The Story of the Twins

Paulina and Vicky pulled up in the Cottage driveway, and unloaded their bags from the car. As she opened the door, Vicky commented, "I wonder where Jake and the boys are." She flipped on the lights to see the house decorated in pink and blue balloons. "Surprise!" every one shouted. Vicky scanned the room, Josie, Amanda, Toni and KC were standing on the stairs, Alli, Charlie, Remy and Sofia by the fire place, Donna, Rachel, Etta Mae and Marley's heads peeked out from the kitchen, even Felicia and Lila stood on the other side of the couch. "You guys!" Vicky said still in shock, "Well, I uh...uhm" "Try, thank you," Marley interrupted. "Now come on, quit wasting our time with this mumbo jumbo!"  Etta Mae exclaimed, "Let's have some fun!" Paulina began to rattle off
instructions for their first game as everyone took a seat around the couch.

The house looked beautiful, there were balloons and presents everywhere.  "All pink," Vicky thought, "Yuck!" The dining room table was filled with all sorts of goodies made by Marley and Etta Mae - Nuts, punch, cake and little sandwiches. "Okay, everybody put your blind folds on!" Paulina shouted in a sing-song voice, "It's time to play 'guess the baby food!'" "What a gross game," Charlie snickered as everyone else grumbled. The first few rounds of apple sauce and mushed peaches went quickly, but soon they were down to just Josie and Rachel. "Uhm . . . augrautin potatoes?" Josie guessed. "Nope," Paulina sighed, "Okay, Rachel, for the win here." Rachel cautiously took a bite of the food, swished it around her mouth, smacked her lips and confidently stated, "Pureed macaroni and cheese with hot dogs." Everyone moaned in disgust. "Well folks, as nasty as it might seem, she is right.  Congratulations!" Paulina exclaimed. "How do you guess something like that?"  Sofia asked Felicia in disbelief. "Oh, honey, when you've been a mom as long as Rachel has . . . " Felicia started. "Yeah," Rachel butted in, "You try feeding two two-year olds everyday and you'll have it down in a week" she explained.  "Oh joy, something to look forward to," Vicky joked.

"Hey people, people, how about some presents? Donna suggested, as they all re-grouped by the couch.
The 'ooh-ed' and 'ahh-ed' over all the cute little things that Vicky unwrapped, matching baby bouncers from Felicia and super soft blankets from Amanda and Alli. Vicky looked as if she was going to die from laughter as
she unwrapped two totally pink dresses covered in lace from Paulina. "Oh, I just had to get them," Paulina squealed," Aren't they just so precious?" Every one giggled, they knew that Vicky would never dress her girls like that. "Oh come on," Etta Mae said with a little laugh, "You and I both know those girls are gonna be running around this house in baggy jeans and baseball caps. And there ain't a thing any of us can do about it!" She directed that last sentence at Donna, who just scowled at her. They went on, each gift better than the last, but little did they know that the best present was sitting discreetly over in the corner. It was a very special present, and Donna made sure it was saved for last. Remy and Alli lugged it over when it was time, placing it in front of Vicky. She gently whipped off the brown blanket to uncover a beautiful wooden cradle, exactly the same as the one upstairs in the nursery, the one that Michael made.  A hush fell over the room. "Nick made it," Remy quietly said to the overcome Vicky, "He figured that having just the one that Michael made wouldn't do you a lot of good. So he just stepped into Michael's place and made this one. As it turns out, he wasn't half
bad."  Vicky froze, those were the exact words that Michael had used in his letter.  "It's just perfect," Vicky said through tears, "Thank you so much." Every one went back to their coffee and cake, except for Vicky, who remained on the couch, gently fingering the cradle.  A breeze came through the house, causing a bell to chime, and for just a second, Vicky could see Michael and Bridget looking down, smiling.

There a sign on the Herald door that reads, Jake McKinnon Roast, with an arrow pointing up. Inside the news room there's food scattered everywhere, chips on the floor, bag of pretzels about to fall off the copy machine and half-drunken cans of soda on every available surface. Jake is seated on Chris's desk, surrounded by Joe, Nick, Chris, Matt, Carl, Gary, Tyrone, Cameron and Sean, who are taunting about how old he is getting. "You know, at Halloween kids will be smarter than to stop at 'Old Man McKinnons' house," Gary said taking a swig of soda. "Oh yeah," Tyrone added on, "They don't want to get stuck with those celery sticks and prunes ya'll will be passing out." "Oh, but that's gonna be the least of his concerns after he falls a sleep on the sofa and wakes up looking like a RuPaul modeling school reject!" Chris chuckled.  "Well, it's not like he's never been there before though," Nick said as Chris gave him a high five." "And you know what else," Matt offered, "You're going to be watching nothing but chick flicks, because they've got you out numbered." Sean interrupted, looking confused, "What?? Wait a second there are 4 of us and only three of them . . . " "Oh nononono," Cass explained, giving Sean a little smack on the cheek, "You've got a lot to learn kid. Those are Vicky's girls, you know?? Their opinions count twice!!" Everyone chuckled, Cass was so right.  "And just wait, Jake, it gets worse," Joe shot back, "Try to get into the bathroom in the morning�€�." Cass burst out laughing, "Oh, forget about it!! It would take less time just to have a new bathroom installed."  "Oh Cass, buddy, and you have it easy now," Cameron jumped in, "You're just in the beginning stages. Sometimes I could swear Alli's never going to come out of there. Oh and the phone...."  "Don't even go there," Joe interrupted. Cameron threw his arm around Jake, "I'm just gonna say three words: second line now." "Oh, come on now, fellows," Carl objected, "It's not all that bad now chap. Rachel and I have a perfectly lovely life waking up with our twins at the crack of dawn every morning and going to bed each night before the ten o'clock news, having spent every waking second looking over the grubs. Exactly what would one need privacy for anyway??" he asked with a coy little smile. The group burst out in laughter. But Jake wasn't fazed at all by any of this. He sat there with an amused smile on his face, but his mind was somewhere else. He kept recalling the conversation that he and Vicky had almost nine months prior, where Vicky first told him about her 'anti-change insurance'.

VICKY: I was just as afraid as you were.
JAKE: You? Why?
VICKY: Look, I'm going to be a mommy again, you know, and as much as I love that and you and these babies I dont want to change either.
JAKE: Well, it had to happen some time right??
VICKY: No, not right, not to us, no
JAKE: Why not?
VICKY: Because, because of what I have in this bag over here. It's called anti-change insurance and it was very pricey, I might add, but worth every single dime. Take a look at this.
JAKE: You are incredible.
VICKY: No, no, you wanna know what is incredible? There's one for you and Mom and Marley and Steven and Kirkland and me.
JAKE: Where did you get these?
VICKY: The guy at the shop told me they had a life time guarantee, which is just about perfect because that is how long you are going to be they guy who rode up on his bike and stole my heart away, Jake.
JAKE: Well you know what? I'd better give the guy at the bike dealership a call because he's going to have to sell me my bike back because my woman. If it's a motorcycle riding, rock 'n roll family then who am I to stand in the way?
VICKY: Even though we're going to be parents doesn't mean we have to become suburban nightmares. Because we're always going to be those kids from Lassiter swinging on the swings.
JAKE: Do me a favor. Don't ever forget who we are or where we came from.

"Jake, Jake?? Earth to Jake," Chris called, waving his hand in front of Jake's face, "JAKE!" Jake jumped, startled, and replied, "Yeah??" Chris shook his head, "Man, you are like totally tuned us out. So, are ya gonna help me clean up or what??" Chris picked up a pop can and shoved it into a black trash sack, and attempted to hand it to Jake. "You crazy??" Jake asked, "This is my party and you think I'm gonna clean up?? Why ladies and gentleman, I do believe the man's gone mental. Great party dude." Jake hopped of the desk and hurried out the news room door, laughing as he walked down the hall.  "Oh, hahaha," Chris yelled back sarcastically.

Jake shouted, "Honey I'm home!" as he walked in the front door. He jumped back, startled by the disarray of the living room, "What the hell happened here??" "Would you believe a baby shower??" Donna replied, shoving a stack of plates into a huge black trash sack. Jake picked up a ball of wrapping paper and tossed it, "He shoots he scores!"  he whooped as the wad landed squarely in the trash can. "Awesome shot Jake!" Kirkland exclaimed as he came down the stairs. "Hey buddy!" Jake answered, enthusiastically lifting Kirkland and spinning him around, "How was sledding?" "It was great, Steven hit a tree!"   Kirk answered with a big smile. "Uh oh," Jake grimaced, "Is he okay??"  Vicky's voice came from atop the stairs, "He is now, we got him all patched up."  Steven walked down the stairs with a Band-Aid smack in the middle of his forehead, "You look so weird!" Kirkland laughed. "Who cares," Steven shot back, then sat down on the stair beside his brother, "Besides, Kirk, Check
this out, mom says I might get a cool scar from this one!" Steven proudly pointed to his elbow, which was covered by a big white bandage. Kirkland's face fell, "No way! That's totally not fair!" "Not fair?" Donna questioned, "whatever would you want a nasty scar for??" Kirk jumped up, "Scars are cool, Nana!" he shouted. "Oh no they're not," Donna snapped, "Now, you to get into the kitchen. Your cocoa is ready." Jake chuckled as he sat down next to Vicky on the couch, "Scars, huh?? There's something we won't have to worry about with these guys." "What do you mean by that?" Vicky asked defensively. "Well, I know those teddy bear tea parties get kinda rough," Jake said sarcastically, "But really, how beat up can you get?" Vicky glared at him, "Just because they are girls you think that they're only going to play dolls and go to ballet recitals??" Jake started to explain himself, but Vicky ranted on, "How sexist is that, huh? I mean really Jake, did I ever stay indoors and play with my dollies? Huh, Jake, huh??" Jake tugged at his collar, "Uh, Iwas just saying that, unlike Steven and Kirkland, the girls might not actually try to get scars." he cautiously explained. "Oh," Vicky said sheepishly, "Yeah, I guess you might be right." Jake turned to face Vicky, "Vick, I don't care if our girls grow up to be extreme snowboarders or prima ballerinas or politicians. I'm gonna love them just the same no matter what, you know why??  These are our girls." "Yeah," Vicky agreed, "Who would have ever imagined that us, two scrawny, rotten kids could have made something this amazing?"  Jake considered a moment, "Me" he answered, "I always thought we could do anything." "Oh come here." Vicky said, giving Jake a big hug, "You're totally right. We can do anything."

"All right, now you boys get to sleep," Vicky told Steven and Kirkland as she shut their bedroom door. She walked down the hall and peaked into the nursery. "It's so beautiful she sighed to herself, "It really was worth
adding on to the house for." The walls were a perfect shade of pale yellow, magnificently off set by the white wooden trim. Vicky knew that the off white carpet wouldn't stay so flawless for long. The cradles made by Michael and Nick sit on the right sides of the room, along with a matching dresser and changing table. Donna and Marley had scoured nearly every furniture store in Chicago to find them. Just across from the door is a pair  of french doors that lead to a small balcony over looking the back yard. To the left set an over stuffed chair and rocker set, behind which here built in book cases. Vicky wandered over to browse the many books already on the shelves. "I wonder which will be their favorite she thought. Between the shelves is a window seat with a cream cushion, topped with stuffed animals. Vicky sat down there, the room was far better than anything she had ever hoped for. She leaned her head back, when she closed her eyes she could see a beautiful spring day, the doors of the terrace were open and a fresh breeze was blowing through the nursery. She and the girls were playing with books on the floor, and "Ow!" Vicky suddenly exclaimed, "Uh, hello, what was that?" she asked as she rubbed her stomach. Vicky shrugged it off and went back to her dream.  All of the sudden she sat straight up again, "Okay, now that really hurt! Hey Jake??" she called, with a pained expression on her face. Jake bounded in to the nursery, "Yes, my lady?" he replied. "I think we need to go to the hospital"  Vicky said calmly. "The hospital? Why would we..." Jake's eyes got big, "Babies?" he questioned. Vicky nodded. "Like babies now?" he repeated. A  look of panic struck Jake, "Uh, okay, okay . . . you just, uh, stay right there and . . . I'll uhm . . . uh . . . " "Get my bag . . . Tell mom . . . Get the car?" Vicky helped.  "Get your bag . . . Tell mom . . . Get the car." Jake repeated. "Good" Vicky coaxed, as if talking to a child.  "Good," Jake repeated, "Uh, bag, mom, car . . . right."   Jake
stood there for a moment, then dashed out of the room. Vicky rolled her eyes, "Uh, Jake?" she called after him. "Yeah?" he said as looked back Vicky gestured to herself. Jake thought a moment, then caught on, "Oh . . . yeah,
yeah, yeah . . . all right here we go." he said, escorting his wife around the corner.

Marley walks down the corridor at the hospital just as Jake is exiting the exam room. "Jake!" she called out, running to catch up with him, "How's Vicky?" Jake yawned, "It's been a long night but she's doing well." He said. "Oh, well Donna's going to be here soon, she's bring the boys." Marley reported, "Oh Jake you should see them, they're so excited. "Yeah," Jake replied, "Tell me when they get here, okay? I'm going back in with Vick." Jake headed back towards her room. "Wish her luck for me!" Marley called out. Jake nodded obliviously and shut the door behind him. Marley poured herself some coffee, and started to sit down. "Marley!" Paulina shouted. "Paulina, hey, what are you doing here?' Marley asked. "I'm just filling up Dante's prescription. 'Tis the season for
ear infections!" she laughed, "What about you?" "Vicky's here," Marley replied, "She came in last night in labor." Paulina squealed, "Oh my god!! That's amazing! How is she doing??" Before Marley could answer, Donna walked in the door, with the boys and Nick and Remy right behind her. "Marley, darling, no news yet?" she asked. "Hi Nick." Marley said, leaning over to give her half-brother a hug.  "Hey Marley, We thought we'd just stop by to lend Vicky our support." Nick explained. "Oh, how sweet, Paulina cooed, "The more the merrier right?"

Jake got up and began to pace they room, stopping frequently to encourage to the weary Vicky, or to pester the nurse. Dr. Doyle silently entered the room and began to look at Vicky's chart. "Well, Vicky, you're doing nicely." she stated, "It won't be very long now. I see you have quite a gathering out there." Jake walked over to the door and peaked out, he was stunned by the  number of people there were. "Who's out there?" Vicky asked weakly. Jake
laughed and shook his head, "Virtually everyone we ever met." He replied as he looked over the crowd. The entire waiting room was full, everyone from Amanda and Cameron to Sergei and Felicia were gathered. "They're all rooting for you, hon," Jake chuckled. "Oh I think I need it," Vicky said with a weak smile. "Mrs. McKinnon, it looks as if you are fully dilated, we're going to take you up to delivery now, all right?" Dr. Doyle said. "Excuse me, Dr. Doyle," the nurse interrupted, "but the delivery rooms are all full."   Dr. Doyle considered a moment, then replied, "I guess we'll just deliver the  baby here then. Jake and Vicky looked at each other worriedly. "Don't worry," Dr. Doyle smiled, "Everything will be fine."

"Well, well, well, would you look at this, what a party!!" Cindy said as she and David waltzed into the waiting room. "Oh Cindy, what are you doing here??  You weren't invited!!" Donna exclaimed. "Honey, why don't you just pack it up and move it right a long before you go making some trouble." Etta Mae suggested, "Now go on." "Well if I do recall, this is a public hospital in a free country, isn't it??" she asked innocently. "So I can stay if I damn well please!" she added, nastily. "I do believe the lady has a point," David piped up. "Oh,  stay out of David!" Amanda shouted. "I don't think you have any right to�€�"  David started to reply, but was cut off by Cameron. "She has the right to say what ever she wants. That little freedom of speech thing!"  As David and Cameron continued to fight, Donna turned back to Cynthia, "Now look at what you have done!!" "Me?" Cindy questioned. "Yes, you," Marley replied, You've come in here and single-handedly caused this whole ruckus." Felicia glanced around the room, everyone had begun to fight, and the noise was beginning to cause a disturbance. She stepped up onto a chair, "People," she yelled, "Look at yourselves! Don't you remember why you are here? Jake and Vicky are in there ushering new life into this world, and we're out here quarreling? Do you want those precious babies first impressions of their friends and family to be like this?

"Come on Vicky, you can do it, big push okay!" Jake coached. "Shut up! Just shut up!" Vicky screamed. "The head and shoulders are out." Dr. Doyle announced. "Ya hear that Vick, head and shoulders, just a little bit more now. You can do it!" Vicky beared down and pushed, letting out a terrible scream. Jake closed his eyes, finally he heard a babies cry. "Congratulations, you have a baby girl!" Dr. Doyle said. "We have a girl, Vicky, we have a baby girl!" he exclaimed. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead, "I love you." He whispered. The nurse handed Vicky the baby,  "Oh Jake she's so beautiful." Vicky said through tears. "Jake, the boys, go tell the boys." Jake ran out into the waiting room, "We have a girl," he shouted, "A beautiful, healthy little girl!" The room broke out in cheers.
Jake scooped up Kirkland, "So how does it feel big brother?" Jake asked. "It feels great!" Kirk exclaimed. "How about you big guy?" Jake asked Steven.  "Awesome!" Steven yelled. As Jake stood up, Joe handed him a cigar,
Congratulations man," he said. Jake turned to Paulina, "I'm a daddy!" he whispered. "I know," Paulina sobbed, "Your dream came true!" Jake gave Paulina a big hug. "Mr. McKinnon, come quick!" the nurse called from the
room. "Round two," said Jake, wiping the tears from his face. He ran back into the room, "The head's already out," Dr. Doyle told Jake. "Okay, Vicky, on the count of three," Dr. Doyle instructed, "1. . . 2 . . . 3!" "Push, Vick, Push!"
Jake shouted. "I can't do it!" Vicky yelled. "Yes, you can Vicky, we can do anything remember?" Jake asked, grabbing Vicky's hand. Vicky nodded, and pushed. "Oooooh!" she moaned. "Great Vicky, great!" Dr. Doyle exclaimed,
"Congratulations. You have another girl!" Vicky breathed a deep sigh of relief. "See, I knew you could do it," Jake said. The nurse handed both girls to Vicky, "Hello, my little girls," she cooed, "Jake, what are we going to
name them?" Jake shook his head, "I don't know, I cant think of a name pretty enough." He sighed. "What about Michaella, after dad?" Vicky suggested.   "Michaella, huh? I like Michaella." Jake replied. "Michaella what?" Vicky
wondered. Jake considered, "Michaella Elizabeth." He stated. "Yeah?" Vicky grinned. "Yeah," Jake said giving Vicky little kiss. The other baby began to cry. "I guess she wants a name too!" Vicky laughed. "Bridget." Jake said out
of the blue. "What?" Vicky asked. "Bridget Mary McKinnon . . . What about that?" Jake offered. "I think it's perfect," Vicky replied, "Why don't you go introduce our girls?" "Okay," Jake said, picking them up. "I love you
Vicky," he whispered. "I love you too, Jake," Vicky whispered back. Jake walked into the waiting room, "Can I have your attention?" Jake asked, "I'd like to introduce the newest members of the McKinnon family: Michaella Elizabeth McKinnon and Bridget Mary McKinnon

"Hey guys!" Jake called to Steven and Kirkland as the entered Vicky's room, "Come meet your sisters!!" They climbed up on the foot of the bed, "Whoa, look how small their hands are!" Steven exclaimed. "And they even have hair!"  Kirkland grinned. Steven looked back and forth at the girls, "Uhm, how are we supposed to tell them apart?" he asked. "Well, right now they have their hospital bracelets on," Vicky started. "What about when we get home?" Kirk interrupted. "That's why I got these," Jake said, pulling a long black jewelry case from his pocket. He opened it to reveal two sterling silver  charm bracelets with the names 'Michaella' and 'Bridget' engraved on them. "Oh Jake!" Vicky exclaimed, with tears in her eyes. "I ran out and phoned in the names right after they were born and had Nick run to pick them up. Should I put them on?" he asked. Vicky nodded. Jake slipped the bracelets onto the girls' wrists. "Kirk?" Vicky called, would you like to hold one of your sisters?"  Kirkland grinned, "Could I?" he asked, excitedly. "Sure," Vicky answered, "which one would you like to hold?" "Uh . . . Michaella." Jake picked Michaella up and helped Kirk hold her. "Could I hold Bridget?" Steven asked Vicky. "Of course!" Vicky said as she laid her in his arms, "Now be  careful," she cautioned, "support her head." "I know, mom, " Steven said. "All right," Vicky sighed. Jake sat down on a stool, "You know, boys, having baby sisters is going to be a big responsibility . . . " Jake started. "We know." Steven interrupted. "BUT," Jake finished, "it's also going to be a lot of fun." Kirkland looked up, "Fun?" he asked, in a confused tone. "Yeah! They're going to totally look up to you guys! And you'll get to teach them all sorts of cool things like, drawing pictures, riding bikes . . . . " she trailed off.  "Making spit balls." Jake continued. The boys laughed, "Jake!" Vicky yelled, tossing a pillow at him. Steven looked over at Kirkland, "Being a big brother's pretty all right, Kirk," he said. "Pretty all right? Kirkland asked, "Being a big brother is going to be a blast!"

"Oh Joe, Joe there they are!" Paulina squealed as she spotted the twins in the nursery, "Hi Michaella! Hi Bridget! I'm your Aunt Paulina. Oh Joe, aren't they the most beautiful babies ever?" she sighed.  Joe wrapped his arms
around Paulina, "Almost" he smiled.  "Oh, girls, " Paulina continued, "I already know that we are going to have such a great time together. I'm going to teach you how to make cookies, and when you are older, you can come over and play dress up with . . . " she trailed off. "What?" Joe asked. Paulina turned around to face him, "Well, I almost told them about, well, you know,"   Paulina explained. "Oh, like Michaella's going to tell everyone?' Joe teased. "No, it's just that, what if it's a boy?" she asked. "Then they can come over and play in the sand box. Look, Blue, it doesn't matter if this baby is a boy or a girl, you know that they are going to be friends no matter what." Joe said. "Oh Joe!" Paulina cried as she fell into his arms. "That's for sure," she said, looking into the nursery, "You three are going to be friends for life."

"Oh, Gary look at them," Josie cooed peering through the nursery window. "Aren't the just adorable?" Amanda said, joining Josie to get a closer look. "Oh, man, what is Jake ever going to do with two girls?" Gary chuckled.
"Yeah," Cameron replied, "just wait till some guy comes riding up wanting to take them out. I'll tell ya, this Sean came by last Friday night for Alli and"   "And Cameron nearly questioned him to death" Amanda finished, with a coy smile. "Cameron! That is so sweet!" Josie said in a mock shocked voice. "I'd be willing to bet that these cuties have Jake wrapped around their fingers so fast he won't even know what happened." Amanda smiled, mesmerized by the babies. "Yeah, He's going to spoil you rotten . . . all the toys you want, late bedtimes, endless amounts of junk food . . . " Gary laughed. "And exactly who in the McKinnon house hold will object to that?" Josie questioned. "Donna"   they all answered at once, followed by a round of laughter. "Jake and Vicky are so lucky to have them." Josie sighed.

"Wow," Nick mused, "Can you believe this?" Remy walked up beside him "I know. Look how little they are!" she exclaimed. "No, I meant, wow, I'm an uncle again." Nick explained. "Oh. Well, you're a great uncle to Steven and
Kirkland." Remy reassured. "Well, but they're guys, so it's easy, we just do guy stuff together." Nick said. "Guy stuff?? Oh, get over it!! They'll love it when their Uncle Nick teaches them to shoot hoops." Remy started. Nick
smiled, "Or how to round the bases . . . "  Remy burst out laughing. "Not those bases, silly!" Nick exclaimed, scooping Remy up in his arms. "See? You're going to be their favorite uncle!!" Remy laughed. "I'm they're only uncle!"  Nick exclaimed. "And they're going to love you." she giggled, giving him a big kiss on the lips.

"Michaella and Bridget, what beautiful names," Lila sighed as she watched the girls through the nursery window. "For mighty pretty girls," Cass added.   "Now you to listen here, just as soon as you are ready you're going to have tojoin my princess Jasmine for a little tea party, you hear?" Lila said.   "Yeah," Charlie added, "We'll dress you up all pretty and put ribbons in your hair!" Lila clasped her hands together, "Oh yes, won't that be great fun?" she smiled. "Who knows, maybe you and Vicky could even become friends" Charlie grinned coyly. "Oh, now, I wouldn't bet to much on that on honey"  Cass chuckled, discreetly giving Charlie a high five. "Now you just tell me exactly what that's supposed to mean Cass Winthrop!" Lila demanded. "Well it's just that you and Vicky are kind of like oil and water." Cass explained.  "Oh yeah?' Lila questioned, testily,  "Well, you saw how my Jasmine changed me, maybe these little angels will change Vicky." Cass shook his head, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

"Cindy?" David called, "Cindy where are you go . . . Well well!" Cindy put her hands on her hips, "Would you just knock it off!! Just because Vicky and I aren't the best of friends doesn't mean I can't wish her kids well." "Okay,
well I'm just.." David started. "You can just shove it," Cynthia exclaimed. She walked up to the window, "I know your mom and I are never going to be friends," she whispered, "And I'd never tell this to her, or anyone else's
face, but . . . you're really lucky to have her for a mom. No matter how much I hate her, I can't deny it, she is a great mom and she loves you so much. I just want you to do me one thing, never, ever, take that for granted."

"Ah, my love, new life" Carl said as he held Rachel in his arms. "Yes, and so precious it is." She smiled. "They are particularly cute little things now aren't they?" Carl asked. "Oh yes, it hardly seems that just three years ago
our little ones where that small." Rachel sighed. "Jake and Vicky don't know how blessed they are to have twins." Carl mused, "For you know what they say about twins, my love. They're twice the trouble . . . " he started. "But triple the love." Rachel finished.

"Oh now would you get a load of that?" Etta Mae exclaimed, "Girl, tell me those aren't the cutest babies you have ever seen!" Toni shook her head, "Yeah mama, they are definitely the cutest babies." Toni laughed. "Hands
down!" Chris agreed. "Oh sure," KC said sarcastically, "You're just saying that soJake doesn't kill you!" "Hey no way! I'm tight with those ladies, Yo, we go way back." Chris explained. "I mean, who else is going to teach them what they need to know?? Uncle Chris!" he shouted. Toni and KC laughed. "Yeah and who's going to have to 'un-teach' them all that junk?" Etta Mae asked "Certainly not 'Uncle Chris'," she mocked. "Now listen hear ladies, you pay no attention to that man, he's just plumb crazy." Etta Mae told the girls. "Hey hey!" Chris began to object. But KC interrupted, "Oh, hey hey yourself! Listen to you two!" she said. "Don't you think instead of trying to shove all these different opinions their way, you should be saying 'Hey, it's okay, I've got your back'?" Toni reasoned. They were silenced. Chris spoke up, "Yeah," he sighed, "Yeah, that's the most important thing for you to know. No matter what happens there are always going to be people around that love you. Someone will always be there for you."

Sean and Alli stand looking in the nursery window. "Well . . . They're babies all right," Sean said, crossing his arms.  "Yeah," Alli agreed, "They sure are." "Think they'll cry lot?" Sean asked. Alli yawned, "Probably," she replied. "Oh great," Sean said glumly. Alli perked up, "Hey, I've got my mom's car keys. You wanna go?" she asked, with a coy little smile. "Definitely!" Sean replied as Alli took off, "Wait up!!" He glanced in the nursery, "Be cool
guys."

"Now those  have to be the sweetest most angelic baby faces ever!" Felicia sighed. Sofia smiled, "I guess that means they don't take after Jake then,"she laughed. "Oh you!" Felicia laughed, "How about that sweet face over
there?" she asked pointedly. "Matthew?" Sergei asked, "Felicia, that is not very good thing to say in front of hus . . . "he started. Felicia interrupted,   "Oh would you be quiet! Sofia, honey, look at him, he's miserable. Why don't you just go over and just say hi." she prodded. "If it would make you happy!"  Sofia sighed. "Oh it would! Now that's a good girl, go." Felicia directed.  Sofia walked over to Matt, "Precious, huh?" she asked. "Yeah. Jasmine used to  be that size, look at her now, toddling all over." Matt smiled. "Funny how that happens." Sofia said. "Hey, uh, do you wanna go grab a cup of coffee or something? Matt asked. Sofia considered, "Okay" she replied. Felicia watched Matt and Sofia as they walked off together. "Well, would you look at that!"  she smiled, "Your Auntie Felicia's still got it! Who knows maybe I'll set you two up one of these days."

"So how does it feel to be an aunt again?" Tyrone asked Marley. Marley smiled, "It feels wonderful, I'm so excited, it'll be so fun having little nieces!" she exclaimed. "How about you Donna?" Tyrone asked. "What?" Donna asked. "Oh, I'm absolutely thrilled." She replied, distantly. "Maybe we can watch them for Jake and Vicky, huh? Have them over for the weekend, maybe play house?" Marley suggested. Tyrone wrapped his arms around her, "Hmm. I do like the sound of that," he smiled. "Hey honey, what time is it?" Marley asked, grabbing Tyrone's watch, "Oh my gosh, I totally forgot we had that, uh, meeting!" Tyrone looked confused, "Oh! THAT meeting!" he replied. "Donna, Marley said, "I'm so sorry, but we've got to run! See ya!" she added as she ran down the hall. "Bye," Donna called back, oblivious to the fact that they were already gone. "Oh girls, your Papa Michael would be so proud of you." she sighed, "I wish he could be here today to see you."  Donna turned and walked down the hall. Two figures appeared inside the nursery, looking down into the little cribs. "Who says we're not here?" Michael questioned. "Well we most certainly are!" Bridget added. "Those was no way we could miss such
a special day as this!" Michael said. Bridget leaned over the crib, "We had to be here, for special girls need special guardian angels." She explained. "We're going to be here for you whenever you need us," Michael explained, "Guiding you along the right path, keeping you out of harms way." "Just like we do for your mom and dad," Bridget added. "So if you ever fell scared or alone," Michael whispered, "just think of us."  Bridget clasped her hands together, "Oh Michaella and Bridget, you are such lucky little girls to have so many people to love you." she smiled. "Yeah," Michael agreed, "You see, all those people that were out there today, they love you just as much as we do! Right Bridget?" Bridget nodded, "Right Michael" she said. "And family," Michael continued, "Is what it's all about."

Jake and Vicky lie in bed, awake, frustrated by the incessant crying coming from the nursery. "Jake, your daughter wants you." Vicky moaned. "Actually, I think that is your daughter." Jake replied groggily. "Nope, nope, no way. My daughter is asleep in her crib, just like the little angel she is." Vicky sighed. "All right, come on let's go," Jake said, pulling Vicky from the bed and leading her down the hallway as she grumbled. "See, I was right, it's
your daughter . . . and my daughter," Jake sighed, as Michaella started to cry, "All right Michaella, lets go." "Bridget, honey, what's wrong," Vicky whispered, leaning over the edge of the crib, "Why don't you want to go to
sleep?" Bridget continued to cry, and Vicky leaned in to pick her up, "Come on, let's go downstairs with daddy." Vicky walked downstairs and joined Jake, who is pacing the living room. "Oh come Bridget, shhh, it's all right honey" Vicky soothed. "want to switch?" Jake asked. "sure, why not, nothing else seems to be working!" Vicky replied, exasperated. "All righty, here we go," Jake said, handing Michaella to Vicky and taking Bridget. The crying stopped.  "Hey, hey listen to that!" Vicky smiled "Oh yes, silence! I guess you are just daddy's girl, huh Bridget?" Jake said, kissing her on the head, "And Michaella there just loves her momma." "Ha! Vicky joked, "Do you think she loves me enough to let me get some sleep?" Jake scratched his head, "I think I'm going to have to say . . . Nope." "Rats," Vicky sighed, "How about a bottle   then?" Vicky asked, as she headed toward the kitchen. "Okay Bridget, what do you say about you and me catching some Z's?" Jake asked as he lay back on the couch,
putting his feet up on the coffee table, placing Bridget on his chest. "Oh, Yeah!" he yawns as he dozes off. Vicky walked into the living room, "Well would you look at that, daddy got your sister to sleep. You think we could
get that to work for us?" she asked Michaella, "Let's try it." Vicky lay back on the couch, "Much better," she sighed, and fell asleep.

"Mom? Jake? Where are you? Kirkland called, as he walked down the stairs. He saw Jake and Vicky asleep on the couch, "Sean, Steven, come here!" he  shouted "What?" Steven asked, as he rounded the corner, he was followed by Sean. "Yeah Kirk-land?" Sean replied, his voice dropping to a whisper as Kirk pointed towards the couch. "Whoa, they must have been really wiped." Sean said. "What do you think we should do?" Steven asked. Kirk's face lit up, "I know!" he exclaimed. He leaned over and whispered something to Steven and
Sean. "That's a great idea!" Steven smiled. "Yeah, pretty good. Great thinking squirt." Sean agreed.

Vicky began to stir on the couch, she inhales deeply, "Jake?" "Yea," he replied. "do you smell bacon??" she asked. Jake opened one eye and sniffed, "and coffee?" They quietly picked up the sleeping girls, and crept into the
kitchen. "Surprise!" Kirkland shouted. Steven and Sean turned around, "Suprise!" they exclaimed, about a beat behind. "We, uh, figured you guys were pretty beat. So, uh, we thought we'd make you some breakfast." Sean
explained. "Well, it sure smells good," Jake said, as he snitched a piece of bacon. ""Now, where did you learn how to cook?" Vicky questioned. "Uh, well, I just followed the directions on the package. It's actually not as hard as
it looks." he answered. "Oh, Sure," Vicky started. "Kirk and I decided that we want Sean to cook from now on." Steven announced. "Sounds good to me!" Jake chuckled. "Hey, hey!" Vicky snapped, elbowing Jake in the ribs. "Okay, well, why don't you guys set the table while Jake and I make up some bottles." "Okay, whatever" Sean said, as they left the kitchen. "Now what do you make of that?" Vicky asked as she handed Michaella to Jake. "Let's see, either . . . they're just being good kids or . . . they're really sucking up." Jake offered. "Yeah," Vicky replied, "That's about what I thought. Why don't we just assume that they're just being good, and leave it at that?" she asked, grabbing the bottles off the counter. "Sounds like a plan to me!" Jake replied, as they walked into the dining room. Jake laid the twins in their bassinets, and joined Vicky and the boys at the table.

"Bridget finally go to sleep?" Vicky asked Jake as she patted the swing next to her, motioning for him to join her. "Yeah," Jake replied. "You exhausted?" she asked. "Completely," he answered. "Hmm, me too." Vicky said, as she got
up and began to rub Jake's shoulders. "But still, isn't it great?" she asked.   Yeah, yeah it's amazing." Jake sighed. "You are going to be the best daddy ever," Vicky reassured, sitting back down on the swing. "You think?" Jake
asked, as he turned to face her," Cause I was just thinking that you are the best mommy ever." Vicky laughed, "Yeah?" "And with a combo like that, we're going to have, like, the best kids in the world." Jake joked. " The best
rock-n-roll, motorcycle riding kids in the world, you mean?" Vicky reminded. "Ah, yes, you and I are going to have the best, rock-n-roll, motorcycle riding family in history." Jake laughed, taking her arms and wrapping them
around him. Vicky closed her eyes and sighed, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The End

Written by ALE Holden
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