My Little Piece of Heaven
Ch. 14
This is the second chapter posted today. Make sure you read Ch. 13 first!!
*~*Zacky’s POV*~*
I was laid back on the couch, my feet resting on the coffee table, half-drank cold beer in hand, and small child clinging to my chest. After our game of Nerf darts, Jayden’s coughing started up again, forcing us to slow down and retreat to sitting around Chloe’s living room, catching her up on some of the crazy things we’d experienced while touring the country in 1 van. Jayden didn’t want to go to bed without me so I told him he had to settle down and watch TV with me while the adults all talked. He fell asleep after about 10 minutes, turning over and wrapping his arms around my neck, locking himself in place.
“…So for months, Brian kept telling Johnny that he could beat Zacky up while he was piss drunk. Johnny finally believed him and told Zacky let’s go one night. Zacky knocked him out with one punch and walked off. It was fuckin’ hilarious! The best part was Johnny jumped back up and ran behind him, stuck his arms thru Zacky’s and started punching him like that. It was the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen!” Matt said laughing.
“Yeah and I got sick of the shit and beat the shit out of Short-shit until he gave up…” I laughed taking another sip of my beer as I rubbed circles on my son’s back with the other hand.
“At least I didn’t have to play an entire set with a broken finger!” Johnny laughed.
“Oh my goodness Zacky… that had to hurt.” Chloe said from next to me on the couch.
“It wasn’t that bad…” I replied as Chloe looked at me concerned.
Jayden shivered slightly and Chloe felt his forehead before getting up, “I’m gonna grab him a blanket. Anyone need anything while I’m up?”
“Another beer please?” Matt asked.
“Sure. Anyone else? Zacky?”
I looked at and swirled my almost empty bottle, “Uh… sure. This is my last one though. I have a feeling someone is going to wake me up in the morning.” I said gesturing to Jayden.
“Probably. I’ll be right back.” Chloe said as she went upstairs to grab a blanket.
As soon as she was out of sight Jimmy quietly said, “So, how’s this new gig for ya?”
I looked at him slightly confused before he gestured to Jayden, “It’s pretty good. I mean it could be better…”
“Better like how?” Matt said finishing off his beer.
“Well, he could know and that would make me feel better… and his mom.” I said looking down at my son.
“What about her?” Johnny asked.
“I’d love to be with her again. She was my world and I’m scared things have changed for her.” I said feeling the pang in my chest at the realization that she could choose to be with someone else.
“You never know brother…” Jimmy said sympathetically.
“You never know what?” Chloe said as she stood at the bottom of the staircase.
“He was saying how he was scared about Jay finding out…” Val said covering for us.
“Don’t worry Zee. He’ll be so happy. I know he will.” Chloe told me as she spread the small green blanket over Jayden’s little body.
She ruffled my hair lightly, smiling as she walked by me into the kitchen to get more beers.
“Don’t worry about it Zacky. Some things don’t really change…” Michelle smiled.
We all continued telling stories late into the night, Chloe telling us of some of the things she did while away in NYC. She seemed to live a very busy life there, always working, in school or taking care of Jayden. It made me feel terrible that instead of having fun during her college years, she spent them struggling to balance her life for the future of our kid.
“… all in all, it’s all worth it. All the long hours at work, the late nights staying up studying and praying that Jayden would stay asleep for another hour, were all worth it to be able to come back here. Not so much for me, but for Jayden. I had the best times of my life here with all of you guys, and I wanted him to have something like that. Being back around you guys made me really realize how much I missed all of you.” Chloe said as she started to cry.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer and kissing her temple softly, “We missed you too Chlo.”
“Especially Zacky.” Johnny mumbled drunkenly.
Brian reached out and smacked the back of his head, “Shut the fuck up.”
I felt a little hand slide down my chest and twist into the front of my shirt before Jayden started to cry.
“Good job Brian.” Michelle said sarcastically.
“Shhhh… Shhhhh…. It’s alright…” I said as I rubbed his back and handed the now empty beer bottle to Chloe as I stood up.
“Well maybe we should go…” Matt slurred.
“I don’t think so. You’re all staying. You guys are too drunk to go anywhere.” Chloe said standing, “I’m going to get you all some blankets and pillows.”
“Mommy? I want to sleep in your bed Mommy…” Jayden whined drowsily.
“Alright. Zee why don’t you take him upstairs and lay him down, so you can go get some sleep too? I’ll be there in a second.” Chloe said brushing Jayden’s hair from his face as he lay on my shoulder.
“No… I want Zacky to go sleep with me too mommy.” Jayden said.
“I’ll lay down with you until you go to sleep okay little man?” I said feeling the awkwardness that Chloe had.
“Okay…” he mumbled before another coughing fit rattled him.
I said goodnight to everyone and they all said goodnight to Jayden who was barely awake on my shoulder. I started up the stairs and took Jayden into his mother’s bedroom, laying him down on the bed where he crawled across the covers, pulling them down and climbing in. Before he even asked, I went into his bedroom and found Ralphie lying on his bed, bringing him back and handing him to my son.
“Zacky you lay here and then mommy can lay here and I’ll lay in the middle.” He said as he pointed to one side of the bed and scooted himself into the middle.
“Alright… are we ready for bed Mr. Baker?” Chloe said as she entered the room.
“Yes.” Jayden and I both answered her simultaneously.
Chloe smiled at us before going into the bathroom and changing her clothes into some black cotton shorts and what I could only guess was my old Social Distortion T-Shirt. She slipped under the covers next to Jayden, propping herself up on her side resting her head in her hand as she looked at me sleepily.
That look. That’s the look she’d give me after sex. Those deep brown eyes... God, she’s still so fucking beautiful. Damn I miss holding her in my arms until we fell asleep.
“Well are you going to get in bed Zacky?” Chloe smirked as she teased me.
“Uh, yeah… let me get more comfortable clothes. I can’t sleep in all this.” I said gesturing to my jeans.
“Just take your jeans off. It’s not like you’re a stranger Zee.” She said as she tucked Jayden in the covers more.
I stood from the bed, undoing my belt and letting my jeans pool at my feet before I pulled the blankets down and slid into the cool sheets next to Jayden. Jayden had a big smile on his face as he laid there, unbeknownst that he was with both of his parents.
“Mommy will you tell me a story?” Jayden asked quietly.
“Sure baby… what story do you want me to tell you?” She said softly as she brushed his hair from his eyes.
“The one about Ralphie. That’s my favorite mommy.”
“I know it is love. It’s a great story…” She replied.
I let my eyes close as I leaned back on the propped up pillows and listened to Chloe’s voice as she told him the story, only opening them when her breath hitched a little in her throat when she got to the part about leaving. It still made her upset that she had left. She finished up the story and surprisingly, Jayden stayed awake to the end.
“Mommy? Your friends are aunties and uncles downstairs right?”
“Yes sweetheart.”
“So, who’s your best friend mommy?” he asked curiously.
Her cheeks got rosy before she continued, “Who do you think is mommy’s best friend?”
“I don’t know.” He answered.
“Sure you do… think.” She said smiling as she waited.
After another minute of watching Jayden screw up his face trying to think who it could be, I leaned down and pet Ralphie on the head, “I gave mommy Ralphie.”
“Really Zacky?! You gave mommy Ralphie?” He exclaimed.
“He sure did sweetie. Zacky was mommy’s best friend. We used to do everything together.” Chloe answered.
“Is that why you’re here all the time Zacky? Because you missed mommy too like she missed you?” He asked.
I looked at her before directing my attention to my son, “Yeah, I missed mommy a lot. Plus, I like to spend time playing with my favorite little man.”
“Me?” Jayden smiled.
“Of course you Jay. Since I’m not so busy right now, I like to spend time with my favorite people. You, mommy, and your aunties and uncles downstairs.”
“What about your mommy and daddy Zacky?” He asked.
“Them too. I like to spend time with them too but I see them more than I have seen your mommy in a long time.”
“Can I come to your mommy and daddy’s house one day Zacky?” Jayden asked before a yawn took over.
“One day Jayden. Maybe soon… why don’t you get some sleep now?” I said as another yawn racked his body and his eyes took longer to open back up from blinking.
“You sleep here with me and mommy…” he said drowsily.
“Only if mommy says it’s okay.” I answered looking up at her.
She looked down at Jayden who was struggling to stay awake long enough to hear her answer, “It’s okay for tonight.”
“Good. Love you mommy.” He mumbled.
“Love you too my little love.” She replied kissing his forehead as he nestled himself to her side.
“Love you Zacky.” He muttered.
I laid there in shock for a moment before answering, “I love you too Jay.”
I looked over at Chloe and she had tears in her eyes and already rolling down her cheeks before quickly wiping them away and turning off the bedside lamp. The moonlight shone thru the curtained windows, illuminating Chloe’s tears in the darkened room as she wrapped her arm around Jayden’s body, pulling him more into her side his head resting on her arm. Jayden started snoring softly and I couldn’t help but reach over and wipe Chloe’s tears from her cheek.
“Don’t cry Chlo. You know I hate to see you cry…” I whispered.
“I’m sorry… it’s just… so much.” She responded shamefully.
“I know… don’t cry. Everything’s gonna be fine. Get some sleep.” I said softly rubbing her arm.
“Alright. Thank you Zee. Goodnight.” She replied.
“Goodnight Chloe.” I whispered back laying on the pillow but not taking my eyes off her.
I watched her cry for another 5 minutes or so before she finally fell asleep, the sound of her sniffles saddening my heart. I put my hands behind my head as I stared up at the ceiling listening to Jayden’s little congested snores and Chloe’s deep but now steady breathing. I had a million things racing thru my mind and secretly wished I drank more so I could sleep easier, but I knew Jayden would wake me up in the morning wanting to play and I was cranky when I was hungover.
My son said he loved me. He doesn’t know he’s my son yet, but still he said he loves me. Chloe’s killing herself with guilt over everything. I wish I knew what to do to make it better. I wish we could tell Jayden already. I want him to know. I have to tell my mom and dad… how are they going to take this? I mean they always loved Chloe so that shouldn’t be an issue. Zina is going to freak out. Mom is going to have a heart attack. Dad is going to definitely give me the ‘man up’ speech. Matthew probably will say he’s not surprised. Smart ass…
I shifted on the bed a little to get more comfortable and Jayden turned over, rolling closer to me and out of Chloe’s arms. Chloe, not feeling her son next to her anymore, scooted closer finding him and wrapping her arm around him again, brushing my side. I heard her take a deep breath in as Jayden moved again this time his little hand resting on my chest, resulting in Chloe getting even closer to me in order to find Jayden. I moved my arm to brush some of Chloe’s bright red hair out of her face, before she moved again, lying on my arm as she snuggled into me and Jayden.
She took in another deep breath before whispering, “ Zacky…”
I looked over at her to see if she was awake but her eyes were still shut, a small smile across her lips as she slipped back into her dream. I wrapped my arm around her, cradling her towards my body without crushing Jayden between us. This position put me at ease and finally quieted my racing mind, with one last thought of peace.
I love you my little family.
*~*Chloe’s POV*~*
I awoke to my dark bedroom, a familiar smell of cologne and faint cigarette smoke putting me at ease instantly and causing memories that I had tried to suppress for years, to come flooding back. This time I welcomed them as I listened to Jayden’s congested snoring that was timed perfectly with Zacky’s soft snoring, making me think of yet another way they were like father like son. Jayden lay between Zacky and I, his fist that once clutched onto Ralphie, now gripping to Zacky’s white t-shirt, holding Zacky close to him. I jumped slightly at the feeling of fingertips gently moving on my back, not realizing I had actually been sleeping in Zacky’s arms. My small jump caused Jayden to stir and start to wake up, his little whimpering causing Zacky to crack one eye open and look down at him.
“Shhhhh…. Shhhhh…. Come here….” Zack soothed his son as he reached down with his hand previously behind his head, and pulled Jayden up onto his chest, rubbing circles on his back.
Jayden whined a few more times before slipping his thumb in his mouth and falling back asleep. Zacky fell back asleep almost as fast as his son. I went to move away from him to give him more space but his arm tightened around me, pulling me closer to his side. I was now practically lying on his chest, feeling his chest rise and fall with each breath. I took a deep breath, inhaling his smell from his t-shirt and smiling at the comfort it brought me. I willed myself to stay awake just a few moments longer to watch my son and his father sleep peacefully in harmony with one another.
*~*Val’s POV*~*
Johnny’s arm dangling off the side of the couch and smacking my face was not what I called an ideal wake up call. I groaned as I blinked and shoved his hand out of my face, sitting up to see the rest of the guys sprawled all over the place. Johnny was the only one small enough to fit on the couch completely, Jimmy had curled up in the overstuffed chair, Brian and my sister were lying next to Matt and I on the floor. Matt woke up, looking at me groggily before rolling over and falling back asleep.
The sun shone thru the curtains and I felt my head start to ache from the impending hangover. I got up from the floor and made my way into Chloe’s kitchen as quietly as possible to look for some water and some Tylenol. I grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and searched the kitchen cabinets hoping to find a bottle high up out of Jayden’s reach. With no such success I peeked out into the living room seeing everyone in their same spots as I made my way into Chloe’s downstairs bathroom. After searching the drawers and the cabinet behind the mirror and again coming up empty I decided I should just ask her instead of snoop thru her house. I quietly padded up the stairs to the second level and carefully crept my way down the hall towards her bedroom. The guest room and her room were the only doors closed so I treaded lightly to not wake Zacky as I passed the guest room, knowing he was a rather light sleeper.
“Chloe…” I whispered as I tapped lightly on the door before opening it.
I quickly put my hand over my mouth as I gasped at how adorable they were. Jayden was lying on Zacky’s chest, much like he had been sleeping on him downstairs on the couch last night, Zacky’s hand softly resting on Jayden’s back, while Chloe slept curled up in Zacky’s arms, her head pretty much on his chest. My oncoming headache wasn’t worth breaking up this moment that I knew both Zacky and Chloe would cherish. They both looked exhausted last night when we had arrived and I guessed it was because of their son’s fussiness from being sick, I wasn’t about to wake them up when they all seemed to finally get some much needed rest. I would survive. I silently closed the door again, heading back downstairs hoping that the water and maybe some more sleep would help.
*~*Zacky’s POV*~*
I was laid back on the couch, my feet resting on the coffee table, half-drank cold beer in hand, and small child clinging to my chest. After our game of Nerf darts, Jayden’s coughing started up again, forcing us to slow down and retreat to sitting around Chloe’s living room, catching her up on some of the crazy things we’d experienced while touring the country in 1 van. Jayden didn’t want to go to bed without me so I told him he had to settle down and watch TV with me while the adults all talked. He fell asleep after about 10 minutes, turning over and wrapping his arms around my neck, locking himself in place.
“…So for months, Brian kept telling Johnny that he could beat Zacky up while he was piss drunk. Johnny finally believed him and told Zacky let’s go one night. Zacky knocked him out with one punch and walked off. It was fuckin’ hilarious! The best part was Johnny jumped back up and ran behind him, stuck his arms thru Zacky’s and started punching him like that. It was the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen!” Matt said laughing.
“Yeah and I got sick of the shit and beat the shit out of Short-shit until he gave up…” I laughed taking another sip of my beer as I rubbed circles on my son’s back with the other hand.
“At least I didn’t have to play an entire set with a broken finger!” Johnny laughed.
“Oh my goodness Zacky… that had to hurt.” Chloe said from next to me on the couch.
“It wasn’t that bad…” I replied as Chloe looked at me concerned.
Jayden shivered slightly and Chloe felt his forehead before getting up, “I’m gonna grab him a blanket. Anyone need anything while I’m up?”
“Another beer please?” Matt asked.
“Sure. Anyone else? Zacky?”
I looked at and swirled my almost empty bottle, “Uh… sure. This is my last one though. I have a feeling someone is going to wake me up in the morning.” I said gesturing to Jayden.
“Probably. I’ll be right back.” Chloe said as she went upstairs to grab a blanket.
As soon as she was out of sight Jimmy quietly said, “So, how’s this new gig for ya?”
I looked at him slightly confused before he gestured to Jayden, “It’s pretty good. I mean it could be better…”
“Better like how?” Matt said finishing off his beer.
“Well, he could know and that would make me feel better… and his mom.” I said looking down at my son.
“What about her?” Johnny asked.
“I’d love to be with her again. She was my world and I’m scared things have changed for her.” I said feeling the pang in my chest at the realization that she could choose to be with someone else.
“You never know brother…” Jimmy said sympathetically.
“You never know what?” Chloe said as she stood at the bottom of the staircase.
“He was saying how he was scared about Jay finding out…” Val said covering for us.
“Don’t worry Zee. He’ll be so happy. I know he will.” Chloe told me as she spread the small green blanket over Jayden’s little body.
She ruffled my hair lightly, smiling as she walked by me into the kitchen to get more beers.
“Don’t worry about it Zacky. Some things don’t really change…” Michelle smiled.
We all continued telling stories late into the night, Chloe telling us of some of the things she did while away in NYC. She seemed to live a very busy life there, always working, in school or taking care of Jayden. It made me feel terrible that instead of having fun during her college years, she spent them struggling to balance her life for the future of our kid.
“… all in all, it’s all worth it. All the long hours at work, the late nights staying up studying and praying that Jayden would stay asleep for another hour, were all worth it to be able to come back here. Not so much for me, but for Jayden. I had the best times of my life here with all of you guys, and I wanted him to have something like that. Being back around you guys made me really realize how much I missed all of you.” Chloe said as she started to cry.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer and kissing her temple softly, “We missed you too Chlo.”
“Especially Zacky.” Johnny mumbled drunkenly.
Brian reached out and smacked the back of his head, “Shut the fuck up.”
I felt a little hand slide down my chest and twist into the front of my shirt before Jayden started to cry.
“Good job Brian.” Michelle said sarcastically.
“Shhhh… Shhhhh…. It’s alright…” I said as I rubbed his back and handed the now empty beer bottle to Chloe as I stood up.
“Well maybe we should go…” Matt slurred.
“I don’t think so. You’re all staying. You guys are too drunk to go anywhere.” Chloe said standing, “I’m going to get you all some blankets and pillows.”
“Mommy? I want to sleep in your bed Mommy…” Jayden whined drowsily.
“Alright. Zee why don’t you take him upstairs and lay him down, so you can go get some sleep too? I’ll be there in a second.” Chloe said brushing Jayden’s hair from his face as he lay on my shoulder.
“No… I want Zacky to go sleep with me too mommy.” Jayden said.
“I’ll lay down with you until you go to sleep okay little man?” I said feeling the awkwardness that Chloe had.
“Okay…” he mumbled before another coughing fit rattled him.
I said goodnight to everyone and they all said goodnight to Jayden who was barely awake on my shoulder. I started up the stairs and took Jayden into his mother’s bedroom, laying him down on the bed where he crawled across the covers, pulling them down and climbing in. Before he even asked, I went into his bedroom and found Ralphie lying on his bed, bringing him back and handing him to my son.
“Zacky you lay here and then mommy can lay here and I’ll lay in the middle.” He said as he pointed to one side of the bed and scooted himself into the middle.
“Alright… are we ready for bed Mr. Baker?” Chloe said as she entered the room.
“Yes.” Jayden and I both answered her simultaneously.
Chloe smiled at us before going into the bathroom and changing her clothes into some black cotton shorts and what I could only guess was my old Social Distortion T-Shirt. She slipped under the covers next to Jayden, propping herself up on her side resting her head in her hand as she looked at me sleepily.
That look. That’s the look she’d give me after sex. Those deep brown eyes... God, she’s still so fucking beautiful. Damn I miss holding her in my arms until we fell asleep.
“Well are you going to get in bed Zacky?” Chloe smirked as she teased me.
“Uh, yeah… let me get more comfortable clothes. I can’t sleep in all this.” I said gesturing to my jeans.
“Just take your jeans off. It’s not like you’re a stranger Zee.” She said as she tucked Jayden in the covers more.
I stood from the bed, undoing my belt and letting my jeans pool at my feet before I pulled the blankets down and slid into the cool sheets next to Jayden. Jayden had a big smile on his face as he laid there, unbeknownst that he was with both of his parents.
“Mommy will you tell me a story?” Jayden asked quietly.
“Sure baby… what story do you want me to tell you?” She said softly as she brushed his hair from his eyes.
“The one about Ralphie. That’s my favorite mommy.”
“I know it is love. It’s a great story…” She replied.
I let my eyes close as I leaned back on the propped up pillows and listened to Chloe’s voice as she told him the story, only opening them when her breath hitched a little in her throat when she got to the part about leaving. It still made her upset that she had left. She finished up the story and surprisingly, Jayden stayed awake to the end.
“Mommy? Your friends are aunties and uncles downstairs right?”
“Yes sweetheart.”
“So, who’s your best friend mommy?” he asked curiously.
Her cheeks got rosy before she continued, “Who do you think is mommy’s best friend?”
“I don’t know.” He answered.
“Sure you do… think.” She said smiling as she waited.
After another minute of watching Jayden screw up his face trying to think who it could be, I leaned down and pet Ralphie on the head, “I gave mommy Ralphie.”
“Really Zacky?! You gave mommy Ralphie?” He exclaimed.
“He sure did sweetie. Zacky was mommy’s best friend. We used to do everything together.” Chloe answered.
“Is that why you’re here all the time Zacky? Because you missed mommy too like she missed you?” He asked.
I looked at her before directing my attention to my son, “Yeah, I missed mommy a lot. Plus, I like to spend time playing with my favorite little man.”
“Me?” Jayden smiled.
“Of course you Jay. Since I’m not so busy right now, I like to spend time with my favorite people. You, mommy, and your aunties and uncles downstairs.”
“What about your mommy and daddy Zacky?” He asked.
“Them too. I like to spend time with them too but I see them more than I have seen your mommy in a long time.”
“Can I come to your mommy and daddy’s house one day Zacky?” Jayden asked before a yawn took over.
“One day Jayden. Maybe soon… why don’t you get some sleep now?” I said as another yawn racked his body and his eyes took longer to open back up from blinking.
“You sleep here with me and mommy…” he said drowsily.
“Only if mommy says it’s okay.” I answered looking up at her.
She looked down at Jayden who was struggling to stay awake long enough to hear her answer, “It’s okay for tonight.”
“Good. Love you mommy.” He mumbled.
“Love you too my little love.” She replied kissing his forehead as he nestled himself to her side.
“Love you Zacky.” He muttered.
I laid there in shock for a moment before answering, “I love you too Jay.”
I looked over at Chloe and she had tears in her eyes and already rolling down her cheeks before quickly wiping them away and turning off the bedside lamp. The moonlight shone thru the curtained windows, illuminating Chloe’s tears in the darkened room as she wrapped her arm around Jayden’s body, pulling him more into her side his head resting on her arm. Jayden started snoring softly and I couldn’t help but reach over and wipe Chloe’s tears from her cheek.
“Don’t cry Chlo. You know I hate to see you cry…” I whispered.
“I’m sorry… it’s just… so much.” She responded shamefully.
“I know… don’t cry. Everything’s gonna be fine. Get some sleep.” I said softly rubbing her arm.
“Alright. Thank you Zee. Goodnight.” She replied.
“Goodnight Chloe.” I whispered back laying on the pillow but not taking my eyes off her.
I watched her cry for another 5 minutes or so before she finally fell asleep, the sound of her sniffles saddening my heart. I put my hands behind my head as I stared up at the ceiling listening to Jayden’s little congested snores and Chloe’s deep but now steady breathing. I had a million things racing thru my mind and secretly wished I drank more so I could sleep easier, but I knew Jayden would wake me up in the morning wanting to play and I was cranky when I was hungover.
My son said he loved me. He doesn’t know he’s my son yet, but still he said he loves me. Chloe’s killing herself with guilt over everything. I wish I knew what to do to make it better. I wish we could tell Jayden already. I want him to know. I have to tell my mom and dad… how are they going to take this? I mean they always loved Chloe so that shouldn’t be an issue. Zina is going to freak out. Mom is going to have a heart attack. Dad is going to definitely give me the ‘man up’ speech. Matthew probably will say he’s not surprised. Smart ass…
I shifted on the bed a little to get more comfortable and Jayden turned over, rolling closer to me and out of Chloe’s arms. Chloe, not feeling her son next to her anymore, scooted closer finding him and wrapping her arm around him again, brushing my side. I heard her take a deep breath in as Jayden moved again this time his little hand resting on my chest, resulting in Chloe getting even closer to me in order to find Jayden. I moved my arm to brush some of Chloe’s bright red hair out of her face, before she moved again, lying on my arm as she snuggled into me and Jayden.
She took in another deep breath before whispering, “ Zacky…”
I looked over at her to see if she was awake but her eyes were still shut, a small smile across her lips as she slipped back into her dream. I wrapped my arm around her, cradling her towards my body without crushing Jayden between us. This position put me at ease and finally quieted my racing mind, with one last thought of peace.
I love you my little family.
*~*Chloe’s POV*~*
I awoke to my dark bedroom, a familiar smell of cologne and faint cigarette smoke putting me at ease instantly and causing memories that I had tried to suppress for years, to come flooding back. This time I welcomed them as I listened to Jayden’s congested snoring that was timed perfectly with Zacky’s soft snoring, making me think of yet another way they were like father like son. Jayden lay between Zacky and I, his fist that once clutched onto Ralphie, now gripping to Zacky’s white t-shirt, holding Zacky close to him. I jumped slightly at the feeling of fingertips gently moving on my back, not realizing I had actually been sleeping in Zacky’s arms. My small jump caused Jayden to stir and start to wake up, his little whimpering causing Zacky to crack one eye open and look down at him.
“Shhhhh…. Shhhhh…. Come here….” Zack soothed his son as he reached down with his hand previously behind his head, and pulled Jayden up onto his chest, rubbing circles on his back.
Jayden whined a few more times before slipping his thumb in his mouth and falling back asleep. Zacky fell back asleep almost as fast as his son. I went to move away from him to give him more space but his arm tightened around me, pulling me closer to his side. I was now practically lying on his chest, feeling his chest rise and fall with each breath. I took a deep breath, inhaling his smell from his t-shirt and smiling at the comfort it brought me. I willed myself to stay awake just a few moments longer to watch my son and his father sleep peacefully in harmony with one another.
*~*Val’s POV*~*
Johnny’s arm dangling off the side of the couch and smacking my face was not what I called an ideal wake up call. I groaned as I blinked and shoved his hand out of my face, sitting up to see the rest of the guys sprawled all over the place. Johnny was the only one small enough to fit on the couch completely, Jimmy had curled up in the overstuffed chair, Brian and my sister were lying next to Matt and I on the floor. Matt woke up, looking at me groggily before rolling over and falling back asleep.
The sun shone thru the curtains and I felt my head start to ache from the impending hangover. I got up from the floor and made my way into Chloe’s kitchen as quietly as possible to look for some water and some Tylenol. I grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and searched the kitchen cabinets hoping to find a bottle high up out of Jayden’s reach. With no such success I peeked out into the living room seeing everyone in their same spots as I made my way into Chloe’s downstairs bathroom. After searching the drawers and the cabinet behind the mirror and again coming up empty I decided I should just ask her instead of snoop thru her house. I quietly padded up the stairs to the second level and carefully crept my way down the hall towards her bedroom. The guest room and her room were the only doors closed so I treaded lightly to not wake Zacky as I passed the guest room, knowing he was a rather light sleeper.
“Chloe…” I whispered as I tapped lightly on the door before opening it.
I quickly put my hand over my mouth as I gasped at how adorable they were. Jayden was lying on Zacky’s chest, much like he had been sleeping on him downstairs on the couch last night, Zacky’s hand softly resting on Jayden’s back, while Chloe slept curled up in Zacky’s arms, her head pretty much on his chest. My oncoming headache wasn’t worth breaking up this moment that I knew both Zacky and Chloe would cherish. They both looked exhausted last night when we had arrived and I guessed it was because of their son’s fussiness from being sick, I wasn’t about to wake them up when they all seemed to finally get some much needed rest. I would survive. I silently closed the door again, heading back downstairs hoping that the water and maybe some more sleep would help.
Notes
Ok so here's the second chapter of today as promised. I will try to remember to post on here at the same time as Wattpad. If anything feel free to read it on Wattpad as I know its a much easier way to access with much less glitches and freeze-ups and personally I like the format to read it in. Hope you all have a great weekend and please don't forget to comment with your thoughts! I love the feedback! Much love and aloha <3 <3 <3 XoXo
oh man that was rough.
makes sense that Jake pays for part or most of the house. and i get that he doesnt want her to get hurt, but at the same time, its not really fair the way he is acting. like, he didnt abandon them for 3 years, he didnt even know. so there is nothing really to be mad at. i mean zacky is beyond out of line playing wingman with chloe there or not, but jake cant like dictate what she should do. so many conflicting emotions from everyone, but thats what makes stories good! i really hope he doesnt actually move out tho. that would be confusing and sad for jayden.
8/15/15