smile as Ava dances her teddy bear on her lap and kicks her little legs.
When they came out to meet me this morning, I felt my heart skip a beat. Laken and Ava looked very much like twins; they’re both wearing black flowy t-shirts, with white tank tops underneath. Their jean shorts are frayed at the bottom and on their feet are hot pink Chucks. They even have their brown locks in braids; of course, Laken’s is a lot longer and hangs over her shoulder.
The best part was when both of their faces lit up when they saw me. Ava ran toward me and let me scoop her up in my arms. Laken followed more sedately, but she let me kiss her right on the lips.
Ava giggled, and that made both of us laugh.
Now we’re about a half hour from Hermosa Beach, and Laken is a bundle of nerves. “Have you heard from you parents?”
“Mom called as they were getting on the ship. Reception will be spotty, but she wanted to check in one more time. I don’t think I could ever go on a cruise ship.”
“Yeah, I get it. I just don’t think I’d like to be stuck out on the ocean with nowhere to go.”
As she relaxes, her leg quits bouncing and she’s not fidgeting as we talk about mundane things. “When’s your next game? I was hoping you’d play a home game before my parents come to get Ava. I’d love to bring her.”
“We play Saturday at home and then Sunday we play in Fresno; we’ll be leaving Saturday night.” I squeeze her hand. “I’d love for you guys to come.”
She smiles at me and then looks out the passenger window.
We finally arrive at my parents’ house, and Laken climbs out and then goes to the backseat. “Are you ready to meet Chance’s mommy and daddy?”
“Oh yes, Mommy.” Ava smiles up at Laken and warms my heart. I climb out and grab our bags. Laken speaks softly to Ava, as if whispering a secret between the two, but I can’t make out the words. I can only clearly hear Ava reply, “I promise I be a good girl.”
Hand in hand they meet me on the sidewalk. Before we’re even up the sidewalk the door opens, and my parents and Pixy come out to greet us. Laken freezes and then looks up at me. “Is that a goat?”
“Goat!” Ava squeals and then pulls away from Laken. She stops a few feet away from my parents and Pixy, and we all wait to see what happens. Ava squats and holds out her hand.
Pixy makes his goat noise and pulls away from my dad, trotting over to Ava. I pull out my phone and start taking a video, catching Ava trying to mimic Pixy’s noises. Laken comes to stand next to me, wrapping her arm around my waist.
Ava reaches out to pet Pixy, and he actually lets her. He’s sometimes skittish and can do his whole “fainting” thing, which is the muscle cells experiencing prolonged contraction when he is startled, but Pixy lets her hug and snuggle him. Mom and Dad come to greet us.
Hugs are exchanged by the adults, and Laken brings Ava over. It’s obvious she’s nervous, and I hate seeing that pensive look on her face.
Laken squats next to Ava. “Love bug, this is Chance’s mom and dad. This is Ava.”
They both squat in front of her. “Hi, Ava. I’m Aubrey, Chance’s momma. This is Chance’s daddy, and his name is Chance too.”
“It is?” She scrunches her nose, looking from Chance to his dad, and I swear my parents’ smiles both get bigger.
“It sure is. Should we go inside and eat some lunch?” Dad says, standing to his full height. He holds his hand out to her, and Ava doesn’t think twice, placing hers in his.
We follow behind the three of them and Pixy. “I told you not to worry,” I whisper to Laken.
Lunch is loud and chaotic. Ava has won over my parents, especially my dad. Basically, what it means is my parents have ignored Laken and me and given Ava all the attention.
“Hey, guys!” My sister, Bree comes in with her usual flair. “Laken! Oh my God, I’m so happy to finally meet you.” They share a hug, and then my sister goes over to Ava and bends down next to her. “Are you Ava?”
“Yes. Who are you?” Her little voice is so sweet.
My sister smiles at Laken and then turns back to Ava. “I’m