Chapter 1: January: Dr. Quendt’s ABC Letter Biscuits
Summary:
Members: Ant, Ben Colin, Daphne, El, Fran, Greg, and Hy
Chapter Text
Daphne: Okay. No one panic.
Ant: I’m getting dressed.
Colin: I’ll meet you there.
Ant: 👍🏻
Daphne: Wait.
Daphne: Fran, what does Mum want us to do?
Fran: We’re all being asked to come over.
Fran: No in-laws. Just us.
El: It’s early.
Ben: El.
El: I’m just saying.
Hy: Can this be an afternoon thing?
Fran: I missed morning snuggles because of this so no.
Hy: Fine.
Greg: She’s going to call everyone.
Greg: Act surprised.
Ant: It’s too soon.
Greg: They’ve been dating for what? Two years?
Hy: I thought you approved?
Ant: Of dating!
Ant: Not getting married.
Daphne: Mum doesn’t need your approval.
El: Is she going to change her name?
Fran: Probably not.
Fran: She’s too established.
Colin: He should have asked us first.
Ben: Agreed.
Ant: I’m calling him for a meeting.
Daphne: When?
Ant: Next week.
Greg: An everyone meeting?
Ant: I am aware of the logistics.
Ant: And that some of you don’t feel as passionate.
Fran: If you set a meeting, I’ll go.
Ant: You will?
Fran: I agree he should have asked us first.
El: 🤯
Daphne: Set the meeting, Ant.
Ant: I’ll keep you posted.
Ant: Invite is out.
Colin: We’re doing it at BG?
Colin: I figured we’d get lunch.
Ant: Everyone can expense a delivery.
Colin: Thank you!
Ben: He’s too charming.
Colin: Stay strong!
Daphne: I can’t argue with a spur of the moment proposal.
El: So we get mad at Mum for saying yes?
Daphne: No.
Daphne: Mum deserves to be happy.
Ant: We make her happy.
Greg: We shouldn’t be the only source of her happiness.
Ant: The kids too.
Ben: Lot of pressure you are putting on Charlie’s little shoulders, Ant.
Hy: They look so happy, though.
El: Mum hasn’t smiled like that in a while.
Ant: So what do we do?
Colin: Mum said they aren’t telling anyone just yet.
Daphne: That’s good. We can table this for now.
Ant: Fine.
Daphne: What are your other halves saying?
Ant: We aren’t telling them.
Daphne: We aren’t?
Ant: They are not announcing just yet anyway.
Ant: No one tells.
Colin: Are you serious?
Ant: I’m invoking my Dad card.
El: Rude, Ant.
Ant: I don’t use it.
Ant: You know I don’t.
Ben: Alright, Ant. Calm down.
Ben: We won’t tell.
Ant: I want confirmation from everyone.
Hy: I won’t tell.
Greg: Fran was on speakerphone.
Ant: Fran?
Fran: Neither of us will tell.
Ant: Thank you.
Daphne: I won’t tell anyone.
Ben: Not telling.
Colin: My lips are zipped.
El: I won’t tell Cress.
Greg: I’m not saying anything.
Ant: Great.
Colin: No pleasure doing business?
Ant: Not for this.
Daphne: Hy. El. Which one of you stole my jacket?
El: I don’t like your clothes.
Hy: It was El.
Ant: This should be in the sister chat.
Hy: Fran will murder us.
Daphne: She’s deep in her composition.
Daphne: Simon can’t even go over for lego.
El: The Sister chat is the only one she currently doesn't have muted.
Colin: So you come in here?
Ant: She mutes this chat?
Ant: I thought she stopped that after Andrew.
Colin: Give Daph her jacket back, Hy.
Hy: I don’t have it.
Daphne: She mutes most chats.
Daphne: I think only you and I can get around the muting.
El: No I can.
El: See?
Hy: Wait, the green one?
El: FRAN
Daphne: Yes.
Hy: Sorry. I’ll bring it to brunch.
Hy: El has the brown one you’ve been looking for.
El: Hy!
Daphne: El!
El: I’ll bring it to brunch.
Daphne: Told you El.
Daphne: FRAN
Ant: FRAN
Ant: Okay wow.
Ant: I’m texting Michaela.
Ant: Someone text Michaela.
Daphne: She has you muted?
Ant: She yelled at me to leave Fran alone.
Ben: 😂
Ben: I’ll text Michaela.
Ben: Fran wants to know what you want.
Ant: She needs to come in here and ask that herself.
Ben: BTW
Ben: Greg also mutes this chat.
Ant: NO ONE SHOULD BE MUTING THE BIG CHAT.
Ben: I do sometimes.
Ben: When I’m working.
Daphne: Same.
El: I just set my whole phone to DND at work now.
Ant: Greg? Fran?
Greg: What’s up?
Ant: You mute this chat?
Greg: You can get around it.
Ant: And Fran?
Greg: Fran.
Fran: Yeah?
Ant: Greg is the alarm?
Fran: He won’t call me for anything dumb.
Fran: Also Daph, El has some of your jeans.
Fran: Hy has some of your shirts.
Fran: El, Hy has your black jacket.
Fran: Hy, Daphne has that dress you’ve been looking for.
Fran: I’ve muted the sister chat. Have at it.
Daphne: Are you serious right now?
Ant: SISTER CHAT.
El: Fine.
Fran: I unmuted the big chat, Ant.
Fran: Don’t make me regret it.
Ant: We’ll do our best.
Ant: Which one of you gave Neddy sweets?
Colin: Sorry.
Ant: Seriously?
Ant: I’m telling Kate.
Colin: No. Don’t.
Ant: Too late.
Daphne: Wait, was that you with Augie and Bel too?
Colin: No comment.
Daphne: Colin.
Ant: Kate told Simon.
Colin: Why are you guys like this?!
Fran: Seriously?
Ant: Sorry. We’re moving it.
Hy: Ant.
Ant: What?
Greg: I didn’t say anything.
Greg: Gareth got there all by himself.
Ant: I’m staying out of it.
Fran: Take this to The Sequel chat.
El: I don’t have that muted!
Fran: Then mute it.
El: Done. Have fun kids.
Hy: Fine.
Ben: Why is my supply order opened?
Daphne: That was yours?
Daphne: Why are you sending things to Mum's?
Ben: I do that so Sophie doesn’t have to walk the box to my shed.
Daphne: I thought it was my stuff.
Ben: It had my name on it!
Ben: Why are you sending things to Mum’s?
Daphne: It’s easier to pick up from the office
Daphne: Also it’s a surprise for Simon.
Fran: FF chat.
Fran: Now.
Ben: Sorry.
Daphne: Sorry Fran.
Ant: Fran are you working?
Fran: I’m on a break.
Ant: Good.
Ant: Are these moods because of the Secret?
Daphne: No. I was looking for my jacket.
Ben: I was mad about my stuff.
Ben: But Daph did a great job organizing it.
Daphne: Thanks.
Hy: I’m not mad at Greg anymore.
Greg: Oh good.
Hy: But it’s hard not talking about the secret!
Hy: I want to talk about it.
Ant: Talk to us.
Hy: I want to talk to someone else.
Hy: Michaela is the only in-law who knows.
Hy: Right?
Fran: No.
Hy: Fran please.
Fran: I will ask.
Fran: Only Hy.
Hy: Thank you.
Fran: And she says you get one conversation a month.
Hy: I’ll take it.
El: Fran?
Fran: Having Andrew time.
El: 👍🏻
El: One of your spawn got Cress sick.
Colin: Spawn?
El: It was probably Thomas.
Colin: He is fine.
El: She only held Thomas and Andrew recently.
El: Andrew doesn’t get sick.
Greg: He has a runny nose right now.
El: He does?
Greg: Fran mentioned it when I watched him yesterday.
Fran: He has a small cold.
Fran: Cress probably got it from him.
El: Oh.
El: Is he okay?
Fran: He’s feeling better.
Fran: We already apologized to Cress.
El: Well, it’s fine.
El: It happens.
Colin: Seriously?
Greg: Who told Mum about Lucy going dress shopping?
Greg: Daph? Hy?
Hy: No. She told us not to.
Daphne: I wouldn’t do that to her.
Colin: Sorry.
Greg: How do you even know?
Colin: Pen is going.
Greg: Why did you tell Mum?
Colin: I’m sorry.
Colin: It was an accident.
Greg: Was it?
Colin: What do you take me for?
Fran: Anthony.
Greg: Someone who likes to tell Mum everything.
Colin: Rude!
Ant: BridgerBoys.
Greg: Fine.
Ant: Go ahead and mute it.
Ant: Just check in occasionally.
Fran: 👍🏻
Colin: The vibe at brunch was bad.
Hy: Because Fran is pissed at all of us.
Ben: Which made Michaela pissed.
Ben: Which made the in-laws pissed at everyone but their spouse.
Daphne: Colin?
Colin: Yes?
Daphne: Are you making a statement or offering a solution?
Colin: A solution.
Colin: I would like to suggest we finally do our Sibling Sleepover Night
El: When did we decide to have one?
Greg: The summer.
Ben: We should have done this during the New Year.
Ben: It’s hard to get a night away.
Hy: Also I like sharing a bed with Gareth.
Greg: Eww.
Daphne: I get it Hy.
El: Where would we do this?
Ant: Kate is helping Edwina and Mary unpack next weekend.
Ant: She’s taking Neddy for Sharma time.
Ant: The house will be free.
Daphne: Tentative yes.
El: Yeah. I’m clear.
Greg: In.
Greg: Fran?
Colin: YES
Hy: Saturday night or Friday Night?
Ant: I would prefer Friday.
Hy: I can do that.
Fran: Yes to Friday.
Fran: Also all the chats are unmuted again.
Colin: 🎉
El: It’s in?
Fran: Yes.
Greg: Congrats!
Fran: Thank you.
Ben: Yes to Friday.
Daphne: Also yes to Friday.
Colin: Who is in charge of snacks for the sleepover?
Fran: Bring your own snacks.
Colin: Guys!
Greg: BYOS
Daphne: Are we doing matching pyjamas or a menu or something?
Ben: No?
El: Oh the Brother Nights must be boring.
Colin: You guys do matching pyjamas?
Hy: We do a theme for the whole night.
Colin: I knew you guys had more fun.
Greg: Are we watching movies or just talking?
El: I refuse to just talk all night with you lot.
El: We’re going to end up talking about Fran’s sex life and Daphne’s kids fighting.
Hy: Well, what movies are we watching?
Ant: I’ll pick.
Daphne: No.
Ben: Yeah no.
Fran: Everyone bring two movies.
Greg: 👍🏻
Colin: Are we carpooling or…
Hy: I will pick you up. Be ready when I get there.
Colin: 👍🏻
Daphne: Are we having drinks?
Ant: Some drinks. But not too many.
Ant: We’re all a bit too old for that now.
Ben: Speak for yourself.
Daphne: I got stuck on a call but I’m on my way.
Hy: Who is able to pick up Colin?
Colin: I’m coming right now!
Ant: I don’t know what that was between you two but figure it out!
Ant: Colin?
Ant: Eloise?
Fran: Eloise wants everyone to know that she is not talking to Colin for the foreseeable future.
Ben: She told me the same.
Ben: Then he told me the same.
Daphne: He also told me the same.
Ant: 🤦🏻♂️
Greg: Brunch is awkward and now I’m mad at them.
Ant: No more fighting.
Ben: Does anyone know what the in-laws are doing?
Daphne: Cress and Pen are on it.
Ben: 👍🏻
Fran: I’ve been drafted in the Colin/Eloise war.
Hy: I’m sorry, Fran.
Fran: Save your sorries for after I ask Michaela to step in.
Ant: Michaela?
Fran: As I am sure you are all aware the in-laws use me as a last resort when they don’t want to do things or to fix things.
Hy: What?
Daphne: They do?
Ben: They do.
Fran: I use Michaela’s psychology degree as a last resort to fix things.
Fran: I now have to ask her to mediate this conversation.
Ant: She’s a sex therapist.
Ant: I don’t foresee her being helpful here.
Fran: Her specialty is issues around sex.
Fran: She still had to take general psychology courses.
Greg: We need all the help we can get.
Ant: You have a point.
Daphne: She doesn’t use the degree with the in-laws?
Fran: Only in emergencies.
Fran: She doesn’t like to use it with loved ones.
Ant: Michaela loves us?
Fran: No comment.
Greg: 😬
Ben: Come on!
Hy: I think Fran is trying to spare our feelings.
Fran: She doesn’t like to say it but yes.
Ben: Awww.
Hy: Well, sorry to Michaela.
Fran: I will pass along the message.
Daphne: When is this happening?
Fran: Saturday at 2.
Ben: Can she meet with them earlier?
Fran: I am not going to ask her to adapt her schedule for their idiocy.
Ben: It was just a question.
Ant: Ben. Fran.
Fran: Sorry.
Fran: They are driving me nuts.
Ben: Forgiven.
Ben: Same.
Hy: I’m tired of being a go between those two.
Ant: You?
Hy: Ben and Fran quit.
Hy: And they know not to bother Daph.
Greg: Why?
Hy: Simon.
Greg: Right.
Ant: Has anyone talked to Pen?
Ben: She’s annoyed.
Fran: Lucy and Gareth are on it.
Ant: 👍🏻
Daphne: Cress is at her wit’s end.
Fran: She can get in line.
Ben: Can it be earlier on Saturday?
Fran: I’m trying to see if she will change her plans with Gareth.
Hy: I will change the plans.
Fran: Saturday at 11
Daphne: What’s before 11?
Fran: Simon and Kate.
Ant: Let me try.
Fran: Saturday at 9.
Ben: Before 9?
Fran: Me and our son.
Ant: Saturday at 9 it is.
Daphne: Okay. Pen texted that it is going down now.
Ben: Where is she?
Daphne: In the yard with Cress and Thomas.
Hy: Andrew is in there with them?
Daphne: Pen and Cress offered to take him but Michaela said no.
Greg: Oh no.
Hy: She will murder them if he cries.
Fran: They’ve been here for 10 minutes and she looks like she wants to scream.
Ant: I empathize.
Daphne: Are you helping or just sitting there?
Fran: I was going to help but Michaela has taken over.
Fran: It’s something to watch.
Hy: Calm down.
Fran: I’ve never seen anyone get them to stop talking with the word no.
Fran: It’s so sexy.
Greg: CALM DOWN
Ben: Eloise shut up?
Ben: While fighting with Colin?!
Daphne: Well, maybe we should ask her to do this more often.
Fran: No.
Fran: She looks exhausted.
Ant: How is it going?
Fran: There have been tears.
Daphne: From who?
Fran: Colin and Eloise.
Hy: How?
Fran: Michaela made them cry when she mentioned Cress, Pen and Thomas.
Fran: They’re hugging.
Fran: I think we’re good.
Hy: 🙌🏻
Greg: So, what does Michaela want?
Fran: I’ll ask.
Fran: She has asked to never be pulled into a major Bridgerton fight again.
Ant: I can’t promise a never.
Ant: But she is the last person on my list.
Fran: She’ll take it.
Colin: Sorry everyone!
El: We are all good now!
Ben: Glad to hear it.
Ant: I want this apology in person tomorrow.
Colin: What?
El: No. We apologized.
Greg: In person.
Daphne: Mum included.
Colin: NO
Fran: I’m telling Michaela.
El: We’ll apologize tomorrow.
Hy: Thank you.
Ben: Just want to let the record reflect that those were weak apologies but we all have agreed to forgive you.
El: Thanks.
Colin: Yeah. Thanks.
Ben: But you owe everyone one favor now.
Chapter 2: February: Book Besties
Summary:
Members: Kate, Sophie, Pen, Daphne, Simon, El, Fran, Mic, Lucy, and Gareth
Chapter Text
Pen: Okay, did everyone get my kindle link?
Sophie: Yes.
Kate: Yep.
El: I’m reading this under protest.
Pen: Noted.
Daphne: Is this a Chuck Tingle book?
Pen: It is not.
Fran: Good. I like Chuck Tingle.
Fran: But I don’t need to read some right now, you know?
Michaela: Is this the fork thing you were telling me about?
Pen: Yes.
Michaela: Hard pass.
Michaela: I can only do inanimate objects with Tingle.
Pen: The fork is a man.
Gareth: What?
Simon: Remind me to DND this when I am in meetings.
Pen: Don’t punk out Michaela
Michaela: I will attempt one chapter.
Lucy: My friend read this.
Lucy: She liked it.
Gareth: This is the strangest thing I have ever read.
Sophie: I feel like we need to start rotating who picks books.
Pen:This is my book club.
Pen: I set the books.
Sophie: I mean, we can stick with romance books.
Sophie: But I would be curious about what the others would pick.
Kate: I’m into this and I don’t know how I feel about that.
Michaela: You need to get on the books?
Kate: Maybe.
Michaela: Keep me posted.
Daphne: I’m DNFing Fork book.
Fran: We never started.
El: Oh I did that 3 days ago.
Gareth: You guys were still reading?
Gareth: I stopped one chapter in.
Kate: I finished it.
Kate: Good news is I’m not into forks.
Sophie: So happy for you.
Pen: Cowards.
Pen: Going to be nice and give you a poll this time.
Kate: None of these look good.
Simon: Agreed.
Fran: I’m Team Sophie.
Fran: I would like to read something without so many descriptions of “manhood".
Gareth: I vote for a trial run.
El: Second.
Pen: Fine.
Pen: Who first?
Kate: Sophie?
Sophie: So much pressure.
Sophie: Give me a few hours.
Michaela: Werewolves?
Sophie: There is a sapphic couple.
Michaela: Sold.
Daphne: This feels better and worse than Twilight.
Fran: I haven’t thought about Twilight in years.
El: I was always Team Jacob because Edward was ancient.
Gareth: But he sparkled?
Lucy: He was also heavy like marble and the baby came out with an adult brain.
El: Stop. TikTok will keep giving me the breakdown videos again.
Kate: Michaela, I need to get on the books.
Michaela: 👍🏿
Daphne: Are you into this too?
Kate: Maybe.
Kate: I don’t know why I’m feeling this way.
Fran: Best thing to do is just lean into it.
Simon: I would also like to get on the books.
Michaela: 👍🏿
Pen: That was an interesting read.
Pen: Wouldn’t have picked it for myself but I enjoyed it.
Fran: Still more manhood talk than I would have preferred.
Gareth: I thought the worldbuilding was weak.
Gareth: I couldn’t understand the werewolf hierarchy.
Gareth: How did the biological aspect work?
Gareth: Was the knotting similar to an actual dog or some fantasy thing?
Gareth: It felt thin.
Pen: Yeah, I’m not reading this book for that.
El: I agree with Gareth.
El: Even though we are not reading this book for that.
Michaela: The sex descriptions left a lot to be desired.
Pen: Writing sex is hard.
Michaela: Not saying it isn’t.
Michaela: I was very confused about body placement.
Fran: She was.
Kate: It made me feel things I didn’t want to feel.
Sophie: Well I liked it.
Sophie: Apparently it’s a series.
Pen: Really?
Daphne: Send the link.
Lucy: Please.
Chapter 3: March: The Write Stuff
Summary:
Members: Pen, Michaela, Cressida, and Colin
Chapter Text
Pen: Okay, are we getting on this zoom to co-write or what?
Cressida: I actually need to grade papers.
Cressida: I extended the deadline and they all took me up on it.
Michaela: Currently coordinating a couples retreat with a colleague.
Michaela: Give me 20.
Cressida: What do you do on those anyway? I always wondered.
Colin: Watch people have sex?
Michaela: Basic bullet points on the benefit of open communication on a couple’s sex life.
Michaela: I’m paid a disgusting amount of money to work maybe four hours.
Michaela: Colin, I feel like you don’t really understand how unsexy my job is.
Cressida: I’m jealous.
Pen: He doesn’t.
Pen: I can be ready in 20.
Pen: But I have class in 90.
Michaela: That’s fine.
Cressida: Michaela, I sent a draft.
Michaela: Great. Andrew and I will read it at our witching hour.
Pen: He still does that?
Michaela: At least once a week.
Michaela: It’s driving Fran nuts.
Colin: What if you cut morning naps?
Michaela: He cries too hard if we do.
Michaela: It makes me too sad.
Pen: You’re between a rock and a hard place.
Cressida: Not making parenthood sound good, team.
Michaela: Cress, I sent you notes.
Michaela: And my latest chapter.
Cressida: Pleasure doing business.
Pen: Cress. Michaela. 3 chapters in your inbox.
Cressida: Hooray.
Cressida: I needed a break from Intro papers.
Michaela: May I read to Fran?
Michaela: Or are they too raw?
Pen: First chapter is fine.
Pen: The other two are too raw.
Michaela: 👍🏿
Cressida: Are we zooming?
Pen: About to start class.
Pen: And Michaela is with a patient.
Pen: And Colin is not writing.
Colin: I’m writing!
Cressida: Do you want to zoom?
Colin: No.
Michaela: I have been gifted at least 2 hours of free time.
Michaela: Zoom?
Pen: What do you mean gifted?
Michaela: Something is going on with Hy. Sister time at hers.
Michaela: My babies are out of the house.
Pen: Give me 5.
Pen: Cress, are you in too?
Cressida: I’m not home yet.
Cressida: If you’re still working when I get there, yes.
Cressida: Are you guys still zooming?
Pen: It's a full sibling meeting now.
Pen: Link is incoming.
Michaela: Publisher has notes.
Michaela: Is anyone available to talk them out?
Cressida: Yes. Give me 10.
Cressida: Journal came back with notes.
Michaela: Give me 15.
Pen: Can I talk out the book series outline?
Colin: Yes.
Pen: To someone who doesn’t live with me?
Cressida: Yes.
Michaela: Yep
Colin: Okay. I have a draft.
Michaela: Of a chapter?
Colin: Of my book.
Cressida: Send it.
Colin: All of it?
Michaela: Send us what you want us to read.
Colin: Okay.
Cressida: Colin. This is good.
Michaela: I sent a few notes but it is good.
Pen: I told you!
Colin: 😊
Chapter 4: April: Sisters are doin’ it for themselves
Summary:
Members: Daphne, El, Fran, and Hy
Chapter Text
Hy: I hate all the books that were suggested.
Hy: Is it okay if I ask pregnancy questions here?
Daphne: Of course.
Fran: Yes.
El: This is not turning into the big chat.
Hy: I promise to keep it to a minimum.
El: Fine.
Daphne: Are you two doing anything special alone on your birthday?
El: Not that I know of.
El: Then again, Fran has done her own thing the last two years.
Fran: Do not start.
Daphne: I’m sorry I asked.
Fran: We’re having our pseudo twin dinner as always.
Fran: Family Dinner.
El: Cress made plans for me on Saturday.
Fran: Really?
El: Yeah, a surprise. Why?
Fran: I also have a surprise on Saturday.
Hy: Would they team up?
Fran: Maybe.
El: Probably.
Daphne: Your brother is driving me nuts.
Hy: Dare I ask which one.
Daphne: Guess.
Fran: Kate has kicked his shin so he should shut up for a while.
Hy: Feeling honored that Andrew went to me over El.
El: Whatever.
Daphne: He likes El.
Daphne: Right?
Fran: Yes.
Fran: They just rarely hang out alone.
El: I’m not good with babies besides Thomas for some reason.
Daphne: True but Augie loves to hang out with you now.
El: Really?
Daphne: Oh yeah. You do the book voices right.
Fran: Well I have that to look forward to.
El: 😄
Daphne: What was the surprise?
El: A day with just us doing all the things we liked doing.
Hy: Going to the book shop and the music shop?
Fran: And having tea at the tea shop. Then going to see a show on West End.
Fran: We haven’t had a proper E+ F day in ages.
El: It was the best.
Fran: It was.
Daphne: Aww, I’m glad.
Hy: Good job lesbians!
Hy: Still winning the gift giving race among the in-laws.
El: Why is Cress taking the mint ice cream out of our house?
Hy: I asked Gareth to get me some.
El: 👍🏻
Daphne: Hy, Fran, did the Children’s Hospital email you something?
Hy: I don’t have anything.
Fran: I got it.
Fran: I forwarded it to you both.
Daphne: Thank you.
Daphne: I’ve told them three times you were temporary.
El: Considering my students misspell my name which is part of my email and signature, I’m not surprised.
Daphne: All I ask for is attention to detail.
Hy: Asking for too much.
Hy: I just want to eat real food.
Fran: You will.
Daphne: At least you aren’t puking every 40 minutes.
Hy: True.
El: Ben is having an art crisis of confidence again.
El: Please compliment him today at brunch.
Daphne: Is this about the show opening in six weeks?
El: Apparently everything is terrible and derivative.
Fran: Been there.
Fran: I’ll call him.
Hy: 😮
El: Fire and brimstone aren’t coming down from the sky so…
Fran: I am allowed to call our siblings.
Daphne: Everyone gets one initiated call a year.
El: What about the other 5 months?
Fran: Those are for Mum, Aunt Winnie, and the Stirlings.
Daphne: Can someone get us nappies?
El: For B or C?
Daphne: Both.
El: Send me the sizes.
Daphne: 😘
El: Who suggested I watch Tar?
Daphne: Fran and Benedict and Me.
El: This is my entire personality now. Thank you.
Fran: 😘
Hy: What is wrong with our brother?
El: Which one?
Hy: Greg is yelling at Gareth.
Fran: Wedding stress.
Hy: I wasn’t that bad.
Daphne: You were.
El: Totally were.
Fran: Agreed.
Hy: Rude!
El: Should Cress and I get married before or after Greg?
Hy: For our sanity?
Hy: After.
Fran: Not September.
El: Why?
Fran: We’re…
Fran: Doing something then.
Daphne: And you can’t say?
Fran: Some of you talk too much.
Hy: I won’t spill.
Fran: Wasn’t talking about you.
El: I can keep my mouth shut this time.
El: Colin doesn’t know so it’ll be easier.
Fran: We’re having a small ceremony.
Fran: It will be 10 years so why not.
Daphne: You got married 3 years ago?
Fran: We met 10 years ago this September.
Fran: We eloped on the day we first met.
Daphne: How did I not know this?
Hy: Everyone was too busy freaking out to ask.
El: We won’t do September.
Fran: Thank you.
Daphne: Whose idea was it to elope on the day you met?
Daphne: I’ve never known you to be that sentimental.
Fran: It was exactly who you think.
Hy: That’s so romantic.
Hy: If I didn’t love Gareth so much.
Fran: Don’t.
Daphne: 😂
El: 😂
Fran: Daphne, do you have any extra baby-proofing stuff?
Daphne: Yes. Does Simon need to do a walk-through?
Fran: Couldn’t hurt.
Daphne: If you think I just left the kids at Mum’s, how long would she keep them?
El: Forever.
Hy: They would turn out like ABC.
Fran: I’m now picturing Augie with his hands on his hips fussing at Bel and Caro.
El: 😂
Daphne: 😂
Hy: Do any of you know the brand of vitamins Sophie recommends?
Daphne: I’ll see if we still have some.
Hy: Thank you!
Fran: Mum is asking me about Andrew’s birthday party.
El: It’s April
Fran: I’m aware.
Hy: I assumed we would just do cake?
Daphne: I assumed we would celebrate at the next brunch and you two would just spend the actual day with him.
Fran: Apparently we should have a big thing?
El: She should know better???
Daphne: I will handle it.
Daphne: I can get it down to cake on the day.
Fran: I’ll take it.
Daphne: Consider it done.
Fran: Thank you.
Fran: You are the best big sister.
El: Not even going to protest.
El: You are.
Daphne: 😘
El: So I am up for tenure track?
Fran: Are we happy?
El: We are.
Fran: Then congratulations!
Daphne: Congratulations.
Daphne: Are we going for it?
Daphne: I know you were thinking about going elsewhere.
El: Hence my hesitation.
El: I don’t know.
Hy: What are they offering you?
Hy: Is the package good?
El: It is.
El: I’d be on track to become chair too.
Fran: Would you hate staying?
El: No.
El: Let me talk to Cress first.
El: I’m going for it!
Fran: 🎉
Daphne: Let us know if you need us to do anything.
Hy: We’ll be zero help but a great cheer section.
El: Thank you!
El: Do I dare ask why the big chat is blowing up?
Fran: Go in at your own risk.
Daphne: So the boys are fighting.
Hy: All of them?
Daphne: Yes.
Fran: I’m not getting involved.
El: I’m not either.
El: I need an emergency sister time.
Daphne: Today?
El: Yes.
El: A lunch.
Hy: In person?
El: If we can.
Hy: Okay.
Daphne: Yeah, okay.
Daphne: Come by the office.
Fran: I’m in.
El: Thank you!
Chapter 5: May: The Sequel
Summary:
Members: El, Fran, Greg, and Hy
Chapter Text
El: Are we still having our monthly hang or are we too busy?
Hy: I’m still okay.
Fran: It’s blocked off so I’m still good.
Greg: Maybe. I’ll have to check with Lucy.
El: 👍🏻
Hy: If we hang out, can we do something spicy?
El: How spicy?
Hy: I’ll make sure they have bland options.
El: Fine.
Greg: Yes to hang.
Greg: Yes to spicy.
Hy: 🎉
Fran: I know we promised not to ask but
Fran: Greg?
Greg: I feel like I’m over it but they are not.
El: Yeah, I think sometimes the Big Boys need to just fight.
Hy: They should go box or something.
Greg: 🤔
Greg: Who do we slip that to?
Fran: Sophie.
Greg: On it.
Hy: FF is being weird.
El: That’s normal.
Greg: Daph has stepped in.
Fran: I thought the girls were staying out of it?
Fran: I don’t want to be in it. Just saying.
Greg: I think Colin asked.
El: He did.
El: I said no.
Hy: Hence Daph.
Greg: Ah.
El: Is she making it better or worse?
Greg: Hard to say.
Greg: She made it worse.
Greg: Ant is Anting.
Fran: 😬
El: Still staying out.
El: Sorry Greg.
Greg: Oh they haven’t even realize I’ve stopped arguing.
Hy: That tracks.
Hy: Can one of you come with me to the midwife?
Greg: Where’s Gareth?
Hy: Stuck in court.
Hy: He’s going to try and make it but…
Greg: You’re not asking Ant or Daph?
Hy: They’re hovering.
El: Fran and I are together.
El: We’ll take you.
Hy: THANK YOU!
El: That was not bland.
Fran: Your face was so red. 😂
Greg: Cress enjoyed the photo by the way.
El: 😭
El: It’s her new lock screen.
Greg: All is well in boy world.
Greg: How is girl world?
El: Peaceful.
El: As always.
Fran: Hy just ranted at Daph?
Hy: That’s us at peaceful!
Hy: Stop trying to sabotage the party El.
El: I was just going to have fun with the punch.
El: It’s boring.
Fran: It’s Agatha’s retirement party. It’s supposed to be boring.
Greg: Besides, you know she planned it like this on purpose.
El: True.
Greg: Come back for photos.
Fran: Andrew is melting down so no.
Hy: Andrew melts down?
Fran: On days like today? Yes.
Fran: Also thought we were done with photos.
Greg: Mum wants more photos of us with Agatha.
Hy: Why?
Hy: We did them all.
Hy: Entire family together. Kids. Kids individual. FF. Sequel. Boys. Girls.
Greg: 🤷🏻♂️
Fran: Kid Family pics?
El: Yes. So bring your child and your wife over, Fran.
Fran: Fine.
El: Hy, don’t hide. You’re next.
Hy: Fine.
Hy: Did you guys sneak out?
Greg: Yes.
El: Duh.
Fran: I’m still here.
Hy: Are you leaving?
Fran: Why?
Hy: Can I come with you?
Fran: Does Gareth know?
Hy: Yes.
Fran: Yes.
Hy: Meet you outside.
El: Greg. Hy. I’m telling you two first so you can stop Ant and Colin’s bitching in the big chat.
Hy: Okay?
El: Cress and I set the date officially.
El: The wedding is in December.
Hy: A CHRISTMAS wedding?
El: Eww.
El: No.
El: It’s the 6th.
Fran: Have you told Mum yet?
El: Telling her today.
Greg: I know it’s not going to be big so I’m cool with it.
Hy: You should have it at Christmas.
Fran: I echo the eww.
Fran: I'm already prepared to back you up.
El: Thank you.
Fran: Colin had two receptions.
Greg: And Ant’s was super formal.
Greg: They can both deal.
El: They were just so excited to be done with weddings.
El: Besides September.
Fran: That’s more of a vow renewal.
Hy: Mum’s treating it like your wedding.
Fran: I am aware.
Fran: Still doesn’t change what I think it is.
El: I don’t want them to make me feel bad.
El: Cress is excited and so am I.
Hy: We’ve got your back.
Hy: I’ll even pull the youngest card if needed.
Greg: Same.
El: Best baby brother and sister.
Greg: I’m doing a stag night with the Big Boys.
El: I thought we were having a Stag night with in-laws already?
Greg: They want to give me a BridgerBoys only one since I missed Ant’s.
Fran: They just want to act like they don’t have kids.
Hy: Are you going to get them drunk?
Greg: Haven’t decided yet.
Fran: Why are Anthony AND Daphne complaining to me about The Baby?
El: Same question.
El: Tell us what is going on.
El: Now.
Fran: Please.
Hy: I will fix it.
Hy: But they need to be in time out.
Greg: What’s going on?
Hy: I muted Ant and Daph.
Greg: 😂
Greg: Why?
Hy: They keep asking me the sex of the baby.
Fran: I thought you were surprising us?
Hy: I am.
El: Do they think they are not a part of that?
Hy: Yes.
Fran: 🙄
Fran: Do I need to step in?
Hy: Would you?
El: Do you one better.
El: We’ll both step in.
Hy: Best big sisters.
Greg: For real.
Greg: Good luck!
Fran: Daph should have apologized.
El: Ant is doing that huffy I just care about my family thing.
Hy: Yes to both.
Greg: Do you think you can get them to stop trying to take over the wedding from Mum?
El: Not a miracle worker.
Fran: I think Bel and Augie have started fighting again so you should be Daph free soon.
Greg: Again?
Fran: 🤷🏻♀️
Fran: Kate, Simon and Michaela had lunch and legos yesterday.
Hy: Poor Simon.
Greg: BridgerBoys stag night is officially set.
Greg: Goal is to get them drunk.
Hy: I want pictures AND video!
Greg: 👍🏻
Fran: Who is picking you up after?
Greg: Kate and Pen.
Fran: 👍🏻
El: Get Benedict in on your “plan” to get Ant drunk. He’ll tell Colin and they’ll get Ant. Colin will get drunk in the process then sabotage Ben because he’ll feel bad.
Greg: How do you know this?
El: That’s what I did at Pen and Colin’s joint night.
Greg: Where was I?
El: I think Sophie was making sure you didn’t choke on your vomit.
Greg: Vaguely remember.
Greg: Apparently the BridgerBoys are fencing once a week now.
El: Boys only?
Greg: Yes.
El: For now.
Chapter 6: June: BridgerBoys
Summary:
Members: Ant, Ben, Colin, and Greg
Chapter Text
Ant: Which one of you told El about the fencing?
Ben: Most likely all of us.
Greg: I wouldn’t mind her joining or anyone else.
Ant: This is a BridgerBoys only thing.
Colin: Brothers only activity?
Colin: I don’t even think the sisters have a sisters only activity.
Ant: Because we are cooler than them.
Ben: That’s debatable for some of us.
Greg: She’s going to bother you until you allow her in.
Ant: I can outlast El’s whining.
Ant: Who knew Eloise could be so annoying?
Ben: 🙋🏻♂️
Colin: 🙋🏻♂️
Greg: 🙋🏻♂️
Ant: I told her she can join post wedding.
Greg: 👍🏻
Colin: Stag Night!!!
Colin: Greggy get ready!
Greg: I’m so ready!
Ben: How long do we plan on being out?
Ant: What?
Colin: I never thought I see you write that question.
Ben: I would like to be able to get up early with Charlie tomorrow since Soph is going solo tonight.
Ben: He’s got an ear infection.
Colin: Poor Baby Charles.
Ant: We won’t stay out all night.
Greg: 12?
Ben: That’s good.
Ant: Colin!
Colin: I’m coming!
Ant: Does someone have my wallet?
Colin: I don’t.
Colin: But I have Ben’s belt.
Ben: Yes to wallet.
Ben: Thank you for belt.
Ben: I have your left shoe, Colin.
Colin: I’m missing a shoe?
Greg: How are you guys feeling?
Ant: 🖕🏻
Ben: Been better.
Ben: Don’t think I’ve ever been worse.
Colin: No one let me drink that much again.
Colin: I feel like someone moved around organs.
Ant: Gross.
Colin: I’m not even hungry.
Ben: 🤯
Ant: Who recorded video?
Ben: There’s video?
Ant: Kate is showing me and giggling.
Ben: Is it spreading?
Ant: All the in-laws have it.
Ben: So everyone’s seen it.
Colin: Apparently someone put a bounty out on pictures and video.
Ant: Greg!
Greg: It was not me.
Greg: I only have one picture on my phone, which was the group at the beginning.
Ant: I just looked through my phone.
Colin: Did you take the video?
Ant: Yes.
Colin: 😂
Ben: I took a ton of photos.
Ant: Who did you send them to?
Ben: Mum?
Colin: Ran into Mum today.
Colin: She is “concerned about our drinking.”
Ant: Ah hell.
Colin: Also I think I sent pictures and video to Hy.
Ant: HY?
Colin: She texted me an hour in.
Colin: She must have known I was drunk by then.
Ant: GREG
Greg: 😂
Ben: I can’t even be mad.
Ben: 😂
Colin: Did you guys start your training yet?
Greg: Yes.
Ant: I didn’t stop running so it’s mostly speed work for me.
Ben: Running is hard.
Colin: That’s why I didn’t sign up.
Greg: No your organization takes precedent.
Colin: I’ve given up on that goal.
Colin: It’s hard being organized with a baby.
Ant: Don’t tell Daph.
Colin: I’m not new here.
Ant: Three weeks until the wedding
Ant: How are you feeling Greg?
Greg: Every day I see why Fran just eloped.
Colin: Yeah.
Ant: Mum is not bothering you, right?
Greg: No. I told her Lucy was starting to get anxious.
Greg: I think she’s bothering Hy now.
Ben: Poor Hy.
Ant: Ben, are you sure Sophie won’t say anything?
Ben: I’m sure.
Ant: Greg, I’m so sorry.
Greg: It’s fine. Soph said it should be healed by the wedding.
Colin: So I don’t think we need to bring El in this alone.
Ben: Yeah no.
Ben: Who else would do it?
Greg: Hy?
Ant: I’d rather we just stop.
Colin: In-laws allowed?
Ant: Who?
Colin: Cress.
Ant: Ask her.
Colin: She’s in!
Ben: 🙌🏻
Chapter 7: July: Alphabet Wranglers
Summary:
Members: Kate, Sophie, Pen, Simon, Cressida, Michaela, Lucy, and Gareth
Notes:
The triumphant return of our faves.
Chapter Text
Cressida: They can’t have seven straight months of insanity right?
Cressida: We have to be given mercy.
Sophie: You jinxed us now.
Gareth: Just need to get past the wedding and we’re home free.
Gareth: Surely they can hold the meltdowns until after the wedding.
Kate: You underestimate them.
Gareth: I know.
Cressida: I feel like I should know better and yet here I am.
Cressida: Hoping.
Lucy: Just one more week.
Simon: I am going to murder ABC.
Kate: I’m sorry?
Sophie: I’m talking to mine now.
Cressida: Do we want to know?
Simon: We all know Greg wanted Daphne to stand with him.
Simon: ABC had a tantrum about it.
Simon: 4 days before the wedding.
Pen: Colin doesn’t care.
Pen: But doesn’t want to fight with Anthony again.
Michaela: What is the real fight about?
Simon: I don’t understand.
Cressida: Remember January?
Gareth: February and March.
Sophie: April.
Michaela: May and June got a little dicey as well.
Kate: All the dumb fights have been to hide a bigger fight.
Simon: Right.
Simon: I always assume at least two of them are fighting at all times.
Simon: It's easier.
Pen: Smart.
Sophie: I get that.
Lucy: Hi.
Lucy: Daphne is still standing with Greg.
Lucy: Put my foot down there.
Simon: Thank you.
Gareth: Give me a minute.
Gareth: Hy spills a lot easier now.
Gareth: A babysitting or reasonable favor of choice for who wants to guess.
Kate: I don’t know or care.
Kate: I have court in an hour.
Gareth: Notes are in your inbox.
Cressida: Is this a recurring problem?
Gareth: Yes.
Michaela: Bridgerton or non Bridgerton problem?
Gareth: Non.
Sophie: Marcus Anderson?
Gareth: Bingo.
Sophie: I’ll call you later.
Gareth: 👍🏿
Michaela: Why is it always Marcus Anderson?
Simon: I’ll call him in a moment.
Simon: Did you get anything else?
Gareth: No.
Gareth: Hy started complaining about Violet moving stuff around
Cressida: Let me see if mine will spill.
Cressida: The Sequel is not involved in the fight specifically.
Cressida: So they don’t know the details. Just broad strokes.
Michaela: Your Sequel member doesn't know.
Lucy: Go Michaela
Lucy: You’re our only hope.
Kate: What did I miss?
Pen: A+B are now mad at Colin for backing up Daph.
Kate: I have several messages about that.
Simon: It’s Marcus Anderson.
Kate: What happened?
Pen: He’s probably ready to announce.
Kate: Announce what?
Michaela: The engagement.
Kate: Whose?
Simon: Violet and Marcus?
Kate: WHAT
Simon: You remember Marcus proposed in January, right?
Michaela: You didn’t know this?
Kate: NO!
Kate: How do you know this?
Pen: People didn’t know?
Pen: I know they made that pact to not tell
Pen: But.
Simon: They spill everything.
Simon: Daphne was telling me as they were texting about it.
Sophie: I didn’t know.
Gareth: Me neither.
Kate: Cress? Lucy?
Lucy: I was there when Violet called.
Cressida: Eloise didn’t tell me.
Michaela: Apparently, he wants to tell people after the wedding
Michaela: Violet is fine with it.
Kate: The kids aren’t?
Michaela: Sequel isn’t blocking it.
Michaela: FF is split. Obviously.
Simon: Talked to Marcus.
Simon: Violet wants to announce.
Simon: He’s taking the heat.
Pen: She asked him to?
Simon: He volunteered.
Kate: Oh he really loves her.
Lucy: Seriously.
Simon: For Lucy’s sanity
Simon: We’re going to bully them to suck up the fighting until post wedding.
Cressida: Second.
Lucy: Thank you!
Pen: I’ve never seen so many grimaces since the ugly sweater thing.
Cressida: They look like that picture at the 15/16 double birthday.
Pen: Ha. That was not a fun time.
Simon: Someone get Anthony away from my wife.
Simon: I would but the girls are somehow bickering.
Michaela: How?
Simon: I don't know.
Simon: I’m scared.
Kate: Grabbing my husband now.
Kate: Someone get my husband away from me.
Sophie: I’m sending Ben.
Gareth: Hy and I are going inside for a nap.
Pen: Go. She looks miserable.
Sophie: Are we ready to have Round 3 of Marcus Anderson?
Kate: Sorry. Still stuck on Anthony keeping a secret
Kate: I knew about Fran wanting a baby before Michaela.
Michaela: I’m sorry?
Kate: I knew Greg was going to propose before he did!
Lucy: Wow.
Kate: I knew what ring Eloise picked before she left the house.
Kate: I knew Thomas’s name before Pen and Colin told Eloise.
Pen: What?
Kate: He tells me EVERYTHING
Pen: Well he didn’t tell you this.
Pen: He also has the loosest lips ever.
Gareth: Such a gossip.
Lucy: I think it’s sweet.
Lucy: Annoying but sweet.
Sophie: So.
Lucy: So?
Sophie: Ben is not upset about Violet getting married.
Sophie: But he knows Anthony is so he’s standing with him.
Kate: This is all unnecessarily dramatic.
Sophie: Also Daph knows that Ben is standing with Ant on this
Sophie: So she’s working on the others being nicer to Anthony.
Michaela: Does Anthony need to talk to someone?
Michaela: I can recommend someone.
Michaela: NOT ME
Kate: I can’t ask him that because I don’t know.
Michaela: Oh right.
Michaela: And we’re not supposed to know about the real fight.
Simon: Okay. Here’s what we can do.
Simon: Either get Daph to do it or Violet.
Kate: He’s gonna yell regardless.
Kate: Daph will yell back.
Sophie: I vote Violet has counseling with all of her children.
Sophie: Before she gets married.
Simon: That’s it.
Cressida: Sophie, you genius.
Cressida: Make it a stipulation of announcing.
Sophie: I was saying in general but mentioning this to Ben.
Sophie: Gareth. I’m so sorry.
Gareth: Yeah.
Gareth: The good news is half are on facetime.
Kate: I vote that we just let them be a mess.
Sophie: Really?
Kate: I think we should just stop helping behind the scenes.
Michaela: I’m fine with doing this. I could use the 5 hours a week on something else.
Pen: It’s easily 10.
Michaela: Mine uses common sense.
Pen: I forgot about that factor.
Pen: But seriously Kate, are we not getting involved?
Kate: No.
Kate: Formal vote: we do nothing.
Sophie: Yes.
Gareth: So in.
Pen: Yes.
Lucy: Please.
Michaela: Sure.
Cressida: God yes.
Simon: In.
Sophie: Since we have free time.
Sophie: Does anyone want to go to the park?
Sophie: Charlie is in a swinging phase.
Pen: We could be persuaded.
Pen: Thomas is still a wrecking ball though.
Michaela: We’re in.
Michaela: Don’t know how Drew will handle it but
Michaela: Gotta socialize.
Pen: So Thomas might be afraid of Andrew.
Kate: Andrew Stirling?
Michaela: Thomas was being Thomas.
Michaela: Drew didn’t like that and my lad let it be known with one glare.
Sophie: Very Colin and Fran.
Pen: 😆
Michaela: 😂
Gareth: Greg and I are going to sign up for a trainer after the baby is born.
Gareth: Weights.
Cressida: I’m in. Send the schedule.
Gareth: Yessssss
Cressida: Pen and I are doing gossip and coffee.
Lucy: Now?
Pen: Yes.
Pen: We can be by you.
Lucy: In.
Kate: We’re having bring a friend to pottery class tomorrow.
Kate: I have two slots.
Michaela: In.
Sophie: I’m in.
Kate: 😍
Cressida: Forgot to mention at brunch.
Cressida: I’m giving a talk in October.
Cressida: I’ll drop the details closer to time.
Sophie: Is the published article?
Cressida: Yes.
Pen: Wooohooo
Sophie: Can’t wait!
Pen: I vote for a In-Law Lego day.
Michaela: Saturday?
Pen: Yes.
Kate: Are the kids allowed?
Michaela: Of course.
Kate: In.
Simon: I will have two. Maybe 3.
Lucy: In.
Gareth: I can’t be there long but I’ll be there.
Sophie: Charlie and I will be there.
Cressida: Yes.
Simon: Will is opening the boxing gym up for signups in the fall.
Simon: Besides Kate?
Lucy: Me please.
Pen: Same!
Simon: 👍🏽
Lucy: Foundation got cinema vouchers as a gift.
Lucy: Tuesday afternoon.
Simon: Would I like the movie?
Lucy: I think so.
Simon: I have a light week.
Simon: Why not.
Cressida: So.
Sophie: So?
Cressida: They’re all aware of the drop in our help.
Cressida: Some of them had to be told.
Kate: 😆
Sophie: Ben mentioned it last week and said
Sophie: “Good for you guys.”
Lucy: Greg told me he, Daph, and Fran are triaging the worst of it.
Gareth: Honestly, I needed this calm before the baby arrived.
Pen: Are we sending a formal resignation letter?
Michaela: I’m reluctant.
Simon: I’ve noticed that Daph is a bit more stressed.
Lucy: Greg is too.
Michaela: Same with Fran.
Pen: Colin does wince when he gets calls now.
Kate: I’m willing to negotiate new terms with them.
Lucy: Barrister is popping out.
Kate: She’s going to have to.
Cressida: Terms?
Kate: They have to attempt to handle it themselves.
Kate: If they need help, they can request two of us to come in and think for them.
Michaela: Can’t be the same two from the previous time.
Kate: Smart.
Simon: If a person is used 5 times in one quarter, they are out.
Pen: In-Law chosen has the right to decline up to 3 times.
Kate: All good points.
Sophie: If we tell them to drop something or leave it alone.
Sophie: They do it.
Lucy: If we say they apologize, they do it.
Gareth: You guys got everything.
Cressida: I’ll let their representative know.
Cressida: They’ve requested the option to bring in a third if the fight is serious.
Sophie: We have the right to judge that.
Cressida: Noted.
Cressida: Request that the spouses of the people fighting can’t be brought in.
Michaela: Denied. I don’t want to be in most of these.
Pen: Second. It’s just gonna be Michaela or Lucy.
Cressida: Noted.
Cressida: Request for the spouses of the people fighting come in with one additional in-law.
Kate: Denied because then I will be in most.
Cressida: Second. It’s gonna be the both of us.
Cressida: Noted.
Cressida: They have no other requests.
Kate: Tell them Pleasure doing business.
Chapter 8: August: Dr. Quendt’s ABC Letter Biscuits
Summary:
Members: Ant, Ben, Colin, Daphne, El, Fran, Greg, and Hy
Chapter Text
Daphne: Hy, how are you doing?
Hy: Miserably. You guys undersold the uncomfortableness of the last few weeks.
El: Fran almost bit your head off at your wedding.
Hy: I somehow forgot about that.
Fran: It will get worse.
Fran: Is Gareth being extra good to you?
Hy: He is.
Fran: Good.
Colin: Please let us know if you need anything.
Hy: 👍🏻
Colin: I know I was pushing for two months at Aubrey but it’s nice to be in town in August?
Ben: It is.
Colin: Do you want to hang out?
Ben: Eh. Why not?
Greg: Ant? Are you still at Hy’s?
Ant: Yes.
Ant: Why?
Hy: Someone tell him to leave!
Ant: I’m here just in case.
Greg: Kate is looking for you.
Ant: I’ll call her.
Daphne: Hy, has Ant been coming by daily?
Hy: He’s working from my house.
Ben: Ant, don’t hover.
Hy: He didn’t do this with anyone else.
Daphne: Well, he has encroached on all of our lives at some point so you’re due.
Ant: Excuse me?
Daphne: You almost fist fought Simon.
El: You called Cress and begged her to take me back.
Ben: You did a background search on Soph.
Greg: And Lucy.
Colin: You didn’t do anything to Pen.
El: He threatened to tell Portia about her gossip blog.
Colin: WHAT
Ant: Excuse me for caring about you all.
Ant: I just want Hy to be okay.
Hy: I’m fine.
Hy: I’ll let you know if I’m not.
Hy: Also find it interesting that you did nothing to Fran.
Ant: We don’t discuss that.
Fran: Ant knows what he did was wrong.
Fran: We’ve moved on.
Hy: Now I want to know.
Fran: No. You don’t.
Fran: I got my revenge.
Fran: It’s over.
Ant: It is.
Daphne: 👀
Daphne: Let us know Hy.
Colin: Daph?
Daphne: Yes?
Colin: How hard was it having Augie and Bel?
Daphne: Why?
El: NO!
Fran: Is Pen okay with you talking right now?
Colin: Oh. Hold on.
Colin: So we never figured out what to do if a couple is arguing? Do we pull a sibling and an in-law or…?
Fran: Let me see if Michaela can talk for a second.
Colin: THANK YOU
Fran: You owe me.
Fran: She’s going to call you in five minutes.
Colin: 👍🏻
Daphne: I thought Michaela said no more therapy for the family.
Fran: This is more a favor for Pen than Colin.
Fran: I also owe her now.
Ben: What does that look like?
Eloise: We decided this was a PG space.
Greg: We did?
Hy: When?
El: Now.
Fran: It’s fine, El.
Fran: The exchange isn’t sex.
El: It’s not?
Fran: I will be watching some Marvel thing without complaint in exchange.
Ben: Poor Fran.
El: I have been permitted to announce since someone can’t be trusted.
El: Pen is pregnant!
Ant: Wonderful!
Hy: Why would she do this again?
Greg: Congrats to Pen.
Greg: Tell Thomas we are all with him at this difficult time.
Colin: Thomas loves babies. He’s going to be great.
Fran: Thomas loves babies who go home to their own house.
Fran: Also, I’m happy for you and Pen.
Colin: Thank you!
Daphne: This is wonderful.
Daphne: I’m here for questions.
Colin: I will call you later. I have so many.
Ben: Congrats C
Colin: 🥰
El: How did I get stuck on clean up duty?
Ben: You don’t have kids.
El: Neither does Greg!
Greg: I’m her 2nd favorite brother.
El: So I have to clean up Mum’s floors because I am childless as of right now?
Fran: You have said several times you don’t want to wait for any more births in the waiting room.
Fran: We are honoring your choice.
El: You guys suck.
Colin: Still can’t believe this is the first water to break at brunch.
Greg: George is a legend.
Hy: Thank you.
Daphne: How are you, George and Gareth?
Hy: George is doing well.
Hy: Gareth might be panicking.
Daphne: That explains Simon on a call with him and Kate.
Ant: Do I need to come over?
Hy: No.
Ant: Hy, come on.
Hy: You’re hovering.
Hy: We can do this.
Hy: Is anyone awake?
Hy: Ant?
Ant: On my way.
Colin: So does anyone want to read Michaela’s book? Or my book?
Colin: I have permission to offer Michaela’s book.
Fran: He does.
El: Michaela wrote a book?
Fran: Stirling Side Project
El: That’s the side project?
Fran: Yes.
Fran: Colin, I would love to read your book.
Colin: Thanks Sweet Fran!
Ben: Send me both.
El: I guess same.
Colin: Daph? Do you get time to read more than two books a month?
Daphne: No.
Daphne: You both can fill me in at brunch.
Colin: Ant? Greg? Hy?
Hy: Already read Michaela’s.
Hy: Send yours I guess. I have free time.
Greg: Both.
Ant: How did you get Michaela’s book before we heard about it?
Hy: Gareth.
Ant: Right.
Ant: Send me both.
Ant: Colin. This is good.
Colin: Don’t sound so shocked.
Ben: No, it really is. Good job.
El: Seriously.
Colin: Thanks.
Fran: Colin.
Colin: Yeah?
Fran: Amazing job.
Colin: 🥰
Hy: I like it, Colin.
Greg: Me too.
Colin: Thanks guys!
El: Wait, we all read Colin’s first?
Ant: It was shorter.
Ben: It’s about travel.
Ben: Easy to digest.
Fran: Michaela isn’t discussing Quantum Mechanics.
Ben: I feel like Michaela’s is going to cause some things to happen so…
Fran: Fair enough.
Ant: Okay, I have questions for her.
El: Unfortunately, so do I.
Fran: You have her number.
Ben: She won’t get mad if we ask her things?
Fran: If you don’t harass her.
Greg: Would she be willing to do a group face time?
Fran: I’ll ask.
Fran: No.
Fran: You may submit questions via email.
Ant: Separate emails for each question?
Fran: One email from each of you.
Ben: 👍🏻
Colin: I think I finally get what she does.
Fran: Finally.
Colin: Is that from you or her?
Fran: Both.
Chapter 9: September: Bricks on Bricks on Bricks
Summary:
Members: John Stirling, Michaela, Greg, Gareth, Simon, and Ben
Chapter Text
John: Mike. If I do an order, can I send it to your house?
Michaela: As long as I can add to it, sure.
John: Anyone else can as well.
Ben: ❤️
Simon: I need a lot of black bricks.
Michaela: What’s a lot?
Simon: Like 150.
Simon: I feel like Gareth had some?
Gareth: I do. Let me count and see.
Greg: We may be able to get there together.
Simon: 👍🏽
Ben: How do you get my baby to not put them in his mouth?
Michaela: Andrew allows a bouncy seat by me or in the sling facing me.
Ben: Charlie doesn’t like the sling.
John: Will he let you put him in a seat on the table?
Ben: I can try it.
Ben: That worked.
John: 🎉
Greg: I know this is Lego only but I meant to ask if you know when the next Wolverine comic started?
John: Next week. You may be able to get a digital pre-order.
Michaela: That’s all I do now.
John: Since when?
Michaela: Andrew.
John: Give it a few more years.
Greg: Done. Thank you very much.
Ben: If one wanted to get started in comics?
Michaela: I’ll bring some to brunch.
Ben: Thanks.
Simon: Thanks Gareth and Greg.
Simon: Feel free to raid my extras when you can.
Greg: Will do.
Gareth: Thank you.
Gareth: When are we starting our X-Men show rewatch?
John: After the ceremony.
Michaela: After the honeymoon.
Greg: Mum agreed to take Andy?
Michaela: Practically snatched him out of our hands.
Ben: Lucky.
Gareth: How am I breathing too loud when she’s had the baby?
John: No one knows.
Simon: Just ignore it.
Greg: John, I’m grabbing you guys from the airport.
John: Thank you.
Gareth: Please say no big Stag night.
Gareth: Hy is so anxious.
Michaela: I have no desire to see random half-naked women.
Michaela: Me from 10 years ago would be confused.
John: No she wouldn’t.
Michaela: Yes she would.
John: Fran.
Michaela: 😏
Michaela: No she wouldn’t.
Greg: Gross.
Ben: Can we at least take you to a pub?
Michaela: Eh.
Simon: One drink.
Michaela: Fine.
Michaela: I don’t want to be out all night.
John: Okay now that’s weird.
John: Who are you?
Michaela: I know.
John: Does someone have a tide pen?
Gareth: On my way.
John: They haven’t even come out yet.
John: Half of your family is sobbing like they haven’t been married for three years.
Ben: My mother has been begging for this wedding since she found out they were dating.
Greg: I wouldn’t go that far.
Simon: I would.
John: Doesn’t explain Anthony, Colin, Daphne, and Kate.
Gareth: They all wanted them to have a wedding.
Ben: Who told you that?
Gareth: Hy.
Michaela: Always a delight to see you and the brood, J.
John: Happy to be seen. Happy to see all you in-laws as well.
Ben: Come back again.
Ben: Please.
Simon: We’ll come to you next time.
Greg: Only us.
John: I’ll allow it.
Gareth: Thank you for the care package, John.
John: No problem. My duo enjoyed hearing this arc of Black Panther a lot.
John: I’ve been forced to ask if you would like to facetime to see Robert’s latest Lego build.
Michaela: Duh.
Gareth: I would love to.
Simon: Yes.
Ben: Of course.
Michaela: Are we ready to start episode 1?
Greg: No.
Greg: Got roped into helping Lucy
Gareth: 1 hour?
Greg: 2
John: 👍🏿
Simon: I know I wasn’t originally on the roster to watch.
Simon: But.
Michaela: I think you will enjoy it.
Ben: Join us!
Simon: Alright.
John:The kids are in on this rewatch now
Michaela: Mine always was.
Greg: I’m ready.
Gareth: Same.
Simon: Me and Augie are here.
Ben: Ready.
John: I finished the latest campaign.
John: Going back to Thursday game night?
Ben: Is this the D&D thing?
John: Yes.
Simon: I’ve never played.
John: We can teach you.
Ben: I’m in.
Greg: Yes
Gareth: I can probably squeeze two hours.
John: Michaela? Simon?
Simon: Sure.
Michaela: Why not.
Chapter 10: October: Half Marathon Group
Summary:
Members: Ant, Kate, Ben, Greg, and Fran
Chapter Text
Kate: Dr. Muschenheim cleared me for the Half Marathon.
Fran: 🎉
Ant: Are you sure you feel okay?
Ant: What about the nausea?
Kate: I’d feel better if you’d stop asking me that.
Ant: 👍🏻
Ben: I need new shoes.
Greg: You don’t have enough mileage on them
Ben: My feet hurt.
Fran: Are you doing the exercises I sent you?
Ben: Maybe…
Kate: They do help.
Ben: Fine.
Kate: Fran, where did you get that running stroller?
Fran: Michaela got it for me. She sent you the link.
Kate: Thank you.
Fran: 😘
Ant: Newton is not a good running partner.
Kate: For you.
Ant: I wanted Neddy.
Kate: You go during nap time.
Kate: He doesn’t sleep on the runs.
Ant: For you.
Greg: Take your flirting out of the chat.
Fran: Please.
Ben: They have a baby run before the half.
Greg: Charlie can’t do that.
Ben: I was thinking more for Neddy.
Ant: Oh?
Kate: I found it. I’m sending it to you.
Ant: 😘
Ant: I think I can do under 2 hours this time.
Kate: That’s your goal?
Ant: What’s yours?
Kate: I’m going for 90 minutes.
Ant: You think you can beat me?
Fran: No flirting in the chat!
Kate: I know you are not saying that.
Fran: Do you want us to start flirting in chats?
Ant: We’re leaving!
Greg: Are we all doing one last long run together before taper?
Ant: Who will watch Neddy?
Fran: Mum?
Kate: Marcus is taking her away this weekend.
Greg: Is that the real reason for no brunch?
Ant: Yes.
Fran: Bring him over.
Ant: Really?
Fran: He likes Neddy.
Kate: He does?
Fran: He likes all the cousins.
Fran: He just has my face.
Kate: Ah.
Ant: Thank you.
Greg: Ben!
Ben: I’m coming.
Ben: Fran, can Sophie bring Charlie over there?
Ben: I don’t want her alone when she’s feeling this bad.
Fran: Michaela already told her to come over.
Ben: Good.
Ben: He’s so cranky. It’s making her feel worse.
Kate: So we can’t do any running on a taper?
Greg: No.
Kate: I feel like I have too much energy.
Ant: I ran last time during my taper.
Ben: That explains why you almost died last year.
Fran: Are we doing matching outfits or what?
Greg: I ordered shirts.
Ant: Will we like them?
Ben: I helped design them so yes.
Kate: Aww Greg.
Fran: It’s perfect.
Ant: He would have loved it.
Ben: I told you Greggy!
Greg: 🥰
Ant changed the name of the chat to Edmund’s Run Club
Chapter 11: November: Fantastic Four
Summary:
Members: Ant, Ben, Colin, and Daphne
Chapter Text
Daphne: I would like to propose we start rotating who plans Christmas.
Ant: What brought this on?
Daphne: Thinking about how smooth last year was because we weren’t all yelling about what to do.
Ben: We just followed Fran.
Colin: You think she’ll let us do that again?
Daphne: They aren’t going this year. They are going up in January.
Daphne: The Half is distracting Mum now but once it’s over…
Ant: I get it Daph.
Ant: I agree.
Ant: I can start.
Daphne: You always start.
Ben: I can start.
Ant: Are you sure?
Ben: Yes.
Ben: Do you think everyone will be willing to rent a place and go?
Colin: Where?
Ben: I don’t know yet.
Ben: Trying to see if it’s feasible.
Ant: Put it in the big chat
Ant: If not, then we’ll do Aubrey as usual.
Ant: You just plan logistics.
Ben: 👍🏻
Daphne: Colin and I have handed out the shirts to the cheering end.
Daphne: We should be good to go next Saturday.
Ant: Thank you.
Colin: Greggy came up with the name on his own?
Ben: Mum showed him the pic of Dad doing the London Marathon.
Colin: Awww
Ben: Ant. Daph. Do Bel and Neddy like each other?
Daphne: It’s hard to say.
Ant: Neddy should be fine with a bossy lady.
Colin: I’m telling Kate.
Ant: She knows I call her bossy.
Colin: Somehow this pregnancy is better and worse than the last one?
Ben: Speak for yourself. Baby #2 is so much worse.
Ant: We’re mixed over here as well. Can’t figure out why.
Daphne: It's the firstborn child.
Colin: Ah.
Ant: That makes sense.
Ben: Okay. Had to chase El down but everyone is fine with not going to Aubrey
Ben: I did find a cool historical place in Wiltshire.
Ant: When you say historical?
Ben: We don’t need to chop wood and there is indoor plumbing and electricity.
Ant: Continue.
Ben: Enough room for all of us
Ben: I’m including Marcus Anderson, Agatha, Mary, Edwina, Aunt Joanna, Posy, and Hugh.
Ben: Probably forgetting some people.
Daphne: Make everyone send you a list then go from there.
Ben: I may need to call Fran.
Colin: Yeah.
Ben: Fran is so organized.
Ant: She is.
Ben: Okay, if you can help me bully the slacker parts of the Sequel into sending me things, that would be great.
Ant: Of course.
Ben: I think the place I chose will work but I’m not sure.
Daphne: Send us the link.
Ben: You and Ant?
Colin: Excuse me?
Ant: You never comment when we talk logistics of anything.
Colin: I’m a FF member. I want to contribute.
Daphne: Send it to all of us then.
Ben: 👍🏻
Colin: Did someone get Greggy crying?
Daphne: Mum did.
Daphne: And Lucy I think.
Colin: Have them send it. I’m working on his Birthday video for next year.
Daphne: 👍🏻
Ant: Ben. The link to the place?
Ben: Sorry! Sent!
Colin: I’m concerned about the stairs.
Daphne: We have extra gates.
Ant: Ditto.
Daphne: Is that a hot tub?
Ben: I think that whole area locks.
Daphne: If it does, I’m fine with it.
Ant: There’s no big play area/den
Daphne: There is.
Ant: Nevermind, I see it.
Ant: Is it close to shops?
Ben: Yes.
Ben: And the backyard is huge but fenced.
Daphne: Close to an A&E?
Ben: I don’t know?
Daphne: That tree is making me nervous.
Ben: Who is at the age to climb it?
Colin: I mean, I kinda want to climb it.
Ben: Sequel approved.
Daphne: All of them?
Ben: Yes.
Ant: I’m pleasantly surprised.
Colin: Fran already knew?
Ben: Yeah, she helped me look.
Ben: Greg helped me look too, to be fair.
Ant: Ah.
Daphne: That was sweet.
Ben: Hy has baby brain.
Ben: She doesn’t care.
Ant: You’re El’s favorite.
Ben: Exactly.
Colin: Utterly painless.
Ant: It’s close to an A&E.
Ant: I’m good with you booking.
Colin: Book it.
Daphne: Book it!
Ben: 🎉
Ben: It’s booked.
Ben: And Mum Approved!
Ant: 😮
Daphne: 🥳
Ben: She literally said “Benedict? You did this?”
Ben: Then gave me the longest hug.
Ant: Colin, he’s coming for your spot!
Colin: Noooo
Chapter 12: December: Alphabet Wranglers
Summary:
Members: Kate, Sophie, Pen, Simon, Cressida, Michaela, Lucy, and Gareth
Notes:
Ending where we started.
Chapter Text
Cressida: T-minus 2 days! Are we still okay?
Cressida: Are we healthy?
Gareth: We are.
Lucy: Everything’s fine.
Lucy: Everyone’s fine.
Cressida: Are we sure?
Lucy: My jumpsuit is ready.
Lucy: Aunt Joanna’s dress is ready.
Lucy: Aunt Joanna is playing FIFA with Greg.
Cressida: What?
Lucy: She’s winning.
Kate: Go Aunt Joanna.
Kate: Anthony’s suit is ready.
Pen: I’ve confirmed the caterers.
Pen: El’s dress is safe at Sophie and Ben’s.
Sophie: Charlie has been looking at it but not touching it.
Sophie: Ben’s suit is also ready.
Pen: Thomas is snotting all over Colin and not the people in the wedding.
Pen: My jumpsuit is ready.
Cressida: Okay and Michaela has everything over control over here.
Cressida: Right?
Michaela: Your dress is hung up.
Michaela: My jumpsuit is ready. Fran’s jumpsuit is ready.
Michaela: Florist confirmed the flowers.
Simon: Daphne is well and still wearing a mask when tending to the kids.
Simon: Jumpsuit is also ready.
Michaela: Andrew has not sneezed on his Mummy at all and not on my face. You’re good.
Kate: You’re the last one to do this.
Kate: We aren’t going to let you down.
Cressida: Thank you.
Kate: How is this the smoothest wedding?
Simon: Because there are maybe 50 people here.
Kate: Ah.
Gareth: They are so lucky.
Sophie: Somehow Andrew sneezed in my mouth.
Michaela: I’m so sorry.
Sophie: It happens. I’m used to it.
Pen: I should say sorry to Sophie since Thomas gave it to him.
Kate: Neddy gave it to Thomas so sorry to Sophie as well.
Simon: We all know Augie started it. Sorry Sophie.
Sophie: Nothing to be sorry about but thank you.
Gareth: Excuse me while I go grab my baby and remove him from the rest of the family.
Lucy: Gareth?
Gareth: He doesn’t look sick.
Lucy: That’s good.
Lucy: Cress, I have the dresses.
Cressida: Thank you.
Cressida: Can you all tell your spouses to not text El this weekend?
Pen: Bold of you to assume she won’t text them.
Cressida: Fair.
Kate: I thought the rule was no brunch after big events.
Michaela: That was struck down after September.
Kate: I thought we voted no brunch.
Michaela: WE did.
Kate: Which of them went against the plan?
Pen: All of them.
Simon: They love seeing each other every week.
Kate: They complain the whole time?
Sophie: And argue the entire time.
Sophie: But would cry if we didn’t see each other every week.
Kate: 😠
Cressida: Pen, tell Colin to get off the phone with El.
Pen: I’m trying to edit.
Pen: Gonna ask for a substitution here.
Simon: Kate, Gareth, and I are currently having a fancy lunch.
Pen: Huh?
Gareth: Hy’s idea and Ant and Daphne jumped on it.
Kate: Would if I could, Pen.
Michaela: I’m on it.
Michaela: New sushi spot opened up around the corner.
Cressida: THANK YOU
Sophie: I’m sick.
Michaela: I am so sorry.
Sophie: It’s fine. I knew it was coming when Charlie got sick.
Sophie: I’m trying to save Ben but I don’t know if I can.
Gareth: I can’t handle another flu epidemic.
Kate: We may be too late.
Kate: We’re all sick over here.
Kate: It’s hitting Anthony bad.
Pen: Oh no.
Pen: What do we do?
Kate: Wait and see I guess.
Lucy: Hy just sneezed.
Gareth: She said she was fine!
Lucy: She’s not.
Pen: We don’t have protocols for this?
Kate: The last time happened too fast.
Michaela: Okay. People who are not sick, quarantine your Bridgerton.
Michaela: People who are sick. Do your best to not breathe on any of us who aren’t.
Michaela: I think Simon and I are the hardest to get sick.
Simon: And Greg.
Michaela: We will do care package drop-offs.
Kate: It’s risky.
Michaela: It is but Drew is getting over it and if Fran doesn’t get it.
Michaela: My house may be in the clear.
Simon: Only Augie and Bel got it.
Simon: Daphne is fine and keeping Caro away.
Simon: We may be okay.
Kate: Let’s try it.
Simon: I’m on my way to Kate’s then Sophie’s with supplies.
Michaela: I got Cress and Pen.
Lucy: Greg is dropping things off, Gareth.
Gareth: Can you guys take George?
Gareth: I’m sick as well.
Lucy: Yes.
Cressida: El saw Ben before she got home and hugged him.
Sophie: I’m sorry.
Sophie: I was asleep.
Cressida: Not your fault.
Cressida: I may need to bunk with someone.
Simon: Not here. Daphne got it from Hy.
Simon: And gave it to Caro and back to Augie.
Pen: Nooooo.
Michaela: It’s the epidemic all over again.
Michaela: We’re sending the healthy babies and Cress to Violet’s.
Cressida: Calling her now.
Pen: We're sick but Thomas is feeling better.
Cressida: Do you want me to take him to Violet’s?
Pen: Maybe. I’ll keep you posted.
Lucy: Greg and I got it.
Lucy: George is at Violet’s.
Gareth: 👍🏿
Kate: We’re all dropping like flies.
Kate: Pen, did you send Thomas over?
Pen: I did. He is there with Cress, Fran, Andrew, George, and Bel.
Kate: Good.
Kate: Simon? Michaela?
Simon: Sick.
Simon: I sneezed so loud I scared the baby this morning.
Michaela: Not you too.
Simon: Me too?
Michaela: I‘m getting sick.
Michaela: I feel fine now but Fran said I felt warmer than usual before she left.
Sophie: Ben is worse.
Sophie: Charlie is better and going to Nan’s.
Sophie: Michaela, do you want me to come check you?
Michaela: You do not fear reinfection?
Sophie: I got PPE from work.
Michaela: Then sure.
Sophie: Michaela is down.
Sophie: And sounds wheezy. So Ben and I are staying with her.
Pen: Oh no.
Sophie: Fran is currently calm about it.
Cressida: She’s not calm.
Cressida: She’s putting on a calm face.
Kate: Neddy and I are feeling better.
Kate: Anthony is still bad.
Kate: Sophie, I’m worried.
Sophie: Send him over here.
Sophie: I can watch him with Michaela and Ben.
Kate: 👍🏾
Michaela: I hear Fran’s voice.
Michaela: Who has Andrew?
Cressida: Me.
Cressida: He’s still okay.
Michaela: Good.
Michaela: Thanks Cress.
Cressida: Of course.
Cressida: Sophie, did El, Hy, and Gareth make it?
Sophie: Yes.
Cressida: 👍🏻
Kate: Gareth, I got George.
Gareth: Give him a kiss from us.
Kate: Of course.
Lucy: Health check!
Lucy: Greg and I are almost better.
Pen: Colin and I are good.
Pen: Thomas was very happy to see us.
Pen: As was Violet.
Kate: Neddy, George, and I are doing fine.
Cressida: I’m at home with Andrew.
Lucy: Simon? How are you?
Simon: Caro, Augie, and I are fine.
Simon: I just dropped the kids at Agatha’s.
Simon: Daphne is still feeling terrible.
Sophie: Fran is somehow not sick yet and is very helpful.
Sophie: Ben has about one more day then he will get Charlie and go home.
Sophie: Anthony is leaving tonight.
Kate: Good. We miss him.
Sophie: El needs a few more days.
Gareth: I feel like death.
Gareth: Hy’s leaving tomorrow.
Sophie: Michaela has a cough but is fine.
Michaela: I’m still on bed rest. Fran’s orders.
Cressida: Was the last time this bad?
Sophie: No this is worse.
Sophie: It might be the new norm with the kids.
Cressida: Really not selling parenthood here.
Gareth: That was horrible.
Gareth: Everyone okay?
Sophie: We’re good over here.
Sophie: Simon, how’s Daphne?
Simon: Great.
Simon: She slept 20 hours straight then was fine.
Michaela: We’re with Violet while the house gets deep cleaned.
Michaela: Also, Fran still feels fine and I’m shocked.
Gareth: She took your powers.
Michaela: She did.
Cressida: El is talking my ear off about Ben sneezing on Anthony’s face.
Kate: Anthony has complained about the snot for days.
Sophie: It was very funny.
Sophie: I think we should all be well enough before we go to Wiltshire this weekend.
Pen: I forgot all about that.
Kate: I don’t want to go.
Sophie: Ben worked too hard on this.
Kate: We’re not flaking.
Simon: Just very tired from the sickness.
Sophie: Understandable.
Cressida: We’re lost.
Sophie: Ben sent directions.
Kate: They are confusing.
Michaela: I’ll send you the directions we used.
Michaela: We’re already here.
Michaela: Owner is very nice.
Kate: What?
Gareth: We left early this morning.
Gareth: Michaela thought to check the instructions before we left.
Michaela: Fran sent it to the siblings.
Pen: They all ignored them.
Pen: I made Colin download them after circling for 30 minutes.
Gareth: Daphne didn’t because they just pulled up.
Kate: We’re here?
Pen: I see you. I’m coming outside.
Lucy: It’s very rustic out here.
Sophie: In a bad way?
Kate: In a "our spouses are going to annoy us" way.
Sophie: How so?
Michaela: The wi-fi is shit.
Sophie: I forgot about that 😭
Gareth: I’m going into town.
Simon: In
Michaela: Same.
Kate: Did those three run out of the house?
Pen: Simon and Michaela usually can hang.
Pen: What’s wrong?
Lucy: They found board games.
Kate: Which ones?
Pen: Fuck.
Lucy: Gareth. Simon. Michaela. You guys suck.
Simon: I’ve done my time.
Gareth: Board games means everyone for themselves.
Michaela: Elder privileges, Lucy.
Michaela: I’m sorry.
Lucy: Greg and Daph are having to be held back.
Lucy: Kate and Eloise are fighting.
Simon: They are?
Pen: Cress is trying to stop it.
Pen: I’m getting video.
Michaela: 😘
Gareth: Is Hy okay?
Sophie: She’s arguing with Anthony and Colin.
Gareth: Oh good.
Pen: Violet, Agatha, and Marcus took the kids and ran.
Simon: Smart.
Michaela: How’s Fran?
Sophie: Fighting with Ben.
Michaela: They won’t make each other cry.
Michaela: It’s fine.
Gareth: Come to the car.
Cressida: Why?
Gareth: We got goodies.
Michaela: One of you had to find a hiding spot for us in this place.
Kate: Why should we let you in?
Simon: We bought a box full of thrifted legos.
Sophie: On our way.
Cressida: What time are you all getting up tomorrow?
Kate: As late as possible.
Lucy: 8.
Michaela: Probably 6.
Michaela: Why?
Cressida: Don’t you and Andrew get back in bed after he’s taken care of?
Michaela: We don’t have to.
Michaela: Again why?
Cressida: I was hoping someone would take me to town so I can have a moment of quiet.
Michaela: I’ll take any in-law who wants to go.
Michaela: Be downstairs at 7.
Pen: Seriously?
Gareth: No snuggle time?
Michaela: No.
Sophie: Oh no.
Kate: What’s wrong with you?
Michaela: Nothing.
Simon: No.
Simon: Go apologize.
Michaela: Nothing is wrong.
Michaela: We’re just not snuggling for a morning.
Kate: I am going to get a second opinion on this.
Pen: Please. I don’t believe this.
Kate: Nothing is wrong.
Lucy: What?
Kate: Fran says she’s fine.
Kate: The siblings are trying to figure out if she’s lying.
Kate: And that’s not working, obviously.
Michaela: 7 works?
Cressida: 7 works.
Michaela: 👍🏿
Sophie: Franchaela not being all over each other is making me feel weird.
Simon: Are we sure they aren’t fighting?
Kate: They are pretty open about fighting.
Pen: Colin is asking us to step in.
Pen: He says they are in way over their head.
Gareth: What are they even arguing about?
Michaela: Nothing.
Kate: Nothing?
Kate: We usually want to separate you two.
Michaela: We’re fine.
Michaela: Still very much in love.
Michaela: Just not all over each other.
Kate: Why not?
Michaela: 🤷🏿♀️
Michaela: Relationships go through ebbs and flows. Nothing to be worried about.
Lucy: You just Doctor’d us.
Michaela: Tell your Bridgertons all is well.
Sophie: Normally I would not be soothed by that.
Kate: I know.
Simon: I’m very soothed.
Simon: It’s weird.
Kate: SHE’S PREGNANT!
Michaela: She’s pregnant.
Cressida: 🎉
Kate: Congrats!
Michaela: Thanks.
Lucy: So happy for you both!
Sophie: How did you keep that a secret?
Michaela: We found out literally the day before we left.
Michaela: Not too hard.
Pen: I’m stuck in the group hug. Help.
Gareth: I’m coming.
Simon: Congratulations.
Michaela: Thank you.
Cressida: She’s so relaxed.
Michaela: The hormones aren’t attacking her.
Gareth: Lucky you.
Simon: Just did a bit of math.
Simon: We’re up to four new grandkids next year.
Simon: The chaos is going to intensify.
Lucy: Oh no.
Pen: It’s been fine so far.
Sophie: Agreed.
Kate: I take all my hormones out on Anthony who seems to want it that way.
Michaela: He would.
Kate: Don’t.
Kate: It’s not contagious, Simon.
Simon: I was really thinking all the events.
Gareth: Celebrating Fran.
Gareth: Violet’s wedding.
Gareth: Four births.
Gareth: Christmas next year is going to be a mess.
Michaela: Maybe we can have a relaxed 2025.
Lucy: Michaela?
Michaela: I don't know why I said that.
Kate: Mic. Do you want a girl?
Kate: I want more girls.
Gareth: We need more girls.
Pen: Oh I hope so. I’m the only baby girl this time.
Michaela: Fran just wants a healthy baby.
Michaela: But I have a tiny bit of hope for a girl.
Lucy: Awww.
Sophie: Fingers crossed.
Simon: She’s not trying to mount you every five minutes unlike with Andrew.
Simon: So there is a chance.
Cressida: Baby Girl Stirling. 🙂
Michaela: You all are just trying to give me more hope.
Michaela: It’s working.
Pen: Good.
Pen: Did any one besides Simon bring Santa gifts?
Sophie: No. He’s 1.
Michaela: Just a few.
Gareth: Hy thought about it but it seemed silly.
Kate: Yes.
Kate: Santa freaks Neddy out but Anthony doesn’t want him to be left out.
Pen: Would you be willing to help Colin with ours?
Simon: Of course.
Pen: Thank you!
Sophie: Okay, Ben bought stuff without me.
Kate: I’ll tell Anthony to take him with.
Sophie: Thank you!
Simon: Augie is awake.
Kate: It’s 4 AM.
Simon: I know.
Simon: Just giving you a taste of your future.
Michaela: 🖕🏿
Pen: Colin is too excited.
Cressida: It’s 6 AM.
Pen: I hear El.
Cressida: I already told her to be quiet.
Cressida: She helped Colin pick the surprise Santa gift.
Pen: Oh…
Cressida: Yeah, I’m worried too.
Michaela: Are we doing this or what?
Michaela: Never seen so many grownups excited to see babies and toddlers ignore gifts for boxes.
Kate: Are you adding yourself to that?
Michaela: No, because my son is going to love his baby piano.
Sophie: Sure okay.
Kate: I love Anthony so much.
Sophie: You’ve wanted that bag since July.
Kate: He saw me looking at it twice.
Kate: He’s so observant.
Lucy: He’s not observant.
Lucy: He’s obsessed with you.
Kate: I know.
Kate: I love it.
Pen: I can’t believe he got the correct book series AND the correct specialty set.
Pen: Who helped Colin with this?
Cressida: You’re welcome.
Pen: 😘
Gareth: Who bought George Santa gifts?
Kate: Anthony and Daphne.
Gareth: 😭
Cressida: Thank you Pen.
Pen: 😘
Michaela: THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE!!!
Pen: I can’t believe you are this happy over a Lego set.
Michaela: Cover my child’s eyes.
Michaela: I have to thank his beautiful genius of a mother.
Kate: NO!
Kate: Stop moving near her.
Simon: We are innocent as well.
Pen: I will watch him later for you if you want to express your gratitude.
Michaela: Make sure you are all away from our side of the house.
Cressida: 🤮
Sophie: Okay, can’t complain about all the pictures we took over the years.
Sophie: Violet’s gift is beautiful.
Kate: Agreed.
Gareth: We’re going to put the picture of just us with Nana in George’s room.
Cressida: Awww.
Simon: This may be one of the best days of my life as well.
Sophie: Are those the very expensive noise-canceling headphones you’ve been talking about?
Simon: The very same.
Simon: Daphne knows I wanted them but was reluctant to use them.
Kate: Wow. Just permitting you to check out.
Simon: I love her so much.
Sophie: The alphabets are smiling at Marcus.
Kate: Oh wow.
Lucy: We did it team!
Gareth: 2021 wasn’t bad either.
Gareth: is it the epidemics?
Pen: You have a theory, Gareth.
Kate: Was buying Thomas a motorized cart smart?
Simon: Considering he has driven into my ankles three times, no.
Pen: I would have vetoed it if I knew.
Cressida: Same.
Lucy: I think they found our temporary basement setup.
Pen: I can confirm that they did.
Pen: They are interrogating each other.
Simon: We will never know peace.
Kate: We signed up for this.
Simon: We did.
Cressida: Who cleaned up the faux basement?
Cressida: El is yelling at Colin for wasting her time.
Michaela: You’re welcome.
Sophie: I thought you were expressing gratitude.
Michaela: Hydration break lead to checking phones.
Michaela: Everything is in my car. I’ll give it back in London.
Michaela: How’s my lad?
Pen: Maybe missing you?
Pen: I can’t tell.
Sophie: He misses you.
Michaela: Aww.
Michaela: We’re on our way.
Gareth: Did everyone get home okay?
Lucy: We’re home.
Kate: We’re lost again.
Sophie: Same.
Simon: Why didn’t they reverse Michaela’s directions?
Kate: Why are you asking questions you know the answer to?
Simon: You’re right.
Pen: We’re home.
Pen: Thomas is driving into Colin’s ankles now.
Simon: Good.
Cressida: Currently in a caravan with Sophie and Kate as we drive out.
Kate: Fran is guiding us on speaker phone.
Lucy: Ben can’t choose the location next year.
Sophie: He won’t want to.
Michaela: Did we ever pin down New Year's?
Simon: …no.
Sophie: Does that count as Christmas planning?
Kate: According to Daphne, no.
Kate: But to Anthony, yes.
Simon: Not it.
Pen: I don’t think you get to make that decision.
Simon: You’re coming here.
Michaela: Sorry pal.
Gareth: Daph is harassing me about goals for 2025.
Simon: Yeah. Feel free to be vague.
Gareth: 👍🏿
Kate: Goals for the new year aren’t a bad idea.
Pen: Four of us are having children.
Pen: We already have goals.
Kate: Non child-related goals.
Sophie: I don’t want to do that.
Kate: Isn’t it good for mental health?
Kate: Michaela!
Michaela: I mean. It can be.
Michaela: But this family is going to get weird if we also do goals.
Kate: How?
Michaela: “Who is supporting their spouse the most in their goals?”
Pen: “Which spouse has the best goal?”
Lucy: “Which couple has the best goals?”
Cressida: “Which couple did the most goals?”
Kate: You’re ruining my vision here.
Kate: I was thinking we all have great goals and crush them.
Sophie: Not all of us flirt with our husbands and wives with competition.
Simon: If we all sincerely have 2025 goals, outside of raising healthy and happy children and loving our Bridgerton, I’m game.
Cressida: I want to write a book next year so that’s my goal.
Michaela: Admirable goal. Always here to help.
Cressida: 🥰
Simon: I would like to learn more about my mother.
Sophie: Oh. Didn’t know that could be a goal.
Kate: Twin goals for you two?
Sophie: If Simon is okay with it.
Simon: Would love it and be honored.
Sophie: 🥰
Pen: Branch out into mysteries.
Lucy: Is your publisher okay with this?
Pen: Probably not but I need a challenge.
Gareth: Love it.
Lucy: Gareth and I just agreed to the half marathon with Greg.
Kate: Yay!
Kate: Can I add you two to the run chat?
Gareth: Please!
Kate: Michaela?
Michaela: I’m doing a triathlon.
Michaela: Kathani?
Kate: That sounds like an interesting challenge.
Michaela: I’ll send you the details.
Michaela: It’s next Fall. Post book release.
Michaela: Post baby for both of us.
Kate: I see.
Kate: May I ask you a question?
Michaela: Drew and I are on our way.
Kate: We’re doing a triathlon.
Michaela: Are we telling the alphabets about this?
Kate: Simon?
Simon: My gut says no.
Simon: But they will find out anyway so why not.
Sophie: We should have waited.
Kate: Yeah.
Pen: Why did we agree to keep the babies awake?
Sophie: Who is we? Charlie is bunking with Andrew in Caro’s room.
Gareth: Yeah, that was reckless of you supposed seasoned vets.
Gareth: Georgie is currently in the guest room.
Kate: Simon, are all of your three asleep?
Simon: Yes.
Simon: I put my foot down on that.
Simon: They’re all awful if they’re tired.
Kate: Neddy is nodding off.
Kate: Who should say something so they don’t complain?
Sophie: I already let it slip to Violet.
Lucy: WAKE UP.
Kate: Is it time?
Lucy: 5 minutes.
Michaela: Thank you Lucy.
Lucy: Of course.
Pen: How is El asleep in this noise?
Cressida: She stayed up talking with Ben all night.
Sophie: Yeah, they both are asleep.
Simon: Let them sleep. It’ll be funnier.
Kate: Simon Hastings Basset!
Simon: I’m just leaning into the chaos.
Gareth: Just want to say it’s been a hell of a year. I love you all.
Lucy: We love you too, Dad.
Cressida: I love you all. You are the family I was asking for as a kid.
Sophie: You are the best family a girl can have. Love you guys.
Michaela: Love you all.
Pen: I love you all so much.
Simon: Love you.
Kate: I love all of you as well.
Kate: But I do hate Gareth for making us get emotional like this.
Michaela: Us?
Michaela: You are the only one crying.
Kate: I’m pregnant.
Pen: So am I and I’m not crying.
Sophie: Let’s not make fun of Kate.
Sophie: My pregnancy may make me cry.
Kate: Hey.
Michaela: I thought that teasing was your love language.
Simon: That’s only for Anthony.
Michaela: I forgot. He is into that.
Kate: Stop!
Cressida: Shit, I just woke up El.
Pen: Somehow, despite always being late in the past year. We’re here first.
Pen: Where is everyone?
Kate: Neddy slept in.
Kate: We didn’t want to waste the alone time.
Kate: Give us 10.
Simon: We’re coming in the door now.
Pen: I just heard Bel’s squeal.
Gareth: So leaving with a baby is hard.
Gareth: We are about 5 minutes away.
Sophie: Ben is parking now.
Sophie: I would love to make this once a month.
Pen: Never going to happen.
Cressida: We’re picking up Greg and Lucy.
Pen: Right now?
Lucy: Sorry.
Pen: It’s 9:45!
Cressida: El is driving. We’ll make it.
Pen: Michaela!
Michaela: We’re having brunch?
Kate: YES
Michaela: Fran told me we weren’t.
Pen: We are.
Michaela: I guess we’re on our way.
Simon: Violet just asked me why I’m here.
Kate: Are we not having brunch?
Michaela: We better be.
Michaela: We just left the house.
Kate: Pen?
Pen: The alphabets canceled last night according to Violet.
Michaela: Who told her that?
Pen: El.
Gareth: Did she forget to tell us?
Cressida: Yes.
Cressida: She didn’t even tell me.
Gareth: But they all decided to come anyway?
Sophie: I told you they have to do this every week.
Michaela: Revenge.
Cressida: From Fran?
Kate: From all of us.
Simon: In-Law Revenge.
Cressida: I will let her know.
Cressida: We were so close.
Simon: We need to just give up the dream.
Pen: Agreed.
Michaela: I’m willing to hold a funeral for the idea later.
Gareth: You just want to use the fire pit.
Lucy: So do I.
Kate: Funeral sounds nice.
Sophie: Fine, but when everyone gets here.
Sophie: We’re talking revenge.
Pages Navigation
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 1 Wed 25 Dec 2024 12:29AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 1 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:32AM UTC
Comment Actions
spookylaurel on Chapter 1 Wed 25 Dec 2024 03:33AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 1 Wed 25 Dec 2024 04:30AM UTC
Comment Actions
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 2 Wed 25 Dec 2024 12:37AM UTC
Comment Actions
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 2 Wed 25 Dec 2024 12:37AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 2 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:34AM UTC
Comment Actions
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 3 Wed 25 Dec 2024 12:43AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 3 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:34AM UTC
Comment Actions
RecsBecs on Chapter 3 Thu 26 Dec 2024 04:39PM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 3 Thu 26 Dec 2024 05:44PM UTC
Comment Actions
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 4 Wed 25 Dec 2024 12:51AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 4 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:35AM UTC
Comment Actions
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 5 Wed 25 Dec 2024 12:56AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 5 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:35AM UTC
Comment Actions
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 6 Wed 25 Dec 2024 01:08AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 6 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:36AM UTC
Comment Actions
SpaceBattery on Chapter 7 Tue 24 Dec 2024 09:54PM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:29AM UTC
Comment Actions
ginger_snapped on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 12:37AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:32AM UTC
Comment Actions
getthispolin2 on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 01:06AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:36AM UTC
Comment Actions
getthispolin2 on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:42AM UTC
Comment Actions
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 01:18AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:30AM UTC
Comment Actions
spookylaurel on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 04:23AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 7 Wed 25 Dec 2024 06:30AM UTC
Comment Actions
RecsBecs on Chapter 7 Thu 26 Dec 2024 05:01PM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 7 Thu 26 Dec 2024 05:42PM UTC
Comment Actions
ginger_snapped on Chapter 8 Wed 25 Dec 2024 12:39AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 8 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:37AM UTC
Comment Actions
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 8 Wed 25 Dec 2024 01:32AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 8 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:30AM UTC
Last Edited Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:37AM UTC
Comment Actions
weatherboard_nine on Chapter 9 Wed 25 Dec 2024 01:38AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 9 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:37AM UTC
Comment Actions
Linzey86 on Chapter 9 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:55AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 9 Wed 25 Dec 2024 03:28AM UTC
Comment Actions
spookylaurel on Chapter 9 Wed 25 Dec 2024 04:35AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 9 Wed 25 Dec 2024 06:31AM UTC
Comment Actions
getthispolin2 on Chapter 10 Wed 25 Dec 2024 01:13AM UTC
Comment Actions
KapandherScratchpad on Chapter 10 Wed 25 Dec 2024 02:31AM UTC
Comment Actions
Pages Navigation