Shifting back into a normal life was nearly impossible.
Everyone went back to LA, except for Sam. He was still here and helping us get situated into a life without Colby.
The kids, minus Juniper, were back in school which was a huge step.
I was terrified to have the kids be away from me since everything that happened but I knew I needed to make that step if we were ever going to heal.
"Sissy, I don't want them to go today." Juniper said as I put her jacket on her. "I know, love. They need to get back to school though." I said quietly.
"It's bad enough you aren't going." I said and smoothed her hair back.
I knew she would eventually have to go back but I planned on that happening after Christmas break.
She was in kindergarten so I didn't think she would miss anything super important.
"What if the bad guys get them?" She asked as I frowned. "Nothing is going to happen to them." I assured, although I couldn't promise that.
I trusted myself fully to keep them safe, but when they were away I couldn't protect them.
I had to just trust the school.
"Are we ready to go?" Sam asked as I nodded. "Yeah, let me go get the others." I said then turned to leave the room.
"You guys ready?" I called out. "Carter is making fun of me." Jenna said as she and her twin brother came down the stairs.
"Look at her sweater, Jule. It's so big on her." Carter said as I nodded. "Well it's Colby's so..." I mumbled causing Carter's face to fall.
"Oh...uh..Sorry, Jen." He said as little Sam came down the stairs behind them. "It's fine." Jenna said then looked at me. "It's okay that I'm wearing it, right?" She asked as I nodded.
"Yeah, it's okay." I said with a reassuring smile. I knew that Jenna and Colby had a pretty good relationship, but I didn't think she would miss him so much she wanted to wear his clothes to school.
I guess it was her way of coping.
"Alrighty then, let's get you kids to school." I said with a reassuring smile.
They've been back for a couple days now but I was already looking forward to Christmas break. Since Colby's passing I've wanted to hug them tighter and longer.
You just never knew what was going to happen.
I was grateful for Sam for sticking around and helping me adjust.
It reminded me of when Colby left and he was helping me get settled into normal life.
He was always like a brother to me, making sure I was well taken care of even when Colby was around.
I remembered one time when Colby was mad at me, he left me alone in the garage above the office. Sam came upstairs and was pissed at Colby for what he did.
I felt bad for keeping him from his life in LA but he didn't seem to mind too much.
We all piled into the car then drove to the older kids' school. I felt the familiar nerves bundling in my chest as Sam pulled up to the curb.
"Okay guys...have a good day." I said and looked back at my siblings. "Love you, Jule." Little Sam said as he opened the door.
"Love you, Jule." Carter and Jenna said at the same time. "I love you guys." I said as Juniper blew them kisses.
Once they were out of the car, I sighed and looked over at Sam. "Ya know, I understand why Colby wanted to leave to do this." He said causing me to chuckle.
