chapter 49(2)

Valen I get up to the sounds of Zoe getting the kids ready for school. I went to sit up and slide out from under Everly when Valarian comes bounding into the room excitedly. Zoe is hot on his heels as she tries to stop him. “Valarian, no! Mommy is sleeping,” Zoe whisper-yells, but it’s too late; the door smacks into the wall with a loud bang. Everly, however, doesn’t wake up. I twist out from under her, and Valarian, seeing me moving, races over while Zoe blinks at me. “You’re in bed; I thought you left.” “Very observant, and yes, I’m still here,” I tell her as Valarian climbs in my lap before I even have a chance to get up. “Are you taking me to school?” I look over at Everly, still passed out, as she moves closer in her sleep, burying her face in the pillow I was using. “No, Valarian. Your father isn’t dressed, and we’re running late,” Zoe says, coming over and plucking him off my lap. I glance at the clock on the bedside table, and so does Valarian; he would be nearly an hour early.