laykenmilestone-blog

[laykenmilestone-blog]

sophiamilestone:

family ties & sophia’s lies | sophia & layken

special delivery for @laykenmilestone

Sophia had been in and out of sleep for hours. Her body was still as weak as ever and she couldn’t bring herself to stay awake for more than a few minutes at a time. A part of her didn’t want to deal with reality, however, so it had its upside. Her family was fully notified about her little incident and it had become increasingly aware that the only person involved in the drug use was Sophia. Most people had suspected that perfect little Sophia had been drugged and that was the problem here. What they didn’t know before, however, was it was all on her. She had done it, and she had been doing it for months now. Which was why she wanted to avoid confrontation with her family. But she knew that wouldn’t happen. Especially not when she opened up her eyes for the zillionth time and this time caught sight of a familiar blonde. Layken. Someone she thought might understand the most, but that still didn’t make the situation better. She still felt bad for what happened and what was worse was that Sophia didn’t want to admit that she was using. She was in denial. —After gaining full sight back in her eyes, Sophia let out a loud groan as she stretched her body and looked at her sister. “Hey…” The female whispered as she kept her light hues focused in on her. “How long have you been sitting there?”

Layken knew Montreal’s events had a thing for turning to the worst possible outcome there was. Yet she had been blissfully unaware -- with a child at home, a second sitting in her stomach causing her to feel sick all day and night, she didn’t feel much like going out but rather dozed off on the couch. At least she did that until her phone ripped her out of her sweet dreams, and she was faced with the most unexpected and confusing call she’d ever gotten. She didn’t hesitate a single second before throwing on her coat and barging out the door to drive to the hospital ( well, truth be told, she did hesitate a second in which she made sure that someone was watching over Hayley ). But then she wouldn’t leave the doctors alone until she was sitting next to Sophia, keeping an eye on the redhead who drifted in and out of sleep, but never seemed conscious enough to talk to her. Layken ended up surfing through the internet, which felt horribly stupid next to what was going on in real life -- but did she have any other choice than wait for Sophia to wake up? A weak voice eventually caught her attention, and a quick gentle smile curved the corners of her lips upwards. She had been in Sophia’s place, more or less, and she knew the last thing one needed or wanted to see in such a situation was an angry face. “Hey there.” She said softly, putting her phone away and inching closer to the bed. “I don’t know. A couple of hours, give or take. How do you feel, Soph?”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

d-milestone:

“We’re just both already so busy,” Danielle sighed thinking about both of their schedules, Luca, and even Gabriela. “I just want to make sure that Jamie has the wedding they’ve always dreamed of.” And a wedding planner seemed like they could do a better job of bringing all of it to life, as they had the connections and resources to do so. Besides, it wasn’t like they’d be left out of the process. But at least this way, there would be checks and balances, and Gabriela wouldn’t be able to take control of every aspect to create her own vision.

“I think we’ll just have to go shopping and see if I have one of those aha! moments that everyone always talks about,” Danielle giggled, having never felt that way about an article of clothing, but there was a first time for everything. 

“Then that’s an option you should discuss. If you’re both so busy, I doubt they’ll say no, right?” No sane person would, not in Layken’s mind. Knowing stress like the back of her hand, she wouldn’t necessarily want to add to that, especially with something as time-consuming as wedding planning. Then again she would also want to make all the decisions and planning herself so... maybe it wasn’t all that clear after all. “A wedding planner has lots of connections and experience. It has its perks to be able to be in contact with someone who knows the best services in town.”

Grinning, Layken pushed her hair out of her eyes. “Does that mean I get to go shopping with you? Damn, you make all my dreams come true.” She teased, gently nudging her sister. “And hey, even if it’s not a dress that gives you an aha! moment, I’m sure we’ll still find the perfect outfit for you.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

berneout:

This was great, just great. First time in a foreign country, all of his belongings in two suitcases and a carry-on and he couldn’t figure out the international calling thing to let Holly know he had arrived. Levi looked around and approached a stranger. “It might be biscuits to a bear, but have you got a phone I can borrow?”

Layken glanced up from the bags in her hands she was trying to rearrange ( or repack ) so there were fewer she had to carry, an instant smile growing on her lips as she looked at the young man in front of her. “Oh, of course I do! Wait a moment.” Placing her bags between her legs, she reached into her bag and pulled out her phone, extending it towards him. “Here you go.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

sophiamilestone:

“Play babysitter? I mean, I’m totally okay with that. But I don’t you won’t my mind her coming home with painted nails, a bunch of temporary tattoos and potentially fire red hair. You know, to look more like me.” Like she would ever really do that, but she couldn’t help but bring it up and laugh at the idea. Sophia didn’t really have a lot of experience with children, but hell, she’d offer help with both Hayley and the new baby. They were family, after all. “I agree with you. Wanna be prepared and it’s too much anticipation. I feel like if the doctor knew and asked me if I wanted to know, I’d just sit there thinking it over and I don’t wanna bug my mind out with that idea.” She giggled. Sophia was happy that Layken wanted to know and that she was getting this excited over the new baby. This was a good thing. They needed positively in their lives and this was just the right amount. “No no, I definitely want to! I’m already thinking up ideas and games we can play. It’ll be fun. Plus, I was too young when Hayley was born and now that I’m older I wanna be as involved as I can.” Looking over at her sister, Sophia offered a wide smile to assure her she wanted to be a part of this and that she was happy. “You didn’t mess up. Life just went a little wonky. You’re going to be amazing at this, though. Having two babies to love on. So I wouldn’t be scared if I were you. Just be happy that life gave you this little miracle.” 

“I see. Trying to make a mini you until you pop one out yourself, huh?” Layken joked, a soft laugh rolling off her tongue as she shook her head. “As long as she thinks its fun, whatever -- go ahead and do it. Just don’t tell anyone you got my permission, I have to pretend to be shocked when I see it.” Which she probably would be either way; Layken could already see herself faint the day Hayley decided to come home from a slumber party with dyed hair and a tattoo. Fortunately, that was hopefully quite a few years in the future. “I think I would just be scared. Like, what if my mind secretly prepared for a girl and then they tell me in the hospital it’s a boy? That’s a big shift. So yeah, I definitely want to be prepared. It also makes shopping a whole lot easier.” She admitted, already beaming at the idea of being able to buy tiny clothes again. Sure, they had some stuff left from Hayley, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t buy new things. “Okay, then you should do it. And if you need help, just let me know. You could also ask Danielle, but I don’t think she has any more experience on gender reveal parties than you do.” She winked at her younger sister, entirely relieved and happy with the way this conversation went. “I’m trying to. It’s a bit overwhelming though, and... well, not everybody’s reaction is as enthusiastic as yours. But I’m trying to stay confident here.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

d-milestone:

“Besides, you know, saying ‘I do’ and all,” Dani chuckled easily, always more relaxed in Layken’s presence when they were just talking like this, without pressures of children, work, or relationships. It reminded her of when they were younger. “Do you think I should get a wedding planner?” She asked, genuinely. She and Jamie were both quite busy, and with the addition of house hunting, it would be nice to have someone to bring them ideas to choose from, instead of having to go out and find them.

But at the question about what she would be wearing, Dani bit her bottom lip. “I’m not sure yet.” Her dark blue eyes shifted back up to her sister with a knowingly gaze. “Though I know what you want me to say,” she mused with a small smile, knowing that Layken would push for a dress.

“I don’t know.” Layken answered honestly, shrugging her shoulders as she leaned back in the couch. “It depends on whether you think it would make your life easier or harder to involve a third person. And if you’d rather sit back and relax while somebody else does the hard work, or plan it all yourself. It surely has its perks, though, especially when you’re both busy.” Which Layken suspected was the case, considering their jobs, Luca, and the dogs. And that house guest she figured they still had hanging around the apartment all the time.

“Hey”, she said quickly, shaking her head. “Just because I think a wedding dress would look beautiful on you doesn’t mean you have to wear one. You’re supposed to feel comfortable and happy, it being the best day of your life and all. So choose whatever the hell you want.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

sophiamilestone:

“I think I can manage that. Hanging out with you while eating bon-bons and watching television because your belly is so big it hurts to move? I’m all for it.” Sophia laughed at her words. She meant it, too. Sophia was younger when Hayley was born so she wasn’t as involved with the child’s upbringing—then again, not too many in the Milestone family were. But she didn’t want to miss out on it this time. “Okay good, I am just checking. Some people like waiting to find out the sex and I honestly don’t get why. It’s more exciting when you know what you’re looking for and what you want to name them. Then you get to imagine it all up and what not.” Not that Sophia really knew either way. “You… You want me to organize a gender reveal party? I… I would be honored to do something like that.” It was then she lit up in excitement. Being a part of Layken’s life and this baby’s life was important to Sophia, so of course she was happy about this. “Scared? Why would you be scared? You’re having a baby! This is good news.” 

“God, I don’t even know how to handle that with Hayley around. It was so much easier to just keep lying on the couch or in bed towards the end of the pregnancy, but I doubt she’ll let me do that this time around. You could also just play babysitter for me so I can do all those things.” She teased, winking at her sister. “Oh, I don’t know. I get why some people want to wait, I’m sure it can be a nice surprise, but... I just want to be prepared. I think otherwise it would just go down the wrong way.” She admitted, pulling up her shoulders slightly -- this time around, Layken was not scared to admit that this was a lot to handle, that it scared her at times even. Because if she didn’t admit to that,  chances were it would end the same time it did with Hayley. “Only if you want to, of course. But yeah, that would be great. If you want to, you should do it.” She smiled happily, clapping her hands together. “Well, you wouldn’t know, but a child is a whole lot of work. And I messed up the last time. But... yeah, right now I’m more excited than scared too.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

d-milestone:

Out of the three Milestone sisters, practically no one would guess that Danielle would be the first to walk down the aisle – or stand at the end of the aisle, she wasn’t sure yet – but luckily, Dani couldn’t see any semblance of jealousy or contempt in Layken’s features for her upcoming nuptials. And she was able to read her sister pretty well, so she felt confident in that.

“Awesome,” Dani let out in a soft laugh as Layken lunged towards her and ended up pinning Danielle against the couch in a hug. The older blonde wrapped her strong arms around her younger sister’s form and reveled in the moment, knowing it wouldn’t ever come again. “Can you also google what a bride does, while you’re at it?” The veteran teased as Layken eventually lifted off of her and moved back to the other side of the couch.

“What a bride does?” Layken repeated, breaking out into an amused laugh. She knew plenty of people would think she’d know what a bride does -- she was the kind of girl who looked through wedding magazines after all, and yes, she had gone shopping for quite a few brides in her last job, but she still had no clue what it actually meant -- other than the obvious stuff, of course. She always considered it way too much commitment and didn’t want to deal with it at all. Now that was a different story.

“I’m not sure google will be able to help you with that question. You’re supposed to be the kind of bride you want to be, not what the internet says a bride should be.” She pointed out with a smile, knowing her sister might not be the kind of woman to be enthusiastic about big bridal gowns and the likes. “So... do you know what you’re going to wear? You know I have to ask.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

adebailey:

“I think it’s definitely because of the internet,” Ade responded with a perked brow, a smile on his face. “Weird when you start to think about how different things are now.” He laughed then, nodding. “Thank you, I’m glad you finally admit it. But fine, okay, you keep on laughing!”

“It really is, isn’t it? The other day I saw a little girl with a smartphone going through instagram, and she didn’t look a day older than... 10 or 11, I’d say. That’s just crazy, if you ask me.” Layken shook her head, remembering that she didn’t have anything like the internet to worry about when she was the same age. “Okay, okay, I promise I’ll stop now. No more laughing about it.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

adebailey:

“That’s true… and I should know.” Truth be told, Ade had absolutely no idea who he’d been when he was younger – he’d just been a kid trying to get along. These days, so many of them seemed to have it all figured out, though. “For you, sure,” he laughed.

“You should, that’s right. Kids these days are an entirely different story though -- especially the teenagers. I wonder if that’s because of the internet.” Layken mused with a shrug of her shoulders. “Okay, okay, I admit, it’s very embarrassing for you. But it’s definitely a funny story to tell.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

Your sibling, after all, is the only other person in the world who understands how fucked up your parents made you.

Deb Caletti, The Nature of Jade (via bookhag)

@d-milestone + @laykenmilestone + sophia

(via sophiamilestone)

[laykenmilestone-blog]

sophiamilestone:

Layken’s past with Simon and Hayley was a rocky one and there was no denying that. But she was happy to finally see her sister in a good place. A place filled with joy and excitement. She deserved it more than most people Sophia knew, that was for sure. So, of course, she was going to celebrate along with this. They had room for another baby in their lives, after al. “Oh wow, so you’re freshly pregnant. Dang, that means I got forever to wait before my little niece or nephew is born. This is so crazy. I can’t believe this.” In a good way, of course. “Well, when you go to find out I wanna know. Wait, do you wanna know? You know what we should do? Have one of those gender reveal parties with the cake!” She continued, jumping way ahead of the game here. “That makes sense. Probably for the best if they stay away and all. Either way… I’m really happy for you, Layken. I’m glad I get to see you this happy.”

“That means you have forever to spoil me because I’m the pregnant lady in this family.” Layken joked, a grin on her lips. It really was quite some time left -- but she was sure that Hayley would be even more annoyed by the length of that time frame than her sister. “What? Of course I want to know! I want to be prepared, that took some of the crazy out of having Hayley. At least I knew it would be a girl, I could shop for that and whatever.” She chuckled softly, before nodding. During her last pregnancy, she hadn’t really celebrated it at all; no gender reveal party, no baby shower, no nothing. “Oh, that would be so fun. I would love that. You could organize it, if you want, I would love that.” She smiled, happily exhaling a deep sigh. “I’m happy to hear that. I was... a bit scared of what you would say.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

isabelxmeadows:

“The world’s totally going to miss out, then,” Isabel said with a smile. “But at least you told me about it.” She nodded, a gentle laugh escaping her as Madison continued. “Got it. Stick to what you know and all that, right? Best way to be.” A moment later, she stuck out her hand as she said, “I’m Isabel, by the way.”

“That’s what my parents always taught me, and I think I didn’t grow up to be all that fucked up.” Madison joked, even if she had to admit she didn’t always stick to what she knew. “Isabel -- it’s very nice to meet you. I’m Madison.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

d-milestone:

Danielle eagerly awaited Layken’s reaction to her proposed idea. She knew that most brides usually did something elaborate to ask their maid of honors or bridesmaids to be part of their wedding party, but it just felt right in the moment. And Dani wasn’t the type to do something like that – she was an intimate person, and though she was a woman of few words, the ones she spoke always held great meaning. Ergo, it was a more genuine offer than if she had held up a big sign or wrote the request in skywriting. 

“Seriously,” the older blonde confirmed with a nod, wondering if Layken was just surprised or actually in disbelief. Who else would she choose? After the whole debacle with her best friend of ten years, Danielle wouldn’t dare invite Spencer to stand up as her maid of honor in her wedding with Jamie, even if they had all moved on from the momentary lapse in judgement. It would be like a slap to Jamie’s face, and Dani would never do that to them. Spencer knew that, and had been working out her feelings over the past few months. She’d still be invited, but they both knew that they could never be as close as they once were. “So is that a yes?”

Pure, unbelievably huge excitement was coursing through Layken’s body. She had always been a fan of weddings, even if they kind of scared her up until a year ago or so -- but she never had friends she was close enough with to be their maid of honor, or they weren’t the kind of people to get married in the first place. Never would she have thought that she’d get to be Danielle’s maid of honor before either Sophia or her got married, but this was absolutely amazing. She couldn’t feel more flattered. 

“Are you kidding me? Hell yes! Of course I want to be your maid of honor!” She squealed, lounging forward to throw her arms around her sister and pull her into a tight hug. “I hope you won’t regret it though, because I have no clue what a maid of honor does. I’ll have to google that.” She joked as she pulled back with a smirk on her lips.

[laykenmilestone-blog]

adebailey:

“Yeah, exactly the same pretty much,” he responded. “Just a typical kid getting into mischief.” He shrugged his shoulders very casually, but laughter soon took over again as he admitted to what had happened, “Unfortunately. It’s kind of embarrassing to be honest.”

“Not everybody can be the ultimate bad boy or bad girl, or a drama queen or... whatever else.” Layken laughed softly, realizing that her daughter was already very good at combining all of those things. “Not that embarrassing. Rather funny.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

d-milestone:

Attuned to Layken’s every move, Danielle noticed how her hands moved from the hem of her shirt to rest upon her stomach, right atop where her embryo sat. It was still quite early on in the pregnancy and Danielle could recall the first time around – when Layken was pregnant with Hayley – when Dani had promoted some rather controversial alternatives to giving birth. Given that Layken had been a bit worse-off back then, Danielle’s concern was more justified, but now that she seemed to be in a stable relationship and was doing well with her career, the older Milestone doubted that there were any options to be considered besides welcoming a new son or daughter – or niece or nephew, in Danielle’s case – into the world.

Still, even if Danielle hadn’t been thrilled about Layken’s choice three or so years ago, she had remained by her sister’s side through thick and thin – even more-so than most other people in her life, despite being thousands of miles away. Dani vowed right then and there to support Layken through this pregnancy, as well. If her sister could make it through the hardships of her first pregnancy, this one shouldn’t be nearly as rough. It also proved that Layken could make it through anything.

Nodding once, Danielle regained her composure by clearing her throat and straightening her spine. “Right, well, I assume you know how hard it’ll be and how much work you’ll have to put into this.” Having been through this with Layken as her primary emotional support during Hayley’s pregnancy, she was sure that Layken would recall without having to be lectured. She was a big girl now. “But I think the hardest part…” Dani trailed off, seemingly serious, before cracking the smallest semblance of a smirk, “ – will be fitting into your maid of honor’s dress.”

The smile on Layken’s lips faltered for just a moment. Of course she remembered how hard it had been to be pregnant the first time around. It was far from easy, but she had also been an entirely different person back then. While she was still scared of it this time around, of failing the way she had failed with Hayley, she was adamant and excited to do better. To not miss out on all the things she had missed with Hayley. She had learned to be a much better mother than she ever thought she could be, and she intended to be the same woman for her second child. 

She expected Danielle to break out in a long and drowsy monologue about how she failed the first time -- and she wouldn’t have blamed her for it, after all Danielle had to put up with her all the way through it; but when her sister ended with an entirely different sentence than Layken had expected her to, the smile was quickly growing on her face once more. “Maid of honor? Seriously?” She asked, not wanting to get too excited before she knew for sure.

[laykenmilestone-blog]

sophiamilestone:

Another baby. This was huge. Sophia had to process the idea of it a few more times, but when she had, she oozed with excitement. She knew how much Hayley meant to Layken and how the little girl brought her so much joy… So, of course, she figured another baby would do the same. Layken deserved to be happy and Sophia could see it in her body language and the tone of her voice, that this had made her happy. “Layken, oh my god!” The red-head let out, a smile growing widely across her features. “This is crazy! I mean, good crazy, but wow. Holy shit.” She wasn’t sure what to say at first, as she was a little too overjoyed about being an aunt again. “How.. how long have you known for? And how far along are you? Do you know the gender? Have you told Danielle? Or mom and dad?” Now she was overloading her with questions, but could anyone really blame her?

Layken could feel the weights roll off her shoulders as a smile spread over her sister’s features. After the way Simon reacted, with joy but hesitant, this was exactly what she needed. Someone to be overjoyed and happy for her, someone to remind her that it was okay to be excited -- that she didn’t have to be scared because of her past and how her first pregnancy ended initially. “Not long. I just... found out a few days before Christmas. And I’m not that far along either -- I caught the symptoms early this time. Eight weeks now, give or take. I’ll now for sure at my next check up. So no, no gender yet. I think that’ll take some more time.” She chuckled, brushing her hair behind her ears as she felt her cheeks heat up a little. “I told Danielle, yeah. Mom and dad... no. I’m not sure if or when I’m going to tell them about it either. I kind of made a cut there a while ago, and I don’t intend to reverse it. They’re not good for me.”

[laykenmilestone-blog]

adebailey:

“Me neither. Not really. I liked to have fun, but I wasn’t particularly naughty, you know?” Ade smiled, thinking on that for a moment. “Couple of times. The worst thing is, I even fell for the bucket on top of the door thing once.”

“Yes, exactly. I liked to have fun, a lot, and I did break a few minor rules, but that’s about all that happened when I was a child. My daughter is very different.” Layken chuckled. “No way. They did that to you?”