a little wicked

“Phoebe…you’re completely different from Aaron. Is it nice to have someone to curl up with? Yes, but it’s not the same and I’m glad that it’s not. You’re Phoebe, which makes you so incredibly special. I’m sorry I don’t make you feel that way, but I can leave you alone if you want me to. You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel so loved and incredible, and I’m sorry I don’t do that for you.”

“I don’t want that. But it’s been five years, and people in town are still talking about how sad it is that Aaron died before the huge, soul mate wedding everyone knew was coming could happen.” Phoebe sighed, shaking her head. “It’s just hard to still be hearing that. It’s like no matter what happens, I will never be able to measure up to them, to you, and it’s probably stupid but it’s hard not to think about.” 

“Hey I just want to make sure you have space if you want it, you know you can always come over when you want,” Gemma assured her as she rolled her eyes playfully as she leaned in to kiss her slowly.

“I know,” Phoebe nodded as she kissed her back before pulling away. “But I also know that a lot of times I’m the Aaron crutch, so.”

“I’m literally never hiding from you. I just figured with your family something was going on and you wanted space.”

“No, never. My sister’s just been in one of her phases.” Phoebe promised, “seriously, when have I ever been sick of you?”

“Where have you been hiding from me?”

“I was starting to think you were hiding from me, actually. But my sister’s been in one of her moods lately, so I’ve been on Peyton watch.”

“Never to me, I’m not sure you know how to.”

“I don’t, but I’ve never had any desire to.”

“When are you girls going to realize all I do is worry? It’s my job to worry about you all.”

“I do know that, I’m just saying. It’s okay to lessen that load once in awhile, I’m more or less pretty functional on my own.”

“It shouldn’t go unsaid though, you should always know just how proud I am of you. I’d be proud if any of the kids turned out like you have.”

“It doesn’t only go unsaid, though, so really don’t worry. Your kids will turn out great, Caleb. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“It is a lot more fun that way. You know I’m always willing to help when I can.”

“When have I ever said no to help?”

“I still can’t help but worry about when something is going to go wrong and I fail them. As for you though you did turn out pretty great. I’m proud of the woman you are if I don’t tell you enough.”

“I don’t think that’s possible. Marley would kill you if it ever did happen, too, but that’s not surprising. And you don’t, but I kinda know, so it goes unsaid.”

“I mean I’ve just been busy with the kids and making sure they never feel like we did. The same I tried to do for you when I could.”

“Are you kidding? Between you and Marley, they’ll never worry. And as for me, I turned out alright, didn’t I? You and Peyton did a better job than you give yourselves credit for.”

“Well if you ever need a second opinion you know that I always love helping you in anyway.”

“Well, I don’t need the help, but it’s always more fun that way.”

“I mean there’s no denying I took care of you though,” Caleb pointed out as he tapped her nose, “How is my baby sister though?”

“No, you were the only one that ever did.” Phoebe admitted, scrunching her nose, “I’m alright. My life is pretty uneventful. What about you?”

“And you know it would be a lie. You were basically my first child as it is,” He pointed out to her as he moved to kiss her forehead and hold her close to him, “You were worth every single migraine I had from you.”

“Your first child six years younger than you,” Phoebe teased, laughing. “I think you’ve mentioned it once or twice. Not that I’m complaining.”

“But I would hate leaving you with him again. It’s not like I can’t handle a child hopped up on sugar. After all how many nights were you?” He asked her raising his eyebrows knowing the truth.

“Please.” She snorted, rolling her eyes. “If you don’t want me around your kids, just say it, I’m a big girl you know.” Phoebe teased, shaking her head. “Yeah, exactly, and whose fault was that? Consider me dealing with a sugar-high three year old as my payback for all the nights you dealt with it.”