It was three days until football tryouts. Ever since Colin Myers was forced into my life I hadn’t really had it easy. I couldn’t get into any more trouble at school. I couldn’t go out for football this weekend and I was kicked out of my own house until next Wednesday. A whole week living with Colin now and that wasn’t something that I was looking forward to. I didn’t have much of a choice though. Susan wasn’t going to let me leave her house.

“Can you believe her?” I asked after we were walking across the lawn to the Myers house.

“It’ll be alright honey.” Susan soothed patting me on the shoulder. She was touching her stomach with the other hand and she looked strained.

“Are you alright mom?” Colin asked walking around me to her other side.

“Yeah they’re just kicking.” Susan answered offering Colin a quick smile. It wasn’t very assuring to me though.

“They must be kicking hard.” Cassidy said she was walking slightly ahead of us until Colin asked Susan if she was all right.

“Kids I know what being pregnant is all about.” Susan responded still smiling. “Now don’t worry about me.”

“Are you sure you’re alright mom?” Colin questioned again and Susan didn’t exactly look fine. She looked like she was in some sort of pain.

“I just need to lay down and let these two get settled.” Susan answered patting her stomach. “It’s probably a little crowded wouldn’t you think?”

“Yeah.” I answered and they all glanced at me. Susan was a little woman. Colin, even Cassidy and me towered over her. She couldn’t be any taller than five foot three.

“Well unlock the door and get to your homework kids.” Susan ordered when we were at the front door.

“Alright.” Colin said then Cassidy unlocked the door then Susan walked into the house. I turned around and walked with Colin back to the van and he grabbed his bag then Cassidy’s. I grabbed mine and then when we entered the house we saw Cassidy helping Susan onto the couch. Susan was trying to hide her pain, but it wasn’t working.

“I think we should call the doctor Colin.” Cassidy stated stepping back.

“No, I’m alright.” Susan countered placing her hands on her stomach. “I’m not in labor just go do your homework.”

“Quit being stubborn mom.” Colin ordered groaning. “The doctor said twins normally came early.”

“Not almost a month early Colin.” Susan responded then she sucked in her breath and grimaced. The whole thing was scary to watch. Anyone could tell that they just wasn’t kicking or rolling around in there. Something else was happening.

“I’m going to call Dr. Keiff.” Colin said then he left the kitchen. When Susan didn’t protest I looked over at Cassidy who turned to look at me. She was scared and I put my bag down and sat down in the chair that was close to the couch.

“Casey we need your mom.” Colin said stepping back into the room.

“What?” I asked standing back up.

“She can’t wait on any ambulance to get here.” Colin said ignoring me. “So go get your mom.”

“I can’t.” I countered and he gave me a look that I didn’t like on him. A look of out disgust I thought. Then Susan let out a yell and I turned to the open door and ran out it. Then I crossed the lawn and looked at my front door briefly. Then I started knocking on it not feeling welcome enough to just burst right into the house. When mom finally did answer the door she looked at me.

“Mom!” I said, “Susan needs to go to the hospital.”

“What?” Mom asked and I looked at her.

“She’s in pain.” I answered, “You need to drive her.”

“What did you do Casey?” Mom asked and I looked at her.

“Go driver her to the hospital mom.” I ordered through clenched teeth. Mom grabbed her purse and took off jogging to the Myers house. I walked into the house and picked up the phone. I dialed Colin’s number.

“What?” He asked after I answered the phone.

“Mom is on her way.” I answered.

“Then get your ass over here!” Colin ordered and I didn’t want to. Mom had asked me what I did to Susan. What kind of question was that? How bad of a person did she think I actually was? When I made it back to the Myers house I saw that they had already gotten Susan into Susan’s van. I was handed a bag and I jammed it into the backseat. Mom laid Susan’s seat back and Cassidy started rubbing Susan’s head while Colin and I was jammed into the very back seat of the van again. We then were on our way to the hospital. They had a wheelchair waiting for us when we pulled up into the emergency lane. Susan had moaned the whole way and I looked at Colin who looked pale and Cassidy was crying. Mom looked the most calm, but she had been through this before when she had me.

“Everything is going to be fine.” I said as soon as we were out of the van. We were following them into the hospital and they were taking her right to the room. Cassidy and Colin were both holding onto her hands.

“Kathy come in with me.” Susan said when we got to the room they wanted to put Susan into.

“I don’t know if that’s best Susan.” Mom countered and Susan turned her head to look at her.

“I need someone in there with me.” Susan responded then the nurse looked towards my mom.

“Alright I’ll go.” Mom said then she looked at the three of us.

“Ma’am here’s your uniform.” A nurse said then handed mom her scrubs. Mom then walked into the room disappearing behind the door. It was closed then and we all stood on the outside.

“Kids you need to be at the waiting room.” The doctor said when he got to the door.

“Alright.” I said then the nurse that was with him opened the door for the doctor then shut it behind them. We had briefly heard moaning and screeching from Susan in the few seconds and that seemed to trouble Colin more. I then looked around and saw the directions to the waiting room. “Come on guys.”

“I don’t want to.” Colin countered still looking at the door.

“We’ll get into trouble Colin.” I responded taking hold of his shoulder. Cassidy was holding my mother’s purse and Susan’s luggage.

“Yeah let’s go to the waiting room Colin.” Cassidy said then Colin sighed and started walking to it. When we got there we picked an unoccupied corner and I sat down beside Colin then Cassidy said down beside him. There was a small table with stacks of magazines separating Cassidy from Colin and I. I looked around the hospital not feeling comfortable at all. I don’t think anyone liked hospitals, but it was quiet. I never did like being in places that were quiet either. Cassidy picked up a few magazines and started looking at them and Colin looked jittery.

“What’s taking so long?” Colin asked when he caught me looking at him.

“It’s only been a couple of minutes Colin.” I answered and he sighed then smoothed out his shirt.

“I know that.” Colin hissed glancing over at me. “I’ve have to go for a walk.”

“You just need to calm down Colin.” Cassidy ordered peering over the top of the magazine she was skimming over. “Labors take hours.” Colin stood anyway. Like he hadn’t even heard what Cassidy said to him.

“Coming?” Colin asked looking down at me.

“Yeah, sure,” I responded standing and we both walked out of the waiting room leaving Cassidy behind. I looked at her before I turned the corner, but she wasn’t looking at us. She had started talking on her cell phone even if signs were posted to stay off them.

“Dad needs to get here.” Colin huffed as we exited the hospital.

“Where’s he at?” I asked and we stopped walking. We didn’t have that many options out here.

“Working, like always.” Colin answered shaking his head. “I thought moving here and my mom being pregnant would slow him down, but it hasn’t.”

“Well he’ll be here.” I offered not knowing what to say. My dad was like that sometimes too. The past few conversations I had with him I’d wish he would get out and work more. My life would be a little simpler if he did.

“Park or sidewalk.” Colin said and I turned to look at him.

“What?” I asked and he smiled a tight smile.

“Which direction do you want to go?” Colin asked then pointed in both directions. This was the busiest area of town and I didn’t really trust the park, but I didn’t want to be shuffling through a crowd on the sidewalk either.

“Doesn’t matter,” I answered shrugging.

“Alright, park it is then.” Colin answered then stepped past me and started walking.

“Why don’t you consider swimming again?” I suggested catching up to him.

“What?” Colin asked as we kept walking. “Where’d that come from?”

“Well it’s something that can take up some of your time and I bet you were good.” I answered. I wanted to get his mind off his mother.

“Do you think I should?” Colin asked seeming like he was actually considering it.

“Well yeah.” I answered and he glanced over at me as we entered the gates of the park. It was still pretty early in the evening so there were still people out walking dogs or playing with kids. It was when those people left that I would start getting nervous. I had heard too many stories about the park in town. We didn’t live in a bad neighborhood, but even good neighborhoods have their dark spots. The park at night was definitely one of those.

“Or are you just trying to get me too busy to hang out with you?” Colin asked and I stopped walking. Then when he started laughing I glared at him.

“Not funny.” I hissed making a fist. “You’re a friend now alright?”

“Sure.” Colin shrugged and I punched him lightly on the arm. He rubbed it anyway then I felt weird when he looked at me. It wasn’t something that I wouldn’t mind feeling. It was just weird. Part of me liked the look he gave me. The park had a playground, a football field, and a paved basketball court. There were what looked like college guys over on the basketball court, but there weren’t that many kids in and around the playground so we started walking towards it. Then when we got to the larger swings we took one and started to lightly swing. I hadn’t really been comfortable around Colin. I never let that show though. That is how I was with everyone. I just used my uncomfortable thoughts and pushed myself to make an effort.

“Are you excited about being a big brother?” I asked curiously and he smiled at me.

“Yeah.” Colin answered, “Since Cassie is older than me by a few minutes.”

“Really?” I asked and he nodded.

“She reminds me of that all the time.” Colin answered shrugging. “Oh now that you’re not with Heather you better stay away from my sister.”

“Oh don’t worry about that.” I answered laughing slightly. “I think she hates my ass anyway.”

“Nah, she thinks you’re cute.” Colin answered frowning slightly. “I think she needs her eyes checked.”

“Very funny.” I stammered then I pushed him making his swing twist around once. When he came back around we both started laughing only stopping when Colin’s cell phone rang and we both looked down at his pocket. He rushed and fumbled with it trying to get it open.

“Yes?” Colin asked quickly. “Alright, bye!”

“What?” I asked standing up.

“They’re here.” Colin said blinking slightly then looked up at me. “Casey!”

“Well don’t you think we should be getting back?” I asked and he nodded slightly before bolting off. It surprised me when he did and I struggled to keep up with him. When we were at the front entrance to the hospital the automatic doors barely had enough time to open before Colin was through them. I would have thought he’d smack collide right into them, but luckily he didn’t. I would hate to have them both in the hospital and me staying at the Myers house with just his dad and his sister. When we found the room the door was open and when we walked in we were both breathing heavily. Cassidy was leaning over an oxygen crib both twins were laying in. Since they were twins and a little early they had to stay in there.

“What’s wrong with them?” Colin asked looking a little pale as he looked over the box.

“Nothing Colin.” Susan whispered causing me to look at Susan. She looked terrible.

“What are their names?” I asked curiously and Susan frowned slightly.

“Casey, they won’t be named with out the father present.” Mom said she was still holding Susan’s hand. I also hated how mom talked to me like I complete stranger. She seemed polite and impersonal. Like I was one of Colin’s relatives instead of her own son. I didn’t know what all was really happening between my parents and me.

“Where is dad?” Cassie asked she had her hand in one of the holes and gloves and she was rubbing the girl twin’s arm with her finger. Both of the twins were small, but the boy was a little bigger. They both had their eyes closed and like Colin the oxygen crib and the tubes and hoses running around them did have me concerned. Then one of them scrunched up their toes and started crying and I looked up at Susan who grimaced as she sat further up into the bed.

“Well listen to that.” Susan whispered tiredly. “It’s been so long since I heard that.”

“What’s the matter with him mom?” Colin asked he had his hand in one of the holes now and was trying to sooth the little boy.

“Babies cry Colin.” Cassidy answered laughing slightly. “We’re gonna have to get used to that pretty quick.”

“Well kids I think you guys need to go back home.” Susan said, “Every thing is over and we’re all ok.”

“I don’t want to until we know their names.” Cassidy groaned stomping her foot.

“Now Cass you have school tomorrow.” Susan scolded, “So just listen and go on home.”

“God, why does dad have to be…”

“Be what Cassidy?” A man said at the door and I jumped. I had never seen Mr. Myers. When I turned I saw the doctor that told us to go to the waiting room and who I thought was Colin’s dad.

“Such a hard worker.” Cassidy answered offering him a quick smile.

“Benjamin Myers!” Susan bellowed, “I had the doctor leave you message after message.”

“Now calm down honey.” Mr. Myers soothed walking up to were Susan was lying. “You know how it is.”

“Well I would think people would let someone come home a little early when their wife was having a baby.” Susan countered rolling her eyes.

“Now Susan,” The doctor started, “You need to stay calm.”

“Yes I know.” Susan sighed then she took Mr. Myers’ hand and he leaned down and kissed her before he walked over to join Colin and Cassidy to look over the new twins in their family.

“What have you thought about naming them daddy?” Cassidy asked and I took a step back to give them all room.

“Susan what did we agree on?” Mr. Myers asked without answering Cassidy.

“I believe Luka and Lynn.” Susan responded and everyone smiled. The nurse wrote their names down on the birth certificate and then signed.

“Now we know their names, we can go home now.” Cassie said, “Like mom said.”

“I don’t want to go home yet.” Colin countered and Susan sighed.

“Now you all need to get back home and do your home work and eat something.” Susan said laying back down on the bed. “The only thing any of us is doing up here will be sleeping anyway.”

“Yeah kids, you’ll see them soon enough.” Mr. Myers added, “So go on home and I’ll be in later.”

“But dad,” Colin groaned sounding childish and I bit my lower lip to keep from laughing at him. It wouldn’t have been appreciated if I did. I didn’t want to piss off the very people that were letting me stay with them when my own parents didn’t. Even on top of all of this happening to them.

“Come on, I’ll take you guys home.” Mom said then she patted Colin on the shoulder to get him to turn around and follow her out the door. When were back in the van Cassidy sat up front with mom and I sat in the middle row with Colin. He still looked like he wanted to be back with his mom. That made me realize that he really loved his mom and dad. Even if his dad wasn’t really around at least they got along when he was. He also got along with Cassidy like normal brothers and sisters do. I didn’t have that with my parents though. I was also an only child so I didn’t have to worry about anyone else not loving me in my own family.

When we got back to Colin’s house mom parked Susan’s van and we all got out and walked around the front of the van. It was awkward now that Susan was gone. Cassie and Colin really had no connection with my mom. They hadn’t had time to. I also didn’t know where I belonged at this point. Was I still exactly welcome now that Susan was out of the house for a few days? I didn’t really want to go back home right now either. Not with my mom acting like a bitch and dad kicking me out. I wasn’t going to go back until the time Mom wanted away from me was over.

“Casey why don’t you come on home with me?” Mom asked and I looked at Colin for a second before I turned back to her.

“I thought we agreed to spend some time apart mom?” I asked crossing my arms.

“Well things change and now I don’t want you staying here with no supervision.” Mom answered and I crossed my arms.

“It wasn’t like I was being supervised you threw me into a pregnant woman’s home.” I countered shaking my head.

“I know that, but I wanted you to go to Austin’s.” Mom responded then she let out a long sigh. “Just come on and not argue with me.”

“I’m not going.” I retorted then I turned to Colin. “Colin, Cassidy is it ok that I stay?” When they were asked the question they both looked surprised by it. That made me uneasy. I would definitely be going to Austin’s if Colin said it wasn’t alright. I wasn’t going to listen to my mom. Not when she didn’t want me in the house this week before all of this shit happened.

“This isn’t a question of you being welcome here or not Casey.” Mom hissed crossing her arms as well. “You are going home and that’s that.”

“I am not going home mom, damn!” I snapped raising my voice. “You told me that you needed a break so I am letting you have it so go home. With out me.”

“Casey come on now calm down.” Colin ordered stepping closer to me. “Don’t get mad.” I felt like a loser when he said that. I didn’t want to be like this in front of Colin and Cassidy.

“I’m still not coming home.” I stated glaring at my mom. “If you don’t allow me to stay here then I’ll just go to Austin’s.”

“Fine, go to Austin’s.” Mom sighed, “See you in a week.” She turned and started walking across the yards that both our houses shared and then I turned back to Colin and Cassidy who were both standing beside each other now. They looked like they had just witnessed something they never saw before. They probably never cussed in front of Susan.

“Can I use your phone?” I asked and Cassidy only nodded her head slightly. “Thanks.”

“Casey why don’t you just stay?” Colin asked following me.

“Colin you heard what his mom said.” Cassidy stammered, “He can’t.”

“She also told him that he was following his own rules Cass.” Colin defended, “And I think that’s still in effect since he’s not home.”

“But still…” Cassidy started, but stopped when I turned to look at her.

“I don’t want to be a problem.” I said looking at her. “It’s easier to go to Austin’s.”

“No, stay.” Colin countered and when I reached out for the phone he put his hand on it first blocking it from me.

“Look,” I started frowning that he blocked me. “Austin understands me.”

“I think I do too.” Colin said taking the phone off the counter that it was sitting on. “Sometimes people don’t get along with their parents and need a break.”

“Colin.” I sighed holding out my hand wanting the phone to be placed in it. “I think it’s best that I stay with someone that knows that I’m an asshole.”

“Oh we know you’re an asshole.” Cassidy countered smiling at me. I liked it better when she didn’t talk to me. “I just don’t like you.”

“Thanks Cass.” I offered smirking. “Join the growing list I’m sure there’s a sign up sheet somewhere.”

“Cassidy go somewhere else.” Colin ordered waving his hand. “Casey won’t bother you at all.”

“Fine, he can stay.” Cassidy said, “But if we get into trouble it’s all your fault Colin.”

“I think we’d get into trouble if mom found out that he’s living with Austin.” Colin countered.

“Yeah, I don’t know why mom feels the need to save your ass.” Cassidy stated and I felt like shit that she had tried a lot to get me and my parents back on good terms. My shit probably didn’t help matters today.

“So are you staying?” Colin asked and I nodded. He put the phone down just long enough to grab a phone book then Colin ordered a pizza. When it got here we all sat in the living room and ate it while Cassidy made us suffer through two retarded movies. She definitely could get whatever she wanted from Colin. I almost felt sorry for him, but I was too jealous that they at least could get along. Cassidy was leaned back in a recliner and Colin was laying on the couch and I was sitting in the floor in front of him. I felt nervous about being this close to two people that I was so different from. It was like I was this foreign thing in the room that didn’t fit at all. When the movies were off Cassidy walked up and into her room and after I watched Colin clean up a few things we walked up to ours as well. It seemed different now that Susan was away.

“This is going to be interesting from here on out for you man.” I said when we started undressing and getting ready for bed.

“I know.” Colin answered smiling at me.

“The crying at all hours of the night.” I stated and he looked at me. “The shitty diapers.”

“Alright Casey.” Colin hissed laughing slightly. “I’ll get a crash course I don’t need you to tell me about it all.”

“Well at least your family is close.” I sighed then we got into bed.

“You know, it’ll be alright.” Colin offered then I turned out the light after we were both settled.

“Yeah, guess so. If not then you can have three new brothers and sisters.” I joked laughing slightly.

“Nah, I don’t think I’d like it if you were my brother.” Colin answered and I almost was offended, but then I felt his hand rub up my bare chest that made all the feelings to be forgotten.

“Colin?” I asked tensing up. “Don’t, what the fuck man?” He took his hand off my chest then and I turned on the light to look at him. When I looked at him he looked pale then he frowned.

“I think you need to go sleep on the couch Casey.” Colin whispered and I studied him for a few seconds before I turned and got out of bed. I put my shorts back on then I turned to look at him.

“Look...”

“There’s extra sheets and stuff in the closet.” Colin said then turned his back to me. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” I sighed then I walked to his closet and found his spare sheets. Then I turned the light out on the way out of his room and walked down the stairs to the couch. Then I lied down and turned off the lamp feeling completely confused by what just happened. Things had definitely changed now.