Felix's Penthouse:
"Ah, one is already hard to handle how can I handle 3." Stephanie sighs as she finished wiping the counter.
She looked at her growing belly and let out a frustrating sigh, she looked over in the living room and Jay was zoned out on the couch.
Stephanie walked over to the couch, her steps slow and careful. She smiled faintly at the sight of Jay sprawled out, his little chest rising and falling steadily in sleep. His favorite dinosaur toy was still clutched tightly in his hand.
She took him in his arms and headed upstairs to his room, as she slowly climbed the grand stairs Felix walked out of his office and saw her.
"What are you doing?" He asked crossing his arms, "I'm taking him to his room." She replied.
"Why didn't you call me, do you see yourself right now?" Felix added grabbing Jay out of her arms. "Next time call me, I don't want anything to happen to you."
Stephanie let out a small sigh, leaning against the railing for support as Felix carried Jay effortlessly up the stairs. "Felix, I'm pregnant, not helpless. I can still do things."
Felix glanced back at her, his expression softening as he saw how tired she looked. "I know you're capable, Steph. But you've got to take it easy. You're carrying two babies, and I don't want you overexerting yourself."
She followed him up the stairs, her hand resting on her growing belly. "You were working, I couldn't disturb you."
Felix pushed open the door to Jay's room and gently laid him down on the bed, pulling the covers over him. He smoothed Jay's hair back before turning to face her. "That doesn't matter, if I'm in the house ask for my help anytime."
Stephanie leaned against the doorframe, watching Felix with Jay. "I know you mean well, but it's hard to let go. I'm so used to taking care of everything."
Felix walked over to her, placing a hand on her cheek. "Let me take care of you for once. You've been holding this family together, and now it's my turn to step up. Deal?"
She smiled faintly, placing her hand over his. "Fine, now come and help me rub oil on my belly."
Felix chuckled, taking her hand as they left Jay's room and walked down the hallway. "Is this your way of saying you'll let me help more, or are you just putting me to work?"
"A little of both," Stephanie teased, a playful glint in her tired eyes.
They entered their bedroom, and Stephanie made her way to the bed, sitting down with a small sigh of relief. Felix grabbed the bottle of oil from the nightstand and sat beside her, squeezing some into his hands to warm it.
"Alright, Mrs. Bossy. Let's take care of these twins," he said with a grin, gently lifting her shirt to reveal her growing belly.
Stephanie relaxed against the pillows as Felix's hands moved in slow, soothing circles over her skin. "You know I've been thinking, we should get a house worker." Felix suggested.
"Why should we do that?" She asked.
"To help around the house of course, we both know once you reach 10 weeks you won't able to do anything around here." He explained, "plus, that will lift a weight off your shoulders. You don't have to worry about getting up early to make breakfast or get Jay ready for school."
Stephanie shook here head immediately, "you out of all people should know how I feel about people around, I don't trust anyone with my house, food, things, and especially my child."
"I don't want to leave my child in someone else care, I've been pregnant before and I went through it alone so I don't need no random persons help now."
Felix sighed, his hands pausing for a moment before resuming their gentle motions. "Steph, I understand where you're coming from, I really do," he said, his voice calm. "But things are different now. You're carrying twins, and you don't have to do everything on your own anymore."
Stephanie sat up slightly, narrowing her eyes at him. "Felix, it's not just about doing things on my own. It's about trust. I can't let just anyone into our lives, especially around Jay. You know what I went through with him."
Felix nodded, leaning back on his palms. "I know, and I respect that. But what if we hired someone who came highly recommended? Someone we could vet thoroughly? It wouldn't have to be a stranger off the street."
Stephanie folded her arms, her tone firm. "Felix, no. I'm not comfortable with it. I've managed before, and I'll manage now. I don't need a stranger cooking for us or taking care of my son. It's not happening."
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"Are you excited to go to your new school?" Steph asked as she helped Jay put on his shoes.
Jay nodded enthusiastically, his small hands fumbling with the straps on his shoes as Stephanie knelt in front of him. "Yeah! But… do you think they'll like me?" he asked, glancing up at her with wide, curious eyes.
Stephanie smiled warmly, smoothing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. "Of course they will, sweetheart. You're kind, smart, and so much fun to be around. They're lucky to have you in their class."
Jay's face lit up, but then he hesitated. "What if they don't like dinosaurs? Or what if I don't make any friends?"
Stephanie leaned in closer, placing a reassuring hand on his knee. "Not everyone has to like dinosaurs, but I'm sure you'll find someone who does. And you'll make friends—you always do. Just be yourself, Jay, and the right people will want to be your friend."
He nodded, though his nervousness lingered. "Okay, Mommy. I'll try."
Felix appeared in the doorway, holding Jay's backpack. "Ready to go, champ?" he asked, his tone cheerful as he crouched down to Jay's level.
Jay nodded, his confidence bolstered by his dad's energy. "Yeah, I'm ready!"
Felix ruffled his hair playfully. "That's my boy. Now, remember, you're going to have a great day. Be brave, okay?"
Jay puffed up his chest and grinned. "I'll be brave!"
Stephanie stood, watching the interaction with a soft smile. She placed a hand on her belly as Felix helped Jay put on his backpack. "I'm going to miss having you around the house today, buddy," she said, leaning down to kiss his cheek.
"I'll miss you too, Mommy. But I'll tell you everything about my day when I get home!" Jay promised, his excitement finally outweighing his nerves.
Felix straightened up, taking Jay's hand. "Alright, let's go before we're late. Say bye to Mommy."
"Bye, Mommy!" Jay waved enthusiastically as Felix led him toward the door.
"Bye, sweetheart. Have the best day ever!" Stephanie called after him, her heart full as she watched them go.
As the door closed, Stephanie let out a soft sigh, resting her hands on her belly. "One off to school, and two more on the way," she murmured to herself with a small smile. "I guess it's going to be a quiet day."
...…
After tidying up the living room and kitchen, Stephanie made her way upstairs to Jay's room. The sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the neatly made bed and scattered toys on the floor.
She knelt down, starting with his favorite dinosaur figures, carefully placing them into a small box. As she finished packing his toys she headed to his dresser slowly packing his stuff, "his birthday is in 2 weeks and I still haven't planned anything." She muttered as she folded his clothes.
Stephanie sighed, her hands pausing mid-fold. The thought of Jay's upcoming birthday only added to the weight she was already carrying. She glanced at the growing pile of neatly packed clothes, her mind racing with ideas.
"A party at home? No, too much work. Maybe a small celebration at the park? Or something dinosaur-themed…" she murmured to herself, her fingers brushing over one of Jay's favorite t-shirts with a T-Rex print.
"Ah, Guess I'll just ask what he wants." She sighed as she got up and headed out the room.
As she was about to head into the shower the doorbell rang
Stephanie paused, her hand hovering over the bathroom doorknob. She let out a small groan, turning toward the stairs. "Of course, right when I'm about to shower," she muttered under her breath.
She made her way down the stairs, adjusting the loose strand of hair that had fallen into her face. Opening the door, she was shocked to see her sister standing infront of her.
"What are you doing here!" She asked her voice frim but a small crack slipped out.
"Pregnant again, why am I not even surprised." Her sister grined as she looked at Steph up and down.
"Well since you've been sleeping around, I'm sure you have money to spare. My husband and I are buying a house, and we're short on money so I need you to be a good little sister and pinch in."
Stephanie froze, her grip tightening on the door. Her sister's words were like a slap to the face, and she felt a mix of anger and hurt rising in her chest. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain composed.
"Excuse me?" Stephanie said, her voice colder now. "First of all, my personal life is none of your business. And second, you don't just show up uninvited and start demanding money."
Her sister rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Oh, come on, Steph. Don't act so high and mighty. You've always had everything handed to you. What's a little help for family?"
Stephanie's jaw tightened, her patience wearing thin. "Help for family? You mean the same family that left me to fend for myself when I was pregnant with Jay? The same family that didn't even call to check if I was alive?"
Her sister's smirk faltered, but she quickly recovered. "That was a long time ago. Don't be so dramatic. Besides, you've clearly moved on. You're living in a penthouse, married to some rich guy. I'm just asking for a little support."
Stephanie took a step forward, her voice firm. "Let me make one thing clear: whatever I have now, I worked for. You guys didn't help me when I needed you, so why should I help narsasistic people like you."
Her sister's face darkened, and she pointed a finger at Stephanie."Mom and dad only threw you out because I was sick and I needed to be taken care of."
"I was thrown out in the cold, nowhere to go, no help from anyone and nobody to call home!" Steph shot back.
Her sister sighed rolling her eyes, "I don't want to hear your sob story, I came here for money."
Stephanie stared at her sister in disbelief, her anger flaring. "You really don't get it, do you? You're standing here asking for money like you're entitled to it, after everything that's happened. You don't care about me, about my life, or what I went through—you only care about yourself."
Her sister shrugged, an unapologetic smirk on her face. "Call it what you want, Steph. I don't have time for your guilt trips. You're living in luxury while I'm struggling. Just help me out and we'll call it even."
Stephanie stepped closer, her voice trembling with emotion but firm. "Even? Even? Do you have any idea what it was like for me back then? I had no one! I slept in shelters, worked multiple jobs while pregnant, and barely had enough to eat. And now, you waltz in here, acting like you deserve something from me? No. Absolutely not."
Her sister's smirk faltered for a moment before she crossed her arms defensively. "Fine. Be like that. Mom will here about this!"
She turned on her heels and walked away
Stephanie stood frozen at the door, watching her sister storm off. She let out a deep, shaky breath, her hands trembling with a mix of anger and exhaustion.
"Let Mom hear about it," Stephanie muttered under her breath, slamming the door shut. "Not like she cared when it mattered."
She leaned against the door for a moment, closing her eyes to gather herself.
TBC