I want grandbabies to spoil

I missed work today and didn't even bother calling in sick while ignoring the calls from the office. I'd deal with everything at the office tomorrow, but for now, I needed this time with my family. Mom and dad came back home very late, so I didn't get to see them yesterday.

"Didn't know you were around honey," mum said giving me a hug when she saw me at breakfast this morning.

"Didn't want to bother you when you came back yesterday, knew you were probably tired." I said

"Morning Dad. You're looking

great as always" I added teasingly.

"I must say you are my favorite child, Beanie. You see these two" dad says pointing to Ben and Lay "They can't find it in themselves to say such sweet things to me." he continued while laughing.

"I know, right. You're my favorite too." I said while mum gave me a look that I just laughed at.

"How's work, honey?" Mum asked

"Good" I responded. I knew the normal talk about working too much was going to start.

"Hope you're not pushing yourself too hard, dear. You don't need to be a workaholic to succeed. You'll just get sick in the process." Mum continued.

"Yeah" is all I said, and luckily for me, something else got her attention.

Mom asked Ben about getting married and having babies at breakfast. I pitied him. I could see he was uncomfortable when she brought it up.

"Come on, I want grandbabies to spoil!" Mom said, half-joking and half-serious.

Ben and Lay looked at each other awkwardly, trying to think of an excuse. "Geez Mom, don't put me on the spot at breakfast," Ben said with a frown.

Lay jumped in, "I think he's just focused on his job right now. No need to rush into anything."

"Speak for yourself Layney" mum barks at Lay and I laugh, I couldn't resist teasing them. "What's the matter you two? Scared of commitment?" I smirked.

Dad gave me a look. "Leave your brother and sister alone. They'll get married when they're ready."

Mom didn't look totally happy, but stopped for now with a sigh. "I guess you're right. But I'm not getting any younger!" She winked at Ben and Lay, who both rolled their eyes.

The conversation changed, but I knew Mom would ask about grandkids again soon. She can be stubborn when she wants something. For now though, we just enjoyed being together as a family over breakfast and I especially enjoy the fact that I wasn't part of the grandbaby producers. (hahah).

The conversation moved on to other topics when Mom suddenly said, "Oh, I almost forgot! I heard from Mary that Richard is dating someone. "Mom says looking at me meaningfully and cheerfully. (Ok wow. News sure travels fast). I wonder if I've turned into Ric somehow.

"She mentioned having something she wanted to give him. Bee dear, you're heading back to the city later, right? Could you please pass it along to Richard for her. I was going to ask your sister to get it to him when she's going back but since you're here you can just take it with you."

I nodded. "Sure thing, Mom. I can swing by Aunt Mary's place before I leave."

I became curious about this "something" for Ric, I wondered what it could be. Probably just one of those embarrassing baby photos aunt loves to share.

"What is it?" I asked Mom. "If it's another lame baby pic, he's going to die of mortification."

Dad chuckled. "Well, we certainly don't want to cause the poor boy that kind of anguish."

Mom waved her hand dismissively. "It's nothing like that. You'll see when he gets it."

I made a mental note to get the scoop from Ric when I deliver whatever this mystery item was. Knowing our family, it was sure to be entertaining one way or another. Besides, am sure mom has a hand in whatever thing that is.

Before going back to the city, I stopped at Aunt Mary's house to get the thing for Ric that Mom wanted me to give him.

"Here you go, dear!" Aunt Mary said, handing me a sealed box. "Don't shake it!" she said with a wink.

I took the box carefully, wondering what was inside. "Don't worry, I'll make sure Ric gets this safe," I told her.

After the 3 hour drive, I finally got to Ric's apartment building in the city. I had Aunt Mary's sealed box with me.

But when I got there, I felt unsure because of how things have been between Ric and I.

Part of me wondered if just showing up at his door with this random box from his mum was a good idea. Maybe Ric didn't want to see me right now.

But this was from his mum and probably mine. They expected me to give it to him. And Ric has been my best friend for a really long time, we've gotten through hard times before, though not of this magnitude.

So I went up to his door and knocked a few times. I felt wierd about using the key I have, so knocking it was. I hoped that whatever was in this surprise box would help make things better between us again. I knocked a few times but there was no response from inside. I wait a little and try again but still nothing. I gave up, turning to leave when I heard the door opening.