Life As We Know It

Vanessa's POV*
2 weeks later*

Everything has seemed to be getting better since that day I punched Gena. Though it sort of felt like a pattern cause last time I hit her things got better for me. Maybe thats the key to life: whenever things are going bad sock Gena. Yep, works for me. I haven't seen or heard about her since that day. Mandy on the other hand has been trying to apologize to me. Funny how she thinks a simple apology would make me hate her any less. I'll tolerate her for my dad's and Nancy's sake but thats about as far as that ship will sail.

My dad's doing good too. He was released from the hospital the same day all of that stuff happened. My house was the first place they came too when Nancy picked him up. Apparently, he was on his way to my house because he wanted things to get better between us. I told him he should have called me first but he said he was on his way at a spur of the moment sort of thing. Another reason he crashed was because he wasn't wearing his glasses. So now he has to wear them all the time. The point is that he's okay now.

So everything is falling into place. I've even started working again. I decided that I needed to get back into the real world. Sadly, its only part time and most of the kids I taught aren't here anymore, but I was glad to be back here at work. Then I get to go home and be mommy.

"How's Zack been?" Val asked as I was cleaning up.

"He's doing better, even back in the studio with the guys." I smiled.

"Good! But that just means they'll be done soon." She said with a pouty face.

"Why the face?" I asked.

"Cause that means tour and I can't go cause of this place." She said.

I laughed. She was with them on tour all the time at first, I'm sure she misses it.

"You'll be fine, its not for a few more weeks." I smiled at her.

"Yeah I know, but still. I'm going to miss Matty."

We both laughed and I finished cleaning up. Was it always this easy to clean everything up? Or maybe the fact that I'm a mom now made every other task seem easier. Then I came across my little demo cd. Just for fun I put it on my computer and turned the speakers up. Hearing my voice and me playing the guitar seemed so surreal. This was just something that wasn't going to happen anymore. Its okay though, I've got everything I need. I turned off the music and walked outside waving good-bye to Val as she got in her car and left. I waited there for Zacky to pick me up. Normally he's never late. I started humming little songs in my head as I waited.

I watched as Zacky pulled into the parking lot. I got into the passenger seat. We had gotten a new car the weekend after the accident. It was nice, of course Zacky picked it out. All black on the outside with white interior. I have a feeling Zacky is going to regret that when Jaymee gets a little bigger.

"Sorry I'm late babe. Jaymee was sleeping so I had to wait for someone to come watch her." Zacky said as he gave me a kiss.

"It's fine babe." I smiled.

He started driving and we were on our way home. I just wanted to get home and take a hot bath then crawl into bed with my Zacky. Being able to crawl into bed every night is the best feeling. There was no more tension between us at all. Finally, we pulled up to the house and I wondered who was babysitting cause nobody's car was here. Its probably Matt considering he lives a few houses down. Zacky pulled into the garage and shut the car off. We both got out and headed inside. It was dark and quiet inside. Maybe whoever is babysitting took Jaymee to their house? I went out to the livingroom then flipped on the lights.

"SURPRISE!" Everyone popped out and yelled.

There were banners all over the wall saying happy birthday and what not. Shit! I forgot my own birthday. I started laughing to myself.

"Thanks you guys!" I smiled.

I looked around the room at all of my close friends and even a couple faces I've seen at work. Everyone was greeting me with hugs and smiles. Jimmy was holding Jaymee, which was no surprise there. There was a table full of gifts in the kitchen and so much food along the counters. It was all of my favorite dishes too. All made by Mrs. Baker who was still cooking things as I walked up to hug her.

"It looks wonderful Mrs. Baker." I told her.

"Awh all I did was cook. Zacky is the one who told me what to cook." She laughed as she hugged me.

We all laughed and ate, talking about everything but the drama that has happened the past month. It was nice. The fact that all of the drama is over. Though I know it isn't officially over forever, it was nice to be in this moment. I began opening gifts up from people. I was given a variety of things like a toaster, coffee pot, money, gift cards, just simple household stuff. My favorite gift though was from Zacky, it was the picture of me and him from when we were younger and it was made smaller to fit a little necklace locket and on the other side was Jaymee's baby picture when she was born. As Zacky put this on me I cried.

"I love you so much Zachary James Baker." I cried.

"I love you too Vanessa Marie Andrews."

Notes