Asher: There’s still a lot to do, but it’s coming together, slowly but surely. How’ve you been feeling?
[Iris: Not bad. Considering how sick I was with Spencer, this pregnancy is a walk in the park.]
Asher: Thank goodness for that.
[Iris: Are you coming back before the holidays?]
Asher: Yeah, we’ll be back there in a few days, but remember, we’re spending Harvestfest at Phoenix and Dawn’s this year. Li is gonna be there too, so in a way, it’s like our first holiday with our twins.
[Iris: God, they’re due in, what, like eight weeks? Are you terrified yet?]
Asher: Completely. But honestly, we’ve been so busy that it’s kept us distracted from panicking too much. And we’ve been going to some parenting classes while we’re out here, so we’re feeling more confident now, I think.
[Iris: You’re gonna do great.]
Asher: Thanks. I hope so.
[Iris: Oh, I almost forgot, are you planning to come to Spencer’s birthday party?]
Asher: Oh yeah, I’ll be there.
[Iris: What about Atlas?]
Asher: I’m not sure, you’ll have to ask him. Hold on.
Asher: Hey, Iris needs to talk to you.
Atlas: One sec, I’m almost done.
Asher: What are you doing?
Atlas: Installing the mobile on Sadie’s crib.
Asher: Are you sure you’re doing it right?
Atlas: [shrugs] Worked on the other one.
Atlas: Hello?
[Iris: Hey, I’m planning Spencer’s birthday party, and I need to know if you’ll be there.]
Atlas: Oh, um… Is Ezra going?
[Iris: Yes, he is, so if you decide not to go, that’s up to you, but then you’re the one that will have to explain to my daughter why her favorite person in the world won’t go to her birthday party.]
Atlas: No, I’ll go.
[Iris: You’re sure?]
Atlas: I’m sure. I wouldn’t miss it.
[Iris: Okay. Thank you.]
Asher: I’m glad you’re going.
Atlas: I can’t avoid him forever, right?
Asher: Right.
Asher: How’d your appointment go this morning?
Atlas: I don’t know. Virtual sessions always feel weird, but I guess it was okay. I don’t really feel like talking about it. Can we just focus on putting the nursery together?
Asher: Sure.
Asher: Can I talk to you for a minute?
Iris: Sure.
Asher: I need to ask that Ezra not come to the house anymore. Just while Atlas and I are living here.
Iris: No. I live here too. You don’t get to dictate who I’m allowed to invite over.
Asher: That’s not what this is. I’m not trying to control you or tell you what you can or can’t do. But Atlas can’t be around him, and I need your help to make sure it doesn’t happen.
Iris: This is ridiculous. If Atlas would just give him a chance, he’d see that Ezra’s not that person anymore. I mean, he was a brainwashed kid, for Christ’s sake. I don’t think it’s fair for him to be punished for that. Especially after everything he had to go through to break free of it. Otherwise, what’s the point? How can we expect people to learn and grow, to open their hearts and minds, if they’re just going to be defined by their mistakes forever?
Asher: I hear you; I do. Unfortunately, no amount of growth or remorse on Ezra’s part can undo the harm he caused. And it doesn’t cancel out the pain that Atlas suffered as a result of his actions. It doesn’t all go away just because he’s sorry.
Iris: I know, but…
Asher: Look, I’m not saying Ezra is a bad person, or that he doesn’t deserve a happy life. I’m not even saying you shouldn’t date him. If he’s good to you and he makes you happy, then I support that. But Atlas is family too, and we can’t turn our backs on him. I know you care about him, don’t you?
Iris: Yeah. Of course. I’ve always loved him like a brother.
Asher: Exactly. And he’s always been open and kind and forgiving, especially toward you, even when you didn’t deserve it.
Iris: [nods]
Asher: So, you and I both know he doesn’t hold grudges. That’s not what this is. He’s not trying to punish anyone. He’s hurting. And every time we minimize his feelings and his experience, and we force him to be around the person that hurt him, we’re basically re-traumatizing him. Do you see how fucked up that is? We’ve failed him. And it ends now.
Iris: Don’t you think it could be good for him, or like, healing, to talk to him though? To tell Ezra all this and get a sincere apology?
Asher: Maybe. Maybe one day. But he’s not ready to try that again, not after how things went last time. He may never be, I don’t know, but if there’s any chance of it, then the best thing we can do right now is to have some patience and compassion, to show him that we’re here for him no matter what. And the best thing Ezra can do right now, is respect his boundaries.
[A few days later]
Spencer: Mom! Is Ezra bringing Milo over today? I got him a present!
Iris: What kind of present?
Spencer: I got a really cute rainbow ball from the Simoleon Store.
Iris: I see. I’m sure he’ll love it.
Spencer: So, can he bring him?
Iris: Actually, I have a better idea. We only have one more weekend before the pool closes for the season, so how about we bring Milo’s present to him, and then we can take Ezra swimming?
Spencer: Okay!
Iris: Go put your swimsuit on then. We leave in five minutes.
Atlas: Is he coming over later?
Iris: No. He won’t be coming over anymore.
Atlas: Really?
Iris: [nods] He’s happy to talk whenever you’re ready, but until then, he’ll keep his distance. And, for what it’s worth, I’m… I’m sorry.
Ezra: Good morning.
Iris: We need to talk.
Ezra: Oh. Okay. Should I be worried?
Iris: I don’t know.
Ezra: What is it?
Iris: I’m late.
Ezra: Like late late?
Iris: [nods]
Ezra: How late?
Iris: Enough to worry. Like four weeks.
Ezra: …
Iris: Will you say something?
Ezra: What do we do?
Iris: I should probably take a test.
Ezra: Right, um, I’ll get dressed and we can go pick one up.
Iris: Okay.
Ezra: Do you have any idea what you want to do? If it’s positive, I mean.
Iris: I can go to the clinic. It’s early enough, I’m sure we have options.
Ezra: [nods] Is that what you want?
Iris: That’s the sensible thing, right? I mean, we’ve only been dating for a few months. Do we really want to jump into raising a child together?
Ezra: What if we did? Would that be the worst thing?
Iris: I don’t know. Are you just saying that because you’re against abortions or something?
Ezra: No. If that’s what you want to do, then you have my full support. I will be by your side the whole time. But, if that’s not what you want, then I support that too. And I will be by your side the whole time.
Iris: Maybe I should take a test first, and then we can talk about this when it feels less… hypothetical.
Ezra: Sure. We can do that.
Ezra: Well?
Iris: [nods] I’m pregnant.
Ezra: Wow. Okay. How are you feeling?
Iris: Are you still on board with keeping it? This is your chance to change your mind.
Ezra: If you want to keep it, then yes, I’m 100% on board.
Iris: You’re sure?
Ezra: The timing is not ideal, I admit, there’s still a lot we don’t know about each other yet. But there are three things I do know: I know we both want kids; I know you’re already an amazing mom; and I know that I love you. So, yes, I’m sure.
Spencer: Thanks for helping me. This is the third castle I’ve had to build. I wish they’d give me a different project once in a while.
Asher: That’s weird. But the first one you made is in the twins’ bedroom.
Spencer: Aw! You still have it?
Asher: Of course! Atlas is very sentimental. He’ll keep it forever.
Ezra: Thank you for coming to celebrate with us. It really means a lot.
Atlas: [shrugs] We were overdue for a visit anyway. And it’s important to us that our kids are close with their family. Even if that includes you.
Ezra: [chuckles] I bet you never thought your kids would be calling me Uncle Ezra.
Atlas: Definitely not. But I never thought I’d have kids either. Life doesn’t really turn out the way you think it will.
Ezra: …No, it does not.
Spencer: Dad! Do we have any more glue sticks?
Ezra: I think there’s some in the drawer in the office. The one on the right.
Spencer: Kay.
Atlas: Dad?
Ezra: [nods] She started calling me dad soon after Noah learned how.
Atlas: How do you feel about that?
Ezra: It takes all my willpower not to throw a party every time she says it.
Atlas: What ever happened with James?
Ezra: They called Iris to notify her when he was released, but we haven’t heard anything since.
Atlas: I hope it stays that way.
Ezra: Us too.
Alexander: Happy Anniversary.
Megan: They’re beautiful, thank you my love.
Alexander: Are you about ready? Reservation is at 7.
Megan: Almost, I just need five minutes.
Alexander: We’re off. Spencer, you’re in charge, be sure to keep these boys in line.
Spencer: I will!
Asher: Ha! I am the undefeated champion!
Spencer: Until tonight.
Asher: Have I ever told you how cute you are when you concentrate like that?
Atlas: Yes, now stop distracting me.
Asher: I can’t help it. You look so seri—
Asher: Ahhhhahahaha!!!
Atlas: Oops.
Asher: You know whoever’s in charge has to make dinner, right? So, what are you making for us?
Spencer: Hmm... Ice cream for me, and broccoli for you!
Asher: Ooh yes! I love broccoli. We should add brussels sprouts too. Make sure you steam them so the whole house will smell like vegetables.
Spencer: [giggles] Eww!
Atlas: How about I’m in charge and I’ll order pizza.
Spencer: Can I still have ice cream?
Atlas: Sure. After dinner.
Spencer: Deal.
Spencer: When are your babies gonna get here?
Atlas: Not for a while. Li isn’t due until January.
Spencer: So, is Li going to be their mom?
Asher: No, Li is just carrying them for us. Our babies don’t have a mom. Just two dads.
Spencer: Oh. Do the babies have names yet?
Asher: One of them does. The girl is named Sadie.
Spencer: Why doesn’t the boy have a name?
Atlas: We haven’t found one we like yet.
Spencer: Can I help?
Atlas: We’re open to suggestions, but no promises.
Asher: Yeah, we gotta find one that feels right, y’know.
Spencer: Well, you should make sure it starts with an ‘S’.
Atlas: Why? Because your name starts with ‘S’?
Spencer: No! Because Sadie starts with ‘S’. Your names both start with ‘A’ and the puppies’ names both start with ‘P’ so both the babies should start with ‘S’.
Asher: [considers] Sound logic.
Atlas: Yeah. That narrows it down at least.
Asher: ‘S’ name it is.
Atlas: How about you brainstorm ‘S’ names while you get ready for bed.
Spencer: Already?
Atlas: Yep. Go on.
Spencer: Fine. But there’s a kid in my class named Scott, and he’s mean. He made fun of my drawing in front of everyone, so you can’t name your baby Scott.
Asher: Got it. It’s off the list. Now go.
Asher: Hey. You’re home early. Everything okay?
Iris: Yeah, just tired. It’s been a long day. Is Spencer in bed already?
Atlas: Not yet. She’s getting ready now.
Iris: Perfect. Thanks for watching her.
Asher: No problem. We had fun.
Iris: Just so you know, I invited Ezra over for dinner tomorrow.
Atlas: Why would you do that?
Iris: Because he’s my boyfriend, and I want him to meet my family.
Atlas: [rolling his eyes] I don’t know what you see in him. I swear you have the worst taste in men.
Iris: Not as bad as my brother.
Asher: Guys, seriously, can you not do this tonight?
Iris: Whatever. You don’t have to join us for dinner if you don’t want to, but he is coming and it’s kind of a big deal for me, so please don’t ruin it.
Atlas: I won’t. Trust me, I’ll stay as far away as possible.
Iris: Perfect.
[Monday 07:07]
You’re late
[Monday 07:24]
Did you oversleep or something? Hope you make it to work on time.
[Tuesday 19:12]
Are you free tomorrow night? I’m craving sushi.
[Wednesday 18:22]
Is everything okay?
Asher: Holy shit, did you see that?
Iris: What?
Asher: Lightening just struck in our backyard.
Iris: Oh.
Asher: What’s wrong with you?
Iris: I think Ezra’s ghosting me.
Asher: That sucks. I’m sorry.
Iris: Me too. I really didn’t see this coming.
Asher: When did you talk to him last?
Iris: Sunday morning. We were supposed to meet for coffee on Monday, but he never showed. And he hasn’t responded to any of my texts.
Asher: It’s only been a few days. You’ll probably hear from him soon. Maybe something happened.
Iris: Maybe.
Iris: What are you doing tomorrow?
Asher: We have an appointment to take the pups to the vet for the shots.
Iris: Can I come?
Asher: Sure.
Dawn: I’m gonna miss this.
Atlas: What?
Dawn: This spot by the water. It's so peaceful. Do you think they have anything like this near Foxbury?
Atlas: [shrugs] I don’t know.
Dawn: Is there anything you’re going to miss?
Atlas: No.
Dawn: Really? Not one little thing?
Atlas: Nothing.
Henry: Hey.
Atlas: Hi.
Henry: Can we go somewhere?
Atlas: Sure.
Atlas: This is far enough. Where were you yesterday?
Henry: I’m not going with you.
Atlas: Wh- Why?
Henry: I can’t give up my life for you, Atlas. You’re asking me to turn my back on God and my family. It isn’t right, and I won’t let you manipulate me any longer.
Atlas: Manipulate? You talked to Ezra, didn’t you? This is him talking. It’s not you.
Henry: It IS me. He just helped me see what I’ve been blind to this whole time.
Atlas: Please don’t do this. I love you. And I know you love me too.
Henry: NOOO! No. This isn’t love.
Henry: Whatever this was, whatever I thought we had, it was an illusion. And it’s over.
Atlas: You don’t mean that.
Henry: I do. I never want to speak to you again. Understand?
Atlas: [nods]
…
Atlas: Ezra?
Ezra: … Hi Atlas.
Atlas: What are you doing here?
Ezra: I was wrong. About everything. I’m so sorry.
Atlas: I can’t do this right now. I have to go.
Asher: Shit. Iris, are you good?
Iris: Yes, go.
Iris: What the hell was that about?
Ezra: Long story. But we have more important things to talk about.
