Gen 3 - Chapter 16: Work Woes.

Today is my last day of maternity leave; I am due back at work on Monday, so I thought it would be a great idea to spend the day at the beach, as a family. Alex was also due back at work soon, after taking a year off to spend as much quality time as he could with Amber. I prepared a picnic and changed Amber into a blue vest with matching shorts before changing my clothes too. I chose a pale yellow sundress, it was far too hot for trousers. Jasper and Alex were already waiting in the car, I handed Amber over and while they strapped her into her car seat I made sure we had everything we needed before joining them.

We all sang along to the radio to help pass the time as the beach was a little over an hour away and Amber needed to entertained otherwise she would throw a huge paddy. Jasper never failed at making her laugh by putting on little shows with her favourite teddies, which was a huge help.

Once we arrived at the beach and had unpacked our bags we had to find a space on the beach. It was really busy today; people playing volleyball, building sandcastles, splashing in the sea. After strolling along the beach for about ten minutes I finally spotted a deserted area by a huge rock arch. I set our blanket and picnic basket down, and made sure Amber was occupied before settling down with my book. Alex and Jasper were playing ball by the sea, they looked like they were having a blast.

Amber had only been playing for a while when I felt her snuggle up next to me, she felt a little hot so I stripped her down to her nappy, and by the time I looked down she lie there soundly sleeping. I smiled to myself and went back to reading.

Alex and Jasper came bounding over, kicking sand everywhere as they did..

"What time's dinner babe?"

I looked at my watch and replied "Well it's almost one thirty, so I guess we could have something now. Can you be taking it all out of the basket while I wake Amber up please?"

"Sure babe."

I knew she was going to be a little grumpy when I woke her, so I made sure I had a bottle of her milk ready to soothe her before doing so.

"Wahhh...Dada..Dada.." She grumbled whilst rubbing her eyes slightly.

"Shhhh, it's OK Amber, Daddy's over there getting you some dinner ready, shall we go join him?"

She snuggled back into me as I cradled her in my arms, looking as though she was going to fall straight back to sleep.

I placed her on the picnic basket and sat down beside her. Alex handed everyone a plate and I placed a sandwich onto Amber's, which she scooped up and greedily munched away at, before taking one for myself. We chatted and laughed through dinner, and once I had cleaned away the plates and cups we headed out to splash about in the sea for an hour or so. Of course Alex had to hold onto amber, she wouldn't have it any other way. Soaked through and worn out we all piled into the car and headed home; Amber was asleep after less than five minutes, so our journey was peaceful.

Monday morning soon came and as I got myself dressed and done my hair and make-up I could hear Amber grumbling in her cot..

"Alex, Hun, Amber's awake.. could you grab her and sort her some breakfast please?"

He stirred, grunted a yes and slowly peeled himself out of bed. I could hear his feet padding heavily on the wooden floor in the hall as he made his way to her room. Her giggles burst through the walls a second later, as they did every morning Alex tended to her. I hoped she wouldn't find it to hard being apart from him when he went back to work next week, she was very clingy, even just when he was in the house. She had to constantly be near him, or know where he was.

I waved bye to Jasper as he got on the bus to school, I kissed Alex and Amber before heading to the office. I waved hello to the receptionist as I headed to my office, only to be stopped by Mr Carter, asking if I could join him in his office. I told him I would just drop my bags on my desk and would be right there.

I took a seat across from Mr Carter and waited while he finished his phone conversation.

"Ah.. Mrs Stone. I have some news, the offices headquarters are being moved to Sunset Valley, hopefully by next month. Of course I would personally love it if you could still continue working for us, though, that would mean you and your family moving to Sunset Valley. Though if you decide not to take the offer, please be aware that the offices won't be here and Sunset Valley is more than a three hour drive; one way."

"But sir, that would mean I either have to agree to move to Sunset Valley, or be made redundant, am I right?"

"Yes I'm afraid so Mrs Stone. Please let me know your decision as soon as possible." he replied while opening his laptop making me well aware he meant this conversation was over.

"Yes Sir." I mumbled as I left his office.

Once back in my office I closed the door and slumped in my chair; what was I going to do? I knew there was no possibility of moving the family to Sunset Valley, Alex's job was here, Jasper's career was just starting to take off; he had finally been chosen for the starring role in a hit sit-com. My Son was finally going to be an Actor, something he had wanted since he was small, and had attended his first acting lesson. There was no way I was going to jeopardise everything just for a job. I had made my choice, now all that was left to do was to tell Mr Carter and my family.

Please stay tuned for chapter 17 :D