Thank you! I want a mix. I'm taking it day-by-day for now, but then I'll get right into planning a little vacation. Maybe a day trip somewhere. Or a few-day trip. Do you have any big summer plans?

Congratulations! Another school year completed for you, how exciting! Do you think you'll end up looking to make some plans this Summer or just see how things go and take it day by day?

Oh, definitely emotional. But at least I get to see them in the halls next year. And thank you! I was sooooo checked out the last two weeks.

Eyyyyyyyyy! I can imagine it's pretty emotional when saying goodbye to the kinder-cuties, but... Congrats on your summer freedom!!!

Emma: Your fashion sense is impeccable! If you need a thrifting buddy, I know some good spots where you can find high end things at a decent price.

Emma: Oh my god! I would be honored! Do you have a Pinterest board I can look at for inspo?

Jade: Okay you and I are on the same page there. While I usually like to wear skirts, I am hoping to live in dresses through this summer. I do love Amazon but I always forget about thrifting, so I'm glad I asked you about ideas. I'd like to find clothes that are comfortable, look nice and don't necessarily need to be the most expensive pieces. I'm sure there are some really nice dresses and other outfits that are pricey but it's not a priority for me to have them.

Jade: I also wanted to ask if you would be up for helping me with planning a baby shower?

Emma: You’re so welcome! Ugh, I remember those days well. Honestly now is the best time to go clothes shopping because flowy dresses are amazing as your belly grows. They will also keep you cool. Amazon is good for cheap stuff and you don’t have to leave the house. Also thrifting is a cheap and sustainable option if you prefer that.

Jade: Aww I'm so glad he told you! Thank you so much! With the exception of a few skirts with elastic waistbands, my clothes aren't fitting me comfortably anymore lol. Would you happen to know of any places to get some nice maternity clothes, or is Amazon my best bet?

My summer is WIDE open this year!

(And I only cried a bit lot when my kindies graduated.)

Emma 📲 Jade

Emma: Rodrigo just told me your DOUBLY good news! I am so thrilled for the two of you! I hope you're feeling okay. If there is *anything* I can do for you just let me know. School is out, so I can swing by with anything you're craving or just some Pedialyte to help with dehydration.

Emma: I will make sure I text her! And I can probably also give her some advice on pregnancy stuff. Blah blah tragic backstory.

Emma: Oh hush!! You know you’re my best friend and I absolutely adore you. I could never think anything less.

Emma: Genetics are weird! I'm so glad to hear she's doing all right.

Emma: I love you, too! You're going to be the best dad, holy shit!

Emma: Genetics are weird! I'm so glad to hear she's doing all right.

Emma: I love you, too! You're going to be the best dad, holy shit!

Rodrigo: I'm having twins! At first I was like how is this possible? And then obviously realization set in. There's Jett and Jewel so it makes perfect sense. You're the best. Right now, we're doing okay just soaking up the news. Jade's been a bit sick but getting better everyday.

Rodrigo: I love you so much. You're amazing.

Emma: TWO!? Holy shit you're having twins! Do you need anything? Does Jade need anything? I'm stepping up as Auntie Emma the moment you need me.

Emma: The babies of my best friend will be loved as if they were my own, I hope you know that.

Rodrigo: I'm 100 percent serious! Jade is pregnant! And she's got two bebs in there! TWO! I might be spiraling into madness but I'm so happy!

Emma: !!!!!!!

Emma: HOLY SHIT! Rodrigo you better not be kidding right now because I'm CRYING!

Rodrigo: I'm pregnant!

Rodrigo: Wait that's not right. Sorry. I need more coffee. Jade's pregnant!

Emma: Lay it on me!

Text: I have some major news. Are you ready?

Emma thanked Juni for putting the props back on the table for them. "Oh! Let me ask if they can print us out another copy. Then you can stick it on your fridge when you get home," she grinned. As much as Emma wanted another excuse to see Juniper, she also wanted them to have something right away to remember their fun photo shoot. The man in charge of the booth did print out another copy. "One for you and one for me. Should we put these on the table before we hit the dance floor?"

"Yes! That's exactly what I meant," Juniper grinned, blushing a little bit while their eyes remained on Emma. Little butterflies fluttered in them as the two of them walked over to the photo booth. Juniper appreciated Emma being understanding about their clumsy nature and was finding more and more that they enjoyed being around Emma--from the brief interactions at school, to the small talk at special occasions for mutual friends, to Emma's visit at The Secret Garden. The smiles for the photos were completely effortless posing next to Emma, and they'd even laughed through a couple of shots. And while they waited for the photos to print, Juni offered to place the props back. She rejoined Emma's side once the photos were printed and giggled a bit, "I love these!" After a few short beats, she suggested, "Why don't you hold on to them? Maybe later, we can see about getting a copy made so we both have a set to keep."

Emma: Hiiiii! What’s up??

Text: Emma

Text: Psssstttt Emma!

"You're welcome," she smiled. "I'll have to tell Rodrigo that I'd make myself free anytime he and Jade want to host a dinner party. I'm sure you'll make sure Fletcher does the same." Emma would never invite herself, of course. "Definitely! I hope if I ever get married, it'll be half as cool as this one."

"Why thank you." He grinned at Emma's words, not minding the title at all. "Aldi is always killing it, you're right." He chuckled as he nodded in agreement about the food. "Jade's a phenomenal cook so you've got it made with Rodrigo as your best friend and as he is Fletcher's best friend, I'm right there with you." Xavier danced to the music with Emma, smiling as he watched her enjoy herself. "It is! It's a great night overall."

"I haven't lived here my whole life either. But I'm so glad I'm still able to explore the city. There are so many hidden gems for a city that's not even that large, area wise," she said. Emma grinned a bit wider when she caught the way Juni's gaze lingered on her hips and complimented her. "Thank you so much," she said. "Don't worry about being clumsy. We don't have to move around too much." And if Juni stumbled a bit, Emma would try her best to catch them. She grinned over and gladly looped her arm with Juni's as they walked over to the photo booth. Emma grabbed a pair of shutter shades and a feather boa to put over both hers and Juni's shoulders. "I'm ready!" she smiled and hit the button. They changed poses after each countdown and flash. It only took a minute after they were done for the pictures to print out. "Oh, these are so cute and silly!"

"It really does! I haven't lived here all of my life but I lived here for almost fifteen years and I'm still ending up in new places. This is a new one for me." Juniper smiled while speaking with Emma. The kindergarten teacher was so nice to talk to, and it wasn't lost on them that Emma was a beautiful woman. In fact, Juni found themself thinking about this more after Emma left The Secret Garden that day. Seeing her tonight was just a fresh reminder. They glanced over at their children out of habit but their eyes were quickly drawn back to Emma as she swished her hips and made the fringe swing back and forth with her curves. "I'd want to do that too. You wear it so well," Juniper noted, eyes lingering at Emma's hips for a few more seconds before they looked back up to her face. Another bright smile appeared, liking the suggestion. "Okay! Fair warning, I'm known to be pretty clumsy--more than most people. But I do love to dance!" Looking in the direction of the photo booth, Juniper tried to move past the somewhat embarrassing admission bout their clumsiness and looped an arm around Emma's to escort her over. Ignoring their own bit of blushing again, they looked over the various hats and paper props once at the booth and picked up a cutout of a retro microphone. "Ready?"

Emma smiled and said, "Thank you! You look incredible, too. But you're one of the kings of fashion in our group. You and Aldi always up the fashion game! If food is this good at any Jade and Rodrigo event in the future, well, let's just say I'm glad one of my besties married a good cook," she laughed and followed Xavier to the dance floor. "This music is so good!"

He grinned at his friend and took her hand to twirl her slowly. "Emma, this dress really looks perfect on you and everyone who is wearing it. Jade had to find top-notch to even come close to her cooking. "At least! This is why my personal trainer has beef with me." He chuckled and gestured toward the dance floor. "Come on!"

Emma: Maybe he told Thomas? Like during hockey stuff. Maybe he's holding out on us... which is rude. Oh yes! Do you think he's still dating auction person?

Rodrigo: Too good.

Rodrigo: lmao thanks. I think Leo may know but he's also got a good poker face. This is going to be a tough one but we've got this. He DID get auctioned off to someone at the winter thing. Maybe I can look back and see who?