Perfect Doesn't Last Forever

Chapter Eighteen

            The boys nod all at once, remembering the long talk we shared just a day ago at dinner.  We wanted to avoid anything that could potentially cause an uncomfortable situation and because Preston and I believe in open parenting, we discussed as much as we could with them about the situation as we thought appropriate.  Hayley was going to have some sort of presence in their lives now, and we didn’t want it to be strange. 

            “Okay,” I mumble, standing back up and taking the twins hands in mine.  “Want to ring the doorbell?”

            Jacob and Ryan exchange competitive stares and after a few moments, Jacob grumbles and Ryan reaches towards the doorbell.  I brace myself for the chorus of dog barks that I was sure would ensue and chuckle when everyone else jumps slightly at the terrifying noises.  A few seconds later, the door swings open to Hayley, with a toddler clinging to her leg. 

            “Hey guys!”  Hayley greets excitedly.  “Can you say hi Mel?” Hayley hefts the little girl into her arms, who timidly waves at us. 

            “Well hello there,” I smile, gently tickling the toddler’s tummy, as I see Damien and Maya approach from behind, with Adeline carrying a baby in her arms.  “Hi Damien; Maya.”

            “Hi,” Maya greets, pulling me in for a gentle hug.  We exchange hugs and Damien and I share an awkward hello, knowing that neither of our significant others would appreciate anything more friendly. 

            I smile at Adeline, knowing that even though she would have no possible memory of meeting me when she was only a baby, but Maya introduces Adeline, Melanie, their two year old, and their three-month-old son Nolan.  And then I introduce the boys and Preston, who exchanges a mildly friendly handshake with Damien. 

            We all stand in the doorway for a few silent moments, but then Maya quickly ushers us into their home, which is a fairly large, but cozy craftsman house.  The walls are white, and filled with paintings and family photos, and as we walk through, our feet march over dark cherry hardwood floors.  Like the new layout of my parents’ house, Damien’s house had an open living room, dinning room and kitchen.  When we get to the back of the house, Maya offers us all a drink and then points the all the kids towards the living room. 

            “I’m not sure what boys like to do, since our older ones are girls, but you guys are welcome to watch television while we wait for dinner,” Maya says, handing off cans of soda to Hayley, who hands them to each of the boys. 

            Hayley leads the boys to the couch, where Adeline has nested herself in the corner, busily texting away on her phone and occasionally glancing up at Nolan, who is lying on his back playing with a mobile that hangs over him.  The twins eagerly sit down on each side of Hayley and Lyle gravitates towards sitting beside Melanie and entertains her with goofy faces.  I smile, knowing that just like when the twins were born, Lyle has a gentleness to his stubborn personality; Lyle would be excited to have another sibling.  As Damien hands Preston a beer, my excitement deflates slightly when I see Lucas sit a considerable distance away from everyone else. 

            I know that it is harder for Lucas to open up to new people because he still remembers his original family with his mother and father together; he isn’t too keen on more family, it deviates from his original view of the world.  But as I am handed a glass of water, I hope that after a few minutes Lucas will loosen up and interact with everyone. 

            “So tell me about what you do,” Maya asks me as she stirs a large pot on the stove.  “Hayley says you teach.”

            “Third grade,” I nod, leaning against one of the counters in the kitchen.  Preston stands beside me, casually holding his beer, and Damien stands next to Maya.  There is a substantial distance between Maya and I and before anything turns awkward, I slide over, with Preston at my side.  “For about five years.  What about you guys, how long have you been a chef Maya?”