#chmergs

[sarahjane0886]

A Time to Grow 94

AN: Heyyy all, soo ya know quarantine life means extra time on your hands. I’m working from home and have been trapped in our “office” so that means I'm limited at what I can be doing soooooo guess who gets a random update. I’m hoping to get you all some more if there’s any of you still out there lol! Hopefully you’re all doing good, staying safe and staying home if you can during this crazy time.  I thought maybe we all needed a some fluff and somethings to take our minds off things

Addie - 11

Clara - 5

"Papa?" Clara asked from the backseat of the car as they came home from her gymnastics practice the one day. 

"What's up little one?" Maks asked immediately, hearing the nerves in Clara's voice. 

"I don't want to go to school." She said as her voice cracked. 

"Baby......" Maks said softly. A few weeks ago, they had gone to sign Clara up for kindergarten. She would be going to the same school as Addie. Addie was still there for two more years so they had hoped it would help with the transition for Clara. Clara had been extremely resistant to the idea however. On more than one occasion she had voiced her displeasure at the upcoming change in her life. This however was the first time that she seemed genuinely upset. In the past, she had simply stated that "No, I do not want to go to school." Then she'd move on with things like it hadn't happened. 

"I don't want to not be with you. I don't want to not be with Momma. I don't want to go somewhere without you. Please don't make me papa. Please." She said desperately. Maks looked back in the rearview mirror and could see her starting to panic and meltdown. 

"Sweetheart, can you take a deep breath for me. I'm going to stop and then we can talk okay?" Maks said as he realized they were near the park by their house. 

"No....home....please." She said as she tried to do what Maks had asked. He figured she probably wanted her lovies which were not going to be anywhere if they stopped. 

"Okay, we'll go home. We're almost there. Then we'll talk." He said gently. She nodded her head as the tears kept falling down her cheeks. Her breathing seemed to settle a bit and Maks focused on getting them home. Once they were there, he parked and went around to help her out of the backseat. Instead of jumping out however, she reached for him and wrapped her arms around his neck clinging to him tightly.

"I got you little one." Maks murmured, holding her tightly, he reached in and grabbed her gym bag and slipped it on his arm before heading into the house. 

"Hey....how was....oh did she fall asleep?" Peta asked as she seen Clara attached to Maks like a little monkey. 

"No. Actually...." Maks started but was interrupted by Clara's sob which made Peta look at the two in concern. 

"School." Maks said softly. 

"Ohhh."

"Papa, can we get Whiskers please?" Clara asked through her tears. 

"Alright love, lets go get Whiskers and then we'll head outside. Momma is going to come too okay? So we can all talk." Maks said as he rubbed her back.  

"I'm going to go tell Addie where we'll be. She's working on her English project." Peta said. Addie was taking an accelerated English program so she had a little bit of summer work. Maks nodded and headed towards Clara's room so he could gather her things before he headed out to the swing.

"Hey Buttercup." Peta said sitting down next to the two of them. Maks shifted and Clara slid between her parents. Her tears and sobs continued however as the realization of school had seemed to completely sink in. 

"It's okay baby." Mask whispered softly as they left her get this out. They had learned with both girls that rather than talking them down, they needed to just let them feel what they needed to with the exception of hysterical sobbing. In those cases, they did their best to comfort or soothe. It took a good fifteen minutes before Clara started to settle to where they could talk to her. 

"Are you ready to talk things over with us sweetheart?" Peta asked pressing a kiss to her head once she felt Clara had calmed enough. 

"I guess momma." She said with her lip trembling still. 

"Okay buttercup, so you don't want to go to school." Peta said as she didn't completely catch what had happened when the two came in but she assumed that's what the issue was.

"No. I don't want to be not with you and Papa anymore." She said as she shook at the thought. 

"Baby, I know you're scared, I was too." Peta said as she brushed some of Clara's hair out of her face as Clara pressed as tightly into Maks's shoulder as she could. 

"You was...?" Clara said in complete shock, surely her super momma didn't get scared. 

"I was. I was scared of going to a new place and not knowing anyone and being away from Gigi and Pappy."

"Like me?" 

"Just like you. And you know what buttercup?"

"What?" 

"It's okay to be scared, you know that right?" 

"But I don't like it. It makes my tummy feel funny and sometimes I get wet eyes and then I cry. And I don't want to be scared." Maks could feel her anxiety kicking up again as she explained things to Peta so he shifted her slightly and nestled her better into his arms. He felt her body relax just very very slightly.

"It is a very funny feeling sometimes buttercup but you know what? It just means you're growing up. And sometimes when we grow up we have to do some things that are a little scary at first but then they get less and less scary every time you do it." 

"What if it doesn't?" Clara asked softly. 

"Then we work on it. Do you remember when you were learning your backbend and you were super scared to do it because you didn't like going backwards and not being able to see?" 

"Yeah, I fell all the time cause Miss Natalie said I would panic and freeze and that wasn't good."

"Right! It wasn't. Then what did Miss Natalie do?" 

"She showed me some things to help and then shed spot me and she showed you and Addie how to spot me too so I could practice and get better."

"That's right. And that's what a lot of things will be like as you grow up. They may be scary initially but then as things get going, we'll figure out ways to help and how to make it better." 

"Can you and Addie come spot me in Kindergarten?" Clara asked innocently, making both of her parents grin in response. 

"That won't work this time little one but you do have Addie down the hall from you. So she's in the same place as you, just in different rooms." 

"Oh..."

"Did you know Addie was scared about Kindergarten too?" Peta said remembering Addis's first day. 

"No! Addie loves school!" Clara said in shock. 

"She does now but she was super nervous the first day. She even cried. I'll bet if you asked her about it, she'll explain everything to you so you know what to expect." 

"Will she?" 

"I think so. You want to ask her now?" 

"In a minute. Is it okay if I'm still scared?" Clara said as she curled back into Maks and reached for Peta's hand. 

"It's okay buttercup, you just let Papa or I know what you need okay? I promise we'll keep you safe and we wouldn't send you anywhere that we thought you wouldn't like."

"Momma is right little one. While all little ones have to go to school at some point, Momma and I get to pick where you go and we know you'll like it." 

"Just like when you picked my new gym?" 

"Exactly like that." 

"Oh. Okay." She said nodding her head before becoming quiet. Peta looked at Maks to see if he thought they should keep talking but he shook his head no slightly. He figured she was calm for now, there would be more meltdowns later and they'd have to find other things to talk about to help with the situation. With Addie, they only had issues the first day and then after that when they found out Peta was pregnant. The second time however had nothing to do with her actually going to school but had everything to do with her fear of something physically happening to Peta. 

The three sat on the swing for quite some time letting Clara do what she needed. She stayed curled up with both of her parents just taking in their comfort. After a while Addie came to find them and joined them on the swing. 

"Addie...." Clara said after a little bit of the four sitting there. 

"Yeah Clar?" 

"I'm ascared of school. Momma and Papa said you cried too but now you love it." 

"I did cry on my first day cause I got super nervous but Momma and Papa promised me that I was safe and that I'd like it. And they were right." 

"What happens? Momma and Papa telled me the same thing but my tummy still feels funny and I don't want to go yet. I like being with Momma and Papa and you." 

"I like being with you too but we have to go to school. It's how we learn things. I can tell you all about it though. Kindergarten is super fun. You learn but you play too and you do lots of crafts and sing songs. Wait, who is her teacher? Is it Miss Callie like me?" Addie asked. 

"Yes it's going to be Miss Callie." Maks answered as she shifted Clara some so she could see her sister on the other side of Peta. 

"Oh, good. I had Miss Callie too Clara. She is super super nice and friendly and she makes you feel safe. So before you go for the first day, you'll go visit with Momma and Papa and meet Miss Callie and see everything. She'll show you your seat, your cubby, the room, and everything so that it's not all scary when you go for real the first time. Then on the first day, when you get there, momma and papa will drop you off and then Miss Callie will help you find a friend. That's how me and Grace became friends. Miss Callie thought we'd be good friends and she was very right because we're still friends now. So then every day is pretty much the same, you get there and put your stuff up. You have free play which sometimes is whatever you want and sometimes centers which are cool. Then you have circle time where you learn songs, the days of the week, the date and all this cool stuff, then you get center time where you rotate through different places to play or places to make projects. Then everyone helps cleanup, you have snack time. You do story time and then you learn some things. Then you have either time in the playground or in the gym if it's rainy. Then Momma and Papa come. You have so much fun and it's so busy that it's time to go home before you know it." 

"What if I don't like my friend?" Clara asked pensively as she had listened to everything that her sister had said. 

"Then Miss Callie will help find you a new one. But you all get to play together all the time. Grace and I used to play with Lucy, Michael, Jordan, and Izzie everyday but sometimes we'd all play with the other kids too. Grace just ended up being my best friend." 

"Do I have to play with other people all the time? What if I want to be alone?" Clara asked. Peta knew that was probably an issue, while Clara was an absolute sweetheart and got along with everyone, there were moments when she just needed a break from everyone and would just ask to spend time alone or with Maks or Peta separately. It was like her shyness kicked in and she needed to reset. 

"Then you can do that. They have quiet corners and reading nooks where you can cuddle with a stuffed toy and look at a book or play with something quietly by yourself." 

"Did you do that?" 

"I did sometimes. I liked looking at the books and there was a huge stuffed monkey that I would cuddle with." 

"Oh. Okay." 

"Does that help some?" 

"A little. I'm still scareded." Clara said sheepishly. 

"It's okay Clar. There's two more things that might help some and even if you're still scared it's okay. Momma says we're allowed to be scared but we shouldn't let us stop it from at least trying new things. Right momma?" 

"Right baby." Peta said with a smile. 

"What are the two things?" Clara asked. 

"Well the first thing is that I'll be in the same place as you for this year and next year before I move to the new building. So even though you'll be in your own classroom, you'll still be in the same place as me. Like when we're at home but you're playing in the playroom and I'm practicing dance in the basement." 

"Oh, I like that. What if I need you?" 

"You can ask Miss Callie. You might be able to say hi to me sometimes but since I have to keep learning I won't be able to play but I could probably give you a hug quick." Addie said shrugging her shoulders and looking at Maks and Peta. 

"It's something we can talk to Miss Callie and your teacher about Addie Girl. As long as it's not all the time, it may be okay." Maks said. 

"Okay." 

"What's the other thing Addie?" Clara said as she continued to just take everything in. 

"Umm, wait, let me check and make sure it's real." Addie said realizing that she needed to make sure this would happen too. She leaned up to Peta and whispered in her ear. "Does she get to go on a shopping day like I do when it's school time?" 

"She does, you two can either pick to go together or have your own days." Peta said. 

"Oh good, I'm okay either way. Okay Clara so when it comes school time, you need some things, like a backpack and lunchbox for when you go to the studio after school. Then you need tennis shoes and clothes so Momma and Papa take us on a shopping day and we get to help pick everything out and then we go to dinner somewhere cool and it's a whole day for us. And I just checked with Momma and she said you get to do it too this year and that we can either have our own days or we can do a day together." 

"Ohh, really? Can we do it together?" 

"Yeah. we can do that." Addie said smiling. She had figured that is what her sister would pick. She thought it was pretty cool most times that Clara looked up to her and trusted her so much. Sometimes it was hard but for the most part she loved it and she loved being a big sister. 

"Yay! When do we get to go?" 

"Probably next week. You guys have about 3 weeks before you start. Clara, we have your Meet Miss Callie day in a few days and then maybe we can have the special day right after that." 

"Can we do a countdown?" Clara asked needing to know exactly when everything was happening. She had picked up the joy in the countdowns just as much as her sister had and enjoyed knowing when things were happening. 

"Yeah, we can do that. How about we work on it tonight after we finish dinner?" 

"Okay papa, thank you." 

"You're welcome little one. How do you feel about school now?" 

"Not as scareded as before but still a little bit. It helped talking to everyone. Thank you everybody." She said reaching to hug each of her family members. 

"You're welcome baby and just remember that you can talk to any of us whenever you need if you get scared okay?" 

"Okay." Clara said and with that they headed in to start dinner and then work on the countdown for the start of the school year. The next week passed pretty smoothly with dance and gymnastic practices along with Clara's Meet Miss Callie day. It had went by pretty smoothly with the only exception of Clara refusing to leave Maks and Peta's side. She did talk to Miss Callie and explored with her parents. Miss Callie assured that was fine and that all children adjust differently. They asked about the seeing of Addie if the need arose and she ensured that if at times that Clara needed a hug from her big sister, as long as it wasn't interrupting a lesson or a test, they could accommodate that. Clara seemed to relax a bit as she heard that. Everyone seemed to be a bit calmer after seeing that day go by smoothly. 

That following week was the shopping weekend and Clara was slightly excited but getting more and more anxious as they removed a pencil off the chart each night. The morning of shopping, Peta felt a small body climb into bed with her and snuggle under the blankets. 

"Whatcha doing buttercup?" She asked sleepily once she determined it was Clara. 

"I woke up early and I wanted to cuddle." She said simple as she curled into Peta. 

"Okay, momma likes her cuddles." Peta said snuggling Clara in. She pressed a kiss to her forehead as they laid there. "Are you ready for shopping today?" 

"Yeah, but I wish it wasn't school shopping." She said softly 

"Oh baby, I know you're still scared but I really do promise it's going to be okay." 

"How do you know?" Clara asked her head leaning back to look at her mother. 

"Because you are my brave little girl and you are smart, sweet, and kind and I know that even though it'll be hard and scary at first, you're going to have a great time and make lots of friends and learn lots of things." 

"Do I have to be brave?" 

"Maybe just a little bit but you'll get braver each day you go. Just like with your gymnastics." 

"I hope so." Clara said softly as she curled back into Peta. She became silent and Peta let her be. They had many of these conversations over the past week or so as they got closer. They continued assuring Clara that it was okay to be scared but that it would get better and she'd have a great time. She seemed skeptical at the end of each conversation but calmer at the same time.

"So we usually do breakfast before school shopping. Do you want to pick where we're going?" Peta asked her after they snuggled for a little bit. 

"Umm, can we get smoothie bowls? With blueberries?" Clara asked after thinking for a few minutes. 

"I'm pretty certain we can do that. We can go to Berry Bowl." 

"Ohh! I like Berry Bowl! Is it time yet? I'm excited for my smoothie bowl." Clara said perking up. 

"Well, someone needs a shower and clothes and we have to make sure Papa and Addie are awake." Peta said teasingly as she tickled Clara. 

"I'll go wake up Addie and then get my shower. Will you braid my hair today?" 

"Of course baby, whatever outfit you pick, you need tennis shoes today okay? Or your crocs. We're going to be walking a lot." 

"Okay momma. You're in charge of Papa." Clara said slipping off the bed and skipping out of the room. Peta nearly yelped as Maks pulled her back into him but giggled knowing that he had probably been awake nearly for the whole time but let them have their time. 

"Berry Bowl huh? How did we get kids who request smoothies and healthy things?" 

"Cause we showed them they were delicious." Peta said as she flipped over and cuddled into her husband. He pulled her in tight and they laid there for a second until they heard Clara yell in the hallway. 

"ADDIE IS UP. I'M SHOWERING!" She yelped making her parents laugh. At least if she was still terrified of school, she was excited about shopping. 

An hour and a half later, the family was pulling into Berry Bowl. They headed in and began to look at the menu. Addie hoisted Clara onto her back and they looked through the menu together as they waited in line. 

"Addie, can we share a smoothie with our bowls? Momma, can I get the Nutella bowl?" 

"I'll share one with you. I want the York Classic Bowl if that's okay. Just the kid one, the last time we came here and I got the regular, it was way too much." 

"Do you two know what smoothie to you want to share?" 

"Wanna do the Avocado/Blueberry Bliss, Clar?" 

"Sure. We like that one." 

"Okay, you two want to go find a table and Momma and I will be over after we order?" Maks asked the two. 

"Sure Papa. Come on Clara, we can figure out the shopping plan too and where we're going. Is it okay if we pick two little stores to see if they have deals?" Addie asked. 

"That's fine, you know the usual, Addie. Just a few things at those stores and the majority at the department stores." Peta said. 

"Okay, got it. Can we use your phone to look?" Addie asked. Peta nodded and handed Addie the phone after unlocking it. Addie and Clara went over to find a booth for the family. Clara slid in next to Addie and the two started looking at things on Addie's phone. 

"I can't believe how well they get along still." Peta said as she linked her arm through Maks's as they waited in line. 

"Me too. I mean Val and I had the same age gap and we mostly got along but I feel like that was due to circumstance. And we still fought a lot. Just like meaningless sibling stuff but those two are quite the pair. I'm proud of Addie for being the way she is with Clara. That's for sure. I think that has a lot to do with it honestly." 

"I agree. Clara knows that she can go to Addie at any time and she's there. And I know you were the same with Val and I was the same with Sam but this is different. They've fought like twice in their whole entire sisterhood. I keep waiting for Addie to hit the sassy moody teen years and shut down on Clara but it hasn't happened yet. Hopefully it won't happen."

"I hope not too. But I guess we deal with it as it comes. I feel like so far Addie has been receptive to us catching things and us talking to her." 

"Right, I think us starting with her little has helped with that. There were times when I thought we were explaining too much to her but I feel like she knows we're real and honest and that speaks volumes." Peta said as it was finally their turn and they ordered the family's breakfast. Their conversation halted as they took the order number to the table and joined the girls to continue planning their day. The girls had picked Fashion Island so that Addie could show Clara the carousel and because she was familiar with the stores. They picked to go to Splendid and Peek for Clara with Forever 21 & Abercrombie for Addie. Then they choose Macy's, Kohls, and Nordstrom Rack. Clara and Addie both also had some birthday money and allowance money so they asked to go to Claire's, Bath & Body, and Barnes & Noble. 

They made some progress at both of the girl's shop stores before they headed to Macy’s and that's when Clara decided she wanted Addie and her to get something that matched. 

“Addie, can we get something that matches?” Clara asked as they headed to girls’ section in Macy’s. 

“Clara, that’s not….” Peta started in having a good feeling Addie wasn’t going to want to do that. 

“That’s fine Clar, maybe just one or two things though okay?” Addie shrugged looking at her mother. It wasn’t really that big of deal to match her sister. They had done it numerous times and as long as it wasn’t an everyday thing. 

“Yes! Let’s start looking. We can pick something cool out so it’s not too babyish for you.” 

“Thanks Clara. Here papa, will you hold these please so I can help look too?” Addie said as she passed off the bags on her arms to Maks. 

“You three look, I’m going to run these to the cars.” He pressed a kiss to Peta’s cheek and left the three to look. 

“Clara, look at this! This would be cool with a jean jacket over top and either sandals or flats.” Addie said showing Clara a pleated vertically striped dress with a navy belt in the middle. It was striped with shades of blue and pink.

“I like that! Do they have it in both our sizes? Momma is this okay?” Clara eeped excitedly. 

“If you both like it and we can find it, that looks good to me.” Peta said as she started moving through the rack. 

“Addie look at this one too!” Clara said hold a dark jean dress that also had a belt and buttoned down the middle. “We could wear boots or flats” 

“I like that one too! Let’s get them both and try them on if its okay with Momma.” Addie said looking at Peta who nodded her agreement. Clara ended up finding two more dresses that she was in love with that they gathered for this round of trying on. They decided they’d do the matching outfits first and then once Maks was back, the girls could begin finding some of the things they needed. Peta usually had a list of so many tops, pants, and so on that each girl would need to update their clothing for the year. It was a big trip but typically they only did huge clothing trips once a year and then the girls got some around Christmas as well. 

“Ohh! I love them!” Clara said as they came out of the room in their striped dresses first. Addie nodded her head in agreement as she looked in the mirror checking to make sure it looked okay. 

“Whoa, look at my babies. Those dresses make you both look very grown up.” Maks said appearing next to Peta with two smoothies in his hands. “I brought treats!” 

“Oh! I want some!” Clara said bouncing over to Maks. 

“Not til you are in your clothes little one. I want to see what else you picked out. Are you all done shopping here already?” 

“No way papa! Momma said we’d pick out the sister outfits first and then go back for other things.” 

“Ohh, I see. I understand now. Okay lets see the next outfit.” Maks said twirling her before sending her back in. They spent the next few hours between the shops getting the girls everything they needed including a new backpack for Clara and lunch box and then all their supplies before heading to dinner. Once they got home, everyone dispersed to relax from the long day of shopping. 

“Come in.” Addie yelled hearing a knock on her door. 

“Can I read in here with you?” Clara asked as she leaned against her sister’s door jam already in her pjs holding her lovies and her Kindle. 

“Sure, come here.” Addie said as she slid over to let Clara climb in beside her. Having Clara appear in her room to read wasn’t that out of the ordinary but Addie could see that Clara was still worried about Kindergarten starting next week. Clara settled in next to Addie and got her Junie B. Jones' book started on her kindle as she curled up next to her big sister. Addie waited a few minutes thinking Clara was going to say something but started reading as well when Clara stayed silent. 

“Addie…” Clara said softly finally. 

“Yeah Clar?” 

“What if I’m never not scared?” She said with a shaky voice. “I been tryin to be not scared all day today and I liked shopping and having fun and Miss Callie was nice but I’m still scared.” 

“I promise you won’t be scared forever. It may take a little bit to not be scared but I promise it will be okay. I wasn’t as scared as you before the first day got here but then when it finally did, I got super scared in the car on the way there and I refused to get out. I made Papa carry me in and Sophie went with us too. It took me a long time to tell Momma and Papa goodbye but when I did, Miss Callie introduced me to Grace and then it got better. You might take a little longer for it to feel better but I know it won’t be scary forever. I promise.” 

“Pinky promise?” 

“Pinky promise.” Addie said, offering up her pinky. Clara locked hers with Addie and the two did their secret pinkie promise shake they started about a year ago. 

“Will you go in with me like you said Sophie went in with you?” 

“Yeah I can do that. We’ll probably take you first and then I’ll go down to my room.” 

“Okay, thanks Addie.” Clara whispered softly. 

“Anytime Clar, I’m your big sister. I’ll always be here to help. Here want me to read to you instead of the kindle?” Addie offered. Clara nodded and snuggled into her sister as she began to read. After a little bit Addie felt Clara’s head get heavy on her arm and realized she had fallen asleep. She shifted in the bed pulling Clara over before laying her Kindle down beside them. She curled up on the pillow next to her sister and fell asleep quickly as well. School shopping was extremely exhausting. 

The morning of school, both girls were up early, Addie out of excitement, Clara out of pure fear. Maks made his usual first day of school breakfast which consisted of FunFetti pancakes, fruit salad, and bacon. Clara hardly touched any of her food before Peta gave up and took her to do her hair. 

“How do you want to do your hair buttercup? How about we put your romper on and then you can decide after that.” Peta said as she found the romper Clara had picked to wear the first day. It was navy with butterflies and flowers all over it. Clara had only picked it because it was similar to the dress Addie had planned on wearing today as well. She handed the romper to Clara and helped her get in it before helping her get settled on the counter.

“Okay do you have any ideas?” Peta asked, to which she got a shrug. She figured she wasn’t going to get many answers out of Clara but wanted to try. 

“Curls or no curls?” 

“Curls.” Clara said softly. “You pick.” 

“Okay, let’s see. Here, you put some music on while we do your hair.” Peta said handing Clara her cell phone hoping the distraction would help some. She chose The Greatest Showman soundtrack and just sat there holding the phone while Peta worked on her hair. She curled the bottom and then pulled a few pieces back before intertwining them so that they looked like she had a heart in her hair. 

“All done baby. Here I gave you a heart.” Peta said holding up the mirror so Clara could see what her hair turned out like. 

“Thank you momma.” Clara said softly with a half smile. 

“You’re welcome buttercup, I promise you’re going to like Kindergarten. I’m going to go do Addie’s hair, you can either come with me or go down with Papa. He’s packing Addie’s lunch.” 

“I don’t have to lunch right?” 

“No, you only go for a half day, Papa and I will pick you up before lunch. Some days we will pack you a lunch if you’re going to come to the dance studio after school with us though. That sound okay?” 

“Yeah.” She said reaching for Peta’s hand. She went with Peta to do Addie’s hair and waited quietly as Peta tied Addie’s hair in a similar style minus the need to curl it. Addie was wearing a flowy navy dress with tiny flowers all over it. The dress came with a long tan light sweater that she had on also. 

“Okay, you’re both done. We just have to go get your bags and then we’ll head out.” Peta said after confirming Addie was good with her hair. 

“Can we have a minute?” Addie asked Peta looking at Clara who had stayed silent the entire time. 

“Yeah sure sweet pea, just a few minutes though we do need to go so we have time to take you both.” Addie nodded and Peta left the two alone. Addie led them over to her bed and put Clara up on it so she could see her. 

“So I have something for you. I know this isn’t going to help all the way but at least you’ll have something with you all day to help you feel a little more safe. Turn around.” Addie said as she reached for something off her bedside table. She had decided last night to give Clara one of her necklaces to wear while she was at school in hopes of helping her sister feel a little less alone. 

“Addie.” Clara said as her fingers came up and touched the necklace. “This is your special heart necklace.” 

“I know, I thought it was more important for you to wear it for now. I’m going to let you borrow it until you aren’t so nervous about school. And this way you have my heart, momma’s heart, and papa’s heart with you all the time.” Addie said. The necklace had been one that Addie had actually bought herself and had been a little more on the expensive side for an eleven year old. She had found it the day after her tenth birthday party and fell in love with it. Being that they had just done birthday presents, Maks and Peta told Addie that she'd have to use her own money to get the necklace. 

"Are you sure?" Clara asked in sheer shock as she looked in her sister's dresser mirror. 

"Yeah, I'm positive. I want you to feel safe. Come on now, momma said we have to hurry so I can come to your room too." Addie said holding her hand out for Clara. Clara slid off the bed but instead of taking Addies hand, wrapped her sister up in a tight hug. 

"Thank you." She murmured. 

"You're welcome Clar." Addie said before leading them downstairs. They got some pictures before leaving. Clara remained quiet in the car not really talking to anyone. Once they got to the school, Maks moved to get her out. He went to sit her on the ground but she refused to let go of him. Her grip tightening on his neck.

"Okay, okay, I got you, you cant choke me tho little one. I'll carry you." He could feel her panic fully set in as her body began to shake. He looked at Peta nervously as she gathered Clara's bag and her supply contribution. 

"Its okay Clara." Addie said as she moved next to Maks. Peta came around as well and the group started towards the school. They headed in and made their way to Clara's room where Miss Callie was waiting in the doorway. 

"Addie! Hi! Who are you here with?" The young teacher said even though she already knew the relationship. She seen Clara's death grip on her father so she decided to focus on Addie rather than force herself on Clara. 

"My sister Clara. She's really scared. More scared than I was but I told her you'd keep her safe and make sure she has fun. And I told her I was right down the hall."

"That's right and were gonna find her a buddy just like you with Grace. I actually have another little girl who is pretty scared too. Maybe they can help each other, what do you think?" 

"I think that's good. See Clara I told you she'd help you find a friend."

“Hi Clara, I’m glad to see you today. I can’t wait to have so much fun today.” Miss Callie said. 

“Can I take her to her cubby?” Addie asked looking between her parents and Miss Callie. 

“Sure, she can hang her bag and coat in there.” Miss Callie said. 

“Come with me Clara.” Addie said softly to her sister. Maks went to put her down but she refused to let go of his neck. 

“It’s okay little one, we aren’t leaving. Addie is just taking you to hang up your bag.” Maks said, trying to put her down one more time. She hesitated but then let him put her down but immediately latched onto her sister’s arm before Addie led them away. 

“She’s going to be harder than Addie but I think after some time she’ll be okay.” Callie said looking at the two parents who looked concerned. 

“You’d still call if she’s not okay by 10ish?” Peta asked. 

“Yeah, honestly as long as she’s not hysterical, we’d let her be unless you all voiced otherwise. We’ve found it best to comfort but not focus on the upset. Sometimes when we hone in on that, it just gives them the impression to keep it up and then they’ll get their way. And understand by no means does that mean we’re going to let her sit crying. I just mean if she’s just being quiet and not super interactive we’re not going to call you to come get her. If she’s crying, I’ll keep her with me or one of my helpers will do that.” 

“Okay, I think we’re okay with that. Since she’s the younger one, she’s never really been without either of us and her sister at the same time. Especially with people she doesn’t know. She’s also the softer, quieter, more internal one of the two.” Maks said. 

“I understand that, definitely situations we’ve encountered in the past. We’ll get through this. And like I told Addie, I have another little girl, Lena, who seems to be the same way as her. I think rather than pairing them with a little bit more bold, I’m going to put them together.”

“We did it.” Addie returned with Clara who immediately moved back to Maks and put her hands up. Instead of picking her up, he bent down and let her cuddle into him that way. 

“Okay Little one, Momma and I are going to go, we’re going to take Addie down to her room. We’ll be back in 2 Frozens. You’re going to have a great morning with Miss Callie. She’s got a friend for you to play with, her name is Lena. I heard she’s pretty scared too so maybe you guys can work together to be brave.” Make said giving her a kiss and a tight squeeze before sending her over to Peta despite her death grip on his neck. 

“Alright buttercup, I know you’re scared but I promise Papa and I wouldn’t send you anywhere you wouldn’t have fun just like with gymnastics. You’re gonna have fun with Lena and Miss Callie and you’re going to learn so much like Addie does. I love you baby.” Peta said giving her a hug and kiss before attempting to stand up. Clara however wouldn’t let go. 

“Ill see you later Clara, you’re gonna have fun and remember.” Addie said touching the necklace around Clara’s neck. Clara looked at Addie with her eyes full of tears as they began to slide down her checks. Maks sighed audibly in worry. 

“Come on Clara, I’m going to take you over to meet Lena and then you’ll have a friend. It’s okay I promise. See she’s over there in the cozy corner cause she’s super scared too. She didn’t want her mommy and daddy to leave either.” Clara looked between both of her parents and her sister who all nodded encouragingly before she reached out a trembling hand to Miss Callie. Miss Callie took it and pulled the little girl into her side before she turned them away from the waiting three. Maks led their group away too. 

“What happens if she stays super scared and crying Momma?” Addie asked as they headed down to her room. 

“They’ll call me and papa in about an hour and then we’ll figure out what to do from there.” Peta said. 

“Oh. will they let me help?” 

“I don’t think so sweet pea, I think they want to focus on her getting used to this even if it’s really hard. Seeing you may make it harder on her too. I seen you gave her your necklace to wear. That was sweet of you.” 

“Yeah, I wanted her to have something to keep her feeling safe and knowing we were with her.” 

“Thank you sweet pea, you really are such a great big sister.” 

“Clara!” They heard someone yell before Maks felt a tiny body crash into his legs. He turned around and found Clara clinging to him tightly with tears running down her face. Miss Callie and another little girl were at the end of the hall looking worried. 

“Little one.” Maks said softly. 

“I can’t, I can’t.” She said between sobs as he held onto her father. He picked her up and held her rubbing her back. 

“Shhh, it’s okay, it’s okay.” He said trying to settle her some. “Im going to take her back. Addie are you okay with just Momma for now?” 

“Yeah papa…..” She trailed off watching her sister in concern. 

“It’ll be okay sweet pea.” Peta said softly as she pulled Addie into her side. 

“You have a great first day baby, I can’t wait to hear all about it later okay? I love you.” Maks said as he hugged Addie and pressed a kiss to her head. Peta turned and led them down the hall as Maks went the other way with Clara only causing her sobs to intensify. 

“I’m sorry, I was introducing her to Lena and she took off.” Miss Callie said looking worried. 

“It’s okay, can I have a little bit with her and then I’ll bring her back in?” 

“Sure.” Miss Callie said clearly shook up. She had never had that happen before. He nodded his thanks before walking across the hall and started working on calming his little girl. It took a good five minutes before he got her calm enough to where he could talk to her. 

“Clara, baby, I need you to listen for a minute before we talk about school. I know  you’re scared and you don’t want Momma and I to go but you can’t do that. You can’t run away from Miss Callie. What if Momma and I hadn’t been right there and you’d have gotten lost? Do you know how scary that would be for me and Momma and Miss Callie? We don’t want anything to happen to you. Can you please promise me you won’t do that again?” 

“I promise….” She said as her tears continued to stream down her face but she was no longer sobbing and gasping for breath. 

“Thank you. Now I know you’re scared. I know it. I can see it. I can feel it. If this wasn’t something that we all didn’t have to do, Momma and I wouldn’t make you. But you have to go to school. Addie goes to school, Sophie goes to school, Anya will go to school next year. I went, Momma went. We all have to do it. I can’t take you home baby, you have to try for me. Can you try to be a big brave girl for me?” 

“I….I….I don’t know.” She said as her tears started to fall harder and she fell into Maks’s chest hard. 

“I’m scared too.” A little voice came from beside Maks. Miss Callie and a little girl had appeared at some point and the little girl was looking at Clara with huge concern in her eyes. 

“Sorry I think it distracted her but made her worried too.” Miss Callie said apologetically. 

“It’s okay. See little one, you aren’t the only one cared, errr….umm……” Maks said not sure of the girls name, assuming it was the same one but couldn’t remember what they had said her name was. 

“Lena.” Miss Callie supplied. 

“Lena is scared too. I know you want me or Momma or Addie but do you think you can work with Lena and see if you can try to be not so scared together.” Clara looked at the little girl beside her. She had long dark black hair and was wearing a similar jumper with a Frozen bracelet on. 

“Look you two even match.” Peta said coming up behind them. 

“I’m scared too Clara. We can be scared together.” 

“And I’ll be right there with you too. Maybe you two can even be either my special helper today or help Miss Lindsay. That way you’ll have a big person with you all morning. Would that help?” Miss Callie said softly. Clara shrugged in response. 

“Buttercup, do you think you can try for Papa and me? After school we can maybe go get lunch together and see Anya? That way you’ll have something to look forward to?” Peta said resorting to a bribe. 

“Panera?” Clara asked softly. 

“We can do Panera.” Maks said with a chuckle. 

“I don’t want to but I’ll try.” Clara said reaching for Lena’s hand deciding that maybe sticking with the other little girl was a good idea. 

“I’m so proud of you baby. Momma and I will see you in a little bit.” Maks said kissing her once more before helping her off his knee and letting her go in with Miss Callie and Lena. This time it felt a little better even though it was clearly tense. 

“You okay?” Peta asked Maks. She had been more worried about Addie when they went through this with her but she knew the bond Maks and Clara had was something and knew he’d be extra worried about her. 

“I’ll be better when this day is over. That scared the hell out of me Peta. I didn’t want to leave her here kicking and screaming. That just feels wrong.” 

“I agree. I’m glad the other little girl wanted to come out and help. I hope that works in her favor. I know she’s scared but she’s so sweet and smart as it is. I feel like she’ll love this once she gets past the fear of being away from us.” 

“I agree. Let’s get out of here so we can maybe get the time to pass quick.”

“Okay, I need to call Sharna and make sure she and Anya are available to visit later.” Peta said as she wrapped her arm around her husband's waist and tucked into him giving him a squeeze as they headed out. 

“I didn’t think you have checked before hand.” Maks said laughing at his wife's quick little lie. 

“I didn’t, I don’t think they were doing anything today since Sharna said to have both girls call when they got home to see how their days went. Just a little different take on that.” Peta said once as they got in the car. She called her best friend who said they could even meet them for lunch if they wanted and let the two play for a while after. Peta accepted and said she’d see them at 12:30. She and Maks took care of some office stuff before going to get Clara finally. She was still a ball of nerves but Miss Callie said that she and Lena had played a little bit and participated in circle time. She introduced them to Lena’s parents and they swapped numbers so they could maybe get the girls set up in some play dates to help with their friendship and school fears. Clara refused to really talk about her day so Maks and Peta let her be. She perked up some while playing with Anya but then resumed her quietness once they were home moving between Maks and Peta staying glued to them. There were continued tears at night and in the mornings for the next few weeks but she slowly started to adjust and eventually enjoyed school only to have Christmas break come around and end up back at square one. This time it didn’t take as long for her to adjust and she began to really enjoy school. 

***Done! Okay, so I could have kept going and going with this one. I’ve been working on it for a few days so hopefully those of you that are still here enjoy. I’ll open up requests since it seems like this quarantine thing may last a bit. I can’t promise I’ll get to them all but I’ll do my best. You can request off any of my old stuff (Begin Again, Fix a Heart, Song Requests, Quote Requests, or here in A Time to Grow). Don’t forget to comment and let me know what ya thought! 

[dance10jennas]

[chmergess4ever]

The Chmerkovskiy’s (Part 5)

Ahhh. So it has taken be an extremely long time to continue this story and for that I am sorry. I hit a writers block and I didn’t really know where I wanted to go but I think I figured it out. As a refresher, the story is mainly Sharna and Val but there is some Maks and Peta in here as well. I’m trying to work more and more in throughout the chapters. This chapter has a little bit of Peta and Sharna too for all you burgatroyd lovers out there. I plan on continuing so please let me know what you think. This is only the beginning! Please Like/Comment/Reblog. 

They had a week left before Sharna had to go back to resume the Hot Summer Nights tour on thursday morning. But they intended to spend as much time together as possible. They did normal couple things-go to the movies, mini-golfing, shopping.

They were at the mall on a Wednesday afternoon shopping with Maks and Peta. Sharna needed some new summer clothes for tour, and Peta wanted a few more dresses to wear out to fancy occasions. Maks and Val were just along for the ride. Sharna went to Pacsun, American Eagle, Forever 21 and many other stores and was able to get what she needed before she and Val met back up with Maks and Peta who were in Express. Peta was in a changing room and asked Sharna to wait, so she could see if she thought the dress looked good. Sharna obliged, laughing and leaning against the wall opposite the changing rooms with Val by her side, as Maks went to look in the Men’s section of the store. Val looked to his side at her, “I really don’t want you to leave.”

She looked at him and grinned, “I don’t want to leave either.”

Val moved so he was now standing in front of her facing in. He played with the edge of the leather jacket she was wearing and pulled her into him so they were extremely close to one another. “I’m really going to miss you.”

She looked up at him, “I’m going to miss you too. But we’ll facetime all the time. And visit. It won’t last forever.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist and they stood rocking back and forth. “You promise?”

She giggled of course, I do. She pooped her arms under his, and wrapped them around his back, pressing her head to his chest. He kissed the top of her head and hugged her tighter.

“I love you.” He thought. Not the right time. Not yet.

Peta interrupted them. “Oh sorry.”

Sharna broke from him, “No no it’s ok.”

“How does it look?” Peta asked.

‘Sexy af.” Maks said as she walked up behind them. Sharna looked back at him and laughed the turned to Peta, “you look amazing. As always.”

Peta sighed, “Thank you. I’m done then!!”

“Yes, we’re done?” Maks said excitedly.

Peta laughed and rolled her eyes, “We’re done. Lunch anyone?”

Sharna looked back and Val who shrugged. “Sure, why not?”

“Cool. Let me change, and pay and I’ll be ready. Want to meet us at that Mexican Place on the outside of the Mall?”

“Fine with me.” Val nodded as he put his hands in his pockets. He took one out and put his arm around Sharna. “We’ll see you there.”

Sharna rested her hand on his stomach as they walked with his arm still laced around her.

They soon after arrived at the restaurant and sat at the bar as they waited for Maks and Peta.

Peta and Maks walked to the cash register. Peta pulled out her wallet which was swatted away by Maks’ hand. “What do you think you’re doing?” He asked her.

“Buying my dress.”

“I pay. Your my wife.”

“I can buy things, Maks.”

“I know, but not today.”

Maks paid and took the bag from the cashier, handing it to Peta. He took her free hand and they started walking towards the restaurant.

“What do you think about the whole Sharna and Val think?” Peta asked.

“I think they’re very cute together. Not as cute as us though.” He joked.

“I think it’s awesome that they’re together. I know she’s happy. It’s the first time i’ve seen her like that in a while. That relationship with Paul destroyed her, time and time again.”

“This will be much different, that I know. He a mini-version of me.”

“And you’re more than incredible.” Peta got up on her tiptoes and kissed him.

“You really think you’re not going to get to see this gorgeous face while you’re on tour?”

Sharna laughed, “No, I do. I hope I get to see a lot more than your face too.”

Val grinned. He wrapped his arm around her with his hand resting on her hip as they waited. The bartender walked up with a 2 Margaritas and 2 Sam Adams. The beers for the guys and the margies for the girls. “You’re going to pay for both rounds? Or are you waiting for the other couple to get here?”

“I got them both.” Val gave his credit card to the bartender.

Sharna looked up at him, “But, really. I want to figure something out. So we don’t go too long without seeing each other.”

“I already have a plan.”

“What?” “Shhhh.” Val leaned in to kiss her but just as he was about to close the space between them, Sharna’s eyes widened.

“What? I’m not allowed to kiss my girl?”

“Paul is here.”

“What?” “Paul Kirkland is here. And he’s walking this way.”

“Sharna!” Paul walked up to them with a drink in his hand. He had obviously been drinking for a while before they went there but he still had his wits about them,  He leaned in for a kiss on the cheek.

“Paul. You remember, Val.”

“How could I forget? He’s the guys who banged my girlfriend.” Paul laughed as he patted Val on the back.

Val looked at her, “What?” She looked him in the eyes indicating that they would talk later.

Sharna tried to be cordial, “How have you been, Paul?”

“Ya know. Alright, been picking myself up since a certain someone broke my heart right before I was about to propose to her.”

Val laughed, “Doesn’t seem like you’ve picked yourself up at all.” He said under his breath before taking a sip of his beer. Paul shoved him abruptly. “What did you say you ass?”

“I said-”

“Guys.” Maks walked in between keeping them at a distance from each other. It’s as if they entered right on cue. He turned to his brother, “Let’s go have lunch. He’s not worth the time.”

“Whatever, I’m leaving anyway. Sharna, when your ready to be with a real man, you give me a call.”

“In your dreams.” Maks called over his shoulder as the waiter escorted them to a table.

The rest of day was quiet after the havoc before lunch. They were able to recover and have a nice time with each other but it was obvious it was something that was still lingering.

Val was sitting in his bed, scrolling through instagram when she came out of the bathroom in her pajamas. She climbed into the bed next to him, “So that’s it. I’m off tomorrow.”

He put his phone down and lifted her chin, pressing his lips to hers. He then took a beat, “Listen, can we talk?”

Sharna exhaled, “Yes.”

“What happened today. Was he always out of control like that? You never really told me what happened.”

“I mean, yea. He’s passionate I guess you could say. But at one point it got to be way too much for me. It was a fight with everything. And It wasn’t a good relationship.”

“He says he was going to propose to you.”

“Yeah, iguess he was. We dated for a while and I really did love him but I didn’t love him enough to have the rest of my life be like that.”

“Why is he under the impression that I slept with you?”

“I told him that.”

“What? Shar!”

“He couldn’t grasp why I didn’t want to be in a relationship with him. He had no idea what could have possibly been wrong other than supposing that it was someone else. He asked me if there was.”

“Someone else?”

“Yea, and I just kinda ran with it. It was wrong, I get that. But in that particular case, it didn’t really seem like it would be that bad.”

“You know I would never treat you the way he was acting today.”

“I know. I don’t think you’re capable of hurting me in anyway.”

“You’re right.” He readjusted so he was hovered over her. He kissed her letting his tongue inside her mouth, fighting for dominance. He lowered himself to kiss at her pulse point, “You make everything so much better” he murmured.

She rubbed his back in circles, before he began making his way down her body and kissing her stomach. She moved back up so they were face to face, “What do you say? One last night before you leave?” She nodded as she pulled him down on to her. She pulled Val’s shirt over his head and threw it to the side. Peta bursted in the room without knocking, “Sharna, I just-” She cut herself off as she looked at what was happening, “Holy shit!” She ran out of the room and closed the door behind her. She talked to them through the door, “I am sorry. I am so sorry.” Val rustled his head in her shoulder and started laughing, he rolled off of her, before she got up. “Let me go make sure she is ok.”

Sharna got up and walked into the hallway, “Peta?”

She found her sitting in the kitchen with a glass of wine, “I am so sorry.” She said slowly.

“P, It’s completely fine.”

“I don’t know what I was thinking. I wasn’t. I guess.”

“Pete. You didn’t see anything. We weren’t having sex. You’re fine.”

Peta raised her head and looked at her friend, “You were about to.”

Sharna chuckled and put her head down, “Yeah, ok. We were but we weren’t at the time. Things could be a lot worse right now.” Sharna took Petas glass out of her hand and took a sip of the wine.

“Shouldn’t you get back?”

“I’m pretty sure that plan is over for the night.”

“Oh God, I’m sorry.”

“Peta, it’s not important. There will be plenty of more opportunities. It didn’t need to happen tonight. Please stop apologizing. Now what did you want to tell me?”

“I just wanted to say bye, before you left for tour in the morning. Thank you for everything, watching Shai.”

“No problem, Pete. I’d say I got something good out of it, wouldn’t you?” She winked. “Come on, Let’s watch Gossip Girl”

“What about, Val?”

“Val can wait. We’re gonna have a lot of time in the future.”

Sharna went back to the room two hours later. Val was asleep on the bed. She gave him three kisses on the cheek and went to bed. He rolled over soon after and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer to him.

The alarm went off the next morning at 5. She hit the snooze button and he grunted. “Mhmmm.” Then when he could muster the words, he said, “Noooooooooo.” He pulled his closer to him, as they were in the same position they fell asleep in. He pressed a kiss to her neck and then she turned her head and kissed him. His hand began wandering downwards but she caught it and stopped him, “No.”

“What? Just quick.”

“I don’t want our last time before I leave to be a quickie. It’ll be so much better if we wait.”

Val nodded and sighed, “Ok.”

“You’re going to drive me to the bus?”

“You know it.”

Sharna got up to get ready as Val rested for a little while longer.

An hour later she had all her bags lined up at the door. He helped her carry them to the car and drove her to the studio. When they got there everyone was getting on the bus. Artem saw him when they got out of the car, “Yo. You coming, Man?” Artem dapped him up.

“Nah. Just seeing my girl, off.”

Sharna stood outside with him until the last possible second. He pulled her into him as they gave the two minute warning. “I promise I’m going to see you soon. Sooner than you think.”

“Yea?”

“Guaranteed.”

The driver called out the door, “Ok. Sharna. It’s time.”

“Ok. One second Bernie. Thanks.”

They could feel the states of their friends looking out the window. This was the first time they had actually seen them together as a person.

She stood on her toes and he craned down to kiss her. “Call me in a little bit.”

“Will do.” She kissed him again and then got on the bus. He watched her through the window. He heard the engines turn on and both buses start warming up. Val started towards his car but then stopped in his tracks, and turned around just as it started rolling. He called out “Wait.” He ran towards the bus she was on, “Wait.” He hit the side of the bus. “Wait.” The bus stopped and opened its doors, Val climbed on out of breath, “Sorry, Bernie.”

He looked at her and tried to find the words.

“Val, what are you doing?” She asked as she started walking towards him. He heard all the girl chatter about what was going on.

“I need you for a second.”

She walked to him and lowered her voice, “What’s the matter?”

“I love you.” He said through tears, “I’m in love with you. And I wanted you to know that.”

After the shock settled in she smiled, “I love you too.”

He picked he up and kissed her. “Ok. I’ll see you soon.”

“Ok.”

He held her hand until he couldn’t anymore and then stepped off the bus taking a breath of fresh air.

She sat back down and smiled, she was in love and happier than ever.

[laceykennedy]

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd at Craig’s 10/14/17

[katieamazeballs]

My night is complete 😍😍😍😍

[live-laugh-dwts]

The entire stunning wedding party!! 😍

[dwtsandstrictly]

Katrina and one of the makeup artists for the wedding just started following laurendecosimo.. she's a bridal hairstylist 👀

[cusick-mcallister]

Speaking of...

Their LA show is in May, and she should be back in US by then, so I have my fingers crossed her and Blair catch a Confidential tour if she doesn’t have anything else booked.

[icudoucmetoo]

Not DNP anon, but I agree that Maks and Peta will easily pass their 5 year wedding anniversary w/o a hitch. IMHO they are the real deal and have proven themselves to be so (not that they had to prove anything to anyone but themselves). They will be together for life, growing old together, surrounded by their loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Cheers and mazel tov to Chmergs!

I agree.

[jennaj-fans]

In honor of Chmergs anniversary ♥️

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 12

Chapter 12

"Are you sure you're okay keeping Mav?" Sharna asked as she worked on curling her hair.

"Babe, yes, stop asking me that. He'll be fine. Maks is gonna come over and we're going to do we're going to take them to the park, then dinner and ice cream. He got a new movie. He'll help with bedtime and then once they are asleep, we'll tuck them in. Mav has the mattress in Lottie's room. And if anything happens we'll call you guys. Stop worrying, it's going to be okay."

"I know, I just....I want this to go good."

"And it will. You guys need this. It's going to be good. I promise." Peta said reaching forward and squeezing Sharna's hand.

"I hope, does this look alright?" Sharna said as she finally finished her hair. She turned to look at Peta for approval. Her and Noah were going on their first official date that evening and after, they were going to go back to his house for the night. Peta had said she'd keep Maverick for Noah so he and Sharna could focus on them and do whatever they wanted.

"Gorgeous, Noah is going to love it. Are you still wearing the black dress you picked out?" Peta asked. They had a girls day yesterday and went shopping and primping. It was one of the first times they took Lottie out to do it and she had loved it. Sharna had found a black dress that came to her knees and had a sheer lace overlay over the top. The lace was detailed beautifully. It was fitted through the body while the bottom flared out just slightly. She also had a white and gray one but Peta had picked the black one from the beginning.

"I think so. I gotta do my makeup and throw my bag together and then I'll decide for sure."

"Alright, you want me to stay or you want quiet time?" Peta asked. She knew that sometimes she wanted distraction and sometimes she needed to think.

"No, stay. I just. Yeah, stay. I'm almost done. He should be here in 20 right?" Sharna asked. Noah was picking her up around 4 since he wanted to take her to dinner a little ways out of town and have some fun before they returned to the house for some them time.

"Yeah, in about 20. What are you taking for pajamas?" Peta said with a wink.

"Both?"

"Good thinking, although I'll bet you don't need anything other than that dress."

"P!"

"What, he's an attractive man. You're an attractive lady. That dress is smoking. Enjoy yourself. Have some fun."

"Oh my god, I should have sent you downstairs." Sharna said as her cheeks turned as red as her hair.

"I'm just teasing you. Here, give me your bag, go get dressed." Peta said taking the pile of stuff Sharna already had stacked on the bed. Sharna threw her the bag she was going to use which was actually Peta's and took the dress and headed into the bathroom. Peta packed while Sharna dressed.

"Well?" Sharna said finally appearing in the doorway. Peta turned around and her eyes got wide. "I mean I can wear the other one."

"No, no, no. Babe, you look stunning. Oh my goodness. The dress looked good in the store, but this, with your hair and your shoes. Babe, Noah is going to melt."

"Honestly, you think it's that good? Do you think I need a necklace?" Sharna said checking herself in the mirror. She was suddenly feeling very shy and indecisive. Two things she wasn't used to feeling.

"Babe, what's wrong?" Peta said looking at her best friend. There was something going on in her head and she could see it.

"I don't know, I just, I'm nervous. I want this to be perfect P. I've never been nervous like this before. It's not an oh my god, this might fall to pieces nervous, it's more of a giddy, excited, want this to work perfectly nervous." Sharna said as her hands started to fidget.

"Whoa babe. First breath. Second, i get it. It's actually how I felt when I first started dating Ollie. Everything was heightened. It'll settle. I promise. When you close your eyes, think about what you want out of this. I promise, it'll come to you." Peta said as she held Sharna's hands tightly in her own and squeezed. Sharna's eyes closed and she breathed deep a few times. She concentrated on what she wanted out of tonight and knew that Peta was right. It was different and that's why she was scared. It wasn't cause of Noah, it was becasue it was real.

"Better?" Peta asked after a few minutes.

"Yeah, thanks P."

"Anytime. Now the necklace. I think it could do either way, but it would be a nice touch. I have that kinda tight gold chain so it wouldn't lay on the lace, how about that?"

"Let's try it." Sharna said as she followed Peta to her room. She found the necklace quickly and hooked it on for her friend.

"I like it." Peta said moving so Sharna could see in the mirror.

"Me too." She said as the doorbell rang. Her eyes widened, making Peta laugh.

"Come on babe, let's go get your guy." Sharna nodded and followed Peta down the steps, Maks was working on letting Noah in while he held a giggling Lottie upside down.

"Hey man, the girls are, right here." He said as his eyes widened at Sharna's dress. Even he had to admit that she looked stunning.

"Hey, Shar, honey, you look beautiful." He stammered.

"Flowers." Maverick said as he interrupted the adults and made his way over to Sharna. He held a tiny boquet of daisies for his favorite lady.

"Aww, buddy, are these for me?"

"For my Sha-na." He said with a shy grin. Sharna accepted them and then scooped Maverick up to give him some hugs and kisses.

"Thank you Mav.  I love them."

"Ahem, well hopefully that means you'll love these too." Noah said as he moved to his son and Sharna. He held out a much larger boquet of flowers this time. It included roses, lilies, daisies.

"Noah." She said breathlessly at first. She smiled and went to take them but Maverick was glued to her.

"I can hold them." He said however he leaned close enough to put a simple kiss to her lips. "You do look stunning."

"Thank you." She said smiling happily.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Yup. I am. Peta has my bag."

"Here Noah, I'll swap." Peta said taking the flowers from him as well as what she assumed was Maverick's bag while handing him Sharna's. She took Sharna's flowers from Maverick too.

"Alright buddy, are you going to be good for Miss Peta and Uncle Maks?" Noah asked. Maverick however had other ideas.

"No, no weave Sha-na." He said as he wrapped his arms around her neck tightly. Sharna bit her lip. She had been worried about this.

"Buddy, we are going to be back in the morning and remember tomorrow you, are coming with me and daddy for the whole day?" Sharna said as she rubbed his back gently. She swayed slowly.

"But I miss you." He said into her neck.

"I'll miss you too little man but how about when it's bedtime, Uncle Maks or Miss Peta calls us and we can tell you goodnight?"

"Pwomise?" He said almost so softly that she nearly missed it.

"I promise. Pinky." She said holding up her pinky for him and letting him link his with hers. He buried back into her neck for a minute as she cuddled him as well. Then she kissed his cheek before handing him over to Noah. Noah said goodbye to him as well, including the same promises that Sharna had along with a pinky promise as well. Then the two were off leaving, the kids and Maks and Peta alone.

"Okay, whose's ready for our adventure?" Peta asked as she saw Maverick's lip trembling.

"Venture?" He asked curious as Lottie held tight to her hand.

"Yup, we're going to go to a new park and play and have dinner." Maks said.

"It even has a pirate ship!" Peta added.

"Like Tink ship?" Lottie asked immediately. She had seen Peter Pan a few times however was slightly more enthralled with the sassy fairy than she was with the boys.

"Exactly. Just like Tinkerbell's ship."

"Tay, Mav we pay?" Lottie asked holding her hand out to her buddy. He still clung to Maks however still a bit upset that his dad and Sharna had honestly left him.

"It's okay buddy. We're actually going to drive to the park. So we have to go get in the car. And I think Uncle Maks said we might get ice cream later." Peta said as she scooped up Lottie. She caught the little boy's eyes light up as he looked at his uncle. Maks nodded making Maverick smile.

"We have everything already right?" Maks asked Peta.  They had attempted to get everything ready earlier in the day figuring that they may need a quick distraction for Maverick once his two favorite adults left.

"Yup, do you two need to go potty?" Peta said looking at her daughter knowingly. It never failed that as soon as they put her in the car, she'd need to use the bathroom.

"Uh huh." Maverick said as he rested on Maks. He was much calmer now however you could tell that he still wasn't too keen on the situation.

"Alright. That's okay. Little miss you need to go try though." Peta said taking her and headed towards the bathroom. Once she returned they got the kids settled in the car and headed out to the playground. It was about 20 minutes away and they let the kids pick the music which consisted mainly of songs from the latest Disney movies. Once they got there, they got the kids out.

"Whoa, this is much bigger than I remembered. There only used to be the pirate ship thing." Maks said as he helped Peta get both kids out of the car. There were 3 play sets at the park, one of them being the pirate ship set up. The other one was regular while the last one was set up like a castle with the slides coming out of the turrets.

"It is huge. Okay you two, you have to stay with us." Peta said slightly nervous at the space and number of families there.

"Right. you can't run off. We'll make sure you play with everything. You guys can take turns picking." Maks said looking at Peta. He could see her anxiety on her face and knew he was going to need to assist in keeping the kids together.

"What do you two want to do first?" Peta asked praying that they'd say the same thing.

"Ship!!" They both said pointing and she breathed a sigh of relief. They headed toward the ship. Maks stole the backpack from her that had a few water bottles and snacks just incase as well as other things. She tried to keep it but he waved her off easily as he slipped it on. They spent the next hour and a half letting the kids take turns picking activities. Finally it was dinner time.

"More wings!" Lottie fussed as they put the kids in the car.

"We'll come back miss. We'll bring Aunt Sharna and Mr. Noah okay?" Maks said as he buckled her in, making sure that her straps were tight before moving to Maverick.

"Noo." She said as she started to cry. Maverick looked at her and held his hand out to her but she wouldn't take it.

"It's okay buddy. That was sweet of you though. She's just a little sad." Maks explained at the hurt look on Maverick's face.

"Kay." He said softly, grinning as Maks tickled him lightly.

"She's hungry. I think. Or I hope." Peta said as she looked at her daughter who was still sobbing quietly as she reached for the park.

"Me too. We still doing the chicken place for dinner?" Maks asked as he started towards what they had already agreed on.

"Yeah, they both like the chicken so that's easy. And there's that ice cream place beside it."

"Aksssss. Need you." Lottie whimpered from the backseat.

"In a minute sugar. We're almost there." Maks said as he finally caught her eye in the rearview. Peta watched the exchange with a twinge of guilt but relief at the same time. She checked on Maverick who was quietly watching out the window. They finally made it to dinner and Peta let Maks get Lottie while she got Maverick.

"Lottie sad?" Mav asked Peta once she had him in her arms.

"She is. I think she's a little cranky since she's hungry and ready for dinner." Peta said with a wink.

"Unca Maks fix it?" Maverick asked Peta as he watched Maks cuddle Lottie into him. She started to settle once she was in the man's arms.

"It looks like he is." Peta said softly.

"Lottie love Unca Maks?

"She does buddy she does. Just like you love Uncle Maks." She said ruffling his hair before setting him down to walk next to her. The group headed in and they ordered before finding a booth. Lottie refused to leave Maks so Maverick hung out with Peta. He was a bit skeptical at first since he hadn't spent too much time with her since he was always with Sharna whenever he could be. Once they ate, Lottie was a little calmer however Maks did tell Peta she felt warm.

"I hope she's not getting sick." Peta said with a look. She started work next week and Lottie started daycare as well. Peta couldn't send her to daycare sick.

"I hope not too. Do you need to give her anything?"

"Not yet, I'll see how she is at bedtime. She was upset and everything and has stayed tucked into you. Not likely that it's that but I hate giving her things if she doesn't need it."

"Right, I understand. Do you want to skip ice cream and just head home?"

"They are not going to forget ice cream. I think it's fine. We'll just get them home and get them in jammies and do a movie right away if that's okay with you. I know you have Louis and everything so if you need to go to him you can."

"No, it's fine. I had Louis out all morning with Lottie while I  kept her for you. I told you I'd help you tonight. I'm all yours. Err, I mean...you know what I meant." Maks said trying to fix his slip.

"I know. I just I don't want to take you away from anything." She said with a shrug.

"You're not. Let me help, okay?" He said not sure where the sudden bout of stubbornness had come from on Peta's part.

"Okay." She nodded before looting at the kids. "Who's ready for ice cream?"

"Meeee!" They both yelled excitedly. Peta winked at Maks as they gathered the kids and headed to the ice cream shop next door. A half hour later, they were taking two sticky little kids out to the car.

"Looks like we're having bath time before movie time." Peta said with a grin.

"I'd say so." Maks said laughing. He did his best to buckle the kids in without ending up covered as well but it was kind of a lost cause. They headed to Peta's and got the kids ready for bed before settling on the couch to watch a movie. Maverick curled up next to his uncle which set Lottie off almost immediately.

"Nooooo." She wailed from the middle of the living room as she realized Maverick was with Maks.

"What's wrong baby?" Peta said moving to pick her up. She threw herself on the floor however instead and began to scream.

"No. No. No. No." She yelled again and again.

"Baby, Momma can't fix it unless you tell me what's wrong?" Peta said sitting next to her.

"Want Aks....." She finally wailed and Peta put her head back nearly laughing.

"Sweetheart, is that why you're crying?"

"Mav sit aks. Lottie want Aks." She whimpered sadly.

"Baby, you both can sit with Maks. I think Maverick will share, right Mav?" Peta said looking at him.

"I shares Unca Maks with yous Lottie. Come here." He called her. She looked for a second and Peta thought for sure she was going to lose it again at having to share Maks but she went for the two instead. Maks pulled her up and helped her get situated.

"She's still hot." He said softly to Peta.

"I'm gonna go grab Tylenol. I mean I know she's been glued to you lately but that was a bit out of the ordinary for her. Tired or not."

"Okay. I mean maybe it's just teething?" Maks asked with a shrug. He knew and loved Maverick but didn't know what the different ailments could be for the little ones.

"Let's hope. I can't send her to daycare for the first day, sick." She said standing up and walking away. She brought the medicine back and gave it to Lottie. They started the movie and Lottie fell asleep pretty quickly. Maverick however shifted over to Peta and made it to nearly the end of the movie before falling asleep as well.

"Someone forgot about calling Sharna and Daddy." Maks said as they made their way back down the stairwell after tucking the kids in.

"That he did. I'm gonna text them real quick and just let them know he's alright. Irony is Shar will probably worry more than Noah."

"You're not kidding. It's the "new" thing." Maks said air quoting the word new. Peta knew exactly what he meant. Ever since Sharna and Noah had decided they were going to try this thing out, Sharna had developed this extreme mother sense for Maverick. It was adorable at times but you could also tell it was more intense than usual.

"Oh you're right. Are you staying for awhile? Or you leaving me?" Peta asked as she laid her phone down. She had snapped a picture of Mav snuggled into her before they had taken them up which was what she sent Sharna and Noah letting them know that he was safe and happy.

"That's up to you. I don't want to do anything you're not comfortable with." Maks said. He wanted to spend time with her but he also didn't want to be pushy and hurt her in the process.

"Stay. Do you wine? I was going to have a glass." She asked moving to the kitchen.

"I wine, I'll wine with you." He followed her. She handed him the wine and opener while she pulled down two glasses. He served them and then she lead them back into the living room. Tye both settled on the sofa, she on one end and him on the other.

"I know you're going to say to be quiet but thank you for being you with Lottie. I still feel guilty when it comes down to it but I do appreciate it. I know she misses Ollie and misses having that dad figure."

"Well it's not necessary but you're welcome. She makes it easy. She's a sweetheart. You can tell she's had a lot of love and support in her life. I think despite the fact that she's lost that, she's going to be a great kid and she has you to thank for that."

"I can't say I agree but I appreciate the idea. But I feel like you know all this stuff about us because of everything. I want to know more about you. Tell me a Maks story. Tell me about your family." She said as she curled into her end of the sofa.

"What about?" He asked looking at her with a grin.

"I don't know. You pick. Something happy." She said curling her legs under her as well.  

"Alright. Hmm, I don't think I've really talked to you about my brother much have I?"

"Umm, you really only have told me about the studio and that your momma would punish you if you didn't treat a lady right. I don't even know that I knew you had a brother." Peta said was a grin.

"Okay, well that's what we'll go with. There's 6 years between us so it's always been quite the relationship. We shared a bedroom and bunk bed clear up until I was 21. Then I moved out only to start helping with a different studio."

"Wow, so you two are pretty close then?"

"Very. It's been awhile since I've seen him actually. I need to get him to get his butt down here." Maks said.

"Yes you do. Or go to him. What's his name?"

"Valentin."

"Ohh."

"But we call him Val usually. Momma is the only one who says Valentin and that means he's in trouble." Maks said laughing. He paused for a few moments before launching into a story about when Val and him were younger and they had gotten into a mess of trouble. The two were giggling ridiculously by the end of the story. Peta then began to tell a story about her and her brother, Sam, who was still in Australia. Her story was interrupted by a huge crash of thunder.

"Shit, Lottie." Peta said bouncing up. Lottie was full out terrified of thunderstorms. She would panic and shake relentlessly whenever one went down so Peta knew this wasn't going to go over well.

"What?" Maks asked jumping up with her. They were both met with a shrill shriek. Peta took off up the steps with Maks right behind her. By the time he made it to the bedroom, Peta already had Lottie up in her arms swaying her trying to calm her however the little one was having none of it. She wasn't hysterical, Maks could see she was just terrified. Maverick had woken up in the process as well, looking confused as ever and worried about Lottie.

"Unca Aks?" He whispered holding his arms up to his Uncle.

"Come here buddy, it looks like Lottie is afraid of the storm. You think we can help her feel better?" Maks said as Maverick rested his head on his shoulder. While Maverick wasn't terrified of storms he wasn't fond of them either. Maks figured distracting him was the safest best. He nodded his head so Maks moved over to the two ladies.

"It's okay baby, it's just the big booms remember?" Peta said as she swayed slowly rubbing Lottie's back in unison.

"No like, no like, no like." Lottie said miserably. She yelped as another clap echoed through the house a long with a burst of lightening.

"I know sweetheart, I know. You're safe though. Look you have momma, Maverick, and Mr. Maks." Peta said as she tried to settle her some.

"Aks. Keep Lottie safe." Lottie said picking her head up as the tears continued to fall. "And momma, and mav."

"I'm right here miss. You're safe. I promise. We're all safe."

"Hold hers." Lottie said reaching for him.

"Okay, come here baby." Maks said catching her easily. He shifted Maverick slightly guessing he wasn't going to go to Peta at the moment. Lottie buried into his neck but held her hand out for Peta as well.

"Momma, hand." She whimpered as her body shook against Maks.

"I'm right here love. We're all right here." Peta said letting her take her hand. Maverick ended up reaching across Maks and putting his hand on Lottie too. The 4 stood there for awhile as the booms and flashes continued to fill the room.

"It has to stop soon." Maks said looking at Peta.

"She's not going to settle even then. She's going to be glued to one of us for the night." Peta said knowingly. Maks nodded, not necessarily minding but trying to figure out how they were going to work this. He remembered something that he used to do with Val when they were younger and wondered if that would help.

"Do you have extra blankets? Like sheets and that?"

"Umm, yeah. I have a few extra pairs, why?"

"How would you two like to build a fort? We can camp in the living room, that way we all stay together?" Maks asked the two little ones.

"Tent?" Maverick asked knowingly from when Noah and Maks had taken him camping.

"Like a tent buddy."

"K." He nodded his head in agreement. Lottie however just buried further into Maks.

"Mav, can you go with Miss Peta and help her get the blankets? Lottie and I will get pillows and meet you in the living room. P, do you have flashlights?" He asked.

"Yeah, we can grab them too. They are actually in the kitchen. If you wanna grab the pillows out of mine and Sharna's rooms you can. Okay Mav, you ready to help?" Peta said leaning forward to take Maverick. He went with her willingly.

"Okay Miss Lottie, let's get some pillows for us. You want to camp out with me and Momma and Maverick?"

"You no go way." She said as her grip on his neck tightened. He paused his motions for a moment holding her tightly.

"I'm not going anywhere baby. I promise." Maks said pressing a kiss to her head.

"K. Lily and blankie." She pointed. The two lovies had gotten lost in her panic and were laying in her crib.

"Here you go. You hold them tight, okay?" Maks said handing them to her. Then he gathered a few of the pillows in her room, tossing them down the stairs before grabbing another batch from the guest room Sharna was staying in, followed by Peta's as well. He headed down with Lottie and started fixing the furniture so that they could make the fort. Peta and Maverick came in soon after and helped as well. Once everything was arranged they covered the furniture and chucked the pillows under makeshift tent.

"Go ahead buddy." Peta said as Maverick let her put him down and crawled in. She went after him followed by Maks and Lottie who still refused to release her grip on Maks. The storm had stopped by then however her shaking had not.

"Lottie, can you?" Maks said as he tried to get them situated. She tightened her hold on him however and he nearly laughed.

"That's a no." Peta said as she helped Maverick get snuggled into a blanket with his pillow.

"Momma" Lottie mumbled.

"I'm right here baby, I'm tucking in Maverick." Peta said as she got him all settled.

"Hold Lottie too, peas." She said sadly as she held her hand out. Peta looked between Maks and Maverick who was holding Peta's hand as well.

"Umm, Lottie, Momma..."

"Need hers too." Lottie fussed as her eyes filled with tears again.

"Okay, okay baby, I'm coming." Peta said. "I'm assuming you're keeping her for now?"

"Yeah, no use working her up, I'm fine." Maks said.

"Okay, can you get situated and then I'll just...well I'll have to lay next to you. And I'll just bring Maverick with me." Peta said as she surveyed their situation. They were already in tight corners as it was but this was tricky.

"You okay with that?" Maks asked as she shifted down keeping Lottie on him the whole time.

"I have to be. She's going to lose it. And she's not old enough that I can explain it." Peta said as she laid next to Maks before bringing Maverick over. He was basically half asleep so he barely noticed.

"Right." Maks said. Peta kept an eye on Maverick for a second until she was sure he was out before laying on her side facing Maks. Lottie was tucked into his chest with Lily and Blankie in her arms as she gripped Maks's shirt. She held her hand out for Peta who took it. this meant that Peta was resting almost near Maks's shoulder with her hand laying above his heart.

"Close your eyes lovebug. We're all right here." Peta said as she saw Lottie's eyes begin to close. Maks started to rub her back and it wasn't soon before she was out as well.

"You okay?" Maks asked looking at Peta.

"Yeah, I just don't like that I can't fix it when she's scared like that. However she's not really old enough to understand the words to explain it." She said as she shifted around trying to get comfortable.

"You're right. This is all you can do though, let her see she's honestly safe when it happens."

"Yeah." Peta said with a yawn.

"I guess we should try to sleep. There's no telling that there won't be another one." He said with a sigh.

"You're okay with her?" Peta asked.

"Yeah, she's fine."

"Okay." She shifted around a few more times trying to settle and sleep but all of a sudden it was like every bone in her body was pressing into the floor and she couldn't get comfortable. Maks watched her for quite some time trying to decide what to do before he finally decided he was going to do it.

"Come here." He said softly.

"What?" She said alarmed.

"Come here." He said again holding his arm out.

"Maks...." She said as she leaned up and looked at him.

"Nothing fancy, nothing else, just you need to sleep and clearly that's not happening now. If you get over here and it's not okay, we'll figure something else out."

"K." She said before sliding over to him. She rested her head on his shoulder as her arm came up to rest around Lottie. He wrapped his arm around her and settled it on her hip. He waited a few more moments before saying anything.

"You okay?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, goodnight Peta."

"Goodnight Maks." She said. It still took a little bit it wasn't long before sleep won and she drifted off to dreamland along with the other three.

**That's a wrap. Guess who's back! Maybe not permanently or well consistently but a lot of things have settled in life. Some changes may be coming that have been long anticipated and honestly needed. So as long as things continue to progress well, I'll have writing time again. I can't say there will be a schedule or that I'll update once a week but I'll try to not leave you guys again.

Thank you for sticking this out with me. I hope you enjoy this one! Don't forget to like it and let me know what you thought. Love you all!  

[dance10jennas]

I want some friends on this account that I can talk too!!! Message me if you want to talk about dwts or anything

[its-ashley-95baybe]

WOW Peta in her hot pink bikini in the latest Chmergs in paradise pic! Notice her firm but curvy, slender but not emaciated figure, with a waist and booty! And folks, please observe the toned abs with not a bony rib in sight. Go Peta! (And Maks ain't bad either)

[laceykennedy]

Maks, Peta & Shai out in California today 7/18/17

[katieamazeballs]

i didn’t see where chmergs we’re headed but most parks and beaches are closed now because people can’t follow directions.

I mean.....we’re allowed to go outside and get fresh air.  We’re allowed to go for a drive. People are being encouraged to go out for a family bike ride or walk.   Leaving your home is healthy both physically and mentally.

[live-laugh-dwts]

Stunning! Congrats to Maks and Peta!!