Due to the excitement the girls felt, they woke up earlier than usual, especially Jessica. She could not remember anytime when her parents did anything like this for her. They only called her to fill her in concerning her father's business and help settle her academic bills.
She remembered the last time she suggested an outing only for her parents to refuse vehemently with the excuse of being busy. She sighed as she realized that she went to work almost the entire week until Kelsie's family called her in.
A knock on her door startled her, she looked up into the eyes of her best friend. She motioned her in. Kelsie came in, sat beside her and put her heads between Jessica's lap. She felt Jessica hands stroking her hair and smiled.
"I felt like once we get to the office, we can map out everything we wrote down and then we can have family movie night", Kelsie suggested.
"Are we going to surprise them". Jessica asked.
"Of course, once the details are sent, we might travel for a while. And it seems like daddy took a day off and mum is not going anywhere today".
"How about we take a day off too. We can plot it down here in the house, so we can have quality family time". Jessica suggested.
"Do you feel like calling your parents to inform them. You can call maybe your mom ".
Jessica sighed" They would not pick and neither will they understand". She calmly extracted herself from Kelsie, stood up and looked at her friend" you just would not understand. Your family is so much different than mine".
Kelsie came closer to her, wrap her arms around Jessica and whispered" it's been three years darling. They might have been looking for ways to contact you. Why not take the first step".
Jessica went to her bedside table and brought out a digital watch. She tapped on the screen and it came alive. She did not want to admit it but she misses her family, every night, she charges it and keeps it beside her bedside to avoid any missed calls.
Kelsie remembered the watch, her best friend had worn it till three years ago. Ever since, she has never set her eyes upon it again. She inched closer and found Jessica sobbing quietly. She left silently to her parents room.
Mrs Jade opened the door after the third knock, she looked at her daughter's face and found tears . Immediately she tensed up " are you okay, dear, what's going on. Why are you crying and where's Jessica"
Kelsie found the confused look on her mom's face amusing but she could not laugh. "Mom, Jessica's crying."
"Why is she crying, my God and why are you crying too" Kelsie's mom confusion grew an inch more.
"She is missing her family and I can not even help to calm her down because I do not know how she feels" Kelsie coughed as she tried to subdue her tears " And I want to help, I really want to help her get over the pain she is feeling but I do not know what to say and i could not even hug her because right now she does not need a bestie. She needs a mom". Kelsie finished with muffled sounds.
Mrs Jade smiled, hugged her daughter. "Right now, she would not like to see you cry as well and I know she needs you there more than ever. We will go together, your dad needs more rest". She cleaned her daughter's face and led the way to Jessica's room.
The sight that greeted them tore at their heart and Kelsie almost broke down again. Jessica was huddled up on the bed, she had her face down on the pillow to muffle the screams and shouts, coming out from her. She was shaking terribly.
Mrs Jade calmly sat beside Jessica as Kelsie remained standing by the door. Mrs Jade touched Jessica's shoulder, she felt the girl stiffening. She drew her up and hugged her. The little girl cling to her like she had found a life support. All through the process of calming her down, Mrs Jade constantly and intentionally soothed her by dragging her hand up and down Jessica's back until the girl calm down.
"Jessica, you are fine. Anytime you miss them, you can come to me. I already told you even if you do not accept me , I am already seeing you as my daughter. I have two daughters and two sons. So my children are four. This.... This was too much, I do not ever want to see you in this state again. Kelsie was so worried. We can not see you in pain".
Jessica looked into the face of Mrs Jade and Kelsie and smiled" Thanks ..... Mum. I will put that in mind, I am so sorry for making you guys worried".
Mrs Jade hugged her again and drew Kelsie forward. They stayed there for a while and she announced" Who wants to help me make breakfast". She looked up into the excited faces of her children as they were saying" me, me, mommy, I would like to help you".
They made their way to the kitchen and tasks were assigned. This was done with much love. They played, laughed and even put some of the food on themselves.
That's the sight Mr Ryan walked in to see. Without a sound, he brought out his phone and started recording the sight. In between, he will smile and shake his head.
When the ladies found out they had a company, Mr Ryan was dragged into the food making preparations. When they were done, the ladies went to freshen themselves up as Mr Ryan set the table. They came in and sat down carefully.
" Well, I took a day off. It was much needed". Mr Ryan said and those at the table burst into laughter.
"Do not worry dad. We understand".
Her dad's surprised face made her continue her statement "Oh,what I meant is that, we also took a day off, we are yours for as long as you want us".
Jessica just smiled.
Their parents looked at each other and exclaimed"Thank God, we did not have to choose for you guys. You would not believe the plans we had for our family today.
The best friends looked at each other and laughed.
"Oh, mum will Hayden and Nathaniel join us today" Kelsie asked excitedly.
The front door opened up and her brothers strolled in looking dashing as ever. They just answered her question. Without another word, the girls launched themselves at the boys.
Hayden hugged Kelsie and twirled her around. He dropped her, stared into her face and then kissed her forehead. Meanwhile, Nathaniel caught Jessica in the air and twirled her around as she kept on laughing. He set her down and tickled her. Jessica's laughter reverberated in the house as they all joined her in laughing. He let her go after a while and kissed her forehead.
The boys walked to their parents. They greeted them. The boys kissed their mum cheeks as she stood up to hug them to welcome them. They went to their dad's side and bowed. The hand thumping on their back signified that they did very well on this business trip they went to.
They sat down at the table, and decided to join in the feast. After eating, the boys went to relax and rest. By the time they woke up it was movie time. Popcorn was shared and smoothie was circulated.
Mr Ryan secretly hoped in his heart that the next time he is going to film something, especially in the kitchen, his entire family will be included.
The laughter, happiness and bonding continued till late in the night before all of them went to their respective rooms to sleep.
Kelsie adamantly slept with Jessica in her room.