Small But Loved (Age-Regression)

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Airport Antics

(It's time for another collab with my book bestie, bvmchloe Be sure to check her update after mine!)

Hazel POV:

It's early. Far too early to be awake, but we have to get going soon. If we don't, we're going to miss our flight. We're headed to Canada to see Scarlett, Camden, and their precious little girl, Briella. The last time we saw our friends was Mila's birthday. Ever since that day, she's been begging to see her little friend. The timing could be better, though. Considering that Mila's still recovering from having her tonsils removed. She hasn't been complaining too much about pain, so we should still be fine.

Nevertheless, we have to get going. Kai and West are both coming as well. Getting sleepy teenage boys out of bed is almost as hard as getting Mila up. They're both moping and dragging their feet. Theo is being over dramatic as well. He's groaning while rubbing his eyes. My own roll as I walk into Mila's nursery to get her ready. I let her sleep as long as possible, but it's time for her to join the tired crew.

She's sleeping with her butt in the air when I approach the bars of her crib. There's a pacifier abandoned on the bed next to her, and her blonde hair is in a riot of tangles all over her pink sheets. Leaning over, I rub my hand down the length of her back whispering, "Come on, pea. It's time to get up. We're going to go see Briella." I'm hoping hearing her best friend's name is enough to wake her. Sadly, I was wrong.

Mila flops down on the bed and turns her head so she's facing away from me. She blindly stretches her hand on the mattress, probably searching for her pacifier. I laugh and move the item of her desire closer to her hand. As soon as her hand makes contact with the desired item, she grabs it and quickly pops it in between her soft pink lips. "Is that better, pea?" I ask rhetorically.

Of course I get no answer, but it doesn't faze me. I just pick my baby up and carry her over to her changing table. Mila doesn't like this, but then again, I knew she wouldn't. As soon as she's laid on her back, a loud wail of displeasure exits her tiny mouth. While making soft shushing noises, I get to work changing her diaper. It's a good thing we bought a wipe warmer or else I know Mila's cries would escalate. There's nothing more she hates than the feeling of cold wipes. What can I say? Our little girl is spoiled.

"It's okay, lovie. Mama's almost done. Do you want to go make sure your brothers are up and moving?" I question, lifting Mila back into my arms. She nods and pushes on my chest in a signal to be put down. I lower her to the ground and watch as she toddles off to Kai's room. Surprisingly, she knocks on his door before entering. That's new. I make sure to praise her for her actions, "Good job on knocking, pea. Mommy's proud of you."

Mila turns and looks over her shoulder at me, smiling sweetly. Twin dimples appear on her chubby cheeks. Goodness, she's just the cutest little thing ever. Every time I look at her, I swear my heart melts. "Go ahead and go in." I advise. Mila goes up on her tiptoes to reach the door, sloppily turning the knob. As soon as it's open, Mila marches her way inside. Kai is sitting on his bed, browsing his phone. He turns towards the sound of Mila's heavy footsteps and smiles. "Your bags packed?" I inquire. He nods and lifts Mila onto his knee, smothering her face with kisses. She shrieks with laughter while trying to push his face away.

"I'm gonna get ya! I'm gonna get ya!" Kai playfully teases. Mila's face is turning red from her laughter, making me laugh right along with her. Eventually, their play stops when I announce that I'm going to check on West. Mila wants to come along with me. How can I deny her that small request? Kai passes her over to me, and together we head towards West's room. He's finishing packing while listening to music on his phone.