Chap 10: Growing Up Johnson

Connor was an easier baby than his sister had been.  Just as well too, as they shared a room.  Not to say that he slept through from the beginning, (what baby does?) but there wasn't a repeat of the inconsolable crying bought on by Paige's colic.  Ruby was also a lot more relaxed with Connor, having some idea what to expect from an infant this time around.

Years passed.  Paige's fifth birthday came around and with it all the anxiety of starting school.  Even while enjoying her cake, Paige worried.  To make matters worse, in her eyes, the Johnson's had just got a mortgage on a (much needed) three bedroom house.  So they were moving just weeks before school started.

Really the move was made just in time.  A two year old Connor began wailing loudly in the early hours, demanding attention and his bottle.  Paige was prone to spend hours in her room, playing by herself.  Truth be told, her young brother began to demand more and more attention while Paige required less and less.  Perhaps sensing this on some level, Paige held her brother in mild despite.

When they'd first moved in, Craig in particular spent many hours helping Connor to master the skill of walking.  He could manage when he tried, but seemed strangely reluctant to get on his own two feet.  He also had a persistent wobble which caused him to fall often.
Craig would smile sadly "That's my boy."

Paige meanwhile became somewhat isolated by her capabilities.  She would make her bed in the morning and catch the bus to school on her own.  If Ruby spoke to her over the breakfast table, she was often preoccupied with thoughts of the work day ahead.  When Craig wasn't with Connor, he was painting.  Neither noticed their little girl slipping away.