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Everything was chaos in the Sharpe-Goodwin family, Luna couldn't find her homework, Malik was still without socks, Ciro was still crying in the living room and Tara kept taking out the toys and throwing them all over the house.
"Max put the children in the car, we have to arrive in 15 minutes" Helen sounded desperate, nothing had gone as planned. They were supposed to leave early, take Luna to school and go to Malik and Ciro's preschool for career day, now the whole plan was delayed.
"Luna, for the third time where did you leave your homework," asked Max, at almost eleven years old, Luna was already a pre-adolescent, eloquent, lively, with character and a lot of imagination, a girl without a doubt special.
"I swear I'll leave it on the dining room table, I don't know where it can be but without that work, I can't leave" On the verge of collapse, and as if the morning wasn't chaotic enough, Luna began to cry.
"Malik please put on your stockings," she said handing him a pair
"Ciro my love, what's up, come and hug mum and tell me what's up" The six-year-old hugged his mom tightly, and at that moment Helen knew they would be late. "Breathe with me, remember that it's okay to feel sad, and we must use words to communicate to others what happens to us"
Max looked at her in the midst of the chaos and was surprised at how easily his wife managed to stay calm and calm them down.
"Little Tara, come here," Max said holding her as he walked her away from a lego tower that his brothers had built.
And then chaos reigned, Tara also began to cry, throwing a tantrum for not being able to destroy the Legos that caught her attention so much. Tara usually doesn't throw tantrums, however, when she does, the world can shake and she's not going to stop. Helen immediately turned and her gaze found them quickly, she breathed and her instinct warned her that everything was about to get worse, Malik started to shed tears and hugged Helen from behind. Max and Helen locked eyes with each other, a severe case of mass hysteria.
...
"Good morning," said Helen shyly, a little embarrassed about the delay
For many, the Goodwin family's arrival an hour late was a disrespect, for them a victory, in a series of confusing events, Helen had managed to calm the twins down, and get them into the car, Max had found Luna homework and Tara's was still upset but at least she wasn't crying, the morning had started with the chaos that a big family usually has, and that's how they liked to live.
"Good morning Mrs. Goodwin," Malik and Ciro's teacher said "it is very nice to have you here, as you know the event has already started, however, there is still time to share, follow me"
Helen personally was not a big fan of these events, she enjoyed everything related to her children but when she had to fake a certain level of protocol her interest faded, something ironic considering her career as Dr. Helen the celebrity. For Max the events were boring but he always found a way to appropriate them and change the system, yes, in short, Max Goodwin did not change through the years.
"Dear parents and children, we have a few more guests for the class,"
Helen and Max greeted the public, many children accompanied by their fathers, mothers, or any family member who represented them at the event. They both sat on chairs near the door, not only because of their late arrival, but in case Tara needed a distraction. The event ran its course, for most of the morning, and Helen kept wondering how they did such absurdly large events with such small children.
"Lastly the Goodwins," said Miss Anne returning Helen to reality
Malik and Ciro got up quickly and went to the center of the room
"My parents are the best in the world," said Malik with a huge smile on his face
Max took his wife's hand, these moments were the ones that reminded them how everything had been worth it
"My dad is the boss of many people who seek to change the world" continued Malik, speaking with fluency and grace, every time Max listened to him he was reminded of Helen putting everyone in their place with grace and charm
"And my mom is a superhero who heals hearts while also organizing the mess of my dad and my siblings" concluded Malik earning some laughs from the audience
"Today we are going to introduce my mom and dad," said Ciro timidly
Helen and Max got up and went to escort their children to the center.
"Hello kids," said Max excitedly "Do you want me to tell you a story?" everyone nodded immediately "Come closer and let's make a circle so we can see each other better"
Helen looked at Max in love, the ability that he has to charm everyone and the ease with which the children approached interested, made her feel very proud, she already knew of the story skills that Max had, thanks to that the nights were not so long and they managed to put them to sleep quickly, however, seeing him never tired her, the feeling was always new, a renewal of admiration.
"The magic chariot brings all the men and women who need help, and goes wuiiiuiuuuiuuuuuu, can you make the sound with me?"
"wujuiuuuuuuu" they all yelled
Helen smiled delightedly, and it filled her with joy to see her children full of admiration for their father, with their little eyes lit up when they heard him speak, she had chosen well.
"And how does the heart do?"
"tun tun tun tun" they all yelled
"and that's when we know we've done the job, we saved lives"
"wow," the children said in unison
"I also want to be a doctor," said some
"Thank you Sharpe-Goodwin family," said Miss Anne "children it's recess time so let's wash our hands, say goodbye to your parents,"
Malik and Ciro said goodbye to Helen, Max, and Tara and left happily. After leaving Tara in her class, they would finally head to the hospital.
...
"Can you believe that the day is just beginning for us and I already feel like I can't take it anymore?" Helen said as she entered her office
"I'm with you, it was a chaotic morning, I still don't understand why they were crying so much"
"I swear my head is going to explode at any moment"
Max approached her and kissed her forehead, took her face in his hands, and looked at her lovingly "You are truly a superhero" she smiled "I love you" he said and kissed her lips softly.
"See you in two hours for lunch?" she asked
He nodded and winked at her, Helen shook her head and entered her office, she knew she had to be careful a wink from Max implied that he would be around for a session of uncontrolled kisses that she couldn't allow.
The afternoon, unlike the morning, was going smoothly, Helen had managed to finish her budget report, and Max had delivered on his promise with a delicious lunch and a break at Helen's office.
"Max, you must go," Helen said between kisses, Max completely ignored her request and slid his hands down her back, pulling her closer to him, she sighed at the touch of both bodies, a thousand years could pass, and feeling him close would always awaken in her the need to hug him, to kiss him, to be with him
"Dr. Sharpe," someone said knocking on the door, Helen jerked away from Max and answered in an agitated voice.
"Yes?" Max grabbed her around the waist and slid his hands up her legs, making Helen shiver
"You have an urgent call, it's from Luna's school" They both froze
"Pass it to me, I'll answer it here," she said sternly "thank you"
They both sat down and Helen pressed the speaker
"Mrs. Helen, it's good that I found you" The stern tone, worried them both immediately "I'm calling you because I think it's necessary for you to come and pick up Luna"
"Did something happen to her?" she said worriedly
"Nothing serious, however, she needs her mom, today she got her period for the first time" Helen smiled in relief
"Sure, I understand, I'm leaving right now, thank you very much"
"Thank you" the teacher replied
Helen hung up the call and got up to get her things and leave, before leaving she looked at her husband
"Max?" he looked at her "I know it's hard to watch her grow up," she said softly
"I -" he started, and she placed a hand on his chest "Luna is growing up but she will always be our daughter, remember that, she will always need you Max"
He made a half-smile
"something else happens to you" It wasn't a question, it was a fact
"No, it's just…" Helen looked at him deeply, with burden me eyes that always made him open his heart "I don't know what I would have done without you, I don't even know what I should do now and you are here"
"Max," she said tenderly "the same as always, to be his dad"
Deep down, they both understood that Max was talking about the hypothetical case in which he would have had to raise Luna alone, a ghost that still tormented him sometimes, but which he was grateful for because it made him value everything he had now much more
"thank you," he said kissing her lips
"We'll talk later," she replied heading to the exit "and don't forget to pick up Triton, after going for the children" he nodded
"Max?"
"Hum?"
"you alone would have done well too, I'm sure"
Max felt his heart grow bigger, somehow Helen always had that effect on him, the exact way to encourage him, to make him feel valuable and important, she saw things in him that sometimes he didn't see himself.
...
The house was silent, and Max arrived with all the chaos personified, Ciro ran directly to the legos, Malik to the videos, Tara sang her song even louder and Triton began to bark in search of Helen
"Babe, Luna, we're here" Max yelled
He went up the stairs slowly and found them talking animatedly in Luna's room
"Daddy, it's good that you came,"
Max approached and hugged his little girl, with much more nostalgia than he intended to.
"I brought pizza for dinner, your favorite Lu"
"Sounds delicious," she said getting up
Helen knew her husband very well and knew that he wanted details of the afternoon, however, they would have to wait, so for the moment she just winked at him.
The dinner passed with the normality of the Goodwins, between laughter, shouts, and the occasional fight for the last piece of pizza, which always ended up in Max's belly.
"Malik, Ciro, it's time to brush your teeth and put on pajamas"
Bedtime was still a challenge that they were getting used to and it was usually not the happiest moment of the day, there was always a story to tell, a superhero episode to watch, an experiment, a song, a book, homework, or anything that prevented them from sleeping
"Remember half an hour for the nightly routine, while Dad and I put Tara to sleep."
Having four children of different ages demanded an unimaginable cognitive flexibility exercise, they went from stories to the night routine, to the yoga session, and to a hurricane of unexpected requirements.
Sometimes it was exhausting, but always rewarding, and doing it in the company of her husband was even more valuable. Max and Helen had always complemented each other well, however, only by sharing parenthood had they realized the benefits they could get from their skills and teamwork.
Neither of them imagined doing this without the other, enduring sleepless nights, due to some nightmare, or the anguish of a sick child, seeing the other's heartbreak due to some bad day of their little ones, and even challenging themselves by having to scold them for some mischief.
Sharing everything with Max acquired a new meaning every day, like an expanding area, always growing in love, in adventures, in challenges, and in deep admiration. Beyond sharing experiences, they had learned to share their intimacy, and their fears, to read each other easily, and to understand with a glance what the other felt.
Helen brushed Tara's hair and put her bunny pajamas on, Max came in with a new book in his hands and sat on the edge of the bed, Helen tucked Tara in and sat right next to Max
"Once upon a time" he began and Tara's eyes lit up, her big blue eyes widened to hear the new story her dad was telling
Tara, their little star was the sweetest, with the same talent as Max to enchant with her blue eyes, capable of melting both their hearts with a smile, the smallest of the Goodwins, was also the most mischievous.
"They fought until they had no more strength and-"
"she's asleep now," Helen said in a whisper
They both got up carefully, Max left the book on the nightstand and Helen turned on the dim flower light that Tara says prevents nightmares, they both kissed her on the forehead and left closing the door.
"one less three left," he said joking
They walked down the hall and entered the twins' room who were in a very intense pillow fight
"Wow careful," said Max dodging a pillow
"Dad join my team," said Malik
"Mama come with me," Ciro said
Max ran to get a pillow and Helen interrupted "ceasefire" everyone froze
"teeth"
They both smiled and said in unison "ready"
"Pijama," she asked
"ready"
"hands?"
"clean" they replied showing their hands in a dramatic mode
"suitcase and clothes for tomorrow"
"ready and packed"
Helen smiled pleased and took a pillow "let the war begin" she said throwing a pillow at her husband
They played for at least fifteen minutes until sleep began to overcome
"Mom tomorrow you're on my team," said Malik as he got into bed, Helen caressed his face and gave him a kiss on the forehead "Of course my little one, now rest so you can replenish your energy, I love you, little prince"
She went to the other bed, changing places with Max
"We won mommy," Ciro said between yawns
"Yes, my love, good job" she gave him a kiss on the forehead "I love you my little one"
They both left the room exhausted, Max took Helen's hand and kissed her knuckles
"Three of four " he whispered
They arrived at Luna's room, she was listening to music while writing in her diary
"Lulu, lights out," said Max
"I still have 23 minutes left" she teased him
"Smart girl"
"Yes, and ten is for our quick yoga routine, right?" asked Helen
"I'm ready" Luna got up and looked for her yoga mat "do you want to join dad?"
"I don't think it's a good idea, I'm not flexible like mum, I'll come back later to kiss you goodnight"
Max left the room and Helen and Luna began their routine, since a long time they established the mom-and-daughter yoga routine to spend time together and to promote mind and body balance, plus they were also relaxed to go to sleep.
"That was great, I can do the Bakasana pose now"
"Very good Lulu"
They both rolled up the rugs and Luna sat on the bed
"how do you feel?" Helen said sitting next to her
"weird" Helen hugged her and Luna laid her head on her chest
"I don't want to grow up but at the same time I want to grow up, I'm excited about new adventures but with fear"
"I understand," she said gently stroking her arm
"mum?"
"Yes, sweety?"
"You will always be here for when I am growing up? and more new things happen to me" Helen smiled tenderly
"Always, even when you don't want me to be here, I will be"
"that's not gonna happen," Luna said quickly
"oh, believe me, it will happen," she said hugging her tight "You are going to be a beautiful, intelligent, sweet, kind, and happy woman, above all happy"
They stayed like that for a few minutes
"mum?"
"hum?"
"Tomorrow can you come early before my brothers get up and help me?"
"of course"
"It's nice Growing Up" Luna declared
"It is my little munchkin, it's beautiful"
Max entered the room and kissed goodbye to Luna
"four out of four," he said victoriously to which Helen laughed
Both entered the room, Max closed the door and they began their own nightly routine
"It was an exhausting day," said Helen putting on her pajamas
"I know, today was especially long"
"Max, you left toothpaste in the sink again," He smiled sweetly, and she rolled her eyes, every night was the same, and to be honest it was her little routine, she no longer expected him to clean it up and he knew she loved to call him out on it.
"What cream is that, it smells delicious," said Max
"The one with tropical fruits" Helen approached and began to apply the cream all over her body, starting with her legs, outlining her entire shape
"You know I totally approve of you sleeping in your nightgown," Max said, she raised an eyebrow amused
"It gives me more access to you"
She ignored his comment and continued to trace her legs until suddenly she felt Max's hands trace them as well.
"Can I help?" he asked in a whisper, she nodded
"Lie down, you deserve a relaxation massage" Max's voice hoarse and full of desire was causing her uncontrollable excitement, she obeyed
"Maybe the massage is better naked," she said taking off her clothes, and Max's look did not go unnoticed by her.
She lay face down, Max applied cream to his hands and began to massage her legs, pressing especially on the calf, he knew that this was one of her weak points, he stopped at the curvature where her thighs ended, he applied more cream and with both hands continued the massage, he could hear her sigh with pleasure.
Max ran his hands up her back causing her skin to goosebumps and he couldn't help kissing some points, he circled her back and stopped at her shoulders, gently massaging and kissing her neck repeatedly
"Max" she moaned
He repeated the process, enjoying every bit of skin "turn around" he said, she obeyed.
Max massaged her feet first, generating some moans of pleasure, he went up to her legs and stopped at her crotch "I'll massage that later" he said and Helen felt the excitement grow at the same time that her wetness, he traced her abdomen, and saw some marks on her skin, in an instinct he kissed them recognizing the perfection in carried, the history that was behind. He gently moved his hands up and found her breasts, her nipples already aroused and eager to be stimulated, Max took each one in his hands and gently circled them.
"Max," she said again in a moan
Her breathing was ragged and he knew she was eager to feel more
"I think I'm done," he said removing his hands from her nipples, and she immediately felt the emptiness of his heat
"It's not true," she said and he looked at her confused "You left a place for later" He smiled lustfully, climbed onto the bed, and spread her legs, with his fingers he parted his lips and his moisture drove him crazy "Helen" he whispered, she laughed, with two fingers he began to trace circles on her clit, and with the other hand he introduced fingers that made her writhe with pleasure
"so you like the massage" she nodded unable to speak, with her eyes closed and her breathing heavy.
He continued to change pace and direction from time to time, Helen suppressing her moans for fear of waking her children.
"Max" He stopped, and quickly his head found her legs, and his mouth began to kiss her center, she pressed his head, entwining fingers in his hair, increasing the contact between his head and her hips. A few seconds later Max felt the throbbing of her orgasm in his mouth, He went up quickly and kissed her, she was still dazed, she slid her hands down his chest and found her husband's member, wanting to be released, feeling his touch, he moaned "I think someone needs a massage too" she said sensually and in a few seconds, he got rid of the clothes.
She took the member with her hand and shook it a few times, she herself directed it to her entrance with sensuality
"Helen" he pleaded, she kept torturing him with her own wetness. In a primitive instinct he took control and thrust her completely, she moaned when she felt him inside, and he reaffirmed that he loved seeing her writhe with pleasure before him, he loved seeing her close her eyes in ecstasy, feeling her legs tremble before coming and the pulsations who squeezed his whole being inside her, he loved holding her body while she and her spirit touched the sky, hearing her moan was music for him, and moaning with her was the best symphony they could find. They lay embraced glued to each other.
"I love you," she said half asleep
chaotic day, chaotic night, chaotic life, all he ever wanted, with the woman beside him
"I love you more"