What Lies Ahead

Chapter 23

"Good morning," Ezra chuckles as I wake up on his couch. 

He's in the kitchen cooking something, and it smells delicious. 

"Good morning. What's cooking?" I ask.

"Pancakes and bacon."

"Yummy," I grin, standing up and joining him in the kitchen. 

I sit down at the table with him and he puts a plate down for me, and he sits down with his. 

"Thank you," I smile.

"Of course. How did you sleep?" he asks. 

"Your couch is pretty comfy," I smirk.

"Well, I'm glad," he chuckles.

We eat in silence and when we finish I take our dishes and clean them off.

"I guess I should go home. I don't have any clothes. Do you mind taking me?" I ask.

"Yeah, let's go," he says.

I follow him to his car and we drive in a comfortable silence to my house.

"Hey mom," I smile, coming downstairs after getting a shower. 

"How was last night?" she asks.

"We just watched a movie and fell asleep," I laugh. 

"So, you like Ezra?" mom asks.

"I like him a lot, but enough about me. How are you feeling?" I ask.

"A little better, but not much," she frowns.

"Have you went to the doctor?" I ask.

"I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon."

"Want me to come with you?" I ask.

"No, sweetheart. Thank you though," she says.

"Hey, Paige!" I grin, wrapping my arms around her an hour later as she's standing on my doorstep.

"Surprise," she smiles.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

"I missed you," she frowns.

"I missed you too!" 

"How's school going?" she asks.

"The online is easy, but lab isn't as easy. I'm glad I have Ezra to help me. How's your schooling?" I smile.

"It's alright," she sighs.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"I just wish you were there. It's nice having Chase and Luke around, but I'd also like it if you were there," she frowns. 

"Aww Paige," I frown, pulling her in for another hug.

"Now I want to see the babies," she giggles.

We hurry upstairs to their cribs and they're both starting to wake up.

"Hello my babies," I grin.

I pick up Leon while Paige picks up Chloe.

"I got a message from Ali the other day," Paige says as we sit down on the bed.

"What did it say?" I ask.

"She was just apologizing and saying how sorry she was for everything. She said she was dumb to trying to be popular."

"At least she apologized," I give a small smile.

"I just don't think I want to be friends with her again," Paige says.

"I understand. Are you staying here tonight?" I smile.

"Yeah, I don't have Monday classes, so we can have a sleepover!" she laughs.

"Which movie? The Last Song or Dirty Dancing?" I ask.

"Dirty Dancing," We both agree at the same time.

My phone rings, and I look to see Ezra's name pop up.

"I'll be right back. Don't start the movie!" I say, answering his call as I walk outside.

"Hi, Ezra," I blush.

"Hey gorgeous. What are you up to?" he asks.

"About to watch a movie. Paige is sleeping over," I smile.

"That's nice. Anyways, I called to ask if you wanted to come up to the school and have lunch with me tomorrow?" he asks, still sounding nervous.

"Won't that look weird? I mean I was your student last year," I give a small chuckle.

"It's perfectly legal now, technically speaking. Besides, we have a new principal this year," he says.

"Really? I didn't know that."

"So, will you join me?" he asks.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Ezra."

"It was nice having you here," I frown as I'm walking Paige out to her car. 

"I'll be back before you know it," she smiles.

I wave to her as she pulls out and I go inside.

"Ezra invited me to the school for lunch. I'll take one of the babies if you don't mind watching the other one? If you have plans though it's ok," I say, looking at Jesse as I walk inside the house.

"I'll watch Leon. He needs to get away from all the girls," Jesse smirks.

"Thank you," I smile, heading upstairs to get Chloe ready.

"Good afternoon," I say, setting Chloe down as well as the bags of Chick-Fila. 

"My favorite," Ezra smirks, looking at the food.

He picks up Chloe out of her carrier.

"Hi princess," he says, and she gives him a big smile and squeal. 

"She adores you," I smile.

"I'm just that irresistible," he winks, making me giggle.

"So, how's teaching going?" I ask.

"It's not anything interesting. Not like last year."

"Those were the days," I say, thinking back to the memories.

"Are you ready for lab Friday?" he asks.

"Not at all, but I'm glad you're there," I grin.

We eat our food in a comfortable silence, and pretty soon it's time for me to go.

"See in you lab beautiful," Ezra smiles, kissing my cheek.

"See you then."