Chloe cleaned her quarters like she was nesting. Since she was pregnant it could have been the urge to nest or the fact Nathan was coming over. Chloe had to present the image that she was able to handle things by herself. Why she felt this way, Chloe could not put into words. Nathan had come home numerous times having to high step over the toys and mess like it was a minefield back in Massachusetts; however, that was before. Unlike what he remembered in the past, this home was spotless almost to a holozine level. No corner contained dust or grime because often Chloe had trouble sleeping. At 0200 hours with two sleeping babies, all you could do was clean.

The interior was classic Connecticut with cool white walls, furniture, and light floors. Punches of navy and light blue stood out as the accent colors. The decor left one feeling as if the beach was immediately through one of the closed doors and all food and drink never made it out of the kitchen. Chloe moved about the room to adjust stacks of books and twisting knick-knacks more out of nerves than due to needing it. Nathan would be here any moment so everything had to look perfect to eliminate questions or concerns about life in her home. The ding of the oven indicated that the food was finished. Moving to the kitchen, Chloe removed the tray from the oven and called out to her kids. “Dinner is ready. Wash your hands and come to the table please,” she said in an upbeat tone. Another ding rang out and Chloe looked at the stove again confused for a brief second. It was then she realized the door was now calling for her attention instead of the over. Finger combing her hair, she made her way to the door knowing who was on the other side but not how the evening would go. She was strangely calm compared to yesterday. The day was tough but this was more a 180-degree shift in temperament and tone.

Chloe