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cathxrinecawood · 1 month ago

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If there was one thing Mel and Lindsay couldn’t help but spoil their little girl with, it was letting her sleep in their bed whenever she had nightmares - which, admittedly, was quite often. Nearly every night, one of them would wake to the soft rustling of JR pulling herself onto the bed, her small hands clutching at the covers as she crawled between them. They could never bring themselves to say no, knowing the consequences too well. If they denied her that comfort, the poor thing would wake up screaming and sobbing, her tiny body shaking in fear. As mothers, hearing her cries was utterly heartbreaking. So, without a second thought, they’d always make space, wrapping her in their warmth and reassuring her that everything was okay.

Michael often found himself plagued by nightmares, though most of the time, he couldn’t remember what they were about. They left behind only a lingering sense of unease that clung to him as he woke, sometimes discovering the sheets beneath him damp with urine. Embarrassed and shaken, he would quietly slip out of bed and tiptoe down the hall to his mother’s room. Without a word, he’d crawl into bed beside her, and she never seemed to mind. She’d wrap her arm around him or simply let him nestle in, offering the kind of comfort only a mother could. In those moments, the fear gripped him would ease, and he always felt safer, his anxiety melting away as he drifted back to sleep in her warmth.

When Mel and Lindsay decided to visit their Pittsburgh family for the week, Brian insisted they join him for a night of clubbing, just like old times. Reluctant but nostalgic, they agreed, leaving JR and Gus in the care of Debbie and Carl. Debbie, who was JR’s biological grandmother and had fully embraced the role of Gus' grandmother - especially since both Mel and Lindsay's parents were absent from their lives - was more than happy to spend time with her grandchildren.

When Mel and Lindsay dropped the kids off, it was already past JR’s bedtime, so Deb quickly put her down without fuss. An hour later, Debbie, Carl, and Gus headed off to bed, settling in for the night. But it wasn’t long before JR was stirred from sleep by one of her frequent nightmares. Like her biological father, she woke to find her sheets damp with urine despite still wearing pull-ups, which was typical for her at two-and-a-half years old. It was uncomfortable, but her fear overshadowed everything else.

Without much thought, she climbed out of bed, her stuffed bunny - gifted by her father - clutched tightly in one hand. Still half-asleep and shaken from her dream, she instinctively went down the hall to her grandparents’ room. Before leaving the room, she paused just long enough to locate her pacifier and pop it into her mouth, soothing herself as best she could before seeking out the safety of her grandma’s arms.

Michael shot up in bed, heart pounding, his pull-up uncomfortably soaked with urine - a nightly occurrence due to the persistent nightmares that plagued him. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he gasped for breath, his chest tight with fear. But as he glanced around the room, relief washed over him, realizing that it had only been a nightmare. Whatever horrors had haunted his dreams weren’t real, just figments of his sleeping mind.

With a tired sigh, Michael slid out of bed, already deciding that he would once again make his way to his mother’s room for the rest of the night. Grabbing his stuffed bunny, his trusted companion, he padded quietly down the hall to the master bedroom.

He and his mother had tried everything to make the nightmares stop, from soothing bedtime routines to calming words, but nothing seemed to work. His doctor assured them that it was just a phase and that Michael would eventually outgrow it, though both clung to that hope with a mixture of frustration and helplessness.

Debbie hated seeing her little boy consumed by fear every time she tucked him in, knowing how it tore him apart night after night. And Michael despised waking up in terror, his body gripped by a cold, unshakable dread, longing for the comfort and safety that only his mother could provide.

When JR reached the master bedroom, she quietly made her way to the bed and, with a little effort, pulled herself up onto it. Her grandparents were sound asleep, their steady breathing filling the room. JR sat there for a few moments, taking comfort in their presence as she absentmindedly fiddled with the button eye of her stuffed bunny, the one her grandmother had lovingly sewn on after the original had fallen off.

After a while, she hugged the bunny close to her chest and carefully crawled over her grandmother, lying on her side, to settle in the cozy space between Debbie and Carl. As soon as JR nestled in, Debbie’s eyes fluttered open, instinctively aware of the little body climbing over her. She didn’t startle, though - Mel and Lindsay had already mentioned JR’s nightmares, and the situation felt all too familiar. Debbie had lived through this phase once before when Michael was JR's age, and her maternal instincts kicked in without hesitation.

With a soft, tired smile, she shifted slightly, making room for her granddaughter, knowing that JR needed the warmth and reassurance of her grandparents nearby to feel safe again.

Once Michael reached the master bedroom, he wasted no time crawling into the bed, where he knew his mother was fast asleep. The familiar warmth of her presence brought him immediate comfort. He shifted around, adjusting himself until he was nestled snugly against her, his small body pressed close to hers. Before leaving his room, he had made sure to grab his pacifier, and now, feeling secure in his mother’s embrace, he popped it into his mouth with a soft sigh of relief.

Debbie’s eyes fluttered open as she felt the gentle weight of her two-and-a-half-year-old cuddling into her. Though still half-asleep, she instinctively wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer. It was a routine she knew well by now - Michael’s need for comfort in the middle of the night, his small body seeking hers for reassurance against the lingering fear from his nightmares.

As a heavy sleeper and less attuned to the subtle movements of a small body climbing into bed, Carl remained fast asleep, undisturbed by the shift. But a sleepy smile tugged at the corners of Debbie’s mouth as she felt JR snuggle beside her. It had been years since she’d had a little one curled up beside her like this - the last time being when her own son, Michael, was JR’s age.

“Did you have a nightmare, sweetie?” Debbie whispered softly, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. She gently wrapped an arm around JR’s tiny frame, pulling her close into the protective cocoon of her body.

JR didn’t hesitate, happily cuddling into her grandmother’s embrace as she was pulled closer, nuzzling her face against Debbie’s chest with a contented sigh. The fear from her nightmare slowly melted away, replaced by the comfort and safety she felt in her grandmother’s arms. For JR, there was no safer place in the world.

Feeling the familiar warmth of a small body cuddling into hers, Debbie’s eyes fluttered open. Instinctively, she assumed it was Michael, having grown used to him crawling into bed with her on nights when his nightmares became too much. As her vision cleared, she saw his tiny frame and the mop of jet-black hair against the pillow, and a soft smile tugged at her lips.

She knew deep down that the longer she let him do this, the harder it would be to break the habit. But how could she resist? This was her little boy, and in these quiet, tender moments, nothing else mattered but comforting him.

“Did you have another nightmare, baby?” she whispered gently, her voice full of understanding and love as she stroked his hair, waiting for him to settle against her fully.

JR didn’t need to answer for Debbie to know she’d had another nightmare. The way her granddaughter clung to her in the middle of the night, seeking comfort and reassurance, said it all. Debbie had been through this before and could feel the lingering fear in JR’s tight grip.

But as she held her close, Debbie quickly noticed something else - the dampness of JR’s pull-up against her skin.

“You’re wet, sweetie,” Debbie remarked gently, her tone casual and non-judgmental, not wanting to embarrass her. “Let’s get you into something dry,” she added softly, shifting carefully in the bed to not wake Carl as she prepared to grab a fresh pull-up. With a practiced ease, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, ready to make sure her little girl was dry and comfortable before snuggling back into bed.

Michael gazed up at his mother, his pacifier in his mouth, and nodded sleepily before nuzzling his nose into her soft, swollen chest. The warmth and familiarity of her presence brought him immediate comfort, even as he clung to his lingering fear. As Debbie noticed the wet pull-up he was wearing, her heart swelled with concern and tenderness. She leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head, feeling the slight tremor of his small body against hers.

“Let’s get you into something dry,” she said softly, her voice soothing as she bundled him into her embrace, cradling him close. With her heart full of love and determination, she made her way to his room, her mind already focused on finding a fresh pull-up to help him feel more comfortable. The soft glow of the nightlight illuminated their path, creating a cozy atmosphere that eased both their worries.

When JR noticed Debbie shifting around in bed and preparing to get up, her pacifier tumbled from her mouth, clattering softly against the sheets. “No!” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with distress, expressing her desire for her grandmother to stay close.

Debbie’s heart ached as she took in JR's fear-ridden face, those big eyes filled with worry. She glanced at her husband, who lay quietly beside her, and then back at her granddaughter. “Let’s wake Guppy up, okay? He can protect you,” she suggested gently, hoping to reassure the little girl.

JR nodded eagerly in agreement, her fear slowly easing at the thought of having her grandfather awake. With a soft smile, Debbie sat back down on the bed and leaned over, planting an affectionate kiss on Carl’s lips to rouse him from his slumber gently. She whispered his name softly, ready to bring comfort to her granddaughter.

When Debbie reached Michael's room, she gently set him down and quickly grabbed a clean, dry pull-up from the dresser. Accustomed to the routine, Michael wasted no time; he deftly pulled off the wet one and tossed it into the trash, his small hands working with determination as he focused intently on the task.

Once he turned to face his mother, she offered him the fresh pull-up, and he carefully slipped it on. Feeling reassured, he raised his little arms toward her, silently signaling his wish to be lifted again. A warm smile spread across Debbie’s face as she happily obliged, scooping him into her embrace. His weight in her arms felt familiar and right, and she gently kissed his forehead, her heart swelling with love and tenderness for her little boy.

With Michael nestled securely against her, she returned to the master bedroom. The soft glow of the nightlight illuminated their path, casting a warm, soothing hue around them as they moved together in quiet harmony, ready to settle in for the rest of the night. The sound of their soft footsteps was a comforting reminder that they were safe and together, a sanctuary in the dark.

It wasn’t long before Debbie felt the familiar warmth of her husband’s lips pressing against her back. A smile spread across her face when she noticed his eyes fluttering open, bringing a sense of comfort and love to the quiet room.

As she pulled back slightly, Carl’s gaze landed on JR nestled in bed with them, and he raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Did she have a nightmare?” he asked, his voice low and husky with sleep, each word wrapped in a tender grogginess.

“Yeah,” Debbie replied, still smiling. “She didn’t want me to leave to get her a dry pull-up, so you’re going to protect her while I go grab one,” she said playfully, giving him a wink.

“Well, it’s a good thing that’s what I’m best at,” Carl replied, his own smile breaking through the sleepiness. JR’s face brightened at the sound of her grandfather’s voice. She smiled back, reassured by the fact that Carl was awake and willing to “protect” her. Although she wasn’t entirely sure what protection she needed, the mere thought brought her a comforting sense of safety.

With a burst of energy, she turned and nuzzled her small body into Carl's side, feeling the warmth radiating from him. Satisfied that she was tucked in, Debbie quietly slipped out of the room, heading to gather the dry pull-up.

When she returned a few minutes later, she found Carl softly talking to JR, who was wide-eyed and watching him in awe. Her big blue eyes, reminiscent of her grandmother's, sparkled with curiosity as she absorbed every word.

Debbie walked further into the room and settled onto the bed, her presence shifting the weight slightly. Carl finished his story, glancing over at her with a content smile, their shared warmth filling the space.

“Let’s get you out of that wet pull-up, sweetie,” Debbie said gently to JR, her voice laced with affection. Carl helped the little girl out of her wet pull-up and quickly dashed out of bed to dispose of it in the trash while Debbie assisted JR in slipping into the fresh one.

Once they were done, both grandparents climbed back into bed, lying on either side of JR, who relished the feeling of being nestled between them. She sighed contentedly, her grandparents' love wrapping around her like a cozy blanket, shielding her from any lingering fears of the night.

Once inside her bedroom, Debbie playfully tossed Michael onto the bed, eliciting an infectious giggle from him that filled the room with joy. The sound made her laugh, too, and she couldn’t resist joining him on the bed, crawling in beside her son and sinking comfortably into the soft pillows.

As soon as she settled down, Michael instinctively nuzzled into her side, seeking the warmth and safety only a mother could provide. Debbie pulled the cozy comforter over their bodies, enveloping them in a cocoon of warmth and love. She wrapped her arm affectionately around Michael’s small frame, feeling his soft curls brush against her cheek as she gently leaned down to kiss the top of his head.

With the late hour weighing on him, Michael’s eyelids drooped, heavy with sleep. The added warmth radiating from Debbie made it even harder for him to fight off the pull of slumber.

“I love you, Mikey,” Debbie murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. A sense of peace washed over her as she watched her little boy snuggle deeper into her embrace. Within moments, he was fast asleep, his breaths coming in gentle, rhythmic puffs against her side. The quiet of the night settled around them, creating a perfect sanctuary for a mother and her child.

JR instinctively nestled back into her grandmother's warm embrace, nuzzling her tiny nose into Debbie's soft chest. The familiar scent of her grandmother wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. A smile crept across Debbie's face as she relished the precious moment, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of JR's head. With her arm securely wrapped around her granddaughter, she felt an overwhelming sense of love.

“I love you, sweetheart,” she whispered softly, her voice barely above a hush, filled with affection. When she glanced up, she met the warm gaze of her husband, Carl, who was watching the tender scene unfold with a loving smile on his lips.

“You're a wonderful grandmother,” he said, his voice low and filled with admiration as he leaned over to plant a soft kiss on Debbie. She melted into the kiss, feeling cherished and appreciated.

“I love you,” she replied, her heart swelling with warmth.

“I love you too,” Carl said, his eyes sparkling with affection.

The sweet sound of their kiss caught JR's attention, and she wriggled around in her grandmother's embrace until she faced Carl. With her big blue eyes shining brightly, she pursed her lips, eager for her own kiss. Both grandparents exchanged amused glances, their hearts swelling at her adorableness, and leaned in to plant affectionate kisses on her chubby cheeks. Each kiss was met with a delighted giggle from the two-and-a-half-year-old, her laughter like music in the stillness of the night.

With smiles lingering on their faces, the little family settled back into their cozy positions, the warmth of their love wrapping around them like a cherished blanket. Soon, the rhythmic sounds of soft breathing filled the air as they quickly drifted off to sleep, cocooned in a shared bliss that only a family could know.

Now that Michael was nestled comfortably against his mother, he drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep, the shadows of his nightmares fading into oblivion. Hours slipped by quietly, and as dawn broke, the soft glow of sunlight streamed through the curtains, illuminating the room in a gentle warmth. Downstairs, a faint rustling sound could be heard as Debbie's brother, Vic, began his morning routine in preparation for school.

Vic and Debbie had crafted a seamless schedule that worked well for their family dynamic. With a shared commitment to ensuring that Michael didn’t have to go to daycare, they had arranged it so Vic could finish high school while Debbie took care of Michael during the day. Then, when she left for her midday shift at the diner, Vic would step in, providing a steady hand for his nephew.

About an hour after the first signs of life downstairs, Vic made his way up the stairs, his footsteps light and careful. He carried a plate of breakfast in his hands, the enticing aroma of freshly cooked eggs and crispy bacon wafting through the air. Cooking was a passion for Vic; it was one of the few things that made him feel grounded and content. He always found a sense of relaxation and joy in preparing meals for Debbie and Michael, believing that good food brought them closer together.

As he entered the master bedroom, the soft rustle of the plate stirred Debbie from her slumber. Being a light sleeper, she instinctively opened her eyes and smiled upon seeing her brother. Vic caught her gaze and returned her smile, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

“‘Morning, Sis,” he greeted cheerfully, his voice still thick with sleep.

“‘Morning,” Debbie replied, her smile brightening the room. She stretched slightly before propping herself up on one elbow, glancing at the plate he had set down for her and Michael. “You know you don’t have to make us breakfast every morning,” she added, her voice laced with gratitude.

“I know, but I like to,” Vic replied with a grin, his enthusiasm evident. He leaned against the doorframe, looking pleased with himself. “It’s my way of starting the day right for all of us.”

Debbie couldn’t help but feel a swell of appreciation for her brother. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of family, the remnants of Michael’s nightmares faded further into the background, replaced by the comforting reality of their shared lives.

As the clock ticked toward 4:30 in the morning, the piercing beeping of the alarm shattered the early morning stillness. Carl, an almost-retired cop, groaned softly as he rolled over to turn off the annoying sound. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, the coolness of the floor jolting him awake just a bit as he stood up, sleep still clinging to him. With a yawn, he made his way toward the door, his mind already on the comforting thought of a hot cup of coffee.

As he stepped into the dimly lit hallway, he noticed a sleepy and confused Gus shuffling out of the room where he had been sleeping. The young boy had heard footsteps and, curiosity getting the better of him, had ventured out to see who was stirring at such an early hour. Gus rubbed his eyes, his tousled hair framing his small face, and blinked at Carl, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

“What are you doing up so early, Chief?” Carl asked with a gentle smile, concern etching his features as he took in the boy’s dazed expression.

“JR's not asleep in her bed,” Gus mumbled, his voice still thick with sleep as he rubbed his eyes again, searching for clarity.

Carl’s heart softened as he realized what had happened. “She had another nightmare, so she’s sleeping with Grams,” he explained, ruffling Gus's hair affectionately. “Why don’t you go join them and get some more sleep?”

Gus looked up at his grandfather, his sleepy eyes sparkling with a hint of understanding. He nodded, grateful for the suggestion, and padded down the hall, his small feet making soft sounds on the floor. Carl watched him disappear into the room before turning back toward the stairs. He descended quietly, anticipation for that first sip of coffee pushing the last bits of sleepiness away as he prepared to embrace the day ahead.

Debbie smiled warmly at her brother, her heart swelling with gratitude. Despite the pain of being kicked out by their parents when she became pregnant, her resentment grew even deeper for the way they had treated Vic, disowning him simply for being gay. Yet, as dysfunctional as their family dynamics were, she cherished having Vic in her life, especially as he helped raise Michael. He was the kind of uncle every kid would dream of - attentive, loving, and reliable. Debbie always felt a profound sense of trust knowing that Vic would care for her son as if he were his own.

Vic chuckled softly as he looked at Michael, his heart aching at the thought of the little boy's nightmares. It pained him to see his nephew struggle with fear at such a young age, but there was something undeniably heartwarming about how peaceful and content Michael looked while sleeping beside Debbie.

“He looks happy,” Vic remarked, his eyes sparkling with affection.

“Yeah, he’s definitely a mamma’’s boy,” Debbie replied, glancing down at her son with a mix of love and pride. She was comfortably lying on her back, and Michael had nestled his small body against her shoulder, using it as a pillow. The sight of him nuzzled against her, blissfully unaware of the worries that sometimes filled their days, brought a smile to her face. It was moments like this that reminded her of the simple joys amidst the chaos of life.

As Gus walked into the master bedroom, the first thing he noticed was the serene sight of Debbie lying on her back, peacefully cradling JR against her body. The little girl had nestled her head in the crook of Debbie's shoulder, her tiny form cocooned in warmth. Without a second thought, Gus made his way to the bed and crawled in on the opposite side of his grandmother. He shifted the covers to envelop himself, creating a cozy nest just big enough for him to cuddle up to her.

Contentment washed over him as he settled in, resting his head in the other crook of Debbie's shoulder. He let out a soft sigh, feeling safe in this intimate moment. The warmth radiating from his grandmother felt like a protective shield against the cool morning air. Sensing the shift in the bed, Debbie's eyes fluttered open. As she looked down at the six-year-old snuggled beside her, a gentle smile spread across her face.

“Everything okay, sweetheart?” she asked softly, her voice laced with love.

Gus blinked sleepily up at her, a drowsy grin forming on his face. “Yeah. I couldn't find JR, and Guppy said I could come in here and sleep with you.”

Debbie's gaze flickered to the clock on her nightstand, confirming the early hour. “You’ll be able to get a few more hours of sleep, honey,” she reassured him, leaning down to plant a tender kiss on his head.

Feeling the warmth of her affection, Gus nuzzled against her chest, burying his nose into the soft fabric of her nightgown. His breathing gradually slowed, the soothing presence of his grandmother lulling him back into a peaceful slumber. In that tranquil moment, the world outside faded away, leaving just the three of them wrapped in a cocoon of love and comfort.

“Yeah, that’s the understatement of the year,” Vic chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He loved teasing his sister about how much of a mama’s boy his nephew was, and it always brought a smile to his face. Debbie couldn’t help but laugh, too, stifling her giggles to avoid waking Michael from his peaceful slumber.

As the laughter faded, Debbie's gaze shifted to the clock on her nightstand, its digital numbers glowing softly in the dim light. “You should be getting ready for school. You don’t want to miss the bus again,” she said, her tone turning a bit more serious as she realized the time was slipping away.

Vic followed her gaze and glanced at the clock, a hint of urgency creeping into his demeanor. “Yeah, I’m almost ready,” he replied, already plotting his next moves. “I just need to grab a few books for my backpack, and I’ll be set.”

With a playful grin, he leaned over Debbie and gently ruffled Michael’s tousled hair, careful not to disturb his peaceful rest. “If he’s not ready to play hide-and-seek when I get home, I will not be happy,” he added teasingly, winking at his sister as he straightened up.

Debbie rolled her eyes, a smile still tugging at her lips. “I’m sure he’ll be waiting for you,” she replied, knowing how much Michael adored playing with his uncle.

With a final wave and a promise to be back soon, Vic slipped out of the room, the sound of his footsteps fading down the hall as he prepared to face another day at school. Moments later, the front door clicked shut behind him, leaving Debbie to cherish the tranquil atmosphere of the morning, her heart full knowing her family was there for one another.

Debbie watched with a soft smile as Gus drifted back into a peaceful slumber, his small frame nestled comfortably against her side. She hadn’t expected him to join her in bed, but the warmth of having both her grandchildren cuddled up with her filled her heart with joy. The room was enveloped in a tranquil silence, broken only by the gentle sounds of their breathing, and as she lost herself in thought, the comforting weight of sleep soon overtook her as well.

An hour later, the serenity of the moment was interrupted when Carl quietly entered the room, careful not to disturb the sleeping trio. He paused at the sight of his wife and grandchildren, a tender smile spreading across his face. Spotting their camera on the dresser, he grabbed it and snapped a quick photo, capturing the idyllic scene of their family resting together. The flash illuminated the room briefly, but it only stirred the air with a sense of warmth and love.

Setting the camera down, he walked to Debbie's side of the bed and leaned over, placing a soft kiss on her lips. The gentle touch stirred her awake, just as she had done for JR earlier. As she registered the familiar warmth of Carl's kiss, a smile blossomed on her face.

“Morning, beautiful,” he greeted her, his voice low and affectionate. Debbie's heart swelled at his words, and she smiled up at him, still feeling the lingering warmth of sleep.

“Looks like you have another content kid sleeping with you,” he added, glancing over at Gus, who was blissfully unaware of the world around him. “And it seems like they have a very content grandmother.”

Debbie couldn’t help but laugh, her gaze following Carl’s as they both took in the sight of Gus curled against her, blissfully lost in his dreams. “Yeah, apparently, his grandfather said it was okay for him to sleep with us,” she teased, her eyes twinkling as she referred to Gus. While she was more than happy to have him there, the surprise of it still amused her.

Carl chuckled, leaning down to plant another kiss on her lips. “I’m off to work, but I’ll see you later tonight,” he said, his voice tinged with affection as he pulled away.

“Okay, I love you,” Debbie replied, her heart full as she watched him head toward the door.

“I love you too,” he called back, leaving her in the warmth of their shared love, surrounded by the peaceful presence of their grandchildren. The house felt alive with the gentle sounds of family, and Debbie settled back into her cozy spot, content to bask in the warmth of the morning for just a little while longer.

#qafedit #queer as folk #sharon gless #musings.

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