Melting the Ice [Vy; Cameo]

The innocent squeal of a toddler pleads for me to get out of bed. Soft fingertips that must belong to Kyanite, attempt at pulling me from the sheets we only just warmed to satisfaction. Why must they both be so relentless and stubborn? Mira & I would be perfectly content with staying in the comforting home, while they enjoy the forceful bitterness that waits beyond the door. But they refuse to cave; and by the time I do, I’m secretly excited to be joining their adventure. We’re truly a family now, might as well enjoy all the contents of this new experience.

“Yes you do.” I admit to my defeat while lazily slipping from the enticing covers.

Layer of protection are gathered before we dare to depart, only to coat the little ones beyond movement. “Least Brooklyn won’t be able to quickly dash from us.” I joke, though it’s partially true. Of course my offspring flourishes in exploring, and occasionally providing us with heart attacks from how fast she can sprint off. Looks like that won’t be an issue today. She even needs assistance into the sled, which is as adorable and humorous as ever.

“Hey Missy.” Suddenly I grab Kyanite’s hand to prevent her from dispatching just yet. A thick coat occupies my other grasp, as I pull her towards the extra layer and me. “Don’t forget about yourself now. You’re such a damn mother.” I tease her in a soft voice, to then allow her freedom once more. With all of us in proper attire for the temperature looming in our nearby future, I finally agree to us leaving.

Surprisingly it’s a pristine picture that welcomes us to the snowy atmosphere. This sort of family event never occurred in Brittany’s house. I couldn’t help but assume only misery roamed in this time of year. Apparently joyous memories take place as well though. Perhaps some find a connection in having to endure this nipping degree. More people are clenching each other’s hands to share heat. Friends are refraining from bickering for a duel in a snowball battle. The scene is far different from what I expected.

The second the frozen lake comes into view, Brooklyn’s anticipation has boiled past the iced surroundings and she tries for an early break towards the fun. Luckily Kyanite catches our Rugrat, and a calming explanation for patients easily prevents her from escaping. Instead she dives for a seat, and nonverbally begs for the skates to be put on with her feet waving in the air.

Another plea consumes my ears, as Brooklyn desires for me to skate as well. Now that wasn’t part of our arranged deal. No response flees from my lips though, while I internally hope that idea won’t be mentioned again. If Mira & I aren’t resting in our warm home, then we’re remaining on the metaphorical bleachers. “Mira & I are going to watch, baby girl.” Is the only reply I have to offer.

“Never.” I respond instantly when the question over me skating revises. With the subtle limp that’s overtaken my knee, that sounds like a horrid idea. There’s just as much enjoyment in viewing. Mira, and her warmth bundle, gets cradled in my arms. Certainly this position is just as valuable. A comfortable spot is taken among the dry blankets we’ve laid out, and there’s not a single complaint I could conspire.

Precious giggles seep from Mira’s petite self; very much entertained by her Mother and Sister, especially when Brooklyn continues to stumble with a load of chuckles. “You two are definitely sisters.” Laughter also spills from my own lungs, caught in the contagious energy.

My attention fully focuses upon the two on the ice when it’s called for, to be impressed beyond belief. Already Brooklyn has discovered her own balance, and she most definitely did not receive that skill from my genetics. “Wow Brooky, good job!” I encourage from my spot, thrilled by the moment I’ve found us in. Not only is my daughter succeeding, but she’s having an amazing time as well. For a brief second my eyes catch Kyanite, and we exchange that perfect occasion we’re all sharing. Except that in our Life, it can never remain this way.

Automatically I’m strapping Mira back into her stroller, just as Kyanite’s voice fearfully rings out for me. But I heard that crack, I know what’s about to happen. Anxiety is overtaking my body, desperate to retrieve to where I am needed. Mira’s apart of this family to though, and I know her still forming walking legs would try to follow our instincts to assist in a crisis. “Stay here, Mira. It’s all going to be okay.” I reassure before dashing to the edge of the ice.

Brooklyn’s out of reach though.

One step on the frozen pond could send all three of us collapsing into the unforgivable abyss. “Brooklyn…it’s okay. Don’t move.” Using only my voice to attempt at saving my daughter pains me incredibly, but it’s all I have. My frantic vision finds Kyanite cautiously moving over to the scared toddler, and I pray that she can rescue them both…

They both don’t slide across the ice and into my arms though. Rather Brooklyn sinks into my embrace, and more cracks sends razor blades across my aching heart. “Go take of Mira, Brooky.” I order and clumsily place her into the safe snow. Without a second thought I’m slipping past the lake to the break Kyanite fell through. Even faster I’m lying on my stomach, and my arms are hysterically searching for my Brunette. This can’t be happening, there must be hope that we can all have a promising future together.

A hand blesses my palm, and I clench onto the frozen fingers for deer life. Half of my body is soaked in the brisk water, but I don’t care if I have to fully dive in to retrieve Kyanite. Her shoulders grace my grasp, and not soon enough her head is released from the suffocating lake. Still I am far from calm.

“Get some fucken blankets!” I yell at the family that’s witnessing without a budge elsewhere, bewildered and immobile. Kyanite’s yanked up to my lap, and we urgently slide back over to the edge. My body doesn’t lessen up from the panic controlling it. I hold her close to my body until my demand is met; and I don’t have an ounce of gratitude to show for it, only angst. Even worse, my stare viciously barks at them to then give us our space.

With covers surrounding Ky, I struggle to strip her from the wet clothes that are continuing to drown her. “I have to get the cold from clinging to you.” I explain while securing that multiple blankets are still attempting to warm her. There’s no explaining the agonizing heartache that’s fighting to make everything better. This cannot be the domino effect back into our past habit of bad luck.

“It’s okay…” I try to convince repeatedly to us both. Somehow I keep my cling on her while persisting to wrap her in more dry layers. Just like how we bundled Mira as an infant, I envelope Ky in a secure hold. “It’s okay.” Because it has to be. It has to be.

“I’m sorry, but your girls kept crying to see you two.” A voice alerts us both from behind, and suddenly the babies join the embrace. Eagerly they snuggle against Ky’s heavy coat of blankets, their features unimaginably concerned.

“Thank you.” A decent side of mine is finally evoked, and I can breath once again. “It’s okay girls. Mama Ky just went for a swim when she shouldn’t have. And now she’s very cold.” I try to explain to the best of abilities, while holding onto them all like I may never again.