Chapter 123

Chapter 123
I started washing my face, and Kane left the bathroom to check on the babies. I know he is just trying to give me a few minutes to clean up without an audience. I can smell the sweat on me, and it is driving me crazy, but I know I need to wait a few more hours before I try to take a shower. I just don’t have the energy right now, and I know the nurse will want to check on me soon because I am awake. She is only going to be around for today; they taught Yolanda what to watch for and do, just like a midwife would. I think she took some classes too, but she just smiles when I ask. After I finish with my face, I wipe down my arms and legs, then I use the rag and clean up any dry blood that Kane missed when he changed my clothes. When both rags are dirty, and I feel somewhat clean, I just throw them away because we have enough. I then use the counter to help me stand up after putting my hair in a low ponytail, so I can brush my teeth because I swear, I can’t stand the dry mouth or the taste of all the medicine they gave me earlier. I look in the mirror and see the dark circles that are under my eyes, and I know it will be a normal thing for a while.  
By the time I am done brushing my teeth, Kane walks in, and I smile because, of course, he is looking at me like I committed some kind of crime by getting up on my own. “Hey, you were supposed to wait for me to come back.” He says, trying to hide his smile with a grumpy face, but it is breaking through. He walks up behind me and wraps his arms around me, “How are you feeling, love?” 
“Sore and still tired but ok. I used the counter to help me get up so I wouldn’t hurt myself. I was done and wanted to get the taste of the day out of my mouth. I threw the rags in the trash; I figured we could buy some more. I still would like to take a shower tonight if that is possible. I feel a little better, but I would like to use soap,” I respond, turning in his arms, “how are the babies?” 
“I will put them in the cart for our weekly order. The babies are still asleep. I let your dad come into the room with them. He is so worried he is going to miss something, or something will happen to you. I told him he was fine to sleep here for as long as he wants; it seems like everyone else is.” Kane says, smiling because he knows all our parents are just worried about others trying to harm us, and it has been quiet for a while now. 
“I understand that. I have been waiting for the other shoe to drop for a while now. They will pop up again, and we will deal with them, but between all of us, I believe the babies will be safe. Dad will always be around. I guess he didn’t like the nanny idea, so he will be our nanny, and his friends are handling their business. I told him he could, and I hope you don’t mind. I figured he missed out on time with me, and who will protect them better? I honestly feel better this way, too. We had talked about it before, but never talked to Dad. He came to me and wanted to be with them when we couldn’t be. I told him that with his apartment right there, it will work out perfectly. He is super excited. His words, not mine.” I tell him while he just holds me close for a bit, and I lay my head on his chest. I have missed hugs that didn’t involve babies kicking me. I love my babies, but my bladder is so happy to have them not kicking it anymore. 
“Yeah, we talked about it while you took a nap. I told him I loved the idea and that we knew he would keep them safe. He said he will take tons of pictures, and we have the cameras set up for video, so we can have video if we want to keep video of their firsts. He will record videos, too, but the cameras will have all of them saved. Now we need to get you back in bed so you can rest and eat. My mom should be here with your plate any minute now.” Kane says and then pulls back to kiss me. He then starts to guide us back to our room without letting me answer. I am done anyway, so I don’t object.  
When we get into the room, I see my dad sitting at the end of the bed watching the twins sleep. You can see the sadness and happiness in his eyes. I know he is upset about not being able to watch me grow up. I am happy he is here to watch my kids grow up. He is going to be a wonderful grandfather. I see him with Link, and he does great with him. Yolanda helped him learn the things he didn’t know about babies and what to do, so he feels comfortable now with babies. I am sure he will still have questions and need help sometimes, but I do too, so we can all learn together. Kane has had some practice, but not much, just when he was around Yaz. “Hey, Dad, how are you doing?” I ask when we get near the bed. 
He looks up and smiles at me, “Hey, I should be asking you that. I am good, I love them so much already. How are you doing, sweetheart?” 
“I am sore but good. I want to sleep more, but I am sure that is normal. I know I am very hungry and can’t wait to eat and drink something. You'd better get some sleep, Dad; the babies will keep us all awake often, and I know you want to guard us, but with everyone here and it being daytime now, we should all be okay. You need to take a nap. I love you, Dad. Thank you for watching over all of us during this and for becoming the kids' nanny.” As I finish talking, I smell coffee, sausage, and eggs coming closer, and as I look at the door, I see Yolanda walking in with a tray of food. 
“Here’s some food for you, dear. I know you must be starving. How are you feeling?” She asks as she sets the tray down.
“Thank you, and I feel ok, sore and tired, but ok,” I respond and start eating the food she brought. It smelled amazing and tasted just as good. Kendra is getting really good at cooking. We spent a while talking, and then I realized I was tired and decided to fall asleep again.