Only Hope
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beautifuldisaster
Lab Technician
Here's some more EDeN! Hope Ya'll Like It!
Chapter 6
Natalia sat patiently at the cafe table, while Eric was up at the counter ordering them both a super-sized double chocolate milkshake. As she was waiting, she couldn’t help but get nervous about how she was going to explain to Eric about her past, and why she had left. She wasn’t exactly sure why she put so much make-up on before she came, she wasn’t exactly sure why she was so nervous. All she had to do was tell him the truth, and it’d all be good. Yet her stomach felt like it had butterflies flying and slugs crawling in it.
“God Nat! Settle the hell down!” She kept repeating to herself as she watched Eric walk back to the table, holding the two milkshakes.
“Here you go.” He mumbled as he placed one of the milkshakes on the table, in front of her. Then he pulled out his chair and sat down.
“Thank you.” Natalia replied softly, as Eric took a huge slurp from his straw.
The two sat there in an uncomfortable silence for a couple of minutes, just slurping away. Natalia avoided making eye contact with him, she pretended to be fascinated by the design of the table. Eric was staring at her, watching how she looked so intrigued by a few scribbles. As he watched her, he noticed just how beautiful she was, and where Brayden must have got his good looks from. He noticed how she had the most unbelievable face. It was so perfect. Her skin, her eyes, her nose, her chin, and her lips. She was gorgeous.
“Whoa! Delko what are thinking? You’re engaged! Snap out of it!!” He thought to himself as he shook his head gently and went back to reality.
“Well? You’re not just going to stare at a table all day are you? You’re the one that wanted to see me so badly, so talk to me.” He said rudely as he folded his arms across his chest. She looked up at him and she knew that she couldn’t avoid not talking to him for any longer, she had to tell him about everything.
“Ok, well where do I start? She asked as she pushed her milkshake to the said of the table, so she had a clear view of Eric.
“Well why don’t you start from the part where you abandoned me and your son?” He suggested in a snobby tone.
“Ok, let’s clear up that sentence first. I DID NOT abandon you or Brayden for one thing.”
“What, so left us against our will and knowledge? That pretty much sounds like abandoning somebody to me.” He replied.
“But that’s the thing Eric! I didn’t leave!”
“What? What do you mean?” He asked feeling confused.
"Eric, I never went to New York, and there was never another man that I ran off with. I’ve always loved you.”
“WHAT? Nat, this really isn’t clicking for me. I have no idea what you’re talking about!” He said frustrated.
“My mom told you that I left to go to New York with another man, because she didn’t want me to be seen with a child. She said I was too young and that I’d give the family a bad name. So she did the only thing she could she got rid of you and Brayden.”
“So your mom did this?” Eric gasped.
“Yes, and ever since then I’ve been looking for you. I’ve been seriously everywhere! I’ve worked my butt of to afford all the plane trips and bus rides. And not to mention the awful fights I’ve had with my mom! I swear, I’ve had some nasty thoughts about her.”
“Does your mom even know how wrong it was?” He asked.
“Yea, a few weeks ago, just before she died, she was in the hospital and she told me that she was truly sorry for what she did, and she told me that you were living in Miami. So, I came here to find you, and here I am.”
“Whoa, I really wasn’t expecting to hear this.” Eric said as he shook his head in disbelief.
“I think it’s going to take a while for this to sink in.” As he sunk down into his chair.
“Yea, I understand. Sorry if I came flat out on you just then, it’s just I needed so badly to tell you the truth. I hated having you hate me.” She said.
“You must have felt pretty helpless having somebody hate you for all the wrong reasons.” He agreed.
Natalia nodded and then looked back down at the design on the table. There was another short silence, but it was much more comfortable then the last one.
“Nat, do want to come over to my place for dinner tonight? Eric asked, breaking the silence.
“I’m pretty sure Brayden would LOVE to see you.”
“I’d like to, but I think it would be way to awkward if I was around your girlfriend.” She replied, as she looked back up into his eyes.
“No, it’s ok, Carrie’s in California at the moment, and she wouldn’t mind anyway.” He assured her.
"Oh, ok, then I’d love to.”
“Great, come around about 6-ish?”
“Sure” She smiled.
The two of them chatted away for hours about all kinds of stupid, funny and serious things. When it came time for Eric to leave and go pick up Brayden, there was a sense of sadness between them, as they did not want to part for they had just truly found each other.
Chapter 6
Natalia sat patiently at the cafe table, while Eric was up at the counter ordering them both a super-sized double chocolate milkshake. As she was waiting, she couldn’t help but get nervous about how she was going to explain to Eric about her past, and why she had left. She wasn’t exactly sure why she put so much make-up on before she came, she wasn’t exactly sure why she was so nervous. All she had to do was tell him the truth, and it’d all be good. Yet her stomach felt like it had butterflies flying and slugs crawling in it.
“God Nat! Settle the hell down!” She kept repeating to herself as she watched Eric walk back to the table, holding the two milkshakes.
“Here you go.” He mumbled as he placed one of the milkshakes on the table, in front of her. Then he pulled out his chair and sat down.
“Thank you.” Natalia replied softly, as Eric took a huge slurp from his straw.
The two sat there in an uncomfortable silence for a couple of minutes, just slurping away. Natalia avoided making eye contact with him, she pretended to be fascinated by the design of the table. Eric was staring at her, watching how she looked so intrigued by a few scribbles. As he watched her, he noticed just how beautiful she was, and where Brayden must have got his good looks from. He noticed how she had the most unbelievable face. It was so perfect. Her skin, her eyes, her nose, her chin, and her lips. She was gorgeous.
“Whoa! Delko what are thinking? You’re engaged! Snap out of it!!” He thought to himself as he shook his head gently and went back to reality.
“Well? You’re not just going to stare at a table all day are you? You’re the one that wanted to see me so badly, so talk to me.” He said rudely as he folded his arms across his chest. She looked up at him and she knew that she couldn’t avoid not talking to him for any longer, she had to tell him about everything.
“Ok, well where do I start? She asked as she pushed her milkshake to the said of the table, so she had a clear view of Eric.
“Well why don’t you start from the part where you abandoned me and your son?” He suggested in a snobby tone.
“Ok, let’s clear up that sentence first. I DID NOT abandon you or Brayden for one thing.”
“What, so left us against our will and knowledge? That pretty much sounds like abandoning somebody to me.” He replied.
“But that’s the thing Eric! I didn’t leave!”
“What? What do you mean?” He asked feeling confused.
"Eric, I never went to New York, and there was never another man that I ran off with. I’ve always loved you.”
“WHAT? Nat, this really isn’t clicking for me. I have no idea what you’re talking about!” He said frustrated.
“My mom told you that I left to go to New York with another man, because she didn’t want me to be seen with a child. She said I was too young and that I’d give the family a bad name. So she did the only thing she could she got rid of you and Brayden.”
“So your mom did this?” Eric gasped.
“Yes, and ever since then I’ve been looking for you. I’ve been seriously everywhere! I’ve worked my butt of to afford all the plane trips and bus rides. And not to mention the awful fights I’ve had with my mom! I swear, I’ve had some nasty thoughts about her.”
“Does your mom even know how wrong it was?” He asked.
“Yea, a few weeks ago, just before she died, she was in the hospital and she told me that she was truly sorry for what she did, and she told me that you were living in Miami. So, I came here to find you, and here I am.”
“Whoa, I really wasn’t expecting to hear this.” Eric said as he shook his head in disbelief.
“I think it’s going to take a while for this to sink in.” As he sunk down into his chair.
“Yea, I understand. Sorry if I came flat out on you just then, it’s just I needed so badly to tell you the truth. I hated having you hate me.” She said.
“You must have felt pretty helpless having somebody hate you for all the wrong reasons.” He agreed.
Natalia nodded and then looked back down at the design on the table. There was another short silence, but it was much more comfortable then the last one.
“Nat, do want to come over to my place for dinner tonight? Eric asked, breaking the silence.
“I’m pretty sure Brayden would LOVE to see you.”
“I’d like to, but I think it would be way to awkward if I was around your girlfriend.” She replied, as she looked back up into his eyes.
“No, it’s ok, Carrie’s in California at the moment, and she wouldn’t mind anyway.” He assured her.
"Oh, ok, then I’d love to.”
“Great, come around about 6-ish?”
“Sure” She smiled.
The two of them chatted away for hours about all kinds of stupid, funny and serious things. When it came time for Eric to leave and go pick up Brayden, there was a sense of sadness between them, as they did not want to part for they had just truly found each other.
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beautifuldisaster
Lab Technician
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Chapter 7
Eric was in the kitchen dicing up some tomatoes on the cutting board, he was off in his own little world, when he felt somebody tug on his pants.
“When’s she coming over daddy? Is it soon? Daddy are you listening to me? Daddy? Daddy? DAAAAADDDY?!”
“Brayden! Stop it!” Eric groaned as he knelt down beside him, and looked face to face with his son. He saw that he had smears of dirt on his face and hands.
"Brayden, why are you so dirty?”
“I was playing outside with the worms, and I named one of them Bruce and the other one Thomas Jefferson.” He said proudly.
“That’s great, but I think you better go and clean yourself up before Natalia comes over.” Eric replied as he studied Braydens dirty fingernails.
"Ok Daddy!” Brayden said happily as he turned around and raced into the bathroom. Eric stood back up and started to dice the tomatoes again. He glanced at the clock on the wall, it read 6:02.
“She’s going to be here any minute now.” He thought to himself nervously.
"Why are you so nervous Delko? She’s just coming over for dinner and too meet Brayden. It’s not a date or anything.” Eric was snapped out of his thoughts the doorbell rang. Brayden sprinted out of the bathroom and fell over the rug.
“Brayden are y...?" Eric started.
"Yes Sir!” He replied before Eric could finish as he stood up and continued to run towards the door.
“Who is it?” He asked as he reached the door, although he already knew who it was, Eric always taught him to do so.
“It’s Natalia! Said a cheerful voice from outside, and at that Brayden swung the door open to see Natalia standing there in a nice pair of jeans and a black singlet.
“Natalia!” Brayden squealed happily as he jumped into her arms, and received a nice big hug from her.
“Hey big boy!” She laughed as she squeezed him tightly. She felt so complete having him in her arms again, she felt like she had waited for this moment for the last 6 years. Just then Eric walked into the room to see the two of them hugging.
“Hey Nat.” He said shyly.
“Hey Eric!” She said in a perky tone, as she placed Brayden back onto the ground.
“Daddy! Are you going to hug Natalia?” Brayden asked nosily.
“No, I don’t think we need to hug.” He replied.
“It’s rude not to hug her!” Brayden wailed as he pushed the two of them together.
“Brayden, stop it.” Eric said firmly.
“Not until you hug her. Come on daddy, show Natalia what a good hugger you are!”
“Or what a good kisser you are.” Natalia thought to herself.
“Ok! Fine.” Eric sighed as he wrapped his arms around her, and held her close to his chest. It brought back so many memories for the both of them. Natalia felt so relaxed, safe and secure in his long strong arms, and Eric loved the feeling of her little fragile body so close to him.
After a few moments, Brayden started to get a little impatient.
“Alright, ya’ll can stop hugging.” He said.
But they continued to enjoy each other’s warm and comforting embrace.
“Daddy?” He asked trying to attract his attention by tugging on his pants, but they still ignored him.
“Daddy? Natalia? Daddy!!! Nataaaaalia!” He yelped.
“Sorry Brayden.” Natalia giggled, as the two of them let go of each other.
“Just got a little caught up in the moment.”
“That’s ok. Hey Natalia, can I show you my room? Please? We can play with my train set! It’s really cool, I got a new passenger carriage.” He said excitedly.
“Uh, sure sweetie. I love trains!” She replied pretending to be thrilled by the offer. Brayden grabbed Natalia’s hand and pulled her towards the stairs.
“Do you want to play as well Eric?”
“No, sorry, I’ve got to finish making dinner.” He answered.
"Oh, so you cook now?!" Natalia said as she stepped up the first step.
"As a matter of fact I do." He said in a cocky tone.
"Natalia come on." Brayden said pulling her up the stairs.
He watched the two of them go up the stairs, and he thought about how well Brayden got along with Natalia, compared to Carrie.
“Maybe it means something? No Eric, how can you think that?”
Natalia walked into Braydens bedroom, right behind Brayden.
“You have a nice room.” She said as she noticed his colorful walls, his car-shaped bed, his little desk, his bright fish tank, his dresser, his toy-box and right in the corner was huge train-set.
"Thank you. Which train do you want to be?” He asked as he picked out 2 trains from his toy-box and held them up to her.
“Oh, I don’t mind, I’ll be whichever one you don’t want to be.” She replied.
Brayden handed her the red train, and he took the blue one.
“HAHA! You gave me the red one, which means it’s faster! I’m going to beat you now!” She laughed.
“Well actually, technically blue is the faster color because it reaches the earth at a faster speed in the spectrum, and red is the slowest color, but I mean you can believe whatever you want.” Brayden replied as he sat down next to the train track and grabbed a control.
Natalias jaw dropped.
“What? You’re more than just an adorable face. How did you know that Mr. Smarty Pants!” She laughed as she sat down beside him and took a control as well.
“I learned it at school.” He answered.
He then pressed a button and his train began to move.
“Oh, well school or no school, I’m still going to kick your butt.” She joked.
“As if! Prepare to be clobbered!” He squealed.
:.****After Dinner****.:
Natalia, Eric and Brayden were in the lounge room playing Twister. They had just finished dinner. Brayden was the spinner, and Natalia and Eric were on the mat.
“Ok, left foot on green.” Josh said as the spinner stopped.
Natalia reached her leg over Eric and put her foot on one of the green circles, and so did Eric.
“Right hand on blue.” Brayden said when they had finished.
They both moved their hands, and after several minutes and several spins, they were both in a very awkward position on top of each other, and little did they know that Brayden was cheating to make the game more uncomfortable for them.
“Left hand on red.” He said as he watched Eric climb on top of her.
They were now face to face, in a naughty looking position.
“You better not fall Delko!” She giggled, as they waited for Brayden to call the next instruction.
“Right hand on yellow!” Brayden said as he tried not to laugh. Eric reached his hand under Natalia, and then he began to wobble.
“Whoa!” He squawked as he fell flat on top of Natalia.
“Sorry!” He said feeling horribly guilty for crushing her, but he didn’t know just how much Natalia was enjoying the feeling of his weight and pressure on top of her. He couldn’t help but feel the same way, although it was awkward, he was enjoying just laying their on her, feeling her heart so close to his. And her lips so close to his, he could feel her light and warm breathe.
“Daddy! You’re killing her!” Brayden laughed as he watched the two of them stare at one another.
“It’s ok, I’m ok!” She laughed.
Eric smiled back at her, as he continued to look at her in amazement. She was so gorgeous and perfect just the way she was.
“Uh, Eric, you can get off me ya know! She giggled at him after a few minutes.
“Oh, right, oops.” He replied.
He felt his face go red with embarrassment as he quickly climbed off of her. But as she sat up, she accidentally kneed him...in the area, and Eric yelped in pain.
“AHHHH! OW OW OW!” He screamed as he jumped up and ran around the room in agony.
“OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!” Natalia cried as she jumped up and tried to calm him down. Brayden was sitting on the couch, just about wetting his pants in laughter.
“Owww! OUCH! OWIE!”
“Eric, I’m so sorry!” Natalia said sympathetically as she grabbed his hand to stop him from running.
“Brayden, can you get an ice-pack from the freezer please?”
“Ok!!!” Brayden chuckled. He jumped up and ran into the kitchen, still laughing.
“It’s ok honey, just breathe in.” Natalia said as Eric took a deep breath.
“And breathe out.” She added as Eric let it out.
"Well you’re good at knowin what to do in this situation.” He said still breathing in and out slowly.
“Well, I had a kid, what do you expect?” She said as he smiled back at her.
“Here you go.” Brayden said as he handed Natalia the cold ice-pack.
“Alrighty, you ready for this? It’s going to be awfully cold.” She said as she lowered the pack down, but just as the pack was going to touch his area, he stopped her.
“Uh, Nat, maybe I should do it.” He smiled as he took the cold pack from her.
“Oh, right.” She softly whispered, feeling very embarrassed.
...::: **Later that night, Just as Natalia was leaving**:::
Eric walked down the stairs and saw Natalia standing by the front door.
“I told Brayden good-night for you.” He said as he reached the bottom of the stairs and stood next to her.
“Thanks.” She replied as she gave him a little smile.
"Um, I had a really great night, you’re still just as fun to hang out with.” He said with a giggle.
“Do you mean that? Or are you just being sarcastic cause I kicked you know who?" She asked, trying not to giggle. Eric blushed slightly.
"Do you still call my "area" that? He said as he raised an eyebrow.
"Well, do you still call me what you called me when we were together?" She said as she put her hand on her hip.
"Uh, not really, I’ve grown up since then." He smiled.
“I’ve grown up since then.” She mimicked him in a goofy low pitched voice.
“Excuse me?!” He asked pretending to be offended, as he laughed happily with her.
“Eric, I’ve missed this so much.” She sighed as she caught him off guard, and wrapped her arms around him lovingly. At first Eric felt a little strange, but then he just hugged her back.
“I’ve missed this too.” He whispered.
Natalia snuggled up into his chest, and Eric gently cradled her head like it was the most precious thing he had ever held. They both stayed there for several minutes, just holding each other comfortably, and feeling one another breathing softly.
“Nat, I really want to see you again soon.” Eric said softly as he gave her a very light kiss on the forehead, so she wouldn’t feel it.
“Do YOU want to see me? Or does BRAYDEN want to see me?” She asked, as she let go of him and stood back so she could see into his eyes.
"We both want to see you, and you need to tell Brayden that you’re his mother. He needs to know.” He said.
“I know he does, but I’m kind of scared of telling him.”
“What? Why? Brayden loves you so much already. I bet he’s confused on why he feels so close to a perfect stranger. But once you tell him, it will all make sense to him.”
“I’m not trying to avoid telling him about it, but I don’t understand why you so badly want me to too. I mean, won’t this affect you and Carrie? Like you won’t be able to see him as much, and what happens if I want to move back to California, Brayden MIGHT want to come with me. Don’t you care about that?”
“Not as much as I care about Brayden knowing who his real mother is. A wonderful, beautiful, person.” He replied as he gave her a little wink, and Natalia blushed.
“Oh, ok, then I better tell him soon, huh.” As she turned and opened the door to leave and walked out.
“Yea, you do.” He said as he watched her leave and get into her car.
Chapter 7
Eric was in the kitchen dicing up some tomatoes on the cutting board, he was off in his own little world, when he felt somebody tug on his pants.
“When’s she coming over daddy? Is it soon? Daddy are you listening to me? Daddy? Daddy? DAAAAADDDY?!”
“Brayden! Stop it!” Eric groaned as he knelt down beside him, and looked face to face with his son. He saw that he had smears of dirt on his face and hands.
"Brayden, why are you so dirty?”
“I was playing outside with the worms, and I named one of them Bruce and the other one Thomas Jefferson.” He said proudly.
“That’s great, but I think you better go and clean yourself up before Natalia comes over.” Eric replied as he studied Braydens dirty fingernails.
"Ok Daddy!” Brayden said happily as he turned around and raced into the bathroom. Eric stood back up and started to dice the tomatoes again. He glanced at the clock on the wall, it read 6:02.
“She’s going to be here any minute now.” He thought to himself nervously.
"Why are you so nervous Delko? She’s just coming over for dinner and too meet Brayden. It’s not a date or anything.” Eric was snapped out of his thoughts the doorbell rang. Brayden sprinted out of the bathroom and fell over the rug.
“Brayden are y...?" Eric started.
"Yes Sir!” He replied before Eric could finish as he stood up and continued to run towards the door.
“Who is it?” He asked as he reached the door, although he already knew who it was, Eric always taught him to do so.
“It’s Natalia! Said a cheerful voice from outside, and at that Brayden swung the door open to see Natalia standing there in a nice pair of jeans and a black singlet.
“Natalia!” Brayden squealed happily as he jumped into her arms, and received a nice big hug from her.
“Hey big boy!” She laughed as she squeezed him tightly. She felt so complete having him in her arms again, she felt like she had waited for this moment for the last 6 years. Just then Eric walked into the room to see the two of them hugging.
“Hey Nat.” He said shyly.
“Hey Eric!” She said in a perky tone, as she placed Brayden back onto the ground.
“Daddy! Are you going to hug Natalia?” Brayden asked nosily.
“No, I don’t think we need to hug.” He replied.
“It’s rude not to hug her!” Brayden wailed as he pushed the two of them together.
“Brayden, stop it.” Eric said firmly.
“Not until you hug her. Come on daddy, show Natalia what a good hugger you are!”
“Or what a good kisser you are.” Natalia thought to herself.
“Ok! Fine.” Eric sighed as he wrapped his arms around her, and held her close to his chest. It brought back so many memories for the both of them. Natalia felt so relaxed, safe and secure in his long strong arms, and Eric loved the feeling of her little fragile body so close to him.
After a few moments, Brayden started to get a little impatient.
“Alright, ya’ll can stop hugging.” He said.
But they continued to enjoy each other’s warm and comforting embrace.
“Daddy?” He asked trying to attract his attention by tugging on his pants, but they still ignored him.
“Daddy? Natalia? Daddy!!! Nataaaaalia!” He yelped.
“Sorry Brayden.” Natalia giggled, as the two of them let go of each other.
“Just got a little caught up in the moment.”
“That’s ok. Hey Natalia, can I show you my room? Please? We can play with my train set! It’s really cool, I got a new passenger carriage.” He said excitedly.
“Uh, sure sweetie. I love trains!” She replied pretending to be thrilled by the offer. Brayden grabbed Natalia’s hand and pulled her towards the stairs.
“Do you want to play as well Eric?”
“No, sorry, I’ve got to finish making dinner.” He answered.
"Oh, so you cook now?!" Natalia said as she stepped up the first step.
"As a matter of fact I do." He said in a cocky tone.
"Natalia come on." Brayden said pulling her up the stairs.
He watched the two of them go up the stairs, and he thought about how well Brayden got along with Natalia, compared to Carrie.
“Maybe it means something? No Eric, how can you think that?”
Natalia walked into Braydens bedroom, right behind Brayden.
“You have a nice room.” She said as she noticed his colorful walls, his car-shaped bed, his little desk, his bright fish tank, his dresser, his toy-box and right in the corner was huge train-set.
"Thank you. Which train do you want to be?” He asked as he picked out 2 trains from his toy-box and held them up to her.
“Oh, I don’t mind, I’ll be whichever one you don’t want to be.” She replied.
Brayden handed her the red train, and he took the blue one.
“HAHA! You gave me the red one, which means it’s faster! I’m going to beat you now!” She laughed.
“Well actually, technically blue is the faster color because it reaches the earth at a faster speed in the spectrum, and red is the slowest color, but I mean you can believe whatever you want.” Brayden replied as he sat down next to the train track and grabbed a control.
Natalias jaw dropped.
“What? You’re more than just an adorable face. How did you know that Mr. Smarty Pants!” She laughed as she sat down beside him and took a control as well.
“I learned it at school.” He answered.
He then pressed a button and his train began to move.
“Oh, well school or no school, I’m still going to kick your butt.” She joked.
“As if! Prepare to be clobbered!” He squealed.
:.****After Dinner****.:
Natalia, Eric and Brayden were in the lounge room playing Twister. They had just finished dinner. Brayden was the spinner, and Natalia and Eric were on the mat.
“Ok, left foot on green.” Josh said as the spinner stopped.
Natalia reached her leg over Eric and put her foot on one of the green circles, and so did Eric.
“Right hand on blue.” Brayden said when they had finished.
They both moved their hands, and after several minutes and several spins, they were both in a very awkward position on top of each other, and little did they know that Brayden was cheating to make the game more uncomfortable for them.
“Left hand on red.” He said as he watched Eric climb on top of her.
They were now face to face, in a naughty looking position.
“You better not fall Delko!” She giggled, as they waited for Brayden to call the next instruction.
“Right hand on yellow!” Brayden said as he tried not to laugh. Eric reached his hand under Natalia, and then he began to wobble.
“Whoa!” He squawked as he fell flat on top of Natalia.
“Sorry!” He said feeling horribly guilty for crushing her, but he didn’t know just how much Natalia was enjoying the feeling of his weight and pressure on top of her. He couldn’t help but feel the same way, although it was awkward, he was enjoying just laying their on her, feeling her heart so close to his. And her lips so close to his, he could feel her light and warm breathe.
“Daddy! You’re killing her!” Brayden laughed as he watched the two of them stare at one another.
“It’s ok, I’m ok!” She laughed.
Eric smiled back at her, as he continued to look at her in amazement. She was so gorgeous and perfect just the way she was.
“Uh, Eric, you can get off me ya know! She giggled at him after a few minutes.
“Oh, right, oops.” He replied.
He felt his face go red with embarrassment as he quickly climbed off of her. But as she sat up, she accidentally kneed him...in the area, and Eric yelped in pain.
“AHHHH! OW OW OW!” He screamed as he jumped up and ran around the room in agony.
“OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!” Natalia cried as she jumped up and tried to calm him down. Brayden was sitting on the couch, just about wetting his pants in laughter.
“Owww! OUCH! OWIE!”
“Eric, I’m so sorry!” Natalia said sympathetically as she grabbed his hand to stop him from running.
“Brayden, can you get an ice-pack from the freezer please?”
“Ok!!!” Brayden chuckled. He jumped up and ran into the kitchen, still laughing.
“It’s ok honey, just breathe in.” Natalia said as Eric took a deep breath.
“And breathe out.” She added as Eric let it out.
"Well you’re good at knowin what to do in this situation.” He said still breathing in and out slowly.
“Well, I had a kid, what do you expect?” She said as he smiled back at her.
“Here you go.” Brayden said as he handed Natalia the cold ice-pack.
“Alrighty, you ready for this? It’s going to be awfully cold.” She said as she lowered the pack down, but just as the pack was going to touch his area, he stopped her.
“Uh, Nat, maybe I should do it.” He smiled as he took the cold pack from her.
“Oh, right.” She softly whispered, feeling very embarrassed.
...::: **Later that night, Just as Natalia was leaving**:::
Eric walked down the stairs and saw Natalia standing by the front door.
“I told Brayden good-night for you.” He said as he reached the bottom of the stairs and stood next to her.
“Thanks.” She replied as she gave him a little smile.
"Um, I had a really great night, you’re still just as fun to hang out with.” He said with a giggle.
“Do you mean that? Or are you just being sarcastic cause I kicked you know who?" She asked, trying not to giggle. Eric blushed slightly.
"Do you still call my "area" that? He said as he raised an eyebrow.
"Well, do you still call me what you called me when we were together?" She said as she put her hand on her hip.
"Uh, not really, I’ve grown up since then." He smiled.
“I’ve grown up since then.” She mimicked him in a goofy low pitched voice.
“Excuse me?!” He asked pretending to be offended, as he laughed happily with her.
“Eric, I’ve missed this so much.” She sighed as she caught him off guard, and wrapped her arms around him lovingly. At first Eric felt a little strange, but then he just hugged her back.
“I’ve missed this too.” He whispered.
Natalia snuggled up into his chest, and Eric gently cradled her head like it was the most precious thing he had ever held. They both stayed there for several minutes, just holding each other comfortably, and feeling one another breathing softly.
“Nat, I really want to see you again soon.” Eric said softly as he gave her a very light kiss on the forehead, so she wouldn’t feel it.
“Do YOU want to see me? Or does BRAYDEN want to see me?” She asked, as she let go of him and stood back so she could see into his eyes.
"We both want to see you, and you need to tell Brayden that you’re his mother. He needs to know.” He said.
“I know he does, but I’m kind of scared of telling him.”
“What? Why? Brayden loves you so much already. I bet he’s confused on why he feels so close to a perfect stranger. But once you tell him, it will all make sense to him.”
“I’m not trying to avoid telling him about it, but I don’t understand why you so badly want me to too. I mean, won’t this affect you and Carrie? Like you won’t be able to see him as much, and what happens if I want to move back to California, Brayden MIGHT want to come with me. Don’t you care about that?”
“Not as much as I care about Brayden knowing who his real mother is. A wonderful, beautiful, person.” He replied as he gave her a little wink, and Natalia blushed.
“Oh, ok, then I better tell him soon, huh.” As she turned and opened the door to leave and walked out.
“Yea, you do.” He said as he watched her leave and get into her car.
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mjszud
Captain
:guffaw:I cracked up at Natalia accidently kicking him in the crotch!
Although they shouldn't be getting all kinky in front of little Brayden *shame shame*
I loved all the playfulness, hugging, & humor in this chapter - nicely done!
Great details on the trains as well - I'd have no clue if it's true or not, but all the same - nice touch
One thing though - Eric has called Brayden 'Josh' twice now - is his full name Josh Brayden? Brayden Josh? Joshua Brayden? Just wondering
Although they shouldn't be getting all kinky in front of little Brayden *shame shame*
I loved all the playfulness, hugging, & humor in this chapter - nicely done!
Great details on the trains as well - I'd have no clue if it's true or not, but all the same - nice touch
One thing though - Eric has called Brayden 'Josh' twice now - is his full name Josh Brayden? Brayden Josh? Joshua Brayden? Just wondering
beautifuldisaster
Lab Technician
no his name is just brayden! sorry i went back and changed his name cuz i like brayden better! i must have missed some spots! sorry!
mjszud
Captain
No problem, hon.
I like Brayden better too - the ending of it is d(Delko), e(Eric), n(Natalia) ...well that's how I look at it anyway....
Brayden cracks me up. Naming the worm Thomas Jefferson. haha! I loved him playing trains with Nat. Too cute.
I had a feeling either Nat's mother or Nick Townsend was involved in Natalia's "leaving". I knew she wouldn't just up and leave like that.
I had a feeling either Nat's mother or Nick Townsend was involved in Natalia's "leaving". I knew she wouldn't just up and leave like that.
MacsGirlMel
Mac's Personal Assistant
more more! (and get rid of Carrie lol)
beautifuldisaster
Lab Technician
Chapter 8 is up!!!!! Enjoy!
Chapter 8
Eric was sitting at the kitchen table, busily talking away to Carrie.
“And then they were like Carrie, you have no idea what you’re doing!” Said Carrie angrily. Eric moved his cell phone away from his ear slightly as she raised her voice.
“So, things aren’t going that great?” He asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yeah, I mean come on! How was I supposed to know that suppository tablets are meant to go up your butt, not your mouth? How was I supposed to know?!?! Seriously! And now the doctors are like Carrie, we’re not sure if this is the right job for you.”
“Don’t worry about it Carrie, everything will work out.” Eric said reassuringly.
“I hope so, I really want this job.” She sighed.
“But anyway, how was your day?”
"It was ok. I took Brayden to school and then went to work and got held up there because they wanted me to do double shifts. But I’m not going to, cause I would need someone to look after Brayden.” And as Eric said that, a thought crossed his mind. “Maybe Natalia could babysit Brayden? They love to spend time with each other. It could work.”
“Babe, are you ok? You went quiet.” Carrie asked concernedly.
“Yeah I’m ok. I was just thinking.”
“Oh my God! You just reminded me! I have just found the most perfect wedding present for you!”
“Really, what is it?”
“I can’t tell you! That would ruin it! DUH!” She laughed.
“Oh right. Silly me.” He replied not really paying much attention to their conversation. He was too busy thinking about Natalia.
Suddenly Brayden came storming into the room soaking wet, and butt naked. Erics jaw dropped and he held his cell phone away from ear.
“What are you doing Brayden?! Eric whispered, and muffled a laugh.
“There’s a shark in the bath!” He screamed.
“A shark? In the bath?” Eric asked, and smiled at his sons cuteness.
“Yeah! A huge one! And he tried to eat my toes.” Brayden wailed as he grabbed his fathers hand and pulled him towards the bathroom.
“Uh, Carrie, can I call you back tomorrow? There’s a shark in the bath.”
“Pardon?” She asked feeling confused.
“Uh, never mind, I’ll talk to you later.” He chuckled as he clicked his phone off and was pulled into the bathroom by Brayden. Eric saw the bath full of water and a couple of Braydens toys sprawled around the tub.
"Where's the shark sweetie?” He asked.
“It was here before! I swear daddy! It was big, and scary, and had huge teeth.” Brayden moaned.
He began to walk around the tub and inspect it, and Eric did the same.
“Well, I think you scared him off.” Eric said.
“Now come on. You’re going to freeze.”
He wrapped a towel around Braydens naked wet body and led him upstairs.
******************************
“I can’t believe Eric actually wants me to babysit Brayden. Natalia said happily as she collapsed down onto the couch, next to Calleigh.
“Yeah, it sounds like he trusts you already. Kind of strange don’t you think?” Calleigh replied as she flicked the page of the magazine that she was reading.
“Come to think of it, it is kind of strange. It didn’t take him very long. Especially since he thought that I was some kind of psycho mother a few days ago.”
“Maybe he’s falling in love with you.” Calleigh stated casually.
Natalia almost choked on her own saliva.
“Excuse me?!” She gasped.
“Huh? Oh, nothing.” Calleigh replied smiling to herself.
“Did you just say what I thought you said?” She asked.
Calleigh looked up from her magazine and her eyes narrowed into Natalias.
“Nat, the truth is this guy could easily fall in love with you.”
“Cal! He’s getting married! Plus we are just friends, nothing more. OK?!"
“Yeah, whatever Nat.”
:::* Later *:::
“Brayden can’t eat mushrooms, and he’s lactose intolerant. So don’t feed him anything with lactose ok?” Eric said to Natalia as he grabbed his coat and wrapped it around his shoulders.
“Nat, do you know what lactose is?”
“Yep, I’m lactose intolerant as well.” She smiled.
“Oh, ok, so just don’t feed him anything that you wouldn’t eat.”
“Yep, got it."
“But if you do give him anything with lactose, quickly drive him to the hospital, and then ring me. Or, maybe you should ring me first, and then drive him to the hospital. No actually, take him to the hospital first. Unless there is a huge cue, then you should ring me first.” He babbled.
Natalia rolled her eyes.
“Eric, everything will be fine.”
She squeezed his hands and smiled at him affectionately.
“I promise.”
He took his hands out of her warm grip and edged away from her, feeling rather uncomfortable.
“Um, ok.” He said as he backed up into the wall.
“Uh, I better get going. Bye Brayden!” He yelled.
“Bye daddy!” Said Braydens faint voice from the lounge room.
Eric looked back to Natalia, and smiled at her weakly.
“The band-aids are in the bathroom by the way.”
“Alright, I got it.” She laughed while giving him 2 thumbs up.
He opened the door, and turned back to her and gave her another weak smile.
“I’ll be back about 10-ish.”
“Ok, see you then.” She said as she shut the door behind him. She sighed happily and walked into the lounge room. Brayden was sitting in front of the TV peacefully watching Sesame Street.
“Hey, I love this show!” She laughed as she sat down on the floor beside him. He jumped at the sound of her voice, and quickly turned the channel. She smiled and looked down at him, as he blushed.
“I don’t usually watch it.” He lied.
“Why not?! I love it! It’s the most awesome show ever! I love Big Bird and Elmo!”
“Really?! I love Oscar. He’s the best.”
“Big Bird and Elmo are better.” Natalia teased.
“No way!!! Oscar is WAY better! He even lives in a trash can!” He squealed, desperate to defend his favorite puppet.
“So? Trash cans smell!”
“You smell!” He laughed as he jumped on top of her, and hugged her tightly.
“You smell worse!” She said, pretending to sniff him.
“Na-uh!”
“Ya-huh! You smell like dog poopie.” She giggled.
“No I don’t! YOU smell like dog poopie!”
Her jaw dropped and she gasped. She pretended to be offended by his remark.
“That’s it young man! Time for tickle torture!”
She pushed his squirming body flat on the ground and lightly sat on his belly. She pinned his arms down with her knees as she began to gently brush her fingers against his stomach. Naturally, he cracked up laughing at the feeling.
“Stop it! Stop it!” He laughed.
“Not until you admit that I don’t smell like dog poopie!” He continued to laugh happily.
“But lying is a sin!” He replied cheekily.
“Hey! That’s so mean!” She smiled, as she watched his face fill with laughter.
“Now say that I don’t smell like dog poopie!”
"Nooo!”
“Brayden!”
He was going red, and tears of happiness were streaming down his face. Natalia knew that he couldn’t handle this for much longer.
“I’ll never say it!”
“SAY IT!”
“FINE! You don’t smell like dog poopie mommy!” He laughed.
Natalias eyes widened. He had just called her mommy.
Chapter 8
Eric was sitting at the kitchen table, busily talking away to Carrie.
“And then they were like Carrie, you have no idea what you’re doing!” Said Carrie angrily. Eric moved his cell phone away from his ear slightly as she raised her voice.
“So, things aren’t going that great?” He asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yeah, I mean come on! How was I supposed to know that suppository tablets are meant to go up your butt, not your mouth? How was I supposed to know?!?! Seriously! And now the doctors are like Carrie, we’re not sure if this is the right job for you.”
“Don’t worry about it Carrie, everything will work out.” Eric said reassuringly.
“I hope so, I really want this job.” She sighed.
“But anyway, how was your day?”
"It was ok. I took Brayden to school and then went to work and got held up there because they wanted me to do double shifts. But I’m not going to, cause I would need someone to look after Brayden.” And as Eric said that, a thought crossed his mind. “Maybe Natalia could babysit Brayden? They love to spend time with each other. It could work.”
“Babe, are you ok? You went quiet.” Carrie asked concernedly.
“Yeah I’m ok. I was just thinking.”
“Oh my God! You just reminded me! I have just found the most perfect wedding present for you!”
“Really, what is it?”
“I can’t tell you! That would ruin it! DUH!” She laughed.
“Oh right. Silly me.” He replied not really paying much attention to their conversation. He was too busy thinking about Natalia.
Suddenly Brayden came storming into the room soaking wet, and butt naked. Erics jaw dropped and he held his cell phone away from ear.
“What are you doing Brayden?! Eric whispered, and muffled a laugh.
“There’s a shark in the bath!” He screamed.
“A shark? In the bath?” Eric asked, and smiled at his sons cuteness.
“Yeah! A huge one! And he tried to eat my toes.” Brayden wailed as he grabbed his fathers hand and pulled him towards the bathroom.
“Uh, Carrie, can I call you back tomorrow? There’s a shark in the bath.”
“Pardon?” She asked feeling confused.
“Uh, never mind, I’ll talk to you later.” He chuckled as he clicked his phone off and was pulled into the bathroom by Brayden. Eric saw the bath full of water and a couple of Braydens toys sprawled around the tub.
"Where's the shark sweetie?” He asked.
“It was here before! I swear daddy! It was big, and scary, and had huge teeth.” Brayden moaned.
He began to walk around the tub and inspect it, and Eric did the same.
“Well, I think you scared him off.” Eric said.
“Now come on. You’re going to freeze.”
He wrapped a towel around Braydens naked wet body and led him upstairs.
******************************
“I can’t believe Eric actually wants me to babysit Brayden. Natalia said happily as she collapsed down onto the couch, next to Calleigh.
“Yeah, it sounds like he trusts you already. Kind of strange don’t you think?” Calleigh replied as she flicked the page of the magazine that she was reading.
“Come to think of it, it is kind of strange. It didn’t take him very long. Especially since he thought that I was some kind of psycho mother a few days ago.”
“Maybe he’s falling in love with you.” Calleigh stated casually.
Natalia almost choked on her own saliva.
“Excuse me?!” She gasped.
“Huh? Oh, nothing.” Calleigh replied smiling to herself.
“Did you just say what I thought you said?” She asked.
Calleigh looked up from her magazine and her eyes narrowed into Natalias.
“Nat, the truth is this guy could easily fall in love with you.”
“Cal! He’s getting married! Plus we are just friends, nothing more. OK?!"
“Yeah, whatever Nat.”
:::* Later *:::
“Brayden can’t eat mushrooms, and he’s lactose intolerant. So don’t feed him anything with lactose ok?” Eric said to Natalia as he grabbed his coat and wrapped it around his shoulders.
“Nat, do you know what lactose is?”
“Yep, I’m lactose intolerant as well.” She smiled.
“Oh, ok, so just don’t feed him anything that you wouldn’t eat.”
“Yep, got it."
“But if you do give him anything with lactose, quickly drive him to the hospital, and then ring me. Or, maybe you should ring me first, and then drive him to the hospital. No actually, take him to the hospital first. Unless there is a huge cue, then you should ring me first.” He babbled.
Natalia rolled her eyes.
“Eric, everything will be fine.”
She squeezed his hands and smiled at him affectionately.
“I promise.”
He took his hands out of her warm grip and edged away from her, feeling rather uncomfortable.
“Um, ok.” He said as he backed up into the wall.
“Uh, I better get going. Bye Brayden!” He yelled.
“Bye daddy!” Said Braydens faint voice from the lounge room.
Eric looked back to Natalia, and smiled at her weakly.
“The band-aids are in the bathroom by the way.”
“Alright, I got it.” She laughed while giving him 2 thumbs up.
He opened the door, and turned back to her and gave her another weak smile.
“I’ll be back about 10-ish.”
“Ok, see you then.” She said as she shut the door behind him. She sighed happily and walked into the lounge room. Brayden was sitting in front of the TV peacefully watching Sesame Street.
“Hey, I love this show!” She laughed as she sat down on the floor beside him. He jumped at the sound of her voice, and quickly turned the channel. She smiled and looked down at him, as he blushed.
“I don’t usually watch it.” He lied.
“Why not?! I love it! It’s the most awesome show ever! I love Big Bird and Elmo!”
“Really?! I love Oscar. He’s the best.”
“Big Bird and Elmo are better.” Natalia teased.
“No way!!! Oscar is WAY better! He even lives in a trash can!” He squealed, desperate to defend his favorite puppet.
“So? Trash cans smell!”
“You smell!” He laughed as he jumped on top of her, and hugged her tightly.
“You smell worse!” She said, pretending to sniff him.
“Na-uh!”
“Ya-huh! You smell like dog poopie.” She giggled.
“No I don’t! YOU smell like dog poopie!”
Her jaw dropped and she gasped. She pretended to be offended by his remark.
“That’s it young man! Time for tickle torture!”
She pushed his squirming body flat on the ground and lightly sat on his belly. She pinned his arms down with her knees as she began to gently brush her fingers against his stomach. Naturally, he cracked up laughing at the feeling.
“Stop it! Stop it!” He laughed.
“Not until you admit that I don’t smell like dog poopie!” He continued to laugh happily.
“But lying is a sin!” He replied cheekily.
“Hey! That’s so mean!” She smiled, as she watched his face fill with laughter.
“Now say that I don’t smell like dog poopie!”
"Nooo!”
“Brayden!”
He was going red, and tears of happiness were streaming down his face. Natalia knew that he couldn’t handle this for much longer.
“I’ll never say it!”
“SAY IT!”
“FINE! You don’t smell like dog poopie mommy!” He laughed.
Natalias eyes widened. He had just called her mommy.
mjszud
Captain
How much do I love this kid!!! He's adorable, & I can almost "see" Nat & Eric in him!
Can't wait to see what happens when Eric comes home!! **hopes that Nat & Brayden are asleep cuddled on the sofa so Eric let's her stay overnight**
Oh, & I notice how this time Eric didn't say "I love you" to Carrie when he got off the phone
Can't wait to see what happens when Eric comes home!! **hopes that Nat & Brayden are asleep cuddled on the sofa so Eric let's her stay overnight**
Oh, & I notice how this time Eric didn't say "I love you" to Carrie when he got off the phone
A big shark in the bathtub? Bawwahhhh. I :adore: this kid so much! Loved him and Nat teasing each other. Too cute.
MacsGirlMel
Mac's Personal Assistant
So when do we get rid of the wedding stuff?
beautifuldisaster
Lab Technician
Here's chapter 9!!!!! Enjoy!
Chapter 9
Natalia felt herself tense up. "Did he really just say that?" Brayden immediately stopped laughing. He bit his bottom lip nervously. She slid off his little body, and leaned back against the couch. Brayden sat up and looked at her.
“Well, you are my mommy, aren’t you?” He asked, his words quivering a bit.
Natalia felt a lump form in her throat. Her eyes became blurry, and as she blinked a few warm tears rolled down her cheek.
“Yes, Brayden. I am your mommy.” She choked out.
Brayden didn’t say anything for a few moments. He sat there in confusion and watched as she cried. He couldn’t figure out why she was so upset.
“You don’t want to be mommy, do you?” He asked after a moment.
Her teary eyes looked up at him in shock.
“What do you mean? Of course I want to be your mommy! I love you Brayden, you’re my son.” She sniffed, and wiped her wet cheeks.
“Then why are you crying?”
“I’m happy crying.” She said as she opened her arms up for a hug. He ignored her offer.
“There’s no such thing! You just don’t want me.” He wailed miserably, as he began to cry as well. His tears made her feel awful.
“Brayden that’s not true! Don’t you ever say that again! Why would you think such a thing?”
He pulled his knees up to his chest, and hugged them, as he cried into his hands.
“Everyone’s left me.” He sobbed.
Natalia scooted closer to him, and placed her arm around him in a comforting way.
“Who’s left you sweetie? She asked.
“Everyone, my Fraiser Bear, Carrie, Clive, and you.”
“Sweetie, Carrie’s coming back an…”
“She doesn’t want to come back.” He interjected.
“What? Why not?”
“Because I was a meanie to her before she left, and now she hates me.” He sobbed, each word sounding muffled through his hands.
“She doesn’t hate you, nobody hates you.” She whispered and kissed his head softly.
"She didn't leave because she hates you, she left because she’s going for a job in California.”
Brayden sniffed a bit more, not making eye contact with Natalia.
“Really?” He asked.
“Honestly. I’d never lie to you.”
He glanced up her, with his wide open, deep, teary brown eyes meeting her soft brown eyes. He didn’t hesitate to say what he said next. He almost said it demandingly.
“Well, why did you leave me?”
Her stomach sank. She knew that this moment would come, just not this soon.
“I, well, it’s very hard to explain. I didn’t really have a choice. You see, you have a Grandma and she, well, several years ago she sent you and daddy away without me knowing. And I had no idea where you were until a couple of weeks ago, and I came to find you, and I did.”
Brayden gave her a puzzled look.
“What?”
Natalia smiled down at him, and stroked his silky brown hair.
“Never mind, you’ll understand when you’re older.”
He sighed and rested his head against her shoulder.
“Brayden, all that really matters is that I’m never, ever, ever, going to leave you again. OK?” She assured him.
He thought to himself for a second and then replied.
“Do you swear on the front of the Holy Bible, no fingers crossed included that you’ll never leave?”
“Yes. I cross my heart, hope to die, poke a needle in my eye.”
“Ew.” He cringed.
She reached over and pulled him into her arms. They hugged one another tightly, just being silent and listening to each other breath. Natalia kissed his nose softly, and after a few moments she spoke up.
“How did you know that I was your mommy?”
“I found a picture in daddy’s room, of you holding me when I was a baby. He answered as he snuggled up further into her arms.
“Oh, so did you know that I was your mommy from the moment you saw me?” She questioned.
“No, you look different mommy. You’ve always looked pretty-ful, but you look even MORE pretty-ful now.”
Chapter 9
Natalia felt herself tense up. "Did he really just say that?" Brayden immediately stopped laughing. He bit his bottom lip nervously. She slid off his little body, and leaned back against the couch. Brayden sat up and looked at her.
“Well, you are my mommy, aren’t you?” He asked, his words quivering a bit.
Natalia felt a lump form in her throat. Her eyes became blurry, and as she blinked a few warm tears rolled down her cheek.
“Yes, Brayden. I am your mommy.” She choked out.
Brayden didn’t say anything for a few moments. He sat there in confusion and watched as she cried. He couldn’t figure out why she was so upset.
“You don’t want to be mommy, do you?” He asked after a moment.
Her teary eyes looked up at him in shock.
“What do you mean? Of course I want to be your mommy! I love you Brayden, you’re my son.” She sniffed, and wiped her wet cheeks.
“Then why are you crying?”
“I’m happy crying.” She said as she opened her arms up for a hug. He ignored her offer.
“There’s no such thing! You just don’t want me.” He wailed miserably, as he began to cry as well. His tears made her feel awful.
“Brayden that’s not true! Don’t you ever say that again! Why would you think such a thing?”
He pulled his knees up to his chest, and hugged them, as he cried into his hands.
“Everyone’s left me.” He sobbed.
Natalia scooted closer to him, and placed her arm around him in a comforting way.
“Who’s left you sweetie? She asked.
“Everyone, my Fraiser Bear, Carrie, Clive, and you.”
“Sweetie, Carrie’s coming back an…”
“She doesn’t want to come back.” He interjected.
“What? Why not?”
“Because I was a meanie to her before she left, and now she hates me.” He sobbed, each word sounding muffled through his hands.
“She doesn’t hate you, nobody hates you.” She whispered and kissed his head softly.
"She didn't leave because she hates you, she left because she’s going for a job in California.”
Brayden sniffed a bit more, not making eye contact with Natalia.
“Really?” He asked.
“Honestly. I’d never lie to you.”
He glanced up her, with his wide open, deep, teary brown eyes meeting her soft brown eyes. He didn’t hesitate to say what he said next. He almost said it demandingly.
“Well, why did you leave me?”
Her stomach sank. She knew that this moment would come, just not this soon.
“I, well, it’s very hard to explain. I didn’t really have a choice. You see, you have a Grandma and she, well, several years ago she sent you and daddy away without me knowing. And I had no idea where you were until a couple of weeks ago, and I came to find you, and I did.”
Brayden gave her a puzzled look.
“What?”
Natalia smiled down at him, and stroked his silky brown hair.
“Never mind, you’ll understand when you’re older.”
He sighed and rested his head against her shoulder.
“Brayden, all that really matters is that I’m never, ever, ever, going to leave you again. OK?” She assured him.
He thought to himself for a second and then replied.
“Do you swear on the front of the Holy Bible, no fingers crossed included that you’ll never leave?”
“Yes. I cross my heart, hope to die, poke a needle in my eye.”
“Ew.” He cringed.
She reached over and pulled him into her arms. They hugged one another tightly, just being silent and listening to each other breath. Natalia kissed his nose softly, and after a few moments she spoke up.
“How did you know that I was your mommy?”
“I found a picture in daddy’s room, of you holding me when I was a baby. He answered as he snuggled up further into her arms.
“Oh, so did you know that I was your mommy from the moment you saw me?” She questioned.
“No, you look different mommy. You’ve always looked pretty-ful, but you look even MORE pretty-ful now.”