ASHLEY’S P.O.V.

I wake up to Lizzie crying. I look at the time and its 2:27 a.m. I change her diaper and she stops crying. Spencer insisted on having her sleep in the bed between us, instead of the car seat. Ok, so it was really me who insisted, but who’s taking notes? Yeah, I know it wouldn’t be safe if it were a real baby, but it’s not, so we can do that. I’m holding Lizzie in my arms and singing softly to her, while Spencer is still fast asleep. I hear voices over my singing, so I go to the top of the stairs to be nosey, Lizzie still in my arms. I see two people standing in the foyer. It’s dark, so I can’t really see who it is.

???: “Well it’s only one suitcase because it’s just me.” I’m staying for the weekend and flying back on Sunday.”

Ashley: “Mom?” I ask excitedly. She looks up at me.

Christine: “Hey Ashley.” She says in a hushed, but excited voice. I go downstairs.

Arthur: “I’ll just take this to your room while you two talk.” He says leaving to go upstairs with my mom’s suitcase.

I look at my mother happily, then Lizzie coos. She looks down at my arms.

Christine: “What are you doing with a baby?!” She exclaims.

Ashley: “Shh, mom it’s ok. It’s only a school project. It’s me and Spencer’s.”

Christine: “I go away for three months and you two have a baby.” We chuckle softly.

Ashley: “I missed you mom.”

Christine: “I missed you too sweetie.” She says, hugging me as best she can while I’m holding the baby.

We go to my mom’s room I help her get settled in.

Ashley: “So why didn’t your husband and his son come?” Sighs at my choice of words.

Christine: “Well Mark couldn’t get out of work today so he and Jake are flying in later.” I sigh, rolling my eyes.

Christine: “Ashley, stop it.”

Ashley: “I didn’t say anything.” There’s an awkward moment of silence between us.

Ashley: “I’m gonna go back to bed. I’ll talk to you in the morning.” I say, then kiss her cheek and go back to my room.

———-

6:18 A.M.

Ashley: “Spencer, she’s crying again.” I groan sleepily, covering my head with the pillow.