Malibu - Gen 3 Ch 6

Finally it was the weekend again. Benji was still in a mood, but I was grateful when I heard him shuffle off to get Robin early Saturday morning, and let me catch a few more minutes of sleep.

Even though half asleep, I could hear her begging, "Walk, daddy! Oudside!"

"Okay, sweetie, let's go find your stroller," I heard him groan in reply. I thought I'd have a little time to enjoy an uninterrupted cup of coffee.

But within five minutes, back they came, Benji carrying Robin and pushing the empty stroller.

He plopped her down in her high chair with the strangest expression on his face. I debated saying something, and finally couldn't resist.

"So, uh.. how was your walk?"

He turned to me with such a sad look, that I immediately felt sorry for him.

"Aw, Benji, what's wrong?"

"I don't think Robin likes me. We only got a sort way down the street, and she wanted to come back to you."

I didn't want to say 'I told you so', but I had asked him,multiple times, to spend more time with her. Of course, now that he decided to, she wanted her mommy.

"Maybe you're right, Mali. Maybe I do need to start spending more time at home."

He really did look contrite.

Maybe now was my chance. I pulled him close and whispered in his ear.

"You know, it's such a pretty day. We could go to the park, just the three of us. And later, I know Rain will watch Robin so we can have some.. you know, alone time."

"Hmm, well.. that's sounds nice Mali, but you know I have an appointment at the gym today. My agent's sending a limo for a photo shoot. I just can't miss it. Sorry."

I wanted to give him a piece of my mind right then, but Robin hand finished her breakfast, and was screaming to get down.

By the time I got her settled on the floor with her toys, Benji was long gone in his stupid limo, to his stupid gym.

I was so upset, I asked Rain to watch Robin, while I took off for my favorite fishing spot. Soon the gentle slapping of the water, and the pine scented air had their desired effect. I didn't even mind when I noticed I'd gotten my good running shoes soaking wet.

I returned home late that afternoon refreshed, and ready to work on walking with Robin.

After dinner and a diaper change, I was giving her one last hug before putting her to bed, when I heard the front door slam. It was Benji.

He came bounding into the nursery, all pumped up about his workout in front of the cameras.

"It was great, Mali!," he exclaimed, flexing his bicep with a grin. "You shoulda been there! I think that was my best workout yet, the paparazzi were eating it up!"
Maybe I should have been nicer, but Robin was fussy, it was past her bedtime, and I was tired and desperately needed a shower.



"I 'shoulda been there'? For your information, I was teaching Robin to walk, feeding her, getting her ready for bed. You say you want to get along better with Robin, then start acting like a father! Stay home once in a while! Spend some time with her."

I saw the guilt start to spread across his face, but I couldn't stop - I read him the riot act until a small sound distracted me.

"Mommy? Sweepy, mommy."

"Okay, sweetie, let's go to bed."

By the time I got Robin settled into bed, Benji had already turned in as well. Tired as I was, I couldn't sleep. I sat and read, and watched Robin sleep long into the night.

The next morning we awoke together for the first time in a very long time. Benji was all contrite over his recent behavior, and at first I didn't know what to think.

"I'm so sorry, Mali. What you said last night - it really made me think. I promise, I'm turning over a new leaf, starting today. And Robin's still asleep. How about we start by spending some alone time together right now - just you and me.."

I swear, when he looks at me that way, I just melt. All his past transgressions just flew right out the window, and my heart was beating double time.

"I love you so much, Mali. I'm so so sorry for how I've been acting."

"Just shut up and kiss me, Benj."

Some hidden part of me probably knew that this just might not be such a good idea, but at the time, it was all I wanted.

I would like to say that things improved after that morning, but unfortunately that was not the case. The very next afternoon, Benji approached me with that look in his eye.

"Uh, Mali,..."

"Don't you try and flirt with me, Benj. I know you're up to something, Just spit it out."

"Um.. okay. I know I said I'd be home tonight, but I got offered this deal that I just can't pass up. Lars' Disco wants me and Seashell to liven up the place by putting on a dance exhibition. They're even going to pay us. There'll be photographers and everything."

"Fine. Just go."

I kept thinking this whole celebrity fascination was just a phase, but obviously it was not. He wanted to pursue celebrity just as much as I wanted to be a sports super star. I spent that afternoon working out. It was my last day of maternity leave and I could hardly wait to rejoin my team. It seemed like forever since the last time I was on the field.

I certainly hoped Benji was having a good time at the disco with Seashell...

...because I was having a less than stellar time at home. Robin was being obstinate about going to bed.

"No sweepy. Wanna watch teebee!"

"That's a grownup show Auntie Rain and Uncle Peri are watching. Come on, I'll read you a story."

"No stowwy! teebee!!" 

It didn't help that I felt like I was coming down with the flu. Just great - my first day back at work and here I was throwing up the night before.

"Hehehe! Teebee!"

"Come back here Robin! right... bhaugh... now..."

After much cajoling, I finally got her into bed - not asleep, mind you - but at least she wasn't fussing. I good thing too, because my stomach was doing a number on me again. I only hoped I could make it through my first day back at the stadium - somehow.

Notes

I couldn't believe, the very first thing Benji does when all his bad moodlets wear off, is an autonomous 'try for baby'. And after the way he'd been completely ignoring her for days, I couldn't believe Mali actually went for it.