Fragile
Ednin wrapped an arm around Carla's waist as they exited the studio, steering her towards the large SUV parked nearby. She opened the front passenger, helping Carla inside as Zed followed with Alice and Betty getting in the back,
-Comfortable, sweetheart? Ednin checked, adjusting the vents to ensure the airflow hit Carla just right.
Satisfied, she started the engine and pulled out onto the street, ferrying Zed and the twins toward home. Despite Betty’s earlier flirting, she and Alice fell asleep on Ted’s chest immediately.
The car ride was quiet. Ednin looked at Zed through the rearview mirror.
-Listen stud, Ednin told Zed, you know I love you. You be careful with those two, she said, gesturing toward Alice and Betty. They're precious. They're lithe and adaptable, but they're fragile too.
Ednin met Zed's gaze in the rearview mirror. She reached back to pat his knee.
-I know you care for them, mi amor. And they adore you. But remember, those two are delicate flowers, no matter how fiery Alice may act. Treat them kindly, respect their pace.
She glanced at Carla, who nodded in agreement from the passenger seat.
-And you are too, Carla, Ednin added.
Ednin navigated the SUV carefully through the quiet streets. After a few minutes, she glanced at Carla with a tender smile.
-You holding up okay, cariño? Tonight was quite the adventure, hmm?
-I had so much fun, Carla said quietly.
-I'm really proud of how open and enthusiastic you were. Both with me and... everything else. You're a natural, sweetheart, Ednin chuckled, squeezing Carla's leg.
-I love the new friends we made, Zed said from the backseat. You'll send some videos if Kiku and Liv come over to visit you right?
Ednin smiled at Zed's request, catching Carla's eye.
-Oh absolutely, papi. I'll make sure to capture plenty of footage for you to enjoy later. Those two are real treasures, and I'm glad they've become friends with us.
Ednin parked the SUV outside Zed's place, before turning to face the backseat. Alice and Betty were sleeping peacefully, totally spent.
-Alright lovelies, we're here. Remember what I said, Zed, treat them right, yeah? These two deserve only the best.
-Thanks Ednin, for everything. Now help me with one more thing, Zed said as he carefully peeled a sleeping Alice and Betty off his chest and climbed over Alice carefully to get out. Would you help me carry the girls inside?
Ednin nodded and unbuckled her seatbelt.
-Of course, mi amor. Anything for you, she said as she exited the driver's side and met Zed at the back of the SUV.
As she started to get in to lift Alice, Zed stopped her.
-I'll take her over the threshold, he said as he picked Alice up and cradled her in his arms. You get Betty. Carla, be a doll, Zed added as he closed the passenger door with his foot. Could you fish the keys out of my pants?
Carla rummaged in Zed's pocket, feeling the bulge of the key ring amidst the fabric. Pulling them out, she held them aloft triumphantly.
Ednin carefully scooped a still-sleeping Betty into her arms, supporting the petite woman's bottom with one arm while the other cradled her upper body closely. She followed behind Zed as he carried Alice, admiring the gentle way he held her.
Reaching the front door, Zed fumbled slightly trying to unlock it one-handed with the keys Carla provided. Once inside, he pointed to the large living room couch where it all started with Alice, Betty, and him on Friday.
-The couch will be fine, Zed said.
Ednin nodded, carefully maneuvering Betty onto the couch and arranging her comfortably while Zed lay Alice down beside her.
Stepping back, Ednin surveyed their work with a satisfied sigh.
-There now, all tucked in cozy-like.
Alice mumbled softly, rolling to face Betty instinctively even in slumber. Betty curled into her sister.
-Sleep tight, princess, Ednin whispered teasingly. Even angels need their rest.
Zed smiled as he heard Ednin, imagining she was talking to him.
-You too, angel, he murmured, before falling asleep with the girls.