The Retrieval

Alexithymiaa: -Steph was standing in the kitchen cleaning up after dinner, her laptop set up on the counter so she could continue to watch Worlds. With her hands submerged in the soapy water, she stared at the scores as they rolled in from the final floor routine. "What! That's insane. Two and a half whole points?" She gawked at the screen, only half doing the dishes. // Brad pulled his car into the driveway, a little annoyed it'd been so long that Connor was here. "I hope his stuff is packed up. I don't really want to stay here very long. We have to leave early in the morning and I'm tired enough already." He said as he climbed out of the car, walking around to Kelsey's side to pull her door open for her. He was under the impression that when Kelsey talked to Steph, that Steph had agreed to release Connor tonight.-
Covet: Felix and Connor were kicking it on the couch watching Cartoons just relaxing after Dinner, of course none of Connor's things were packed up, and he didn't look like he was ready to leave at all. Felix looked over at Steph when she called out, "Yeah, totally insane." He said loudly agreeing mindlessly with her. // Kelsey was sitting in the passenger seat with her hands in her lap, squeezing and pulling over them slowly, "Yeah... Hopefully." She said softly waiting for him to get the door open. She told him thank you and started up to the door.
Alexithymiaa: -Turning the water off and drying her hands, she picked up her computer and walked over into the living room because god dammit someone was going to care about something she cared about. Dropping down onto the couch, she rewound the footage and hit play, pointing on the screen. "Look... she fell TWICE and took a whole third of a point step out of bounds and still won by two and a half whole points. Do you have any idea how unheard of that is?" She asked, all excited and riled up over the jibberish coming out of her mouth. // Brad followed Kelsey up to the door, stopping on the front porch. "Well did you tell her what time we were coming?" He asked, leaning forward to ring the doorbell, instantly hearing the frenzy of barking dogs on the other side of the door.-
Covet: "Um... No?" Felix said becaus he knew nothing of how gymnastics was scored. // Connor looked over at Steph who was babbling away, then looked at Felix, "Is she broken? Because she's talking really fast." // Kelsey shrugged, "No, because I didn't know what time we were coming over." She said trying to be oblivious about it, because She was told that she wasn't allowed to come get Connor yet. She crossed her arms underneath her boobs and waited for the door to be opened.
Alexithymiaa: -She rolled her eyes, only a little frustrated that Felix had no idea what she was talking about. "Simone Biles. This is why she's the greatest in the world. Ever, really. And shes officially the first woman to win four world championships. Here." She pushed her computer over to them, hitting play and getting up to answer the door. "Just watch her, they're going to replay it in slow mo." She said as she walked up to wrangle the dogs, pulling open the front door to see Kelsey and Brad. "What are you doing here?" // "I mean you could have told her after dinner." He said with a shrug because he'd just been in an overall sour mood and didnt want to deal with anything or anyone. When Steph opened the door, he leaned to one side, trying to look past. "What do you mean what are we doing here? Is Connor ready?"-
Covet: "Oh, Okay. I now the chick you're talking about." He said leaning over to look at the screen, while Steph answered the door. He shared it with Connor too, who gave a shrug because he had no clue still. // Kelsey gave Steph a sheepish wave, then sighed at Brad, "We were hoping to pick up Connor, We're going to LA for the weekend and intended to take Connor and Holly along with us. She said intentionally mentioning Holly as if that was going to help give her some pull
Alexithymiaa: -Sticking her leg out to stop Penny from getting outside with the open door, she stared at Kelsey with complete confusion, then looking to Brad and back. "What? I told you no when you asked yesterday. You guys were literally screaming at each other in the middle of the dance." // Brad stared at Steph when she said no, caught off guard because he thought she had told Kelsey yes. "Uh... what? We're literally here to pick him up right now...."-
Covet: Felix heard the talking at the door and closed Steph's laptop before getting up, "Stay here Buddy, I'm going to go see who's at the door." He walked over and looked out the door to see Kelsey and Brad there. // "I asked if we could pick him up yesterday, you said no then, this is today. And things are actually good now, for real. I promise." Kelsey said. "We just want to spend time together as a family this weekend, that's what is needed now."
Alexithymiaa: "That's what's needed for you and your happiness, or that's what's needed for him and his? Because I gotta tell ya' they're really not the same. You can't just jump on a plane and state hop with him because that's what's convenient for you." She spoke firmly, crossing her arms over her chest, not moving from the doorway. // "What?" He asked, looking down at Kelsey. "I thought you told me she knew we were coming to get him tonight." He was frustrated, putting his hand out to try to ease the front door open a little. He just wanted to actually step inside the house. "C'mon, really? He's not your son and you don't really have the authority to make this decision. Please just get his stuff and we'll get out of here."-
Covet: "You guys don't seem to realize how badly you scared him." Felix said looking concerned. "We've been doing our best to make sure he's not worrying about it." // Connor was easily entertained with the TV and Nugget right now.// Kelsey took a deep breath and put a hand on Brad's shoulder. "That's not what this is. It's what's needed for him too, because we need to sit him down and talk to him, as his parent. But with Bradley having to work this weekend, we're doing our best to work around that schedule. It's not convenient, it's necessary."
Alexithymiaa: -She glanced over her shoulder at Felix, nodding her head. "Exactly. He called me, remember? And what makes you think that being busy working all weekend means it's a good idea to take him with you to California and squeeze a family meeting in between some preproduction?" She took a deep breath, looking directly at Kelsey. "What's going on with you guys?" // Brad dropped a hand down onto Kelsey's shoulder from the door, shaking his head. "We're always going to be busy. We always have been and we've alwaays made time for him and what he needs. This isn't any different. Just because it's not conventional doesn't mean it's wrong." When she asked what was going on with them, he tensed. "That's really none of your business. It's a family matter."-
Covet: "Why don't you come in and talk to him, here, in front of us. Let him decide if he wants to go with you or not." Felix said, trying to find a compromise. // Kelsey sighed, " Exactly, Brad's right. And, I won't be busy, I'll be able to spend the days with Connor and Holly too." She said then added, "And it's not something you really want to hear. Trust me." Kelsey said hoping Steph bought it as something sexual.
Alexithymiaa: "He's not right. Your son literally called me terrified. I think that makes it our business from that point on." Not actually wanting to let them in, she stood there for a good extra thirty seconds before sighing and pulling the door open further. "We're not the only ones you owe an explanation too and I really don't think telling him he doesn't want to hear it is going to fix anything." // Brad gave Kelsey a nudge ahead of him and stepped into the house. "It doesn't matter how involved you are, our relationship problems still have nothing to do with either of you so you can either accept that it's none of your business or not, but it's still none of your business."-
Covet: Felix stepped back with Steph, then spoke to her, "Steph...they are his parents, at least let them try." // Kelsey was kind of getting watery eyed, then glared at Steph, "My explanation is that, I don't want to air out my dirty business, especially with family, But..I really really appreciate you looking after him, and taking care of him. It means the world to me."
Alexithymiaa: "They're more than welcome to try, but that means actually explaining and owning up to their inexcusable behavior." She said as she watched them step inside, closing the door behind them. Clearly she's been in materal mode all week. "How am I supposed to let him walk out that door in good conscience without being one hundred percent sure this isn't going to happen again while you guys are in LA?" // Brad stepped further in the house, half ignoring Steph because he didnt really care how she felt, he was only concerned with making things right with Connor. "Connor?" He called out, heading toward the living room to see him sitting on the couch. "Heyyy did you have a fun week here?"-
Covet: Felix walked in with them, making his way back over to where Connor was at, and grabbed the remote to turn the TV off because it was serious time now, and sat down on the couch. "Hey Kid, you've got some visitors." // Connor looked over at his parents and gave them a slight wave. "Hi, Yeah, it was fun. I got to play with the dogs. Are you and Momma done fighting?" // Kelsey looked at Steph, " That's the whole point of taking Holly with us. And like I said. Brad and I are good now. Really. We've learned from this." She said boldy though that was totally a lie.
Alexithymiaa: -She walked over into the living room to hover, planting her hands on her hips as she watched the exchange with Connor, already sort of judging. // Brad smiled at Connor, gently rubbing his hand over his back. "That's good. I know you love playing with the dogs. Yeah, we're done fighting and we want you to come out to California with us this weekend. Do you want to do that?'-
Covet: Felix put a hand out for Steph so that he could wrap his arm around her butt and rest his head on her hip, keeping an eye on the exchange. // Connor gave a shrug, "Maybe. If you want me to go and aren't mad at me." He told both Brad and Kelsey. // Kelsey furrowed her brow and made her way over to Connor, "Why do you think we are mad at you, Sweetheart?" she asked him, picking him up so that she could sit him on her lap to hold him close.
Alexithymiaa: -Steph leaned in a bit closer to Felix when he leaned his head against her, putting her hand on top of his head to toy with his hair because it has a nice calming effect on all parties. // // "Of course we're not mad at you." He said quickly, wrapping his arm around Kelsey's shoulders to at the very least appear like nothing was wrong. "We love you."-
Covet: Felix watched them, curiously, because it seemed genuine enough. // Connor looked up at them, "Because you were yelling and saying my name. You sounded really mad at me." // Kelsey held him tightly and kissed the top of his head. "I'm so sorry baby boy, that's not at all what we were yelling about." She told him "Momma did something bad and Dad found out about it. It wasn't anything you did. I promise"
Alexithymiaa: -Given the context, Steph instantly assumed Kelsey had done some sort of cheating, staring her down and altogether surprised she had it in her. // "Exactly. I was upset thaat Momma made a mistake, but we talked it out and everything is all better now. If we were ever upset with you, we would tell you like a big boy, not yell at each other about it. So if it's okay with you, can we get your stuff and go home so we can go on the plane tomorrow?"-
Covet: Felix raised an eyebrow because what could Kelsey have done that was so bad they were yelling and screaming at eachother on that level. // Connor looked between them again, "Oh, I didn't know. I'm sorry I called Cousin Steph to come get me. I was afraid that I had done something wrong." He looked at Brad, "What are we going to do in California?" // Kelsey sighed, " Well, even if you had, Like Dad said, we wouldn't yell at each other, we'd talk to you about it. Where I get that you were scared, if you were in trouble, running away like that's not good to do. But I'm proud that you called someone safe. That was very smart."
Alexithymiaa: "You should go to Disney." She blurted out, a little annoyed with the two of them being so closed off about what the issue at hand actually was. // "We can-" He stopped when Steph suggested Disney, instantly a little annoyed because that was an all day event and he just did not have time for that. "Well... I don't know if we can do Disney this weekend, but what if we go to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner tomorrow night?" He asked, trying to distract from the Disney comment.-
Covet: Felix tried not to smirk as Steph inserted her chaos into the mix. // Connor's eyes lit up, "We're going to Disney?" He asked, very excitedly."Yeah I'll go with you!" // Kelsey looked over at Steph and glared, then sighed, "We'll see what we can do kiddo, maybe not this trip, but maybe next time, Okay?"
Alexithymiaa: -She pursed her lips, watching the little family. "I guess I'll go pack your things." She eased away from Felix, walking through the living room and into the guest room a little depressed because she'd enjoyed having Connor there for the week. It was like playing house which she's annoyingly desperate for. She picked up his backpack from the floor, taking the stack of freshly folded clothes and placing them neatly inside. // "Maybe you, Momma, and Holly can go to the Ripley's museum." He suggested, watching as Steph got up to go pack Connor's things. "Oh, good. We have to get up early in the morning, so we need to go right to bed when we get home."-
Covet: "Hey, that actually sounds really cool I want to go to the Ripley's museum." Felix said with a pout as he watched Steph get up to go get his things ready. // Connor nodded his head, "Okay that could be cool for now. I'll tell you if it is or not, okay?" He said to Felix because they'd apparently become best friends. // Kelsey hugged Connor tight not wanting to let him go. "C'mon let's go get your things so that we can get out of here okay." She said getting up and carrying him off to the bedroom.
Alexithymiaa: -Stuffing his toys inside the bag, she zipped it up and carried it out toward the living room, passing it to Kelsey when she met her halfway. "That's everything..." // Brad smirked at Connor, watching the two walk off to collect his things before looking at Felix. "Thanks for taking such good care of him."-
Covet: "Sure thing. It was fun. Steph and I enjoyed having him. He did really good yesterday too. But you guys really need to keep a hold of yourselves. You guys terrified him." Felix said in a serious manner. // Kelsey looked at Steph and took his bag, then gave her a soft look. "Thank you.. for everything.. and letting us bring him home. I promise everything is going to be fine. I'll keep you updated."
Alexithymiaa: "You're welcome. I really expect you to keep that promise." She said more seriously before looking to Connor with a soft face. "Be good, okay? And you can come over and play with the dogs whenever you want. Or whenever you need a cartoon buddy." She leaned in to sweep him into a hug, giving a good squeeze. // Brad sighed, adjusting the beanie on his head. "I know. You don't need to remind me." He pushed up from the couch, heading away from Felix because he didnt really feel like going through it with him. "Everyone ready?"-
Covet: Felix got up and headed over to the door to help see them out. " Behave, kid. And we'll have you over for cartoons again sometime soon, alright?" // Connor nooded at everyone, then leaned on Kelsey after giving Steph a hug. " Thank you" // Kelsey nodded and rubbed Connor's back as they went to head out the door.
Alexithymiaa: -Steph watched them step outside, gently pushing the door closed behind them before letting her shoulders slump, turning to look at their not so empty house even though it felt very empty. You have a fucking zoo, stop it. // Brad reached out to take Connor's bag from Kelsey, walking over to the passenger side door and pulling it open, adjusting the seat so he could climb into his seat in the back. "Need help buckling in, Little Man?"-
Covet: Felix wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, "Don't worry he'll be alright." // Kelsey helped Connor get into the backseat and helped him get buckled up over momming him right now because she missed him. "He's good, I've got it." She said to Brad as she moved the seat back so that she could get herself into the front.
Covet: [Sorry Sean picks the worst times to talk about his book -.-]
Alexithymiaa: (lmfao)
Alexithymiaa: -She leaned into his kiss and then wrapped her arms around his back, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm going to miss having him here." After a pause, she picked her head up to look at him. "Think you can wake up at a decent hour tomorrow to go out to breakfast?" // Brad watched Kelsey buckle Connor into his seat, closing her door for her and walking around to the driver's seat to slide in behind the wheel. "Right to bed when we get home. I'm tired and we have an early flight tomorrow morning."-
Covet: "Yes, but only if Breakfast is going to be really good." He told her, starting to head towards the bedroom. "I'm going to miss him too, but we'll see him again." // "Yes. We'll get on it." Kelsey said sinking down into her seat, feeling a little better having Connor home, but still felt guilty because he thought they were mad at him. Soak in your guilt Kelsey.
Alexithymiaa: "We can go where ever you want, as long as we go somewhere." She said, giving him a quick kiss before tugging away to head toward the bedroom to get ready for bed. "By the way, Zack's coming on Monday." // "Good." He said and then pulled out of the driveway to take them home.
Covet: "Sweet." Felix said with a grin, then kissed her back before groaning, "Oh, Yay." He said flatly because it's Zack and it was THAT conversation.