Little Whirlwind

I definitely want kids. It's a realisation I've come to recently. Maybe it's hormones, I hear that happens when you see other people's children, something psychological makes you want to partake in the joys of parenthood. Of course, for me it's a bit more complicated, all sorts of questions to ask from a biology standpoint... Better to leave them until I'm ready.

Sienna may be the smallest human I've ever been in contact with, she was only a little premature, but she definitely looks it. Minnie hasn't put her down since we got here and I can't blame her, kid looks like she'd float away. For a newborn she's pretty lively, her eyes darting around curiously at all the various sights of her new world. I don't know if babies can really recognise people, pretty sure object permanence hasn't even kicked in yet, but it feels like she knows who I am... Even if I'm just fooling myself, it's a nice feeling.

"She looks so much like you." Elise tells Minnie with a smile. I mean... Does she? Kind of just looks like every baby... These are the kind of thoughts better left in my head. We'd only arrived about an hour ago, Rouge said she'd meet us here, so Mum's putting the finishing touches to the meal while we wait. Jenny volunteered to help in the kitchen, which is nice of her, but damn, do I not want to be in that room, sounds awkward as Hell. I mean, who would want to spend time cooking with their ex-husband's love child? Mum's a lot more mature than me... Though, I guess that's to be expected.

"I think she looks like Jasper more than anything." Minnie replies, not looking up from her daughter.

I scoff at her statement. "Don't say that, no one should have to look like him!" I smirk.

"I heard that!" I hear from the other room, as Jasper returns with drinks for us all, no alcohol, but I'll get hopped up on sugar if nothing else. "I remember you and Rouge looking exactly like her, best not to make jokes!" He continues, sitting down next to his family. They really are the picture of nuclear familial bliss. I'm happy for Jasper, but honestly, I'm more happy for Sienna, I've had a family that's had to scrape by... It's not fun. I'm glad she won't have to deal with that.

A knock at the door cuts my sentimentality short, as it opens without a response, and the sound of footsteps makes its way to Jasper's living room. Only one person would just let themselves in.

"Hey losers, where's my beautiful niece?" Rouge asks, cheerfully entering and making her way to the infant.

"Hi Jasper, how're you? Yeah, I'm fine, I know you've just had a baby, so I wanted to make sure you're okay, like a responsible sister." My brother mocks her entrance and immediate fascination with the child.

Rouge turns to him without a change in her expression. "Get cuter, then I'll care." She responds flatly. I can't help but laugh as Trish joins us, I'm guessing Rouge left her to shut the door.

"Hey all... Sorry for intruding, I was told I wasn't allowed to just drop this one off." Trish apologises awkwardly. She really does have a bad habit of acting formal around my family, in contrast to her usual laid-back nature. I guess when you grow up with parents like hers it becomes second nature... That's sad to think about, she's fine, focus on the happy stuff tonight.

"You were told correctly." Jasper answers with a grin. "Have a seat, we're gonna eat in a little bit."

We're all here. Our big family, a lot bigger than it used to be, I can say that for sure... But it's got all my favourite people in it, I can't complain. I look to Elise, who's still cooing over Sienna, trying to see around Rouge's form to get a glimpse. Minnie looks exhausted, but so at peace. Trish and Jasper crack wise about how she mustn't get my sister pregnant, pretty sure he's used that joke on me before. This is good. This is right. This is home.

At least for now.

*

The food's great, as expected from the combined talents of multiple great cooks, and me. Soon enough, Minnie retires with Sienna, leaving Rouge and I with the washing up while the rest kick back and mellow out for the night. Sometimes being the dutiful aunt isn't as fun as you'd think.

"So where've you been all day?" I ask my twin, while I scrub away at the plate that just won't get clean. I appreciate the answer will probably be something I could happily die without hearing, but curiosity is getting the best of me. Besides, it might liven up the monotony of dish washing.

"Long story." She replies succinctly. "More importantly, are you free tomorrow after work?" Answering a question with another question. Truly, she's got this 'mysterious trickster' act down pat. Eh, what's the worst that could happen?

"I've got no plans, why?" I enquire, trying to get information from her stony demeanour. I'd have better luck asking an actual stone. Or chucking a stone at her. Alright, I'm not a master interrogator, asking nicely is my go-to move.

Rouge grins in response. "You'll see, I'll meet you outside your office at five." She tells me. Okay... At this point it better be some kind of surprise party involving multiple cakes and preferably a tiger, because this is a lot of build up. Now I know how Elise felt when I set up the 'I love you' dinner. not knowing is tantalising, sure, but it's also really annoying.

"Don't suppose you're gonna tell me any more than that?" I groan, drawing a wry chuckle from Rouge.

"No chance... But I appreciate it, trust me, all will be revealed." She concludes with all the pageantry I've come to expect from her. Deep down, Rouge just likes the drama. Not that I can judge her. Besides, there's plenty to go around.

The only question is, what drama is this about?