Free Falling

Chapter 20 | Is This My Birthday Or Yours Austin?

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"Never Forgotten"
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Dwight's POV

"Happy birthday!" My mom says as I walk into the kitchen.

"Thanks mom." I say, smiling as I pull her in for a hug.

"I can't believe my baby is eighteen today!" My mom says as she pulls away. "I made your favorite for breakfast."

I look over at the stove and see waffles with eggs.

"Thank you!" I say excitedly, reaching into the cabinet to get a plate for the food.

"Bubba! Happy birthday!" Annalee practically yells as she hugs my leg.

"Thanks little Lee." I say, reaching down to pick her up.

"Look what I drawed for you! It's your present!" She says excitedly waving her paper in the air.

"Dear, Dwight won't be able to see it unless you show him." My mom says chuckling

"Oh yeah! Here you go Bubba!"

I smile at her and take the drawing.

"It's you and me!" She explains and I chuckle.

"I love it little Lee!" I say, trying to match her level of excitement to make her happy.

There's a knock on the door and I see my mom tense up. Ever since Darren came and invaded our privacy again, she's been on edge. Some days I feel like she's getting better, but I can always tell when it's just a facade.

"Mom, it's okay." I tell her, reaching over to squeeze her shoulder. "I'll get it."

The door opens before I can leave my spot and I hear Jake's voice yell a greeting and my mom visibly relaxes and a smile spreads across her face as Emma and Jake walk into the kitchen.

"Well if it isn't my favorite set of twins!" She says, reaching over to pull Emma into a hug.

"I'll try not to tell Austin and Chase." Jake says, laughing as he hugs her next.

"Emma!" Annalee yells as she shimmies out of my arms and runs towards her, Emma reaching down to pick her up.

For a second, I see sadness flash behind her eyes, but it's gone as quick as it came.

"Hey Annalee!" She says as Annalee's small arms wrap around her neck.

What was that about?

"It's my bubba's birthday." Annalee says excitedly.

"I know!" Jake says, joining the conversation.

She reaches her arms out for Jake and as soon as she's free, Emma comes over to wrap me up in a hug.

"Happy birthday!" She says, hugging me tight.

"Thanks Em." I say, wrapping my arms around her.

"I can't believe you're older than me now." Jake says, coming over to hug me next, Annalee suddenly at the table.

"By like thirteen days." Emma says, scowling.

"Aww is someone jealous?" I tease, making her roll her eyes.

"So momma Smith, what's on the menu for today?" Jake asks, causing Emma to roll her eyes.

"Jake, you have got to stop eating everyone else's food." She tells him, shaking her head.

"Let's let them be the judge of that." Jake says, looking over at my mom.

"You can have some waffles, just as long as Dwight gets his share." She tells him, smiling.