Chapter 159 - 2.80

"The reason I'm calling is that our father and mother wish to meet you and the kids."

I froze in shock and felt like I had no voice. I never expected this request . I took a moment along the some deep breaths before replying, "this is very sudden. What in the world do they want with us? If this is about Jayden, he and I…"

"It's not about Jayden," she interrupted and I felt even more confusion. "Dad knows generally what's going on with the lawyers and between Elijah, Jayden, and you. He said that he would like to meet all of you as it may be one of the last times they have the chance to hear your side of all this. They just want to meet you, that's all. They don't even want Jayden there, they just want to meet you and find out about the kids. I think they may want to recognize the kids as their grandchildren."

I scoffed before I could stop myself and gasped as I covered my mouth. "I'm sorry, that was a reflex." I took a moment to lessen my annoyance. "Why in the world would they want to see us now? They made it very clear that they don't like us and will never accept us. So why do they want anything to do with us now? My children have already faced rejection from my family and know that they will likely face rejection from yours. I don't want to put them through any more problems, they're going through enough."

"Elijah said that you are coming to meet Jayden next week. If you don't want to meet our parents, that's completely understandable. But they are my nieces and nephew, so I hope that I can at least meet up with you." She paused, but I couldn't come up with a response. "I'm sending you a package and it should get there tomorrow morning. I hope you'll use it."

I sighed and thought for a moment. What harm could come from them meeting Adeline? She even sided with me and helps me get away from Jayden and seems genuine about wanting to meet the kids as they are her family too. "I'm sure they will be happy to meet you. I will have to try to figure out our schedule as we have a lot of people we want to visit. Do you want me to text this number when I figure things out?"

I heard a large grin come to her face as a near squeal came out of her mouth. "Absolutely! I will bend my schedule to whatever works for you, so just let me know. I hope you have a great flight and I can't wait to hear from you."

"I'll let you know. Have a good night," I stated before hanging up.

I didn't know what to make of the situation and was bȧrėly able to fall asleep that night with anxiety of what might happen once we go back. I was already nervous enough and this nearly sent me to my braking points.

Three days later, Zara drove all of us to the airport and Alex came along. Ever since the phone call with Jayden, he seemed more attached to me and seemed to be trying to protect me. I was beginning to see through his silent and emotionless facade and could tell that he was very concerned about me.

Trey had informed me that he believed Alex's actions may stem from their mother. He likely saw something similar to what he remembered occurring between their mother and father. He probably stood up for us as he felt the defensive of someone he's come to appreciate and because he has a soft spot for the kids.

"Do you want me to give you something for your nerves?" Alex whispered as he leaned forward towards the front passenger's seat. I shook my head before turning to him.

"I'll be okay. I've dealt with a lot worse and made it through just fine."

Zara chuckled slightly, "you really are one of the toughest people I've ever met in my life. I don't know how you've made it to this point with everything you've been through. It has definitely made you very strong."

Alex cleared his throat as he was obviously annoyed that Zara had interrupted our conversation. He was not very good with people talking when he planned to.

Zara ignored him and continued talking, "it was nice of their sister to send you all 1st class tickets for your flight. But… are you really going to meet with their parents?"

I sighed deeply and checked through the rear view mirror to make sure the twins were not listening. "I'm still not sure, but I do plan to meet up with Adeline. She helped us a lot when we were trying to leave and seems genuine about caring for us. With this situation, she has done nothing wrong so I feel that she should get the chance to meet them."

"Are you sure you don't want one of us to go with you? It might be hard to take care of all three kids for such a long flight."

I smiled to Zara, "we will be fine. It's not our first time flying; we did it on our way here."

Alex cleared his throat again," you need to be sure to take the injections at least 2 times A-day and the nausea medication if it hits you. With the results we had, I hope things will go well but you never know. The medication seems to be really working on Lynn, but has yet to work on Lauryn and me. So we don't have a clue how it might affect you when you meet up with him."

I nodded but stop speaking as we came up to the airport. For the entire process of getting to the flight and during the flight, all I tried to focus on was the kids. But soon my fear and anxiety started taking me over and I was concerned that it would start to show in front of the kids.

When we finally landed, I felt my nerves rising but tried to focus on the positive that I would get to see everyone that I was missing. I juggled to get a bag on my shoulder, hold Addie's carrier on my other arm, and keep an eye that the twins for following. I changed it so they were walking in front of me so they couldn't get lost and so I could lessen one of my worries. In the back of my mind, there was a fear that somehow Jayden would come and snatched them away if I took my eyes off them for even a second.

We made our way through the terminal and to baggage claim for our flight. I locked eyes with Shannon and she immediately rushed over with Sean at her heels. Sean took the bag and carrier as Shannon hugged to the twins.

When I finally saw him, I look to the twins quickly.. "Stay with aunt Shannon," I whispered before running as fast as I could and barreling into his ċhėst.