Chapter 1 of a new story idea I had...

So...I was thinking about this for a long time.  A few of you on here I know will be able to relate to this, and some of you might not at all but you just might like it.  You all have seen how much I love to write.  I hope you enjoy this and if you want me to continue, I will.  It is total fiction, but these ladies are all pretty cool.  Its about family life...If you have any suggestions on how I can improve this or details I can add, I love constructive criticism!  Thanks!

Chapter 1

I didn't sign up to end up taking care of my brother's kids, it just sort of happened!  He has always been a tough guy, a real drifter who doesn't care a whole lot about anyone but himself.  When the courts decided I should get his kids, it was this total shock.  I had always been the cool gay aunt, but never the mom...never!  

He had two kids, a girl, Scarlett, and a boy, Tristan.  Today, I got home from work, parked my bike, walked into the house and saw Tristan and a friend of his playing video games.  "Dude, your mom is hot." I hear his friend whisper to him.  

"Dude...I know!" Tristan replies.  He is twelve, and video games and friends have become his life.  

I hang up my jacket and walk over to them.  "You guys hungry?" I ask, patting Tristan on the top of his head.  

"We had PB&J." He replies.  "But thanks."

"Welcome." I walk back to the kitchen and make myself something.  I have some paperwork from the office I need to read over before I can call it a night.  Jess, my partner of five years is probably on her way home by now, and Scarlett, my sixteen year old niece/daughter is off in a study group of some sort.  I still haven't figured out what to consider them.  Niece and nephew or son and daughter...Its confusing!

I go into my room and get dressed in some sweats and a t-shirt.  My long hair is already pulled back, but I look in the mirror and fix it anyways.  For my age, 33, I look pretty good I think.  Very few wrinkles and I still have yet to get any white or silver hairs.  But I have not become vain, not by any means.  I am just a femme lesbian who takes pride in my appearance to a certain extent.  

I hear Jess pull up and I am ready to greet her when she walks in.  "Hey." I say, helping her through the door with her giant briefcase.  "Whats all this?" I ask her.  "You almost never bring work home."

"We need a vacation!" She states matter of factly, giving me a kiss on the lips and pulling off her coat.  "I have been working too much and I think Scarlett needs a break from some of the kids at her new school.  She always comes home in a bad mood.  We need to bond as a family." Jess says.  "Thank you for holding that hon." She takes her briefcase into the office and drops it off.  "How was your day?" She asks me, sitting down in the sitting area.  

I join her.  "It was fine." I reply.  "Are you sure your okay?" I ask her.  She looks completely stressed.  Her usual shoulder length straight blonde hair is a mess and she looks like she could cry any minute.  

"Yeah, work has just been...stressful." She replies.  

"I'm sorry babe.  Work has been killing me too." I tell her.  "But maybe your right, maybe it is time for a vacation." I agree.  

She smiles at me and leans into me and I hold her like that for a long time.  We haven't had quiet time in awhile, ever since the kids got here and it became something we were unsure of doing in front of them.  Not only that, but the house has kind of been loud for the last six months, something neither of us is used to.  

Scarlett lets herself in with her key and I can hear her crying a little at the door.  "Scarlett hon, whats wrong?" I ask, calling her to come over with us.  

Jess moves to make room for Scarlett and I pat the spot between us.  She sits down and starts talking. "I just don't get it.  All the girls at school are running around like sluts, and I dont want to date or have sex yet.  I'm just not ready.  Besides, I want it to be with the right person, not a bunch of wrong people!" She complains.  "There is just so much pressure." She sighs and both Jess and I hug her.  

"Your being very wise sweetie." I tell her.  

"Yes you are." Jess agrees.  "And I am proud of you."

"So am I." I tell her.  

"I need a break from the pressure and stress of school." She says.  

"I feel the same about work." Jess tells her.  

"Can we go on a vacation somewhere?" Scarlett begs.  "Anywhere, even if it is just for the weekend!" She looks up at me hopefully.  

"I don't see why not." I reply.  "We could go to the beach for the weekend."

"Yes!  That would be amazing!" Scarlett is suddenly smiling and the tears are stopping.  

"Then we will go to the beach." I declare.  "If Jess wants to go there too." I look over at her, and she is nodding a yes.  "The beach!"

And it is settled, we are going to the beach for the weekend.