liv, how are you?”

“Hi Kyle, how have you been?” Liv smiled fondly at Kyle and the kids.

“Do you want a coffee or anything Girlie?” Blu asked Liv.

Liv shook her head, “No thanks Blu, this is an official visit.”

Kyle winced when he heard that as he sat down on the couch, “Is something wrong?”

“No,” Liv shook her head, “it’s a good visit. I’m here to do a home visit, to tell you I’m your caseworker, and that you five are now a permanent foster family,” she smiled at everyone, “I’ll go through everything with you guys later. Also, I’m hoping to beg for an invitation for Thanksgiving.”

Levi came around the corner hearing the news, “Like we don’t have to go anywhere?” Levi asked giving Liv his infamous glare.

“That is what it means Levi, you are all stuck with each other now,” Her grin lit up the whole room.

He smiled briefly, “Good,” he sat down leaning into Kyle with Blu on his other side.

Kyle wrapped an arm around Levi, “Think you can deal with that Levi?” He nodded his head closing his eyes. “What about you guys?” Kyle looked at Arabella and Lincoln who was sitting in the chair together.

“I like it here,” Arabella stated, tickling Lincoln to get his response.

“I’m good,” Lincoln giggled pushing his sister's hand away.

The two men smiled, “Liv you know you’re invited to Thanksgiving. Holy sh…” Blu eyed the kids as he didn’t follow through with his curse. “Nan will be back by then.”

Liv laughed, “That’s going to be interesting.”

Khan walked over placing his head in Levi’s lap surprising him. Levi smiled scratching Khan’s head, “He likes me,” his eyes glimmered with happiness. Lincoln and Arabella smiled as they watched their brother revel in the attention from Khan.

Kyle smiled watching the kids, “Thanksgiving will be a fun time, the whole family will be together for the entire day.”

Liv gave a little evil laugh as she watched Blu and Kyle’s reaction.

“Dad better work all his crap out with Nan before he comes in this house,” Blu griped, still pissed that his Dad took his frustration on him because of Nan.

“Babe, we can lock them in the garage. The one that walks out alive should be happy,” Kyle joked.

Blu chuckled, “At this point, I don’t care which one comes back out.”

Kasey crashed through the front door, “Canny!” He yelled scampering through the house, climbing into Levi’s lap, “Hi Evi.”

Levi smiled wrapping his arm around Kasey, “Hi Kase.”

Mason came rushing into the living room, “I swear to god we need a leash for him and the new puppy!”

Blu stood up, “What new flipping Puppy?” he looked around. “Where is it? What’d you get?”

Jared came in carrying the small spotted Dalmation, “How did I get stuck with the puppy Kasey?”

“Potty,” Kasey held out his hand making a gimme motion. Jared handed the puppy to his son and nephew. Levi giggled while he got puppy kisses and Khan sniffed the newest spotted member of the family. “Unc Boo,” he pointed to the puppy, “Potty.”

“Nice Kasey, is he yours?” Blu sat back down leaning over to pat the dog, then resting his hand on Levi’s shoulder.

“Uh huh,” Kasey nodded patting Spot.

Jared leaned against Mason, “I’m so going to get even with all of you for making Kasey want a dog.”

“Oh, quit whining,” Mason nudged Jared, “You love her too.”

Kyle laughed, “You’re a big softie Dad,” he joked to his brother.

Jared got a devilish look on his face, “Hey, kids you haven’t told Uncle Jared and Mason what you want for Christmas. Is there anything four-legged you want?”

“Oh no, we have Khan, he likes being the king of the castle,” Kyle said patting Khan.

“We’ll see,” Jared mumbled, Arabella looked a little disappointed. Not that she would ever even ask for anything, but she’d always wanted a kitten. Jared noticed the look, making a note to talk to her later.

Lincoln fake coughed, “Arabella always wanted a cat, but Mom told her no.”

“Oh, really,” Jared stared at Kyle, “We’ll have to fill Arabella’s wish then, won’t we Dad?” Kyle stared at his brother.

On Saturday Scott came over and played with the twins for a few hours, Kyle even let them play the Xbox for a while. The boys had fun after Levi got over giving Scott his death glare. Kyle and Blu promised to let him visit again after the holiday.

*****

Thanksgiving was here before the family knew it, Kaleb was over early Thanksgiving morning to get the food cooking. After the turkey was in the oven Kaleb took a break, he kissed Davis before he sat down at the table to drink his coffee when Lincoln came into the kitchen rubbing his eyes, “Woah, what you doin’ here?” Lincoln asked as he stumbled through the kitchen getting his cereal stuff out.

“Cooking the turkey, your Dad’s would serve jerky for dinner,” Kaleb laughed standing up, “Do you want orange juice to drink?” Kaleb held up the juice smiling.

Lincoln sat his bowl down, “Yes, please,” he took the box of Rice Krispies out filling the bowl until it overflowed, then he pulled out the sugar adding a bunch to it then he dribbled some milk into the heap.

Kaleb laughed as the boy picked up the bowl, “Very nutritious Lincoln, are you sure you got enough sugar?”

“Maybe not,” Lincoln walked over picked up the sugar container taking it to the table placing two more large scoops on his cereal, “Looks right now,” Lincoln sat down to start eating his bowl of sugary breakfast.

“Uh…” Kaleb watched his nephew, “Hurry up, hide the sugar before his Dad’s come down,” Davis picked up the container laughing as he put it away.

Levi appeared in the kitchen with a case of wild bedhead hair. “Morning,” he mumbled grabbing an orange peeling it. Levi looked at the stove, “Where’s breakfast? If you wanna be the cool Uncle I want pancakes,” Levi sat down eating a piece of his orange.

“I’m cooking your dinner isn’t that enough?” Kaleb asked looking Levi.

“Nope,” Levi smirked, “definitely not cool. I think Uncle Jared is the cool one,” Levi laughed at the expression on Kaleb’s face.

“You’re such an ass,” Kaleb said throwing the dish towel at Levi.

Levi laughed, “I’m tellin’ Kyle you called me that,” he popped another slice of orange in his mouth before giving a huge grin.

“Can’t we like send you to military school or something?” Kaleb glared at Levi.

“Maybe they could teach me how to kick your butt,” Levi chuckled scrunching his nose, “Nah, I could probably do that already.”

“Kyle get down here before I lock Levi in the laundry room,” Kaleb laughed calling out to his brother.

Kyle came into the kitchen with a smile from ear-to-ear with damp hair, “Morning boys,” he kissed the tops of the twins heads, “Hi Davis, Kaleb, thanks for entertaining the boys while Blu and I cleaned the bathrooms.”

Kaleb glared at his brother, “Ya… uh… cleaned the bathroom sure.” Davis snickered as he sipped his coffee.

“They better not have been in the damn laundry room,” Blu said as he came in the room looking flushed and thoroughly… “were they in the laundry room Blondie?” he picked up an apple taking a bite, “stay outta the laundry room asshole.”

Kaleb laughed at his brother-in-law, “Asswipe, we were watching your sons.”

Glaring at Kaleb, Blu walked by him cuffing him on the back of the head, “Stay out of the laundry room.”

Lincoln and Levi were glued to the action. Davis was snickering and Kyle was somewhere in la-la land, no help whatsoever.

“You know you could be a much nicer person Blu, after all, we kept the boys busy while you two,” Kaleb motioned between Blu and Kyle, “were ‘Cleaning’ the bathroom.”

“We were cleaning the bathroom-s, each in a different one. We’re good but not that good,” Blu smiled lustfully at Kyle.

“Uncle Kaleb, give’em a break they’re old,” Levi laughed as soon as he said it, Lincoln snickered.

“So you wanted pancakes right?” Kaleb asked as Levi nodded.

“Blueberry ones,” Levi smiled looking at Blu sticking his tongue out.

He chortled back at Levi, “Whatever,” Blu said in a pre-teen voice.

A knock at the door brought the bantering to a halt, Lincoln took the last huge spoonful of cereal he had left in his bowl and scampered to answer the door. “Who are you?” Lincoln said opening the door with a mouthful of cereal.

“Who are you?” Nan said surprised looking behind the little boy, checking that her grandbaby’s hadn’t moved while she was away.

Lincoln slammed the door closed, “Kyle, Blu some old woman is at the door. She wouldn’t tell me who she was so I closed it.” He said as he returned to the dining room.

“Oh geez,” Blu stood up, swiftly moving to the front door, “Hey Nan,” he grinned knowing she was going to blow her top at him.

“Friggin’ Jesus, Blu, I thought you had bloody moved and not told me. Who is the door slammer?”

“Uh… maybe you should come in and we’ll explain,” Blu said, “Where’s your husband, you didn’t throw him overboard or make him walk the plank did ya?”

Nan cuffed Blu on the side of the head as she walked by him, “Smartass,” she kept walking through to the kitchen.

“Then what; did you do sex him to death?” he asked as they turned the corner into the kitchen only then realizing what he’d actually said in front of the two boys. “Crap,” he mumbled.

Levi smirked, “Who’s the OLD woman? Did she escape from a nursing home?”

“Levi!” Arabella admonished her brother, eyes bulging as she entered the kitchen, “You should apologize right now.”

“For what? I was just asking a question. Geez,” Levi rolled his eyes and Kaleb burst out laughing.

“Hi Nan,” Kaleb managed between gasps, “How’s the ball and chain?”

Nan rolled her eyes, “What is this obsession with my husband, I know you boys all like the big D. But seriously he’s too old for you anyway,” she held her hands apart indicating the length of the Judge's appendage, “out of your league.”

“NAN!” Blu, Kyle, and Davis yelled, all pointing to the kids while Kaleb fell out of his chair laughing.

Levi looked at the old woman pointing his finger at Nan, “You escaped from the Nutfarm didn’t you?”

“Not quite, Sonny, but close. Now is someone going to tell me who this lad is?” Nan said pointing to Levi, she leaned in close to him stage whispering, “I’m watching you Freckles.” Giving the boy the two finger point between her eyes and the young kid.

“She must be blind too, she had to lean in to see my freckles,” Levi quipped at the old woman.

“Who is this kid, someone better tell me soon or you’ll be standing on the business end of a hissy fit,” Nan balled her fists at her side frustrated.

“Like you aren’t having one now,” Blu mumbled as he walked to the coffee maker. Plastering a smile on his face, “Coffee Nan?”

“Who’s the kid, or should I say, kids?” Nan said.

“Yes or No to the coffee Nan,” Blu yawned scratching his ass.

“Maybe we should call her an ambulance,” Levi looked at the woman as her face was as red as lipstick. “She might be havin’ an annerism thingy.”

The front door opened, next second Lily and Doug waltzed in the kitchen. Nan wore the biggest grin on her face, “Well, hello my Son,” she sauntered happily over to Doug.

“Uh-uh, old lady. You tell me why you up and married the crazy Judge, then left Blu to handle your business,” Doug crossed his arms making sure he didn’t leave his Mom any room to try and worm her way out with affection.

“Oh this is gonna be good,” Lincoln rubbed his hands together spinning his barstool around to watch from the island.

Nan turned around, “Shit there’s two of ‘em. What the hell is going on here?”

“You might be right Levi,” Lincoln looked at his brother, “She might’ve escaped the Nutfarm.”

Blu swatted at the two boys with a hand towel, “Enough you two, stop being rude,” he could barely keep the smile off his face. He had half a mind to let Levi and Lincoln loose on the old woman for giving him so much crap. He then flicked Kaleb’s ear, “Don’t encourage them.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kaleb laughed fist-bumping Levi who snickered and Lincoln giggled uncontrollably.

Kyle glared at the three, “Stop it, this is too good to interrupt,” he watched as a Nan tried to squirm her way out of the conversation with Doug.

“If you two are going to go at it, take it elsewhere,” Blu indicated to the kids, “kids go up and get ready for the day.” Blu requested so they wouldn’t be subjected to Doug and Nan arguing.

“Awe,” Lincoln whined, “Can we come back and listen after?”

“Go…” Blu tried not to laugh, “Davis can you go and make sure they do please?”

“Awe, it was just getting good,” Davis whined shepherding the kids upstairs.

Doug and Nan were in a standoff, Lily followed Davis to help with the kids. Once they were all out of sight Blu set in on his Dad and Grandmother.

“You two are unbelievable, Nan you got married without the family present. Then you run off on your honeymoon and leave me with the fallout,” Blu huffed, “and you Dad took all of your frustration with Nan out on me. It’s not like I knew about it and didn’t tell you…”

“Blu…”

“No, I don’t want to hear it. I have bigger and better things to worry about. We are in need of cranberry sauce; I suggest you two go and get some together. Make sure you work your shit out before you come back into this house. When you come back remember there are kids here,” Blu gave his Dad some money, “see if you can get some beer while you're out. I doubt you can get any but try anyway. We have wine so we’re good otherwise. Okay then, Bye-Bye,” Blu led them through the house to the front door, slamming it after they’d left.

Walking back into the kitchen, Blu sat down already exhausted, “I wonder where her husband is, she never answered us, did she?”

Kyle shook his head, “She totally avoided it,” Kyle smiled, “The boys were pretty damn hilarious. I almost pissed my pants when Lincoln slammed the door on Nan. Then, Levi asking if she escaped the Nutfarm, where do they come up with this stuff?”

“I’ve no idea,” Blu laughed, “as funny as it is, we’ll have to watch him because it’s disrespectful. I don’t mind so much if she gives it first, but I don’t want to encourage him so he thinks the behavior is acceptable.”

“Oh, Dad,” Kaleb mocked Blu, he laughed making an innocent face.

“Huh? What about Dad?” Blu scrunched up his nose.

“Loosen up,” Kaleb laughed, “The woman can handle anything the twins can dish out.”

Blu scowled at Kaleb, “Blondie help me out here, we are trying to get Levi to curb his behavior. We can’t encourage him on one hand then admonish him with the other. It’s not fair to him.”

“He’s right Kaleb,” Kyle sat back in his chair, “I loved how Levi could make her squirm, but I don’t want to have to punish him for it after letting him have free reign with her.”

“You guys are both no fun,” Kaleb sighed, “When did you both get so damn old?”

“This is why you’re the fun Uncle Shithead, after you spoil the crap out of them we get to be the boring old ones,” Blu smirked, “So if you think about it, we’re the ones that make you look good.”

“Well keep making me look good then,” Kaleb said smugly, “I’ll be the favorite with all four of the kids.”

Levi came around the corner, “Where’s my pancakes fun Uncle?”

Kaleb grimaced, “Uh… um… I forgot I got busy watching Nan and Pappy argue.”

“I’ll call Uncle Jared,” Levi said pulling his cell phone out of his pocket, “Maybe he’ll feed me.”

Just as Levi was ready to dial his phone the front door sprung open. Kasey fell butt first onto the floor as he pulled on the puppies leash, “Come Potty.” After Kasey was laying on the floor glaring at his dog, the puppy walked past the boy wagging his tail.

Levi walked over helping Kasey up, “Hi Kasey, Spot giving you a hard time?” he asked as he knelt beside his cousin.

“Uh huh, Potty dint wanna come in,” Kasey rubbed his butt as Spot tried to jump up on Khan. “Hi Canny,” Kasey said wrapping his arms around Khan's neck hugging him.

Kyle’s phone rang he pulled it out of his pocket, “Mhmm, ya he’s here and so is Spot. Okay, see you in a bit,” Kyle slid his phone into his pocket staring at Blu, “Kasey snuck out of the house without Mason or Jared knowing where he went.”

“Crap, do you think we should hide him? Jared’s going to lose his freakin’ mind,” Blu’s eyes went big, worried how Jared would react.

Kyle laughed, “Jared isn’t gonna hurt him, Mason would strangle Jared before that happened.”

“I know that, but he’s got to be seriously pissed. How does he keep getting out?”

“Houdini opens our house door, remember,” Kyle rolled his eyes chuckling.

Jared walked in the house flustered, “I think we are getting deadbolts installed,” he said sitting Kasey’s diaper bag on the table. Mason laughed as he followed Jared into the dining room.

Mason looked at the stressful look Jared’s face had, “You’re gonna have no hair if you keep worrying so much.”

“I know but I can’t help it Ba…” Jared looked at his brother and brother-in-law, “Mason.”

Kyle gave his twin a knowing look, “So guess who showed up here today.”

Jared stared at his brother, “Hmm… is she barely five feet tall and does she have grey hair?” Kyle nodded his head. “Is she dead? I didn’t see Dad or Nan,” Jared looked at Blu warily.

“I sent them out on a fool's errand, they were getting into it in front of the kids,” Blu sniped, “Levi was getting mouthy weren’t you sunshine?” he tipped his chin at the young boy.

“Ya,” Levi mumbled his eyes dropping to the floor, “Sorry.”

Jared snickered, “Kasey come here,” the little boy crawled up onto his lap smiling innocently. “Kasey you worried Daddy and Pa… Mason,” Jared kissed Kasey’s forehead.

“Potty wana walkt,” Kasey hugged his Dad’s neck.

“Spot can wait to go for a walk until one of us can go with you buddy,” Jared hugged Kasey kissing him again.

“Can breav,” Kasey squirmed out of Jared’s arms, “Evi pay?” he asked grabbing Levi’s hand dragging his older cousin into the living room.

“He’s too cute,” Mason smiled as the two boys walked out of the room, “And he has you wrapped around his little finger, Jared.”

“Oh, don’t even go there Mason,” Jared smirked, “He plays you like a fiddle too when he wants a new toy, you take him shopping.”

Chris came in carrying baby Harmony in his arms, “Sorry, we’re not late, are we? Destiny couldn’t find shoes she wanted to wear,” He sank into the chair next to Davis as Steph walked in holding Destiny’s hand.

“No, you’re good,” Kyle smiled at the tired look on Chris’s face, “Pass her over here,” Kyle motioned, “Destiny, Kasey is in the living room playing with Levi.” She scrunched her little face up looking strangely at Kyle, “Second thought, kids come here please.”

Arabella came in carrying Kasey while the boys were followed by the two dogs. Chris and Steph looked at the kids smiling then their gaze shifted to Kyle and Blu inquisitively.

“Uh, well you were both busy having Harmony,” Kyle shifted nervously in his chair with Harmony cooing in his arms, “Chris and Steph, these are our kids Arabella, Levi has the green cast for a couple more weeks, Lincoln is the one trying to hide behind his brother. Guys this is your Uncle Chris and Aunt Steph, their daughter Destiny and your cousin standing beside them. I’m holding your other cousin Harmony.”

The twins smiled saying a shy ‘hello’ as the boys went over to look at the baby.

Levi looked at the infant then at her mother, “Can I touch her?” he asked quietly.

“Of course you can, have you ever held a baby before?” Steph approached Levi cautiously, but smiling warmly.

“What do I do?” Levi shifted nervously on his feet.

“Sit in the chair just like Kyle,” she looked at Kyle, not knowing what to call him, he nodded his head. As Levi sat down Kyle gave baby Harmony back to Steph. She then stepped over to Levi, “Hold your arms just like Kyle had his, you need to support her head. Her muscles aren’t strong enough to do it for her yet.”

Levi tried imitating what Kyle had done. He looked at Kyle who nodded his head signaling he was doing good. “Like this?” Levi asked.

Steph nodded with a smile, “Good Levi, just like that,” she lowered harmony down into Levi’s embrace, “how does that feel?”

Levi leaned his face close to Harmony rubbing noses together, “You’re so cute,” he said in a babyish tone. Harmony cooed latching onto Levi’s finger. “You like me?” Levi sat up straight smiling as the adults watched him.

Doug and Nan returned giving each giving the other the silent treatment, Nan slammed down the cranberry sauce on the counter. Her son entered with a case of Rolling Rock. Blu observed his Dad while he shoved the beer in the fridge one six-pack at a time.

“How’d you get the beer Dad?” Blu asked knowing he probably wasn’t able to buy it anywhere on this day.

He stood back up closing the refrigerator smirking at Blu, “My son has a catering business remember, so thank you, Kaleb, your new Manager was too afraid not to give a carton to the boss’s father.”

Kaleb laughed waving his hand, “Ralph is paranoid about being fired from his first big job, the truth is he is very detail oriented at how the catering business runs. The kid is talented I am not letting him go anywhere, he makes Chris and my life easier. We also won’t let on just yet,” Kaleb laughed, “he’ll ask for a raise.”

“You wouldn’t want to get rid of him then right?” Doug asked hopefully, something caught his eye and his whole face lit up, “James, Teddy, guys how are you?” he walked across the kitchen to greet the two men. “Liv, honey, I didn’t see you behind the two mountains,” The rest of the family waiting to hug and greet the two enormous men and Liv as the doorbell rang.

Teddy pushed Doug’s hand that was offered out of the way wrapping Doug in a big bear hug, “Great to see you, Doug,” he put Doug down from the hug.

James laughed offering his hand to Doug, “Teddy thinks everybody needs a hug, nice to see everybody is here.”

Lincoln went to the door flanked by Khan and Kasey, opening it to find the Colonel and his wife. Lincoln’s body stiffened yelling, “Bl… Blu… the old woman called the Army,” he said backing up from the door.

Blu ran to the door to find out what had frightened Lincoln, the boy was backing away from the door holding Kasey’s hand, Khan, however, was already sharing the love with the Colonel’s wife.

“Go back to the kitchen kiddo, I’ll take care of the Army,” Blu chortled, “it’s the Marine’s by the way, Bud,” Blu threw over his shoulder at the retreating little guys. Laughing he opened the door properly giving the Colonel and his wife room to enter as he held Khan out of the way. As Blu was about to shut the door the Judge showed up. “Hey there, we were wondering what happened to you. Everyone’s gathered in the kitchen, I’m not too sure how much room is left in there we might have to move to the dining room.”

“Oh, I went to see my Son, they are having lunch with his wife’s family so I just popped in to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving,” Steven said, he eyed the gathering as they walked toward the kitchen, “Phyllis wanted to handle Doug on her own, how did that go?”

“Don’t know, they were fighting so I sent them on an errand to work their crap out. They have only just returned. It doesn’t seem as though they’ve sorted anything out but at least they are quiet at the moment. I won’t have them two idiots ruin this day, this is my and Kyle’s first Thanksgiving with our own kids. Kyle has been looking forward to it for weeks, so if you can wrangle your half, I’ll try with my half and maybe my husband can get the day he wanted,” Blu said bitterly.

“Kids?” Steven asked with a raised brow.

“Yeah, long story,” Blu said, “we’ll be introducing them to you in a minute.” Steven nodded his acknowledgment as the joined everybody in a packed kitchen.

Steph gathered Harmony from Levi as she started to fuss for food. Kyle introduced their children to the remaining family they hadn’t met. The kids were the center of conversation while they waited for dinner to finish cooking. Levi and Nan did some verbal sparring which Nan actually lost at, she pouted like she was a small child herself. Soon the family had gathered around as food was spread across the tabletop.

Kyle stood up at the head of the table tapping his spoon on his glass, “Everybody I would like to say thank you for coming to share in our families first Thanksgiving together,” Kyle’s eyes focused on Blu and the kids, “I’m so happy to have the privilege to help raise three of the greatest kids in the world. Blu, you made everything I have ever dreamed of come true the day we were married, then these three came along and just made it even better,” Kyle raised his glass, “to family,” he said taking a drink as he sat down.

The guests all raised their glasses, “To Family,”