Re: Edwards Manor, Hinsdale Illinois

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex: OK Then.... I'll get to work on your blend for today if you fetch Lexi.

[Pockets]

Jessica finds Alexis having just finished diaper duty.

Alexis: Done already?

Jessica: Yes... I learned how to take a hit.

Alexis: Very nice.

Jessica grins.

Jessica: Thank you. Alex wants you to spot me in a salt bath

Alexis: Ooh, you're getting your first one early. Hold on a sec.

She attaches two baby slings to herself and after filling them with babies, holds the other two.

Jessica: You didn't need to do that. I could have helped.

Alexis: No, it's alright. I need to get used to this. Come on, let's get you your bath.

[Cruel Britannia]

When they get up there Alex has ahready run the water to the correct temperature, and is in the process of mixing salts.

[Pockets]

Alexis: So, who are you going to pass down the knowledge of the amazing bath salts to?

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex chuckles looking at the babies who are staring at him curiously

Alex: Whoever wants to learn.

[Pockets]

Alexis: I don't know if they want to learn, or play in the bath.

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex: Hahaha... sorry guys This one is for Aunt Jessica.

[Pockets]

Some baby pouting.

Alexis: If you're finished with mixing the salts, I'll hand baby duty over to you.

[Cruel Britannia]

Alex: No problem.

He takes the babies and gives Lexi a quick peck.

Come on lets let Aunt Jessica have a bath in peace.

Connor and Nicholas look double disappointed.

[Cryonix]

Jayden: Oh, yeah...I was just going to go over my paperwork one more time to make sure I didn't miss anything...and probably pick up some hand pulled noodles on the way home. I know I've been....a little bit of a workaholic lately...

[Pockets]

Alexis: Come on you two, you already ate.

The boys continue to pout as they are taken out of the bathroom. As soon as there are no males around, Jessica strips and sinks into the bath... and is immediately completely relaxed.

[Cruel Britannia]

Ewan: I used to do the same thing when something was bothering me.... used to drive your Auntie crazy...... what's on your mind my son.....?

Alex goes and sits in the big chair downstairs.... where the babies crawl all over him.

[Cryonix]

Jayden: I'm...not sure. It's...just I've always felt like I've always had to just....work harder than most people.

[Cruel Britannia]

Ewan:...... And why do you feel that is?

[Cryonix]

Jayden: I...feel like if I stop....I lose. I don't want to fall behind the others.

[Cruel Britannia]

Ewan puts his arm around Jayden.

Ewan: Come here son.... it isn't a competition you know.... Myself, your aunt, your brothers and sister will always love you just the same no matter what you do.... we're already so prouf of you Jayden, and all we want is for you to be as happy as you can be.

.... Just look at me.... I'm not an old man..... and as much as I loved wrestling, as much as I still could have achieved.... I had done all I wanted to do.... and just wanted to kick back and enjoy being with my family.... enjoying the fruits of my labour.

Success is fine Jayden... but it means nothing if you don't take the time to enjoy it every once in a while.

[Cryonix]

Jayden: I guess...I don't feel like I've achieved all that much yet.

[Cruel Britannia]

Ewan: Jayden..... you're just out of university and you're the assistant to the Prime Minister.... you've achieved more than many achieve in a lifetime..... you're too hard on yourself....

[Cryonix]

Jayden sits back in his seat and undoes his tie...

Jayden: B...but I thought you....when we were younger, I remember something you said to us. "If you're not striving for excellence in all you do...at all times...you won't amount to anything."

[Cruel Britannia]

Ewan: Part of striving for excellence is knowing when you have achieved it son.

[Cryonix]

Jayden: I...suppose....

[Cruel Britannia]

Ewan: What are you afraid of Jayden?

[Cryonix]

Jayden: Losing all of this....losing my drive.

[Cruel Britannia]

Ewan laughs.

Ewan: Why would you lose your drive?

[Cryonix]

Jayden: I don't want to become complacent.

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