There Is Enough To Go Around

Chapter 20

"Stef, did you remember the sunscreen?" Lena called from the kitchen, hoping to reach her wife's ears from upstairs.

"Yes Lena-Mila don't touch that, go help the big girls-is there anything else you want me to remember to grab for the millionth time?" Lena rolled her eyes at the blonde's response. She loved that woman more than anything, but sometimes her attitude was as bad as the kids.

"Mama! Mila keeps bugging us!" Mariana called whining, and Lena sighed. For once she would like the kids to not fight and concentrate on getting their things ready before the actual camping day. You would think two soon-to-be high school graduates and upcoming two seniors would be better prepared by now. Jude was the only child who was ready the day before, and was helping packing up the cooler. Of course Mila was ready too, but only because she wasn't old enough to pack her own things. Maybe it was because it was maybe going to be the last camping as a whole family before the big kids went to college and it was Mila's first camping trip, but Lena just wanted it to be perfect. Things were moving so fast these days with the kids graduating and getting older, they had to stay together as long as possible.

Mila trudged down the stairs, her lip formed into a pout.

"No one will let me help, Mama."

Lena smiled and opened her arms to her preschool graduate, whom the little girl gladly accepted and jumped into her mother's arms to be carried.

"You can help us baby. They are just jealous that they aren't ready like we are." Lena explained, giving a side wink to her youngest son, who smiled brightly at the praise. Lena sat her on the counter, and instructed she put the following items Lena handed her into the cooler.

"Can you believe she is going to start kindergarten this fall?" Jude said, his eyes still focused on making sandwiches for the car trip. Lena smiled, stealing a quick glance at her two youngest.

"It feels like yesterday she was just the shy, two and half year old. Now she is four and going to kindergarten. " Jude continued, looking up this time at his little sister, and poked her in her sides. The blue-eyed beauty popped her head up to glance at her tickler, and "booped" his nose with her finger.

"Boop." She said as she giggled. When Jude did it back, she jumped into his arms.

"Time passes so fast. Not only that, but you are going to be a high school student. My baby isn't a baby anymore." Lena answered, suddenly feeling a little emotional as she ruffled his hair and kissed his forehead.

"Lots of things are going to change Mama. Brandon and Callie will most likely be moving away for college, and Jesus and Mariana will be prepping for it." Jude explained sadly, as he averted his eyes from his Mama. He tried to be strong for his family, but it was hard knowing that things wouldn't be the same and the family he dreamed practically his whole life, would be all be gone. Lena stopped what she was doing to get closer to her son, and grab his face with both hands.

"You know Jude, we all have to grow up at some point. That's life. But you know what is so great about family? No matter how far away we are from each other, we are still with each others in our hearts. No matter how cheesy that is, it is true. Just because they won't be living here, they will still visit and call. You never have to worry about being alone ever again baby. Besides, you still have a little sister who is going to need you for guidance and love." Lena finished her speech with another kiss on his forehead and wink at the girl still in his arms. Mila followed suit in kissing his cheek.

"I need you Judeeeee." Mila said with big-wide eyes.

"I am not leaving anytime soon." he smiled.

"God, it is so hot out here! Can we just sit in the car where I am not boiling?" Mariana whined, not five inches from the car.