Bath Time (Blogophilia 19.12)
Rain slapped against the window behind them as they looked at the empty glasses. Neither of them had the energy to get more. When Harry Met Sally flickered on the wall, sound muted to sooth their heads. It was their go to when all they wanted to do was to stare at the TV. Tonight was one of those nights. Problems at work and home had left them too tired to even quote the movie like they usually did.
The sound of water Splashing soon drowned out everything. It was bath time and Emmy was on stage. Tonight it was a musical. She was Producer, Director and Ringmaster of the Circus. In a loud voice she proclaimed.
“Ladies and Gentlemen! I present ‘Endless Hours Under the Wiwows! Staring ME! Emily Morris!”
Now she was the audience, giving a herself a standing ovation. Lord, that girl was loud, but entertaining. They paused the movie and looked at each other. It was tempting to get up and watch the performance, but Kathy shook her head no. It would ruin it.
One by one she introduced the “cast”, while the parents mouthed along. This was a nightly performance and like the movie, they knew all the lines. Tonight’s story involved a fairy princess, played by Rubber Duck. Turtle had locked Ducky in a cage away from her pond, threatening to have her for dinner. Ducky laughed. A stinky, mushy cowboy would come to her rescue and she’d ride him into the sunset.
Kathy blushed and covered her mouth. They both knew where that came from.
The dialogue went back and forth. Each character trying to top the other. After a while it was replaced by what sounded like a drunk robin at a karaoke bar. The Hero, Polka Dot Fish, had arrived to unlock the cage. Wincing at the high notes. Kathy whispered.
“Nails on a chalkboard.”
A smirk came over Jimmy’s face.
“I’ll have what she’s having.”
Kathy giggled and struggled to her feet, using the end of the sofa to keep her balance.
“You’ll clean up the mess if you do, Cowboy.” She winked. “I’ll move her along. It’s almost bedtime.”
“Need help?”
“Nah, it won’t be long.”
As she left, he went to the kitchen. Opening the tap on the wine box, he heard the disappointed sigh. He knew the drill: Mommy goes in with the towel, Emmy stands up and tries to streak to her room. It was followed by...
“Mommy! That tickles!”
...the towel rubbing vigorously over the curly hair and down the thin body. It reminded him of bathing Petey the dog when he was little. There was a game they would play. He would hide the town behind his back and get him to look at the ceiling to try and get the towel in place. It never worked. he would squirm loose and bolt down the hall, leaving the floor and him soaking wet. Then his mom would yell and he would have to clean up. With Emmy the difference was she’d ask for a piggyback ride to her room. He’d still have a mess to clean up, but he didn’t care. He got back to the sofa just in time for Emily to fly into his lap, short pink gown riding up her legs.
“Bear Hug!”
Flinging her arms around him she planted a wet kiss on his cheek, the damp red hair leaving streaks on his t-shirt. The bubble gum scent her bath filled his nose as it pressed against her. She hopped off.
“G’Night, Daddy.”
She pulled up Kathy’s shirt and stared at the navel poking out. She lightly traced either side of it. A kick startled her and began to giggle. She kissed the point and whispered.
“G’night, Little Charlie. Let Mommy sleep tonight.”
And, Boom. She was in her room as fast as she came. Kathy followed to make sure she actually went to bed. It wasn’t long before he heard giggling and a screech. Ah, the quick tickle, Jimmy thought. He wanted more of the bubble gum smell, the innocent energy. Another good night and they were done. Emily had always been a joy. Like her mother, she had a twinkle in her eye that always assumed things would be alright.
He took a sip out of his glass and looked at the crib, waiting to be moved into their bedroom. How would Charlie change things? Besides loosing sleep, of course, It had been a trying couple of months.There was still three months on the lease, but they had a line on a bigger place in the same school district. That was good. Emily loved her teachers.
He was more worried about her. Morning sickness was 24 hours a day and her blood pressure was up. But Doc didn’t seem to be bothered. The advice was to take it easy and they’d survive. Yeah, Doc. Easy for you to say.
Kathy came back and tucked into his arm. Bubble gum mixed with her lavender and he relaxed. No matter what the outcome, it would be alright.
“Mmmm..”
“What?” She gave him a puzzled look.
“I wonder if Charlie is going to smell as good as you.”
She laughed. “Maybe after he gets past the diaper stage.”
She put his hand on her tummy. Charlie kicked back and they smiled.
“He’s dancing around. Makes me want to dance with you.”
A pained look came over her face. “That sounds lovely, but my feet are killing me.” she waited a beat. “Besides, he might decide its time to come out.”
“That would be exciting.” Jimmy caught the flying hand and kissed it. “How much longer did the Doc say?”
“Any time. She said I’m at 36 or 37 weeks. Emily was a little early, maybe Charlie will be, too.” Taking a sip of her wine. “I’m ready to get this over with.”
“Yeah.”
She shift out of his arm and into the corner. With some effort, the swollen feet went in his lap They restarted the movie. As the famous scene in the deli played, he slid rough hands along the ballooning legs, gently squeezing the fluid back toward her heart. Her moans were real. Soon their eyes were heavy, they said a silent prayer of gratitude as they drifted off. It may not always be easy, but God had granted a good life..
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Topic-Michelle Marko King
Pic guesses: Spaghetti, Yellow flowers, It’s in the pasta, Scene from an Italian Restaurant, Noodles, Inspiration,
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