Stay

30

Friar Household - Nursery - 7:00pm

''How was he given bail and now is going for full custody? This is such bullshit''

Lucas hushes Riley as he lays in the rocking chair, attempting to get Topanga to sleep at an appropriate time. 

''Sorry, I just don't want to lose the babies because of him and his wealthy parents''

Riley, herself as is rocking Jack to sleep as she paces back and forth in the house. Filled with worry that she could lose her kids.

''Riles, we're going to be okay, I promise. Once the courts see how good of a Mom you are. There's no doubt in my mind that they'll give you full custody''

Lucas kisses Riley's forehead, he wants nothing more than to stick by Riley's side and raise Topanga and Jack with her. 

''I sure hope so''

Riley places Jack in his bassinet, Lucas following in suit, placing Topanga in her one next to her brother. Riley dims the lights in room so that they can stay asleep. The nursey is a windowless room directly to the left of their room, reassuring the new parents that the kids are safe. 

''I get what your parents meant when they said that the newborn stage is the hardest''

Since the birth of the twins, Riley has been spending a lot of time with Natalie and Angela. This has allowed the brunette to gain all the newborn advice that she can.

''Definitely, Topanga has not wanted to be put down since I first held her at 3:30 this afternoon. Not that I don't love time with her. But, it's much harder to get stuff done with a newborn on your arm''

Angela, Shawn and the boys are all downstairs waiting for them at the dining table. In the transition of two babies in the house, this has pushed their evening routine back about a half hour. Dinner usually commences at 7:00 as opposed to 6:30 like it used to.

''Someone's definitely a Daddy's girl, isn't she?''

Only time will tell, however, since their births, it seems as if it's only Lucas can get Topanga to sleep, eat and prepared for the day without a fuss. 

''I wouldn't want it any other way''

Riley feels so lucky to have Lucas with her to raise the kids in their little family. 

''Hey guys, that was a lot faster tonight''

To make life easier, their plates are already filled with pulled pork tacos with pineapple salsa on the side. 

''I think that because they went to school for the first time today, that tired them out more. Being in a new environment and all''

Despite what happened today, Riley wants to move past it and focus on the kids. As time goes by, the twins seem to be awake for longer periods of time. 

''They definitely are good at getting well adjusted to new situations aren't they?''

Riley and Lucas never knew how hungry running around looking after twins and getting your shit together would make them. 

''I'm so thankful for that. I don't think we'd survive if they weren't''

The brunette is doing everything she can to avoid the topic of Christopher and what happened at school. She'd rather focus on her kids and raising them to be good human beings. 

''I heard that Chris was at school today. How'd that go?''

There is a part of her that is glad that the case is getting closer to being resolved. If anything this is just a hurdle in their family's wonderful story. Regardless of her anger earlier, Uncle Jon has her back and the evidence doesn't lie. 

''Can you excuse me for a minute? I'm not feeling too good''

It's evident that something occurred that her brothers aren't aware of. Josh and Auggie, being closer to Riley out of the siblings, go to check on her. 

''Riles, it's me and Aug, can you let us in?''

She can't run forever. Her brothers are going to have to know what happened between her and Chris eventually. 

''Hey...''

There she is. Curled up on her bed on her side, clutching at her childhood teddy bear. Fear and trauma flashes through her eyes. Lucas had excused himself from the table not long after. Going to look after the twins in their nursery. 

''I'm sorry...''

Her deterioration of her personality and self worth is telling. Bags underneath her eyes, bloodshot orbs, skinner than usual and irratic behaviour. Due to the lack of sleep that the case has caused her, Riley is more on edge and more irritable than normal.

''Ri, this is not your fault, none of this is your fault''

Auggie takes ahold of his younger sister's hands, kissing her forehead in support. He brushes his thumb over her cheek allowing her to give him a weak grin. 

''Thanks Aug...''

The tiresome and depressive nature of her tone concern both of her brothers

''Is there anything that we can do for you? I hate seeing you like this, Ri. I wanna do anything I can to help you''

Riley rests her head on Josh's shoulder, holding Auggie's hand as the twins sit on either side of their sister. 

''I need you to be here for me, that's probably the best thing that you could do for me right now''

 If she's learnt anything from the passings of Cory and Topanga, she can always turn to her brothers in her darkest moments. They'll always be there to love and protect her, no matter what happens. 

''We can do that. We brought you some stuff''

Josh passes her a mug of hot chocolate and some oats with berries and greek yoghurt mixed in. Her favourite.

''Thanks guys''

Riley readjusts her duvets, pulling her tray table onto her lap for the food to have stability. 

''Riles, were there cameras in the classroom that you were in with Christopher?''

Riley nods in response. She has an inkling of where Auggie is going with this idea but allows him to continue nevertheless

''Well, what if we ask the school for the security camera footage from inside the classroom. Therefore, you'll have solid evidence to backup your claims in court. It'll also legitamise your argument that you should have custody of Topanga and Jack''

The brunette is determined to have the ability to give her children the childhood that she never had. She never wants them to be reminded of the way that they were brought into the world. Moreso she'd want them to remember having a happy and loving childhood instead.

''I'll do anything to have those kids in my care. They're my babies and I'd do anything to keep them safe and sound with us''

Natalie and Nixon enter the room, ready to relieve Riley and Lucas of the stress of looking after the kids. 

''Hey guys, guess who's here to look after the grandkids?''

Riley has never been more relieved to see Lucas's parents in her life. As much as she loves her children, Riley needs an hour or so of space to clear her head. She wants to be as strong as possible when she goes to fight for their custody. 

''Hey Nixon, Hey Natalie, I have never been more thankful to see you guys in my life''

Riley and Lucas's tiresome faces cause Nixon to be reminiscent of what himself and Natalie were like at their age with Lucas. 

''We're thankful to see you guys too''

The little ounce of joy that fills Riley momentarily is quickly diminished as her lawyer's number flashes onto her cellphone screen.

''Hello?''