Chapter 38 Part 1

The alarm clock begins to go off.
I open my eyes and seen that it was 5:00 in the morning. I'm looking forward for today.

"Sidney get up," I say as I sit in the bed and I place my hands on him to shake him up.

"What what is it?" Sid asks as he turns around with his eyes open.

"It's time to get up, changed, and head for Columbus," I say as I move the covers off of me as I get out of the bed.

I walk over to me closet as I pull a pair of jeans down along with my purple sweater.
Turning around Sidney is unzipping his bag as I watch him pull out a pair of jeans with a blue dress shirt.

"I'm going to change in the bathroom," Sid says as he walks into the bathroom and closes the door.

I place my jean on as I walk over to my dresser.
Opening one of my dresser drawers, I pull out a white tank as I place it on and tuck it into my pants. Then I place my sweater over.

Grabbing my brush, I take down my hair from last night, as I place it half up and half down.

Then I reach over and grab my jewlery box as I open it.
I grab my purple earrings out as I place them in my ears.

Smiling in the mirror, I turn around to see Sidney standing there in his jeans and shirt on with dress shoes on and his hair styled.

"You look nice babe," Sid says as he walks over and kisses me.

"Thank you, you look nice too, so are we ready?"

"I think we are, are we going to get something on the way or just pack snacks?

"We can pack some snacks,"

"Ok, what car are we taking?" Sid asks as we both walk into the kicthen.

"We can take mine since we've been in your too much,"

"Ok babe, so what are we going to take?"

"You go ahead and pick some stuff out cause I bought most of it anyways. I'll get us some water to go. I have coffee packets that we can put in there,"

"Alright,"
I walk over to besides the mircowave as I pull out four waters.

Placing them on the table, I turn and grab the box of coffee packets off of the mircowave.

"You want a bag?" Sid asks as I see him placing my oatmeal cookies and pop tarts into a bag.

"Please," I say as Sid hands me one.
I then place the waters and box into the bag as I picked it up.

"Let's get on the road, what time are we suppose to be there?" Sid asks.

"10 and its 5:30 now," I say.

"Let's head to Columbus,"

He leans over and kisses me.
I walk over to the little countier as I pick up my keys.

"Do you have your keys?" I ask as I walk over to the door.

"I have everything, do you have your ID?" Sid asks.
I walk over and grab my purse off my chair.

"Yes, I do,"
I open the door as I walk out.

" Head down to the car, I'll lock up," Sid says.

"How can you?" I ask.

"I have your spare key,"

"I forgot. I need that back, so I can put it back," I say as I watch Sid lock the door up.

"How about I keep it and I'll be your spare key?" Sid asks.

"Ok," I say smiling.
We both walk down the stairs to the sidewalk to my car.

"You got your keys?" Sid asks as I walk over to the passinger side of the car.
Using my key, I unlock the door.

"It's unlocked," I say as I open the door and get in.

Once I get in, I place the bag as well as my purse on the floor.
Closing the door, I reach back for the seat belt as I buckle up.
Sid gets in as he hands me his bag so I placed it onto the floor.
I watch as he begins the car up and closes his door.

"Everything will be ok," Sid says as he backs out and drives down the complex road then turns right and stops.

I watch as he looks both ways as he turns left towards Pittsburgh.

"Why are we heading towards Pittsburgh?" I ask as he turns left to go over the bumpy road.

"I need to get to Fort Pitt, to get on the right track to Columbus. I looked up a map and I remember it somehow," Sidney says.

"Ok, I really haven't been out of Pittsburgh and I'm not really good with direactions," I say.

"Its ok babe, I know my way to Columbus," Sid says.


Around 20 minutes later, Sidney drives onto another ramp as I see the tunnel.

"It's like we are going to Cannonsburg," I say as we go through the tunnel.

"Yeah but instead of getting off, we keep on driving," Sid says.

"I know," I say as I push him a little but not enough for him to lose control.

"Can you make me one of thoses intsant coffee's?" Sid asks.

"Sure," I say as I find the bag.
Opening the bag, I grab two bottles and two waters.

"It's French Vanilla," I say.

"Its ok, I like French Vanilla," Sid says.

I open one waterbottle as I open the box and pull out a drink mix. I open the drink mix as I pour it in the bottle.
Placing the cap back on, I shake it up really good before I take the cap off and hand it to Sid.

"Thanks Babe," Sid says as I watch him drink it.

"This isn't bad, you have the cap?"
I hand him the cap as he places it back on and places it in between us.

Then I grab my water and did the samething that I did with Sid's.
I take a few sips as I close the bottle and place it between me and Sid.

"So its going to take 3 and a half hours to get to Columbus?" I ask.

"Yeah it is, then 3 and a half to get back as well, so 7 hours of our day is on the road," Sid says.

"I'm nervous, Im so nervous," I say.

"You'll be ok, I'll be there right beside you," Sidney says as he grabs my left hand with his right hand.


2 hours of driving later, the sun is just rising behind us.
Just as I look back in front, a cell phone begins to ring.

"Can you get that? It's in my pocket," Sid says as he lifts his bottom up enough as I grab his cell phone to answer it.

"Hello," I say.

"Who is this?" someone asks.

"Aaylah, who is this?" I ask.

"Hey aaylah, this is Val. Is Sid around?" Val asks.

"Yeah, here Sid," I say as I quickly hand him the phone.

"Hello, hey Val whats up? I can't practice today, I'm outta town for the day. I'm going to Columbus with Aaylah. Yeah I will bye Val," Sid says as he hangs up his phone and places it in the middle with his drink.

"Val wanted to practice?" I ask.

"Yeah, he said he'll call Geno to practice with," Sid says as we pass a city called Zanesville.

"We are like an hour out of Columbus," Sid says as I grab an oatmeal cookie and open the plastic around it to eat it.

"Trying to calm down your nerves?" Sid asks.

"No I'm just hungry," I say as I smile to him as I take a bite.

"Can you hand me a pop-tart but just one?" Sid asks as I lean over and grab a pop-tart and open it. I take one out and hand it to Sid.

"Thank you Babe," Sid says.

"Your welcome," I say.


An hour and a half later, we drive into Columbus with was a smaller town then Pittsburgh. The Burgh is way bigger then this.

"So where do we have to meet the guy at?" Sid asks.

"The Columbus Court House, I think. Let me call him real quick," I say as I grab my phone.
I go to my contacts as I found hid number and dialed it.

"Marcus Alexander, how many I help you?" He asks.

"Hi Marcus this is Aaylah Thomason, I'm meet you at 10 for the will reading for Kimberly and Ryan Addison. I have no idea where I'm suppose to be meeting you at?" I say.

"Where are you Ms.Thomason?" he asks.

"In downtown Columbus," I say.

"Ok, lets see where are you in town?" he asks.

"North High street," I say.

"Well contuine to North High Street then turn on Nationwide Blvd and hop onto 315 from there," he says.

"Ok, then what after 315?"

"Then get off at 270 then contuine on 270 to the Westerville exit with is exit 29. After that go around the turn and head up State Street,"

"Ok,"

"Then at main street turn left and I'm the second how on the left,"

"Ok, thank you Marcus,"

"your welcome Ms.Thomason and when you get here I'll see you,"

"Thank you,"

"See you when you get here,"
I hang up the phone.

"So where are we going?" Sid asks.

"Westerville," I say.

"Ok, did you get directions?," sid asks.

" Yes, Contuine straight then turn left on Nationwide Blvd. Take that to 315 then hop onto that until we hit 270. Take 270 to Westerville. Contuine onto State Street. Take State Street to Main street then turn left. It will be the second house on the left hand side," I say breathing.

"Ok, I think I can remember all ofthat," Sid says as my phone begins to ring.
I lean over into my purse and grab my phone out of it.

"Hello," I say as Sid contuines straight then turns on Nationwide.

"Hey girl its LC, have you made it to Columbus?" LC asks.

"We are in Columbus at the moment but we have to had up to Westerville to get the will reading," I say.

"Ah, that sucks. Well I just wanted to make sure you and my cousin were ok," LC says.

"We are ok, I'll call you once the will is read," I say.

"alright, talk to you later," LC says.

"Bye," I say as I hang up my phone.

"LC?" sid asks, guessing.

"Yep, she wanted to make sure we made it in ok," I say as Sid gets onto the highway.

"I can;t believe she is up, its only 9," Sid says.

"She's been getting up early," I say.

"Ah, I'm glad she had a good birthday yesterday," sid says.

"Me too. When do your family leave for home?" I ask.

"They don't leave until Tuesday. They were suppose to leave tomorrow but they delayed it. Dad and Taylor wanted to see me in an hockey game since they haven't in awhile," Sid says.

"I understand that, I think I have a game on Sunday, so they could come to my game," I say.

"I know Taylor and mom would want to go but dad no," Sid says.

"I know, I just wish your dad could like me. I told him I love you for you. I dont care about the money at all," I say.

"i know what but I dont think he does," Sid says as he reaches over and grabs my hand.

"I love you," I say.

"I love you too babe," Sid says as my phone vibrating.
I open my phone up with my other hand as I recieved a text message.

"Good morning, this is Coach Ginger. We have a practice tomorrow at Mellon Arena before the Penguins game and Sunday is a game at Mellon. Text me back to let me know whats going on."

"Who is that from?" sid asks as I take my other hand away from his.

"Coach Ginger,I have practice tomorrow and game on Sunday," I say as I begin to text her.

"Coach Ginger, I will be at practice and play in the game on Sunday. I'm sorry about missing Wednesdy game, I found out that day I lost my cousin."

I sent it off as I watch Sid merges with another highway.

"I told her I'll be at practice and play in the game on Sunday," I say.

"Good, cause I wouldnt and I know LC wouldnt let you miss the game," Sid says as he grabs my hand again.


A few minutes later, the exits off the highway as we get on to State Street.

"I wonder who far up Main Street is," Sid says as we get stopped by a light.

"No idea," I say as the light turns green as we drive down the road.

"This looks like a busy town," Sid says as we got stopped by another light.

"Yes it is, this is where Kim lived at," I say as it turns green.
I just look around and see everything that was here.


A few minutes later, Sid is taking a left on Main street.

"Where do we park?" Sid asks as we where blocking the road.

"Let's just park on the road," I say as Sid drive the two right tires on the curb and turns off the car.

"You want to hold onto your keys?" Sid asks.

"Sure," I say as he hands me back my keys.

I place them into my purse as well as my cell phone.
Unbuckling I open my car door.

"Your door open Sid?" I ask.

"Yes," Sid says as I hit the lock button.
Getting out of the car, I close the door and walk behind me car as Sid is wating there.

He grabs my hand as we look and cross the street to th building.
Sid lets go of my hand as he lets me walk up the stairs.
Then he opens the door for me.

"Thanks Siddy," I say as I walk into the house.
There was a little waiting room with a sicertary just sitting there.
I walk over to her.

"May I help you?" She asks as she looks at me.

"I have an appointment with Marcus Alexander," I say.

"Whats your name?" she asks.

"Aaylah Thomason," I say.

"I'll be right back," She says as she gets up and walks down the hallways.
"Aaylah, how are you? I'm Marcus Alexander," Marcus says as he walks out.
"I'm nervous as can be," I say.

"It's not a long will," he says.

"Ok, can my boyfriend come back there with me?" I ask.

"I rather not but he can," Marcus says.

"Ok," I say.

"Follow me," Marcus says as I follow him as I knew Sid was behind me.
I follow Marcus into this big office space.

"Take a seat anywhere," Marcus says as I take a sit on the chair in front of the desk as so does Sid.

"Well, you ready?" Marcus asks.

"Yes," I say.

"Ok,"

"Dear Aaylah, if this is being read to you, that means I've passed away. I wanted to let you know I love you and I always will. I'll be watching you from above. I want to give you my car, who you know I love. And I want you to have Alivia. I know she will be raised by you better then Ryan's family. I love you cousin and I hope you have a happy live. Tell alivia her mommy loves her,"
I have tears coming down my eyes as I try and wipe them away.

"Is Alivia alive?" I ask.

"Yes she is and she is upstairs waiting on you," Marcus says.
I thank god that Alivia is alive through all of this

"May I go see her?" i ask.

"Yes, here is Kim's will to you. You may follow me," Marcus says as I grab the piece of paper, get up, and follow him to the upstairs.

"Alivia was brought here early this morning, she was living with foster parents temporary," Marcus says as we walk into a room.

Alivia is in a crib as a woman exits the room.
I walk over to the crib as I look down at Alivia.
She's a miracle child to have survived that crash.

"she belongs to you now, or if you dont want her, she'll return to the foster parents.," Marcus says.

"I want to keep her," I say.

"Alright, we do have a carrier that you can have to carry her and place her in the car," Marcus says.

"Thank you bery much," I say as I shake his hand.

"your welcome Ms.Thomason,"Marcus says.
I just smiled, so glad Alivia is here on this earth.

"She's cute," Sid says.

"Yes she is, let me get her in her car seat and get her out to the car," I say.

"Ok babe," Sid says.

"Marcus i have a question for you real quick," I say.

"Yes," Marcus saus.

"Where is like the nearest Wal-Mart, Target anything like that at?" I ask.

"Well I'll say Polaris. How you get this is contuining to go north, to Maxtown Road. turn a left on maxtown which turns into Polaris Parkway. You go down and you can't miss the mall and everything up there," Marcus says.

"Thank you," I say.

"I need you to sign this stating that you have read the will. then sign this one for legal guidrenship for alivia," Marcus says.

"Ok," I say as I turn away from Alivia and walk over to the table where Marcus is at.
Both papers were on the table as I take the pen and sign both of them.

"Thank you Ms.Thomason, I wish you a safe drive back to Pittsburgh with Alivia," Marucs says.

"Thank you for your time Marcus," I say as I skate his hand.

"Your welcome, nice to see you too Sidney,"Marcus says.

"You too," sid says.

"You remember your way out?" Marcus asks.

"No, let me get Ms.Alivia in her carrier," I say as I walk back over to the crib.

"Sid can you give me the carrier?" i ask.

"Sure babe," sid says.
I reach down onto the crib and pick Alivia up as she begins to cry.

"Shh," I say as I rock her in my arms.
I turn around to see Sid there with the carrier.

"I'm going to carry her out," i say.

"Ok, if you are ready, you can follow me," Marcus says.

I get behind following Marcus as I try and calm down Alivia the best way I can.

"Have a safe drive back," Marcus says as we reach the waiting area.

"Have a gret day," I say as I watch Sid get ahead of me and open the door for me with baby carrier and all.

"Thank you," I say as I walk out of the building.

"Was it that bad?"Sid asks as he gets beside me as he walk to the curb of the road.

"It was bad but I'm glad this little one is here on the earth," I say as I look both ways and cross the road to the car.

"I'm glad she is here too. I'm glad your not nervous anymore," Sid says as he sets the baby carrier on the back of the car.

"Reach in my purse and grab the keys," I say.

"That's what i'm planning to do," Sid says as I fellt his hand go onto my purse cause it moves my shoulder.

I watch grab them and walks over to the passinger side and unlocks the door.

"You want to hold Alivia and I'll put in the seat?" I ask.

"Yeah I'll hold her," Sid says as I gently place a crying Alivia in Sid's arms as I grab the carrier and place it on the middle of the car.

I place it backwards, so if anything happens she will be ok. I use the seatbelt and sesure it in place.

"Ok, Ready Ms.alivia?" I ask as I turn around.
Alivia fell asleep in Sid's arms.

"Why don't you put her in the seat," I say as I move so Sid could get in the car.
I watch from the back as I watch him gently place Alivia in and buckle her up.
Sid then closes the door.

"Ready to go?" Sid asks.

"Yeah, we need to stop somewhere to get baby supplies for the trip back to Sewickley," I say as Sid walks over to the driver side of the car.

"I agree," Sid says as I open my door and get in.

Closing the door, I buckle up and place my purse on the floor as I watch Sid close his door and begin up the car.

"Remember where he said there was a Target?" I ask as he places the car in drive and turns in a driveway.
Reverseing out, he heads out for the light.

"Yeah I do," Sid says.
I grab my purse as I pull out my phone.

"I'm going to call LC," I say as I dial the number.

"Hey Aaylah, what happened?" LC asks as I remembered the will paper was in my back pocket.

"Well I own a new 2006 Toyota Camery from the will," I say.

"Anything else?" LC asks.

"I have Alivia, she is alive," I say.

"Aww, I'm glad she is alive and coming here. She'll be loved extra here," LC says.

"Yes she will. We are heading for a Target then heading home," I say.

"I understand that, well I'll let you go," LC says as I watch Sid turn the car left onto Polaris.

"Ok, I'll call you once we are on the road," I say.

"Ok bye,"
I hang up the phone.

"She is excited, Alivia is going to have so much love going around," I say.

"Yeah she will," sid says.
I didn't hear any crying coming out of Alivia, she must be asleep.

"I'm glad to see your smiling," Sid says as he grabs my hand.
I was totally different from this morning.

"I'm glad I'm happy too," I say.

Just as I say that a cell phone to began to ring and as it does I hear Alivia beginning to cry.

"Geez," I say as I lean over to grab my ringing cell phone and answer it quickly not to wake up Alivia.

"Hello," I say.

"Hey Aaylah, its Nicole," Nicole says.

"Hey Nic, how are you? Did you like skating?" I ask as Sid stops at yet again another light.

"I'm doing great and yes I did have fun. How are you?" Nicole asks.

"I'm in Ohio, my cousin passed away a few days ago. I had to be here for her will reading since I'm her only family member left, like myself," I say.

"Aww I'm sorry to hear about that. How did that go or has it happened?" Nicole asks.
"It has already happened. I own a 2006 Toyota Camary and I'm very faithful. I have full guardian ship over my second cousin Alivia. She was in the crash with her parents," I say.

"Oh my god, I'm even fatihful for that. So she is coming with you to Pittsburgh?" Nicole asks.

"Yes she is, I have to get a few things for her before we leave Ohio then once we get there got to get alot more things," I say.

"I agree, is Sidney with you?" Nicole asks.

"Yeah he is, he missed practice to come here with me," I say.

"He must be a great boyfriend," Nicole says.

"That he is, so whats up in the Burgh?" I ask.

"Nothing really, I'm actually out with Vero and Vette at the mall. They are looking at dresses," Nicole says.

"Vette in a dress? I'll like to see that one," I say.

"I'll send you a picture," Nicole says.

"Good, so hows Jordan?" I ask.

"I went with him to practice today. I asked him where Sid was and he didnt know," Nicole says.

"Ah I knew Kris and Val knew cause I talked to Val this morning," I say.

"You wanna talk to Vette while she is standing beside me?" Nicole asks as Sid pulls into the Target parking lot.

"I'll call her cell, I'm at Target so I gotta let you go," I say.

"Alright I'll let you know. See you when I see you," Nicole says.

"Bye Nic," I say as I hang up the phone.

Sid turn off the car and opens her door.

"What did Whit's sister want?" Sid asks as unbuckle, open my door, and get out with my purse in hand.

"Just to talk for a bit," I say as I close my door and open the back door.

I unbuckle Alivia as I gently pull out the carrier as I close the door with my butt.
"We are going to need a buggy," Sid says as we look both ways as we cross the road to the enternce of the building and walk in.

"Yes we are. We are going to get a few things for the road, then I will get more once we get to Pittsburgh," I say as I watch Sid grab a buggy.

"Thank you Sid," I say as I place the carrier on the top.

"Your welcome babe," Sid says as we begin walking around the store.

Sid is keeping his distance behind me cause a few fans have regonzied him.
I found the baby alise as I walk down it.
I had no idea what I needed, I know I needed diapers, bottles, and formula.

Walking up and down the alise, I pick up a pack of diapers for 4 month olds and a clear plastic bay bottle.

Turning around, I head for the food area as I see Sidney following me.
Walking down the food alise, I stop in front of the baby formula.

"I'm sorry about that," Sid says as he stops beside me.

"It's ok Sid, I'm almost done. All I have to get is formula and milk. Can you go pick me up a thing of milk?," I ask as I pick up a good start.

"What kinda?" Sid asks.

"Vitimain D but only a small size. We might need ice," I say.

"I would agree," Sid says.

"I'll go find a cooler," I say.

"We can go together," Sid says as I follow him to the milk.

"Ok Sid," I say as I watch Sid pick up a half gallon of milk and places it into the buggy.

Then we walk out of the food alise as we head the way to the back of the store.
Sid places his hand on the buggy.

"Let me push babe," Sid says.
I stop as I let him push the buggy.

I walked along side the buggy as I look at a sleeping Alivia.
We walked onto the other side of the store as we walked down an alise as I see coolers.

"Should we get a small one?" I ask as I walk over to them.

"Yeah probably," Sid says.
I pick up a small pink one as I place it into the buggy as Alivia begins to cry.
"Shh its ok," I say as I get by the buggy.

I unbuckle her from it as I pull her out and hold her in my arms.

"Shh baby girl," I say as I walk out of the alise.

"Let's get out of here Sid, we are done," I say as I begin walking up to the front with Alivia screaming and crying.
I carry her as the crying dies down and I step into a enpty lane.

"Aww cute baby," The lady at the register says.

"Thank you," I say as Sid comes up and begins to play the items on the belt.

"You going on a trip?" she asks as she rings up the items.

"We are heading back home to Pittsburgh, we just came here to pick up this little one," I say as I watch her bag.

"Aww, whats her name?" she asks as she rings up the last item.

"Alivia," I say.

I think I want to change her name to Autumn.
Autumn Alivia Addison

"Cute name, you total comes to 38.71 today," She says.

"I'll pay," Sid says as he moves the buggy behind me and places the bags in them.
"Ok," she says.

I watch as Sid pulls out his wallet.
I walk over to the other side of him as he pulls out 40 dollars and hands it to the cashier.

"Thank you and come back," she says as I watch as she hands Sid his change back.

"Thank you," Sid says as he begins to push the buggy as I follow behind him with Alivia in my arms.

I follow Sid out of the Target as I get beside him.
Alivia has calmed down in my arms as we walk to my car.

Once we reaches the car, I watched as Sid goes around to unlock the doors.
I place Alivia back into her carseat and buckle her in.
I watch as Sid comes back over and open the back door.

"Thank you," I say as I pull the carrier off the buggy.

I turn it so Alivia was facing me this time so I could reach her.
I knew I wasn't suppose to do this but I had to pay attention to her.
I buckle her and and close the door.

"I already put the milk in the bag, so we need the bottle and formula out," Sid says.

"Yes we do, I'll take them," I say as Sidney empties the contents of the buggy in my arms as I walk over and open the door.

Placing them on the floor, I open a bottle as I read the formula and follow the instructions.
After mixing it, I exit the passinger side of the car as I close the door.

"Sid we can go ahead and get on the road, I'm going to stay back here and feed Alivia. Once she is done and we are at an exit, I'll move up front," I say as I get in the passinger side back seat.

"Ok babe, sounds good,"Sid says as he shuts the door.
I place the bottle into Alivia's mouth as she begins to suck on it.
Thank goodness she is sucking.

I feel as the car begins to drive as I still have the bottle in Alivia's mouth.

"I need GPS, I have no idea where we are," Sid says .

"doesn't your phone have GPS?" I ask as Sid gets onto the road.

"Yeah but I can work it," Sid says.

"Hand it to me," I say as I lift my head up to see Sid hand me his phone.

"I hope you can get it working," Sid says.
Sid knew how to get to Columbus but we are north of Columbus and have no idea where we are.

I tap his phone as I tap the GPS symbol.
It shows where we are so, I type in my address into it.
As I hit enter it pops up.

"Here Siddy," I say as I hand him his phone back.

"Thanks babe, so looks like we take this exit," Sid says as he gets onto the highway.
I look at Alivia as she is almost done with her bottle.

"You must be hungry little one," I say.

I have no idea how im going to burp her, but i unbuckle her out of her seat as I place her over my shoulder without a baby rag on my shoulder.
I pat her back to make sure she gets all the bubbles out of her. Once I pat her a second time, she threw up all over me.

"Ok, I think we are safe," I say as I place Alivia back into her seat and buckle her up.

"Did she throw up on you?" Sidney asks.

"Yeah she did," I say.

"Do you want to get off and get you a new shirt?" Sid asks.

"That might be a good idea," I say.

"I'm going to get off of here," Sid says as I watch him go get off and got onto another highway.

"Where are we going?" I ask.

"Looks like we are heading back to Westerville,"Sid says as I watch him take the Westerville exit.

"Go straight to the light and see if anything is to the left," I say.

"Ok," Sid says as he goes straight to the light and turns left.
I keep my eyes on Alivia.

"There is a Family Dollar, do you want to stop in there?" Sid asks.

"Yeah," I say as I watch as Sidney turns left and drives up.

He parks into a parking place right in front of the building.

"Can you stay out here with Autumn?" I ask.

"Autumn?" Sid asks.

"Her new name," I say.

"I'll stay out here," Sid says as I open the door and walk into the store.
I walk straight over to the shirts as I look around.

Walking over to the sweaters, I see a ssweater that was black with fluffy long sleeves.
I grab it as I make my way to the fron countier.

"Did you find everything ok? Do you need to change out of your sweater for this one?" The cashier asks.

"Please," I say.

"Why don't you go changge into it now and I'll ring you up after," She says.

"Ok, where is the bathroom at?" I ask.

"In the back, go pass the back door and its on your right side," she says.

"Thank you," I say as I walk to the back of the building as I open the back door and walk into the bathroom.

Once in the bathroom, I close the door as I strip out of my sweater and get into the new one.
Opening the door, I walk out and head back up front to the cashier.

"Here you can place your sweater in this bag," She says as she places a bag out to me.

I place my sweater into the bag.

"Thank you, so how much do I own you?" I ask.

"3:30," She says.

I reached into my back pocket as I grab my five dollars out and hand it to her.
If it was more then 4 I would have to go out to the car.

"Here is your change and I hope that doesnt happen to you," she says.

"Thank you," I say as I walk out of the door.

I place the change into my back pocket as I walk to the passinger side of the car as I thought about where Kim lived at.
I open the door and get in.

"You look good in that shirt babe," Sid says as I close the door shut.

"Thanks, hey do you think we can go to Kim's house?" I ask.

"Do you remember where it is?" Sid asks as he began the car back up.

"I think so, pull out of here and go to the right then turn left down this little path road," I say.

"Ok," Sidney says as he backs out of the parking space as I look back to Autumn who was sleeping soundly.
I turn around as Sid goes up the side road.

"When I get to the end, which way do I turn?" Sid asks.

"To the left, then I believe the only road on your right, you turn down," I say.
I really couldnt remember but I had a good idea.

When I was here last, Kim showed me the whole town and we went to that Family Dollar alot.

i watch as Sid turns left down the street, then turns right onto the road.

"Turn right up here," I say as Sidney turns right onto the road.

"Is it too much farther?" Sid asks as he he turns his wheel.

"I dont believe so," I say.
Sidney contuines down the road as he drives to the stop sign.

"Turn right then left," I say as I watch Sid hit his sign on as he turns down the road to the end of the road.
He then stops and places his left blinker on.

"Is there anything coming down that way?" Sid asks.
I look to my right.

"No there is not," I say as Turns to the left.

Right then and there I see Ryan's and Kim's dark red house with the white trim below it.

"It's right there," I say as I point to it.

"The red one?" Sid asks.

"Yeah," I say.
The closer we got the closer I could see Kim's Toyota in the road, parked.

"Do you want to pull up in the driveway?" Sid asks.

"Yes, I want to get out," I say as Sid pulls into the small driveway and parks.

Opening my door, I get out of the car and close my door.
I open the back door as I crawl in there to Autumn sleeping. I didnt want to wake her up.

I crawl back out of the car as Sid stands there.

"Sid, can you watch Autumn?" I ask.

"You want to go walking by yourself?" Sid asks.

"Yes," I say.

"Go ahead babe,"

I walk up the steps of the house as I reach the front door.
Opening the mail box, I reach in and grab all the mail as I close the mail box.
I then walk off the front step as I walk over to the last flower pot in front of the house as I left it up and grab the key that is underneath it.
Walking back over to the porch, I open the screen door and use the key to unlock the door.

Stepping into the house, you couldn't hear anything but the dead silence.
Tears were already coming down my face as I head up the stairs, to my left you can see baby things all over to the carpet as on the couchs you could see pillows everywhere.

Walking in, I grab a little bear off the couch and looking at it. I could tell Kim and Ryan both have bought this for Alivia.

I hold it against as I walk of that room and walk into the kicthen.
It was a mess with food on the countier and on the kicthen table. It must have been difficult on both of them to have Autumn join the family.

I thought they were good with Autumn when I was here for that week. The week Autumn was born on, I came into town with Ryan driving me.

Going over to the key rack, I pull of Kim's set of keys off the hook. I knew I might need theses.
Walking out of the kicthen, I head down the hall to the first on the left, which was clean.

The room has a computer, desk, TV, and a bed in here. This was Ryan's work room.
Walking more down the hall, I walk into the second room on the left to see pink covering every inch of the walls. This is or was Autumns room.
A crib is on one corner of the room as a rocking chair was in another corner of the room. Stuff Animals in a basket up in another corner in her room.
I walk over to her crib was I grab a pink blanket with her intitals AAA. Alivia Allison Addison.

I carry that in my arm as I walk out of her room and go across the hall to the master bedroom.
Sheets are moved around and pillows are everywhere with Autumn's bassinet beside the left side of the bed.
Walking out of that room I head back into the living room and head down the stairs to the front door.

Walking out the front door, I close the door and lock it up.
I watch as Sidney gets out of the car and walk up a few steps to me.

"You ok?" Sid asks.
I just wrap one arm around him as he hugs me.

"Let's head home," I say as we walk down the stairs.

I walk over to the back seat of the car as I climb right on it.
Placing the teddy bear on the seat, I use the pink cover to cover up Autumn as I place the bear at the bottom.

"I love you," I say as I kiss her forehead and climb out of the car.
Closing the door, I open the passinger side door and get in.

Once getting in, I grab the door and slam it shut.
I reach behind me as I grab the seat belt and buckle up.

"You ready?" Sid asks.

"Yes I am, let's get outta here," I say as Sid backs of the driveway and turns the wheel.

"You leaving the Toyota here?" Sid asks as he stops in the middle of the circle.

"I can't drive it knowing Kim was in it," I say.

"Do you want me to drive it home?" Sid asks.

I didn't know if I wanted to take the Toyota back to Pittsburgh, I didn't know if I could even drive it whenever I'm back at home. Maybe LC needs it since she only has that sports car without a top on it. Maybe Nicole needed a car so she didnt have to depend on Ryan anymore.

"If you wouldn't mind. Thank you for reminded me," I say.

"Did you get the keys?" Sid asks as he drives back into the small driveway.

"Yes I did," I say as I grab the keys from out of my pocket and hand them to Sid.

"You want me to lead?" Sid asks as he opens the door.

"You have the GPS on your phone," I say as I open my door, unbuckle and get out of the car.
I go around back as I hug and kiss Sid.

"Keep your cell near you, call me if you lost sight of me," Sid says.

"Ok, don't leave until I back up," I say.

"Alright, I will do," Sid says as I walk over to the drive seat and climb into the car.

Closing the door, I lean over the middle as I grab my purse.
Opening my purse up, I grab my cell and place it in a cup holder.
Grabbing my seat belt, I buckle up.

"You ready to head home Autumn?" I ask as I place the car in reverse as I back out of the driveway into the circle.

I watch as Sid places his arm out the window with a thumbs up.
Rolling down my window, I give him the thumbs up.
I watch as he turns the car as I place my car in drive and follow him.
I roll my window up as my phone starts to virbrating.

Grabbing it, I open it up and set it on my lap.

"Hello," I say.

"Hey babe, we go to the end of this road and turn a left. Go down a little ways and merge onto 270 heading south. Then we take another exit off onto 70. Then we are home free for Sewickley," Sid says.

"Alright," I say.

"Ok, I love you," Sid says.

"I love you too," I say.

I close the phone as I stop at the stop light, right behind Sid.
On the back bummer of the car where was a Columbus Blue Jackets sticker as well as a Penguins sticker.

On the window there was a stick family, a dad, a mom, and a baby in a baby carrier.
Tears are now coming down from my eyes because Autumn will never know who are parents are in person. Ryan and Kim were good parents and I know Autumn would have loved them.

As the light turns green, I turn to the right and follow Sid.
I follow him as we get onto the freeway.

"Hang on baby girl," I say to autumn who I know who is in a baby carrier.

Just as I turn onto the higway, my phone goes off.
Using my right hand, I grab and opened my phone as i place my other hand back onto the steering wheel.

"Hello," I say.

"Hey Aaylah,"
I knew it was Vette.

"Hey Vette, howis it going?" I ask.

"Just got home from shopping, so I heard from a little birdy that your bringing a baby home," Vette says.

"Yes I am," I say.

"You wren't going to call me and tell me?"

"I lost track of time, I'm heading home now,"

"Are you driving cause I can't hear your voice fully,"

"Yes I'm driving,"

"Sidney why you letting her drive?"

"Vette he isn't with me,"

"Your leaving him?"

"No, he is driving another car home. I got it in the will,"

"Oh, well call me when you get home," Vette says.

"Bye Vette," I say as I flip my phone shut.

I stand as in the same lane as Sidney as we merge and get on I-70 east.
Then the phone rings
I quickly flip it open

"Hello," I say.

"Hey, how is the driving?" Sid asks.

"It's going good, Talked with Vette a few minutes ago. Nicole told her about Autumn,"

"Oh cool, I would thought LC would've called you,"

"Nope, she hasn't called me yet,"

"She'll call here knowing her, I got my mom on the other line, I'll talk to you soon,"

"Alright. Bye,"

I use my hand and close the phone just as Autumn begins to cry.

"Shh Autumn," I say as I take the next exit off of 70 and stop at a red light.

Quickly, I grab my phone, open it and dials number 1, which is to Sid's phone.

"Hey babe, I'm still on the other line with my mom. Anything wrong?"

"I just exited off and going to a parking lot to deal with Autumn,"

"Oh ok, want me to get off or want me to keep going? I can pull off on the side of the road,"

"Yeah, do that just incase something happens to my car,"

"Alright I'm pulled over, tend to Autumn and I'll see you in a bit,"

"Thanks, love you,"

"Love you too,"

I flip the phone back as I pull into a parking lot and shut the car off.
Placing the phone in the middle, I open the door and close it as I open the backdoor right behind me.

Autumn is still crying.

"Shh it's ok baby girl," I say as I unbuckle her and pick her up.

Cradling her in my arms, I get out of the car as I begin walking around, rocking her.

"Shh it's fine sweetie. I've got you. Yes I do," I say as I kiss her forehead as I walk slowly back to the car as her crying has calmed down.

I know she hates being in that care seat cause I would hate it too but this is the only way she is going to get to Pittsburgh.

Opening the back door very carefully, I cradle Autumn in my arms as I place her back into her car seat.

I put the belts back over her as I look at her. Her mom and dad would never know what she'll looked like but I know.

I gently close the door as I open the driver side door and get into the car.
closing the door quietly, I reach back and grab my seatbelt to put it on.
Then I turn on the car as I shift it into drive as I begin out of the parking lot.
I stopped at the light as I look as which way I needed to go and there was an arrow pointing straight to the higway, so as soon as it turned green I place my foot on the pedal as I drive forward to the highway.

Getting back onto the highway, I grab my phone and open it.

"One," I say as I hear the phone dialing.

"Hey, you on your way?" Sid asks.

"Yes I'm back on the road, just look for my car to come wizzing by," I say

"Alright I will, drive safe babe,"

"You too Sid," I say as I hang up the phone as I come to where I see the car Sid is driving off of the road.

I just wizz by him as contuine my way leading the way.



3 Hours later...


I drive through the Fort Pitt tunnel as Pittsburgh emerges.

"We are finally here Autumn," I say as I take the ramp that will take me to Sewickley.

Just as I do that, my phone begins to ring.
I grab it out of one of the cup holders as I open it.

"Hello," I say as I place my hand back onto the wheel.

"We are finally in Pittsburgh," Sid says.

"Yeah, I was just telling Autumn that. How was your trip in?" I ask.

"It went well, how about your's with Autumn?"

"She has been sleeping ever since we left Columbus,"

"Thats good, where do you want me to park this car at?"

"You can park it on the other side of your car, the left side since the right side is my normal parking place,"

"Alright, I bet LC and all of them are over at the apartment,"

"I bet that too since everyone knows,"

"Yeah, ain't that the truth,"

"I'm going to let you go, see you at the apartment,"

"Alright Sid, I love you,"

"I love you too babe,"

I use my hand to close and toss my phone into the seat beside me just as Autumn begins to cry.

"We are almost home Autumn," I say.


15 minutes later, I turn right into the complex then I turn a left to head down to my apartment building.

Just as I come up to it I seen like 3 cars parked outside of the building as I knew a few people were in my apartment.

Turning my wheel right, I park in my car in my normal car as I turn off the car.
I unbuckle as I open my door to get out.

Grabbing my keys I get out of the car as I close the door.

"You need help?" Sid asks as I turn my head to him.

"Please, can you go around to the other side and get my purse and cell phone?" I ask.

"Sure babe," Sid says as he kisses my forehead.
I place my keys into my pocket as I open the back seat to climb in to a crying Autumn.

"Shh baby, we are home," I say as I unbuckle her car seat as I pulll her out to her crying loudly.

I close the door as I place the carrier on the back of the car as Sid s walks there.

"Can you carry her baby carrier? I need to pick her up," I say.

"Sure babe," Sid says

I unbuckle her from the carrier as I gently pick her up into my arms.
Crying and screaming.

"It's ok Autumn," I say as I watch Sid grab the carrier.

"Go ahead I'm right behind you," Sid says.

I walk in between mine and Sid's car as I make my way up the stairs to the door to my apartment.

"Let me get the door," Sid says as he sets down the carrier as he takes his hands as he grabs his keys.

He places the key in unlocking the door.
Sid then opens to hear everyone say surprise.

"Wow," I says as Sid opens the door up for me.
I walk in.

"You guys need to be quiet," I say.

"Let me show you what me, Vette, and some of the other girls got you," LC says.

"Do I even want to know," I say as I follow her back to my room where sits a bassinet right beside my bed. It has the Penguins logo all over it with pink.

"That's cute," I say.

"That's not it, look at theses," LC says as I turn to my bed which had alot of baby clothes on it with Penguins logos on it.

"Wow," Sid says as I turn to him watching him walkjing into the room.

"Look at this one, it has a C on the front with the logo and on the back Crosby 87. I couldn't resise getting you that," Vette says.

"Well thank you everyone, now can you get out while I put her to bed," I say.
They all walk out besides Sidney.

Autumn's crying has stopped as I place her in the bassinet.

"Rest baby girl," I say as I cover her.

I just look at her thinking she is going to be mine for the next 18 years.
"I can't believe they got all penguin things for her," Sid says as I turn to him holding up this cute little pink dress with a little penguin in the middle.

"That's cute," I say as he places it back down onto the bed.

"Yeah it is," Sid says as he comes down and begins kissing me.

"Let's see if they got me well Autumn anything more," I say.

"Ok," Sid says.

I walk out of my room as I walk up front to see Jordan and Nicole on the loveseat while LC, Kris, Whitters, and TK on the couch. And in the computer chair Geno with Vette sitting on his lap.

"Is this suppose to be a party?" I ask as everyone looks at me.

"No but I got you something Aaylah,"Ryan says as he gets off the couch as I watch him go over to the kicthen table.

I turn my head as he opens a bag up to show me penguins baby bottles.

"Thank you Ryan," I says.

"Your welcome, me and Nicole picked them out," Ryan says.

"Well thank you too Nicole," I say as an knock came at the door.

"I'll get it," Sid says as I watch him going over to the door and opening it.

"Hey guys," Marc says as he walks in behind him Vero has a present in her hands.

"Hey Flower is here,"Whitters says.

"Here Aaylah this is for the baby," Vero says as she hands me the present.

"thank you Vero, do you want to come see her?" I ask.

"Sure," Vero says as I walk back to my room as I place the present down on the bed.

"Wow this little one has alot of penguins things,aww is that a girl?" Vero asks.

"Yep her name is Autumn," I say.

"Well she is a very cute baby. So I got a question for you?" Vero asks.

"Shoot," I say.

"Is Autumn officially yours?" Vero asks.

"yeah, she's officially mine," I say.

"Guess you wont have to have anymore kids if you choose too," Vero says.

"Im going to have more children," I say as me and Vero walk out of my room and head up front.

Marc is in one of my kicthen chairs as Vero sits on his lap.

"Guess we need to get more furinture," I say as a phone begins to ring.

"Excuse me," Sid says as he walks to the back as I follow him into the bathroom and close the door.

"Hello, hi mom. Yes I'm back in Pittsburgh. It was an experience. Umm I'm not too sure," sid says as he covers his phone up.

"Nathalie has invited us for dinner, do you want to go or stay here? It doesnt matter to me what we do," Sid says.

"If I go what would Autumn do?" I ask.

"Let me get mom on the phone and I'll talk to Nathalie," sidney says.

"Hey mom is Nathalie near by? Yes I would. Hey Nat I have a question to ask you. Well dont tell anyone yet cause ill tell mom but Aaylah is now a mother to a infant named Autumn and I was wondering could I bring Autumn? Ok thanks Nat. Hey mom me, Aaylah and a friend will be over soon. Love you," Sidney says as she hangs up the phone.

"Autumn can go, Nat says it was fine," Sidney says.

A knock comes at the door.
I open it to see LC standing there.

"I could watch Autumn for you while you went to dinner at Mario's," LC says.

"I'm not too sure if I want tp be away from her," I say.

"Its gonna happen soon with you playing hockey and going to school. You will have someone you trust with her at all times. Why not start now with me," LC says.

LC was right.

"Ok LC you can watch autumn," I say.

"Ok, now you two go on to the house," LC says.

"Let me say bye to Autumn," I say as I walk out of the bathroom and into my bedroom.
I walk over to the bassinet as Autumn slleps soundly.

"Love you," I say as I lean over the basket and kiss her on her forehead.

Leaning up, I walk out of the room where Sidney is standing at.

"You ready?" sidney asks.

"Yep," I say as I walk up the hallway to the full of people living room.

"You all are more then welcome to stay, me and Sid will be back in an hour or two," I say.

"Bye mommy and siddy," Whitters says.

"shut up Whitney," Everyone says to him as I open the door and walk out of the apartment with Sid behind me.

"I forgot my purse," I say.

"you dont need it baby, I have your spare key," sidney says.

"Ok," I say as i walk down the stairs.

"Are we taking your car? I dont have my keys to my car," I say.

"Yeah we will take my car," Sidney says.

I walk over to the passinger side of his car as I hear the unlocking noise.
Opening the door, i get into the car as I buckle up and close the door.

"ready?" sidney asks.

"Yeah, LC better take care of Autumn," I say, knowing LC would take care of her.

"She will, she wont lets none of thoses men back there," Sidney says as he begins the car and backs out of the parking place.

"You ready for dinner?" sidney asks.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I say as sidney take off down the complex road then turns to the exit.

He turns his blinker right as he turns right onto the road heading for the Lemieux's house.