life's a journey. @mateoalejandromartinez - Tumblr Blog

Zoey had come over early for the annual Brannon Christmas party. The girl showed up in a shirt red dress with leggings underneath. Her heels in her hands. Seeing as how she had to walk the seven blocks to his house. Both of her parents were working and Zoey refused to miss it. So she got dressed in the nicest thing she owned (which she felt like still didn’t meet their standards) and dug through her mothers jewelry for a pair of earrings to match the promise ring Asher gave her for her birthday, and took off on foot.

Zoey pushed the few strands of fallen hair behind her ear and knocked on the door, cursing to herself at her chipped nail polish and prayed no one would say anything. Xx @asherbrannon xX

Shaking his head, Asher looked down at her, placing his hands on her waist. "Honestly, no." he sighed, leaning down and kissing her softly. "I don't want to do down there at all, but I know that's not entirely an option. Can't we just stay here for awhile? Make an appearance later and then come back?" he laughed.

Zoey giggled, burring her nose into his chest before kissing his chest. “I wish. But knowing your body mother she will send your sister to find us assuming we’re having sex.”

"I don't know if Mom even knows we have had sex." he admitted. "I mean, it's not like I go around telling her." he laughed. "Though, I'd assume they're not blind to it. I don't know." he rambled. "Fifteen more minutes?" he asked. "I'll behave I promise." he winked.

“Let’s hope she doesn’t.” Zoey mumbled, kissing his neck. Her grip on his shirt momentarily tightened as she was hit with another ‘cramp’. As he whined though, Zoey laughed, tugging on his hand and pulling him from the room. “Come on.”

As she took his hand and lead him out of the bedroom, he followed along closely behind her, one hand pressed against her side in an effort to keep her close. "If you happen to find the table with all the sweets, that's where you'll find me if we get separated." he laughed. "But I don't plan to leave your side if I can help it."

Zoey gripped tightly to the back of his shirt and nodded, “Like I’m leaving that table at all tonight.” Zoey laughed softly, tucking her head into his side as people stared.

"I'd say I'd join you but you know that would just make people stare more and I know you hate that." he laughed, looking back at her. "Don't want to make it obvious." he spoke, kissing her cheek.

Zoey giggled softly, “Of course. We have to mingle. We can’t appear ungrateful.” She rolled her eyes. “I still can’t believe you dragged me.”

“I can appear however I want.” Asher laughed. “I’m the ‘ungrateful teenager who doesn’t have a clue what’s going on around him and what I’m lucky to have’.” He shrugged. “But I’d never put you in that position.”

“Have you told your mom that?” Zoey questioned, pulling away from his chest and taking his hand in hers, pulling him toward the drinks, “You promised me wine remember?” She questioned, her thumb already twisting the ring on her hand.

“No, I’m slick not stupid.” He laughed, looking at Zoey as he took her hand. Together they began making their way towards the drinks. “I did. Wine or whatever else your heart desires but wine is guaranteed to be here all night.”

“There might not be enough alcohol to get me though the night but it’s a start.” Hours later, Zoey was on the couch with Asher, her full body curled into his side in pain, wine still in her shaking hand. She whimpered softly.

With his arm wrapped around her, he heard her whimper, leaning down and kissing the top of her head. “What is it, love?“ he asked, using a nickname he used with her a lot but especially when he was drinking. “Are you find being social?”

Zoey nodded, “just feeling a little sick.” She whispered, which she blamed on the three glasses of wine. “I’m going to go to the bathroom.” Zoey tearfully pulled herself away, leaving her shoes unattended by his feet and heading to the nearest bathroom, where she was missing for over a half hour.

Leaning forward and kissing her softly, his finger hooked under her chin as he kissed her, he nodded. “I’m sorry. We can go upstairs and you can nap if you want? Or I can get you some food…” he admitted, only nodding again once she announced she was going to the bathroom. “Yeah, whatever you need. I’ll grab us some snacks and meet you back here.” He spoke. One thing about Asher was when he was drinking, he lost all track of time. So, it was nearly 20 minutes before he realized she wasn’t back and he moved towards the door and knocked on it. “Someone’s in there.“ he heard, nodding. “I know..” he replied, knocking again. Zo- it’s me. You okay?”

By the time Asher found her, Zoey had somehow delivered a baby. Her closed spotted in blood from holding the infant to her chest. The baby cried softly, which a terrified Zoey tried silencing instantly. When she heard her name, Zoey looked toward the door, “Ash?” She asked softly, leaning over to unlock the door before sitting back down on the floor in shock.

“It’s me.” He nodded, opening the door and noticing immediately the baby on her arms. “Zoey-“ he paused, closing the door behind him and locking it. Probably wasn’t the wisest decision as he suddenly felt like he was going to pass out but he moved, sitting on the floor slowly. “I-what?” He asked. “Are you okay??” The shock written all over his face.

Zoey shook her head side to side, her entire body still shaking, “baby.” She whispered, clearly trying to process herself what just happened, “I- I just had a baby. At your parents party. Oh my god.” She shook her head, looking back down at the baby as it started crying “Shh. Please stop. No one can know about you. Shh.”

Looking between her and the baby Asher ran his hand nervously through his hair, his hand shaking. “I’m -“ he paused, swallowing. “How did you- you were pregnant?” He paused, looking at her. “Is this actually happening?”

Zoey shook her head, “No. no. I- I mean. Yes. Clearly. But no. I- I didn’t know.” She shook her head, reaching over his to get a towel from under the sink. She cringed, noticing it was white. Staining her future in laws towels though would have to wait. Carefully she wrapped the newborn up and the child stopped crying. Zoey let out a breath, her head resting against the wall. “Your parents are going to kill me.”

“I figured you didn’t.” He nodded, looking at her. “I just-“ he paused. “Does the baby look okay?” He was doing his best to remain calm despite the fact he was freaking out. “I- I’m not worried about them right now. Are you two okay? What do you need me to do?” He was trying to hard to be calm he wasn’t thinking about the fact he needed to call an ambulance.

Zoey nodded, “do you want to hold her?” She whispered, gently passing him the infant, “I think she’s okay. I- I can’t stop shaking. But i think it’s either shock or maybe blood loss.” She sighed, looking gown at her dress, “I mean/ this dress is ruined.”

“I do, hang on I’ll move to you.” He spoke, standing slowly and then settling on the floor next to her, reaching for their baby. “Wait did you say her?” He asked, smiling. “We have a daughter??” He questioned clearly distracted by anything else now.

Seeing how excited he seemed, Zoey smiled, nodding, “Yeah.” She whispered, resting her head on his shoulder. She rested her head on his shoulder and reached over to touch the little girls hand before quietly counting her fingers for the millionth time.

“She’s perfect…” he spoke, looking down at the infant and then back over at Zoey. “You just delivered a baby on the bathroom floor..”

Zoey nodded, looking up at him, “Yeah. And it freaking sucked.” She jumped at a knock on the door. It startled the infant, causing the baby to scream and Zoey to instantly start panicking.

As the infant started crying, Asher sighed. “We’ve got to get you out of here. Get you two checked out. I just know there’s no way I can do it without someone seeing and I don’t feel comfortable waiting because it could be five in the morning.” He sighed.

“You expect me to just walk out there, carrying a baby like nothing happened? We can’t even drive if we wanted to. There’s to many other cars. Besides. We don’t have a car seat or anything.”

“No I don’t expect you to go anywhere.” He shook his head. “I’m just thinking out loud but you can’t stay here all night. I’m going to have to figure out something.” He spoke, not wanting to freak her out or tell her he was contemplating calling an ambulance.

“Here as in the bathroom? Or here as in your house?” Zoey questioned, raising an eyebrow. “Can’t we just- I don’t know? Get me out? Upstairs to your room to rest? I want a shower. And baby girl needs to be cleaned off.”

“I meant the bathroom, but honestly I’m concerned about not getting you guys checked out.” He admitted, looking at his girlfriend and sighing slightly. “A shower would probably help you two feel better. I can get you upstairs I think. Just don’t know how subtly.”

Zoey took a deep breath and shakingly pulled herself to her feet. “I’m okay. I can hide it better. I’m worried about her though. People being loud. Scaring her. Not to mention them wanting to take her.”

“I get it, yeah. No one in this house is touching her though.” He spoke. “Not until we have the chance to make sure she’s okay.” He spoke. “How do you want to do this? Do you want me distract them so you can make your way upstairs?”

Zoey shook her head, “If I go alone I doubt anyone will even notice me. I can blend in. The only reason anyone even notices me is because they know you. Like I said. I’m more worried about her.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” He nodded. “I think it’ll be easier for you to blend in if you go alone. I can grab some drinks or something and then come up to you? Maybe?”

“While taking Bella?” She questioned, not even realizing she had absentmindedly named the baby, “I mean, we really didn’t discuss who was taking her honestly.”

“Do you want me to take her?” He asked. “I mean, I don’t mind if you know I will but also if you think people will be more likely to see me with her than I think it’s best for you to take her.” He spoke. “Also, Bella huh?” He smiled.

Zoey blushed, ignoring as he said the baby name back to her, “I just know I’m going to be moving slow. You can move up stairs a hell of a lot quicker than I can and get her hidden in your room before I even get to the stairs.”

“That’s true. I can always take her up there and then come back down or something. I just know you’ve barely eaten and I’m sure you could use some for to regain strength after all that.”

Zoey nodded, gently pushing him toward the door, “Go. SHES going to start inhaling the goop and she’s got to be cleaned. I’m right behind you.”

“I’m going, I’m going.” He nodded. “I’ll see you upstairs.” He spoke, moving from the bathroom and heading upstairs, not realizing that his sister had seen him and was growing concerned.

Zoey took a couple of minutes to collect herself before following after him, much slower. She ignored the glaring eyes from his sister and went straight to the upstairs bathroom to get a wet cloth before returning to Asher’s room to clean the baby.

Once Zoey had joined him, Asher looked over at her as she came in with the rag. “I grabbed one from the bathroom in my way but I think another will help.” He nodded. “This one’s starting to get cold anyways.” He admitted looking down at their daughter. “Did anyone see you?”

Zoey shook her head as she carefully sat beside him, wincing in pain. “I don’t think so. I didn’t really look up though. I kinda just shuffled up here as quick as I could.” She looked down at their baby and smiled, “We have a kid.”

“I didn’t either.” He shook his head. “I’m sure someone noticed but I wasn’t paying enough attention.” He shrugged. “We do. How weird is that?” He asked. “You just had a child completely unmedicated. In a bathroom. How did you even do it?”

Zoey shrugged. “I guess my cramps were actually contractions? I just- I don’t even know. By the time I realized what was going on her head was pretty much already out. And it’s not like I could tell for you without attracting attention.”

“Oh it seems like it for sure.” He nodded, looking at their daughter and then back at her. “That’s crazy. Like this is actually insane.” He spokr. “How do you feel? What do you need?”

Zoey laughed softly, “You always ask what I need.” She shook her head, “I need a shower. And she- Bella needs everything. Clothes. Diapers. A bottle I guess? I don’t know how to feed her.”

“”You go shower. I’ll hold her. Figure out what we can do to get her out of here..or I guess to get out of here and get what she needs.” He spoke. “We can’t *both* go though we don’t have a car seat..” he spoke. “I can- I’ll figure it out. Just go shower and I’ll think while I hold her?”

Zoey nodded, leaning over to kiss his shoulder before kissing the baby. She quickly grabbed one of Asher’s shirts, wanting to be comfortable, before moving to the bathroom feeling absolutely disgusting after everything that had happened.

After what felt like hours later, Bella was sleeping and Zoey returned from the shower. Asher was sitting on his bed, only looking up when the knob turned and offering Zoey a welcoming smile when she came into the room. “Someone looks like momma when she sleeps.” He spoke, opening his arm the best he could to offer Zoey a spot with them on the bed.

“So a hot mess?” Zoey joked, carefully crawling into the bed and tucking herself into his side, “she’s much cuter then when I sleep. Besides, 90% of the time I end up on top of you.” She joked, turning her head to kiss his chest, “No lick finding her anything?”

“You are not a hot mess. You look peaceful when you sleep.” He smiled, kissing the top of her head. “I made some make shift clothes for her but I didn’t find anything for her. I’m going to have to go to the store. At least get some diapers a car seat and one outfit.”

Zoey whimpered softly at the thought of him leaving. She knew there wasn’t much of an option but the idea of being left alone at his parents house with a newborn they were trying to hide terrified her. Trying to stay positive, Zoey nuzzled into his side and responded, “Peaceful isn’t the word I would use but sure.”

"I don't love the idea of leaving you here, but, I mean, I would feel better if you guys were safe here than I would if we all tried to walk or something." he shrugged. "I know it's not ideal and I'm sorry." he sighed. "DO you want me to go grab you food before I leave? "

“Are you definitely she you’re okay to walk to Nathan’s house after you last class? I can leave you the car and just have Nathan pick me up and take me to the store for dinner essentials.” He spoke. “And be honest. If you want me to come get you I can but I want to know now so I can plan the study schedule accordingly.” @zoeybennett

As the paramedics moved in, one of them moved towards Zooey. “We’re going to do our best to get to the bottom of this. Let me take both of you outside. Get you checked out, and we’ll know more once the police officers get here but for now, our priority is to get you taken care of.” She spoke, leading both her and Asher outside. Asher knew this looked bad. He knew that this didn’t look good. Zoey was covered in bruises. Now someone had been shot along with Zoey, and without proof that this guy had Zoey’s ID to get the address, he knew he was screwed.

Zoey’s one leg gave out as she used Asher for support to manually make it down the multiple flights of stairs and outside. She whimpered slightly as the helped her sit on the back of the ambulance, “I’m okay. Really. Just- I don’t know. People live every day with bullets in them. It’s fine. Just let me go.”’

Asher shook his head as he looked over at Zoey. “At least let them bandage it or something so you don’t lose a bunch of blood.” He spoke as a cop approached them, wanting to separate them to get the story straight. “Come with me, we’re going to question you both individually.” He spoke. After he was gone, the cop looked at Zoey. “What happened here tonight?” He questioned.

As they bandaged her eg, Zoey refused to even book at the cop. She couldn’t process anything. Eventual she snapped and quietly explained, “I got beaten up. He tried to shoot but missed.”

Nodding the officer looked at her. “By the man that’s over there with the officers?” He questioned, not paying attention to the fact that both Asher and the other guy both had officers with them.

Zoey glanced up, nodding slowly, “Yes sir.”

“Can you tell me what else happened? I just want to get the stories straight.” He commented, though, Asher was already being questioned by the other officer. “We are going to suggest you go to the hospital, get checked out also. We can’t force you but with your injuries it may be for the best.

Zoey noticed Asher getting heated and she shook her head, holding her hand out toward the cop, “Can I borrow your phone? I need to call someone.” By the way things were going she knew Asher was at least going to get taken in for questioning and she didn’t want to be alone.

“Do you have a phone anywhere inside?” He questioned, looking over his shoulder as another officer began to tell him the process of what was happening. “Never mind.” He spoke, taking his phone out of his pocket. “Here. Call whoever you need. I’m going to leave you here with the paramedics and figure out what’s going on. I’ll be right back.”

Zoey nodded. With shaking hands she dialed the familiar number. Though sighed when it went to voicemail, “Hey. It- it’s Zoe. Asher always told me to call you if something went bad? Something about an orange key? I don’t know. Apparently that’s suppose to mean something? Anyway. Just- I don’t want to be alone. And- and they might be taking me to the hospital. I just-“ a beep echoed through the phone, signaling the voicemail timer was finished. She hit end before putting the phone in her lap. Softly she finished her sentence to herself, “I don’t want to be alone.”

Less than twenty minutes later, Nathan showed up at Zoey and Asher’s house as they were driving away with him. “What the hell happened?” He asked. “You look like shit.”

“Thanks.” Zoey mumbled, rolling her eyes, “I got jumped earlier after class and some asshole stole my ID. I guess he figured I lived alone so he showed up here. I ended up getting shot so Asher shot back. Dude almost died. Asher got arrested.”

“Yeah, I know about you getting jumped…” he stopped listening as she explained everything. “Wait. Do they think Asher did this?” He questioned. “Shit. Okay. We need to get you checked out. And then you’re staying at our house until we get all of this settled.”

Zoey shook her head as they motioned her into the ambulance to take to the hospital, “No. your place stinks. The weed makes me sick. Plus I don’t want to cause drama between you and Sadie.” She pulled herself up and moved to not sit on the stretcher. “I- bring me back here. I need to clean. And- and- god. I’ve got to figure out the door issue.”

“Not a chance. It’s a pact. Asher and I made it years ago when we became friends that if the other ever called us with the ‘orange key’ code it was bad. And that we promised the other to look after whoever we were with at the time - girlfriends, parents, etc.” he spoke. “Sadie wouldn’t mind. In fact she was worried about you two coming back here tonight.”

“Screw your pact. You probably made it when y’all were like seven. You’re place makes me nauseous. That’s why Asher let us leave in the first place. He knows how sick it makes me.”

“You’re right it is. But no we weren’t seven. Either way, doesn’t matter. I’m not letting you stay alone, nor am I putting myself or Sadie or even you at risk for him to find you again so we’re going to figure something out. Break the lease, get a hotel room, anything. You don’t have to stay with us at my house but I’m not letting you stay here. Not happening.”

“Then at least let me go home and get into our rainy day fund. We were saving for a vacation but I guess I can put it toward a hotel for the night. ONE night.” She spoke, emphasizing that she wasn’t planning to stay gone for long. “Hopefully then I’ll be able to put more pressure on my leg and can hopefully get maintenance to get us a new door.”

“I can do that, but honestly you think staying there even after a night is worth it?” He asked. “I mean, he has your ID so he has your address. New door or not if he doesn’t die he’s going to come back for you. Especially now that he assumes Asher wont be there.”

“Better than intruding on you and Sade. I’ll be fine. He lost a lot of blood. Most of which is on me. He’s not leaving tonight anyway.”

“It’s not intruding when it’s to keep you safe. Asher can’t. Not until we can get him out of jail.” Nathan spoke. “So it’s my job to help when and where I can. But we can figure it out.” He spoke. “First we need to get you to the hospital.”

Zoey rolled her eyes. She didn’t want Nathan. She wanted Asher. She was scared. She was in pain. And at the moment she felt alone. So instead of replying she turned her head away from him, staring at the wall of the ambulance, hoping to find comfort there.

Sighing, Nathan took a step into the ambulance, trying his best to keep her calm before they took her away. “I want to help you.” He spoke. “What can I do?”

“I mean, honestly there isn’t much is there A-“ she paused, the familiar name almost slipping out, “Nathan. There isn’t anything. My boyfriend is in jail. I lost my house. I don’t exactly have anything right now and I’ve got to learn to cope with that.”

“I know, it’s a lot, and I know that you have to cope with it on your own so I want to help however I can.” He spoke. “I’m here to support you whatever way you need until I can get Asher out of there.”

“Just go home. Sadie needs you. Whatever the hell his name is fell into a coma so it’s not like he can do anything anyway. I’ll probably just get a few stitches then be on my way.” Since she was clearly up and alert the paramedic started asking Zoey questions so they could quicker relay it to the hospital. When asked if she was pregnant, Zoey went silent. Of course it was a possibility. But she wasn’t sure how much Asher had told his best friend, “I- I mean. I don’t think so. But it’s not- I mean. We have- I don’t think so but we’ve had scares in the past.”

As he looked between the paramedic and Zoey, Nathan nodded. “You don’t want to find out alone for you?” He asked. “I’ll have Sadie meet us there. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it with me, Sadie can be there too but you don’t need to be alone.”

“I don’t fucking want Sadie.“ Zoey snapped. “I don’t want you. I don’t want anyone. The only person I want right now might be locked away forever for murder. So please. Drop the hero bullshit and leave me alone.”

“Fine. Whatever.” Nathan spoke. “I can’t do a damn thing about Asher being here with you, so I’m the next best option you’ve got unless you want me to call your parents. And last I checked that was the last place you needed to be around.” Nathan spoke. “Asher wouldn’t want you to be alone. So you have a decision to make. Me, Sadie, both, your parents or alone. Decisions yours.”

“What? So you can leave me alone anyway to go smoke a joint or hook up in the closet? I’m better off alone.” Though in reality she wanted to be anything but alone.

“I’m not smoking anything nor am I hooking up with anyone.” He shook his head. “Not when you are priority. Trust me, I like sex and weed as much as the best person but I know when to prioritize what, and as long as you are around, I’m need, and we’re here for you, none of that other stuff matters. You’re the focus. Just like Asher would do I’d he were here. That’s what orange key means. There for each other and their own until they can be back. Nothing else matters, nor is it important.”

“Honestly Nathan. I can’t trust you.” Once they got to the hospital, Zoey stood up and carefully imped out before falling onto the ground. She cursed softly to herself before getting up and being pushing into a wheelchair.

As they wheeled Zoey into the hospital, Nathan was behind her as he’d followed in the car. He may not be much support in the moment, but he wanted her to see that regardless of how mad she was at the end of everything he’d been there. She was being wheeled to a room and a nurse asked her “Do you think you could be pregnant? We’re concerned the bullet needs to be removed with surgery but we need to explore our options just in case.”

Being pregnant with their first child during college had been stressful. Between never ending classes, Asher working as many shifts as he could to make extra money, and having a baby, it had felt like they were always busy. But now they had made it to a year and a half with their baby boy, and while it was hectic, the couple was very much enjoying every bit of parenthood. Today, though, they had a doctors appointment for a checkup, to run some tests as their son wasn’t talking properly, but Asher wasn’t concerned. A lot of kids their sims age wasn’t talking yet. But, as he got ready, their son laying on their bed as he always did when he got changed, Asher looked over his shoulder at Zoey. “What too me is the appointment today?“ he questioned. “I want to be there but I need to make sure I call work depending on what time it is.i was still on the schedule for all day when I left last night.”

Zoey had finished changing him when she sat next to the toddler, “10:45. But I’ll probably get there earlier to do paperwork.” She looked back at their son, biting her lip as she noticed he was still looking up at the ceiling at not even reacting to her voice. Something she had been noticing for a while. At first she thought it was because he was an infant. There were to many things to distract him. But then it started to concern her. Loud firetrucks passing on the street, loud enough to make Zoey jump and Eli didn’t we bat a eye. As he got older she would ask him if he wanted to eat and he wouldn’t make a sound. She would say good morning and when her baby sister use to giggle he would stare blankly at her. Zoey felt something was wrong. But spending most of her time alone with their child, by the time Asher got home she was to wrapped up in wanting to spend every second with her boyfriend, the topic never got brought up. She wasn’t even sure it was something he noticed himself.

“That’s what I thought. So I’m going to call and tell them I’m not coming in until after.” He spoke. “Because you know if I do go in they’ll never let me leave in time.” He spoke, standing and moving to kiss Eli’s head. “Do you remember what kind of tests they’re doing?” He questioned. He’d noticed that Eli didn’t seem to reply to his name, but, Asher didn’t think a ton about it. To him, it was just typical toddler behavior, and nothing he was too concerned about. He seemed to be excelling in most other aspects, but with Asher himself having been developmentally delayed, he knew Eli would come around on his own.

Zoey shrugged, “probably just to check things out. His response time. His hearing. Ale sure everything is developing Like it should. “ She shrugged looking back at Eli. “Just to make sure he’s it experiencing any kid of major set backs or anything they need to keep an eye on. I think they mentioned shots to which you know I hate.”

“I’m going to try to take the day off.” He admitted. “Because I know when he gets shots he needs the extra love. And today wasn’t my originally scheduled day anyways. They just added it a couple of days ago and I’d rather be here.” He admitted. “Are you nervous?” He asked. “About the results.”

Zoey nodded slowly. “Watch.” She spoke, moving her hand out of their son’s eyesight and snapping. “Nothing. No head turn. Nothing. But if I-“ she moved her hand in front of Eli and did the same thing the child laughed and reached for his mom’s hand, “That doesn’t feel right to me. Like if he can see it it makes a huge difference.” She shrugged, looking back at their son. She smiled softly before tickling him, “What if something it wrong?”

Watching as Zoey demonstrated how Eli would look at her when she snapped in front of him, but not even acknowledge when he wasn’t definitely raised some red flags for Asher. “And he doesn’t really respond well to his name. Honestly he doesn’t respond to it at all.” He shook his head. “Which has always concerned me but I didn’t think it was a huge deal..until now.” He sighed. “I mean, if he can’t hear properly, there are a lot of things technology wise they can do for him.“ he admitted. “I guess we’ll just have to see what they say. And hope for the best.”

“A lot of things we don’t have the money for. We’re kids. I- if he is I’d have to drop out of school for sure. No option. No way we can afford doctor visits and things to help. Plus both of us in school.” She sighed, “We have to do something.”

Nodding slowly, Asher looked over at her. “I mean, the place I’m trying to get an intern ship through has insurance but I have to get hired first. But you know if he needs something the doctor is never going to not let us help him. They’re going to figure out a way to get us to help him, however we can.”

Zoey shrugged, “I mean. I guess that’s good for you and him.” She commented, knowing they were barely even dating. “It’s not just that though Ash. If he is deaf or even hard if hearing, do you understand how much harder that’s going to be on him? Special classes. Special teachers. Sign language. It’s a lot.”

“It will be good for you too.” He spoke, looking at her for a moment before he looked over at their son. “I know, and I hate that for him, but, I mean, he isn’t going to know any different.” Asher shook his head. “And I know that wasn’t your point, but, think of it this way. With technology, doctors, and everything we can eventually get him, plus him knowing sign language, he’ll be able to make a difference. He’ll be able to show others that none of that is going to slow him down.”

“I mean, good in the aspect that I don’t have to pay for his insurance out of my own pocket too I guess.” She shrugged, getting up and finding the diaper bag, “How? With him getting secluded for being different. With having so many obstacles I his way. For having to learn slower and- and having to learn to lip read and people treating him like he’s stupid when our baby is just trying his hardest.” Zoey looked down at her hands. All she could imagine was her sweet little boy bringing her a flower after school. Proud of himself. And others laughing and pointing at ‘the weird kid’ and it broke her heart.

Seeing that Zoey was worried about Eli, Asher stood, waking over towards her and kissing her cheek softly. “I know.” He spoke, reaching for her hands, squeezing them as he tried to comfort her. “I was that kid. I wasn’t bullied as much as I think people thought but I had learning disabilities. I was behind my entire class until I hit high school, and sure there were some difficulties, but the kids that had my back were so good about helping me. About showing me that no matter what others said I wasn’t the ‘weird kid’.” He shook his head. “I promise you that if I have any sort of say so in how Eli is in school, he won’t be the ‘weird kid.’ He’s going to be kind. He’s going to be the kid that everyone wants to be friends with. We’re going to reach him he can do anything he wants. No questions asked.”

“But we don’t have a say. And a learning disability is way different than this. Taking longer to read or struggling with your times table is different than physically not being able to communicate with people. Not everyone knows sign language. He won’t be able to communicate with students. He’s going to struggle making friends. He will have to have different teachers since he can’t learn like normal.”

“What do you mean we don’t have a say? We have all the say when it comes to him.” Asher spoke, looking at Zoey for a moment and then looking back at Eli. And I know it’s scary. Sure, it doesn’t compare, but it kind of does.” he admitted. "I know that he’s determined; he’s not even two yet and I already know he’s determined. And they have schools for kids with disabilities of all sorts. Whether we put him in a school with only kids with disabilities or if he’s in a smaller classroom with a teacher that can help him, he’s going to be okay. Sure, he may have a harder time, but he’s not going to be completely incapable.” he spoke. Sure, his learning disabilities had been less than not being able to hear, he would admit that it wasn’t the same thing, but, he remembered all the times that he’d been told he couldn’t do anything, just for his dad to be the only support he’d had before he met Zoey. And he knew that if he had a say so, Eli would never think less of himself than what he was capable of.”

Growing up in a single father household, Asher wasn’t one that attended a lot of weddings. In fact, he was sure he could count on one hand just how many weddings he had attended in his life time, not including the ones that he’d had to work since getting the catering job that he found himself busy with nearly every weekend for the majority of his college career thus far; this weekend included. Sure, the money was nice, and Asher didn’t mind it, but, this weekend was different, because this weekend while his girlfriend was attending the wedding as a guest - it was for Zoey’s cousin - Asher and the catering crew were working it, and while the tips would be good (thank God for Zoey’s more fortunate side of the family), it didn’t change the fact that he was missing out on something fun for work, yet again. As he stood in their shared apartment right at an hour before he was supposed to leave for work - now nearly three hours before Zoey herself would be showing up with the rest of her family - Asher sighed. “Are there any last minute things you need help with?” he questioned, looking at his girlfriend as he tucked in the shirt of his uniform. “And do I need to take you with me now or are your parents picking you up on the way? I forgot to ask the game plan this morning.” @bennettxzoey

Asher had basically become the person entirely in charge of the kitchen over the last few weeks, which meant that he wasn’t able to keep an eye on things on the outside quite as much as he wanted. Whether it be the customers - he liked to think he’d always had an eye for knowing when they were about to blow up or be aggravated - helping set up different things, or even just keep an eye on Zoey, it was a lot harder these days now that he was stuck on kitchen duty. Tonight was no different than any other, and he had been placing plate after plate on the warmer, only really seeing Zoey being the one to retrieve them. Their shift was short, and on top of that they’d been stuck helping the new crew who seemed to be slow, or maybe they were just lazy, Asher didn’t know. All he knew was that he was tired of seeing Zoey being the only one doing anything, so he turned around, looking at her, only sighing when he realized it was her. “Is anyone else working or is everyone else standing around and you’re the one carrying plates?” he questioned, though, he spotted the tears in her eyes just as she started crying. “What’s wrong?” he asked, turning completely away from the stove to look at her. “What happened?” he questioned as he began to grow protective, his mind going straight to things that had happened previously.

Zoey shook her head, the curls she had spent hours on falling into her face as an act to hide her tears. Though when she reached up to wipe her eyes she knew it was game over. “I- they keep putting people in my section since the- the others are still in training. And like I- I’m trying. But I’m slow. I get it. And people keep getting mad at me. I had some teenager intentionally trip me earlier and I dropped one of those free bread basket things. They thought it was funny and I just-“ she sniffled, pushing the hair back out of her face, “People keep getting pissed and asking where their food is and why I can only bring like one plate at a time and I try explaining that the others are busy because it’s a busy night and then one person was like ‘that’s not my problem’ and I just took as much as I could. And I’m really starting to hurt from when I fell.”

Looking over at her as she began explaining the situation, Asher nodded. He’d had a feeling that this night would be a long one, but he’d hoped that he was wrong and that the day would’ve gone smoothly, but, sadly he’d been right. Which was not a situation he wanted to be right in. “I was worried you’d have some people saying stuff. Which just feels ridiculous to me because you have a boot on. It’s obvious.” he spoke. “And yeah, the rest of the team is training but I think I’ve seen that Brad kid come in here one time. Maybe. The rest of the plates are being ran by you. What are they even doing out there?” he sighed. “I don’t like that. That people are making the food being ‘late’ your fault. They clearly don’t know respect for people.”

Laughing slightly as he leaned over kissing her forehead he nodded. At this point he was already helping her into the car so that they could prepare for their journey home. “No, they aren’t, but I would wake you once we got home.” he spoke, though he knew that she probably knew the chances of that were slim. Or at least sober her knew that. “But you can stay awake too. I wouldn’t mind the company, but, I don’t want you to feel bad for falling asleep.”

Zoey nodded. Throughout the drive she tried staying awake but her plains fell when she inevitably fell asleep. Hours later shortly after 2:30 on the morning, Zoey woke up. They had only been home a few hours and she was clearly still drunk. Or at least still a heavy amount of alcohol in her system. She looked around in the dark, noticing Asher asleep beside her, and started crying. Eventually turning into full sobs.

It took Asher a minute to hear Zoey’s cries, but when they turned into full blown sobs, he sat up, sleepily reaching for her. “Hey..” he whispered, though his voice was barely audible. “I’m right here.” He spoke a little louder. “What’s wrong?” He asked, blindly trying to hit her.

“I- I did- I didn’t get my- my nuggets.” She sobbed, clutching her blankets tighter. “I- I just w-wanted nuggets!”

“You what-?” though he paused as he realized what she was saying. “Oh, nuggets!” he replied. “Baby, I got them. They’re in the fridge; do you want me to toss them into the oven?” he asked. “Or do you want me to toss them into the air fryer we bought to replace the microwave that Shane blew up?” he asked.

Fast Forward From Last Thread

It had been nearly 14 weeks since Zoey’s last appointment and overall things had been going well. Aside from morning sickness - which always seemed to be something she struggled with sadly - things had been going alright from what it seemed. And this would be their official ultrasound to determine the genders of their twins. As he pulled into the drive way at lunch time, he moved inside, helping Zoey with anything she needed as he knew she’d been busy figuring out a sitter for Camryn and getting Eli to school. “Did you still want to find out today or did you want to do some sort of little party or something?” He asked, closing their front door behind him. @bennettxzoey

“That’s the thing, Zoey. I never know what you want from me.” he spoke, shaking his head. “I leave, I’m the bad guy. I stay I’m the bad guy. Or at least that sure is how it feels.” he shook his head. “You’re insecurities get in the way of accepting the fact that I’m here. I’m right here in front of you, but you’re just constantly on edge that I’m going to leave you here alone. And sometimes I think that’s what you want me to do, but you know as well as I do that I always come back. I don’t want to do this life without you, I don’t. But you’re so hard to read sometimes and you don’t talk to me. You just completely go silent and make me figure it out on my own which apparently just makes it worse as we noticed today..” his voice trailed off and he looked at her. “I don’t - I don’t know what you want. I don’t know how to make you happy but apparently today isn’t the day for that. It’s been constant. I haven’t been able to say two words without it setting you off and I get it, I do. You’re pregnant, and when you’re pregnant you’re more likely to do and say things without thinking but damn.” he sighed. “It’s starting to feel a hell of a lot like you don’t want me at all.”

“Because you fucking shut me out! You won’t have a conversation with me. It’s just a no and the conversation is over. And I’m done with it. I’m done with all of it. The fighting. The walking on eggshells. I’m done. You can’t just come and apologize and expect it to be fine. For me to act like a damn happy puppy. It’s exhausting. I can’t keep doing this.”

“I never shut you out! You asked me a question that I was confused by told you not today and you completely stopped talking to me. How the hell was I supposed to know what you meant when you don’t talk?” he asked. “You don’t have to walk on eggshells with me, I’m-.” but he paused, shaking his head. He didn’t want to continue this conversation. “To be honest, I’m tired too. I don’t know what your expectations are, Zoey but I can’t meet anything when I don’t know there’s a problem, and I’m going to sand firm on that. I can’t fix anything when I don’t know you’re upset. Point blank. I just know I don’t want to keep fighting with you. I’m exhausted, we’re both stressed out and to be honest I’ve apologized until I literally have no words left. I don’t expect you to just forget it, but your attitude towards me today hasn’t made me staying around you very easy, Zoe. I want to be here, I want to help you but when it feels like you’d be just better off without me here, it makes it difficult. Do you want me to stay? Or do you want me to leave? Whatever you say I’ll do. No questions, no words. Just do.”

It was the night before Camryn’s second birthday and for once Asher wasn’t nervous about the party as much as he was other things. He’d just applied to college to be a dental assistant, he was trying to figure out the right time to propose to Zoey and now they were sitting in the bathroom of the two bedroom apartment they shared hoping the pregnancy test on Zoey’s hand didn’t come back positive. Or at least he was. It wasn’t exactly that he didn’t want a baby, things were just a lot at the moment and he didn’t want to add anymore stress to Zoey in the coming months he would be busy with school. He touched Zoey’s hand, watching as they shook slightly. “You know it’s all going to be okay, right?”

“I know, she was a lot sicker than he was. But, even without that, she just, I’m pretty sure she’s the smallest baby we’ve had.” he spoke as he watched Leo playing with Zoey. “Sometimes I think Cam is still jealous that she isn’t the baby anymore.” he laughed.

Zoey nodded, “Cam.” She repeated. Her attention moved toward Ava, a sad smile on her face, “Last.” She whispered, obviously crushed they were done having kids.

“Unless we decide to adopt.” He spoke. “I mean, I would have more biologically if I knew it wouldn’t hurt you more.” He spoke filtering himself around the kids.

Zoey paused for a moment. A thought in her mind. What if the got a surrogate? She shook her head, not even wanting to mention the thought. She knew there was no way they could afford it. Not adopting. “Last.” She repeated.

“Yes, last. That’s fine with me. As long as your here, healthy and breathing.. I’m content with four kids. It feels complete.”

Zoey leaned over kissing Asher with a small sigh, “Love you.” She whispered in an attempt to cheer herself up.

“I love you too.” He smiled, kissing her cheek. “I want to do something special with the kids maybe in a few days? If you’re feeling up to it?”

Zoey looked up, nodding with a small smiled, “Sure.” She nodded again, “What did-planned?”

“I wasn’t really sure.” He shook his head. “I know Cam is really into fish right now, so I was thinking the aquarium or something..” he spoke spelling out both fish and aquarium. “But I didn’t want to plan anything until closer to this weekend whenever I saw how you were doing.”

Zoey nodded, “I’m fine.” She muttered, looking back at the twins, “Just tired.”

“I understand. We’ve all been through a lot through the last few months. But yeah. Maybe the aquarium. Or the little water park or something. The free one with the fountains. I just thought the aquarium may be more safe for the twins.”

Zoey nodded again, looking up at Asher, “Safe is best.”

Looking down at zoey, Asher moved so he and Ava were sitting next to Zoey and Leo. He kissed Zoey’s cheek and smiled. “I love you.”

Zoey giggled softly as he kissed her cheek, “love you.” She repeated, resting her head on his shoulder, “love you.” She spoke again.

“Want to have a pizza and movie night tonight?” He asked. “Maybe see what kind of movie Eli wants to to watch since he’s he only one that doesn’t pick Frozen or Moana everytime?”

Zoey nodded again, “Encanto too.” She shrugged, “Tired of Bruno.”

“I’m surprised I can’t sing it in my sleep yet.” He admitted. “I also don’t know how I forgot about that one.”

“I don’t think leaving it is the safest bet, babe. I mean, we can take it and you can use it when you need it?” He asked. “I don’t want to leave it in the car, but I will let you make that compromise if that works for you.”

“Taking it and using it just as needed kinda defeats the purpose.” She spoke, looking down at her feet and sighing, “It- it’s fine though. Whatever. I mean- this kinda is my life now- right?”

“I mean, you’re right.” He nodded. “It’s does feel like it defeats the purpose, but I also know you hate it.” He sighed. “But yeah, it is your life now, yes.”

Zoey nodded again, turning away from him and walking toward the entrance, tugging the tank along behind her, clearly now upset.

“Let me hold your hand?” He asked as he tried to catch up with her. “We’ll go on together.”

Zoey slowed down, sticking out her free hand for his, “I don’t know why you’d want to be seen with a freak like me, but sure.”

“You aren’t a freak.” He shook his head. “Why would you think that? You’re perfect. Your body just needs a little extra love these days.”

“Because I can’t even do something as simple as breath. And now it’s going to be in all of our pictures. It’s going to be all anyone can talk about. And now- I’ve not seen your parents in forever and it’s going to be the first thing they notice.”

“Mom and dad came to see you..” he spoke, though he knew she wouldn’t know that. “We weren’t sure you were going to make it, honestly and everyone came to say goodbye.” He admitted. “And I know that isn’t the point of what you meant and I’m sorry that things are the way that they are. But just know that everyone loves you, and that this is the best thing for you.”

Zoey sighed, “And what if I do make it? Looking back at pictures of me like this is gonna make me sick.” She shook her head, “but that doesn’t matter. We’re not here for me. This is all for you.”

“I didn’t do any of this for me..” he shook his head. “I did this because I wanted you to have at least one last celebration before..” he shook his head. “Before you weren’t around to have celebrations for you anymore.”

Zoey stopped walking, leaning up to kiss him, “Hush. You said we weren’t talking about it anymore.” She shook her head, “I just don’t want our, possible, last photos together be of me sick.”

“I did say that. And I don’t want to. But I just, I felt like you at least deserved to know why i did this.” He sighed kissing her back. “I want you to be happy about pictures too though. What do you think would help?”

“I don’t want to be reminded of this damn tank.” She sighed frustratingly, “I- I did most of our wedding without it.”

“We can leave it in the car if you think you will be okay. I don’t think you should chance it personally but it is your body.” He spoke. “Do you want to leave it and we can leave early? Or I can come get it whenever you really need it? What do you think is best?”

Zoey rolled her eyes, “Stop guilt tripping me.” She sighed, running her fingers through her hair. “Now I just want to go home. This isn’t fun anymore.”

“I’m not guilt tripping you, Zoey.” He sighed, looking back at her before he turned. “I want you to be happy while you’re here. I want the pictures that are going to be taken here to be a memory you can look at in a few days and be happy. Not sad or angry, or all of the other emotions that I know you’re feeling to come sneaking up when you deserve to be happy. That’s all I want. And if leaving the tank behind will do that for you, than that’s what I want. I should’ve asked you before I just told you we needed to take it.”

Zoey shook her head. “I just don’t want to remember this as me being sick. This being- essentially a goodbye party. I want to enjoy it. To not worry about hiding it, and taking it out when cameras are around. And if I leave it- that’s one less thing to worry about..”

Asher nodded, taking her hand and squeezing it slightly. “I understand and that’s fine. We can leave it. Just as long as you promise me if you start feeling too bad, you tell me. So we can leave and go home for you to rest?”

Zoey nodded, having no intention on ruining the party by leaving early, “Promise.” She whispered, taking out the tubing and handing him her tank.

“Thank you.” He nodded, leaning forward to kiss her as he took the tank, taking it back to the car. Once he returned, he took a step forward, kissing her again. “You ready for this party?” He smiled.

Seeing how happy he was, Zoey softly smiled, “I can’t wait.”

Within what felt like minutes, Asher was leading her into the building, taking her to a room to get ready. “Behind this door is part one of your surprise.” He smiled. “Your dress, and someone to help you do hair and makeup as well. Probably your mom too but she may not be here yet.”

Zoey raised an eyebrow, “Wait. Hold on. Back up. Part one? A dress? And you hired someone to do my hair and makeup?” Zoey shook her head, “Asher no. This is way way way to much.”

“Well, I guess you already know about part two. The reception is part two. I just prepared to call this part one in my delivery speech.” He admitted. “As for the hair and makeup. No. Your mom did all of that, family friends she said.”

Zoey nodded, leaning up to kiss him, “If I get a dress I guess that means your changing too?” She questioned, “Come get me when you’re done?” She asked.

“Yeah, I am. Nothing too fancy but I’m changing.” He nodded. “I will for sure come find you. No questions asked.” He smiled. “See you soon?”

“See you soon.” Zoey smiled, leaning up to kiss him before disappearing to change.

Nearly ten minutes later Asher returned to Zoey, knocking on the door. “How are we doing In there?” He questioned.

“Come in!” Zoey yelled, coughing slightly. She was already dressed while someone now stood behind her curling her hair.

Asher moved into the room, smiling as he saw her in her dress. “You look beautiful.” He smiled. “So you need anything? Food or water?” He smiled, staring at her.

Zoey softly smiled, looking down at her outfit, “It’s much more comfortable. That’s for sure. I wouldn’t go as far as beautiful though.”

“It looks good on you.” He smiled. “That color too.” He took a few steps into the room and kissed her softly. “You don’t give yourself enough confidence.” He smiled “or credit for that matter. You do look stunning.”

Zoey softly smiled against his lips, “At least wait till I have makeup on and don’t look like death.”

Asher laughed, nodding. “You don’t anyways but I can wait.”

“We met at the courthouse to get the Lowe work to get married. I figured you’d appreciate me saving on gas. There was no real reason to both drive here so we just rode together.” He spoke. Ignoring the second half of her question, he looked over at her with a smile as he helped her into the back seat of the car. “We’re just going to go get the car now.”

Zoey narrowed her eyes at him, knowing something was up, but clearly he seemed excited about the surprise so she dropped it, “Uh huh.” She nodded, deciding to drop it. “The car. Sure.”

“I’m serious. We really are going to get the car.” He smiled. “It just seemed easier at the time, I don’t know why I didn’t just drive.” He spoke. “But anyways. How are you feeling?”

Zoey shrugged, leaning into him as soon as he was next to her. She laced their fingers together, wanting to be as close to him as possible, “Okay. Tired mostly. I really just want to eat something and go to bed.”

“I can imagine. We haven’t been sleeping very well at home so I know you probably haven’t been.” He shook his head. “But that does all sound great.” He spoke. “Eating and sleeping.”

Zoey’s eyes fell closed, already starting to fall asleep, “I’m sorry I was being a brat.”

“You weren’t.” He shook his head. “You we’re just passionate about wanting to get married and i was too focused on the little things that didn’t even matter.” He sighed. “I just wanted it to mean more, I guess. Which is stupid.”

While he had been keeping it a secret, Asher had been planning a huge birthday celebration for Zoey’s 21st birthday for quite some time. He has almost everything planned out; between the theme the food and the drinks, all he has to do now was basically put it all together without zoey finding out. Zoey had been persistent about not wanting a party, but wanting something small, but Asher knew that while the night would start with family dinner, it was going to end with a party with their friends. As he moved into their bedroom or their shared apartment with Eli trailing behind him, he smiled as he noticed zoey in the outfit bed picked out. “That looks just as stunning on you as I remembered.” He smiled.

“I don’t mean like immediately but a year from now if everything was fine. I want however many you want, honestly. I’ve always wanted three kids at least.” He admitted.

“At least?” Zoey laughed, instantly cringing in pain, “I’m one of five remember. My parents were like bunnies.”

“I know, but I also don’t want to do that to you. I don’t think it’s safe to have babies back to back.” He spoke. “I don’t want to do that to you.”

Zoey smiled softly, leaning up slightly to kiss him. “Honestly though, breathing is hard right now. There’s no way we could have another baby any time soon.”

“I under say and that completely.” He nodded. “I wouldn’t even think about trying right now, but our kids are just so cute it makes me want a whole baseball team sometimes.”

Zoey laughed softly. “I get that. You know I’d give you one too.”

“I’m glad you would.” He smiled. “I just, yeah. I want to whenever the time is right but no rush on it at all.”

Zoey nodded, “Let’s get home first.”

“The doctor said if you did well he was going to let you go home within a couple of Days. But that was before your seizure..”

“I don’t mean like immediately but a year from now if everything was fine. I want however many you want, honestly. I’ve always wanted three kids at least.” He admitted.

“At least?” Zoey laughed, instantly cringing in pain, “I’m one of five remember. My parents were like bunnies.”

“I know, but I also don’t want to do that to you. I don’t think it’s safe to have babies back to back.” He spoke. “I don’t want to do that to you.”

Zoey smiled softly, leaning up slightly to kiss him. “Honestly though, breathing is hard right now. There’s no way we could have another baby any time soon.”

“I under say and that completely.” He nodded. “I wouldn’t even think about trying right now, but our kids are just so cute it makes me want a whole baseball team sometimes.”

Zoey laughed softly. “I get that. You know I’d give you one too.”

“I’m glad you would.” He smiled. “I just, yeah. I want to whenever the time is right but no rush on it at all.”

“I don’t mean like immediately but a year from now if everything was fine. I want however many you want, honestly. I’ve always wanted three kids at least.” He admitted.

“At least?” Zoey laughed, instantly cringing in pain, “I’m one of five remember. My parents were like bunnies.”

“I know, but I also don’t want to do that to you. I don’t think it’s safe to have babies back to back.” He spoke. “I don’t want to do that to you.”

Zoey smiled softly, leaning up slightly to kiss him. “Honestly though, breathing is hard right now. There’s no way we could have another baby any time soon.”

“I under say and that completely.” He nodded. “I wouldn’t even think about trying right now, but our kids are just so cute it makes me want a whole baseball team sometimes.”

Maverick Bennett never graduated college, yet sometimes he felt like he knew just as much about college courses as he would’ve if he’d attended college. Working the local bar down the street from the busiest university, Maverick got to hear many stories. Between who was hooking up with who, the amount of homework that someone had, and just the overall gossip of the university children. However, his favorite college conversations usually came from Alyssa, his girlfriend that he also happened to share an apartment with. Most of their kitchen counters were full of alcohol bottles, a sign that the male practiced his bar tending skills even in their tiny apartment. It was nothing fancy; something cheap that they could afford on Maverick’s starting out salary and Alyssa’s financial aid. While they had the bare minimum, it was home to them. As he poured a drink into a cup - a new concoction he’d been trying; Alyssa was always his guinea pig - he slid it across the bar, trying to avoid hitting her computer or her textbook. “What’s the latest gossip today? Anything you want to complain about or just homework you want me to help you with?” @alyssaxbennett

Maverick shook his head as he felt his hand grip the phone. “Don’t do it.” he spoke, trying not to let his voice show how he was really feeling. “I don’t trust him; I don’t trust that he actually drops anything. It’s a scam. Get you to sleep with him and then just push more assault charges on me..” Maverick spoke. “If you trust him, than tell me, but just know that I don’t.” He sighed. “I don’t know what else to do, though..”

Alyssa quickly shook her head, “Absolutely not. He’s disgusting. He makes me uncomfortable. I’m marrying you for a reason. I just-“ the girl sighed, running her fingers through her hair, “I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m not sleeping. I’ve had three crackers in the past two days. I haven’t been to school. I’m not okay.”

“He is disgusting, and I don’t want you sleeping with him, but you’re also a grown up that can make your own decisions.” he admitted. Looking over at Alyssa, Maverick nodded. “I wish I could help you..” he sighed. “I wish I knew what else we could do. Did you talk to any of your friends that night? Think they would help?”

Though it was a close tie with Christmas, Asher had always loved Halloween. He’d always loved the thrill of haunted houses, decorations, but mostly costumes, and drinks with his friends. This year - though he’d never forget last years Halloween when he and Zoey had dressed in coordinating costumes that everyone had been obsessed with - he was excited to spend Halloween with his family; family costumes would be a little harder to navigate for a newborn but he was excited to try none the less. Moving into the front door of the tiny apartment he shared with Zoey, a fall candle immediately dominating his nostrils as he entered the house with a bag. “You know I can’t leave mom and dad’s house without something.” He spoke, placing the bag in the table as he moved into the apartment, a spiderweb connected to the ceiling as it became obvious what was happening - a massive spider web was about to take place and Asher loved it. “Mom sent Halloween decorations, well, honestly, I asked for them. These were my favorite when I was a kid.”

sunninaspen:

Zoey shrugged, “she dozed off while I was decorating. In the bouncer. But like I said, E wasn’t having being ignored and kept waking her up.”

“Yeah, he definitely doesn’t like not being the center of attention.” he spoke, nodding in agreement. “I’ll be back. Hopefully Eli stays asleep and I can actually help you. I’ll be back.” he smiled, kissing her cheek before scooping up Camryn and moving towards their room. Nearly half an hour later, Asher returned, Camryn finally asleep. “I don’t know if it’s for long, because I’m sure E will be up soon, but, she’s at least down now.”

Zoey nodded, flopping down onto the couch, “Jesus. Now I could use a nap.” Her voice was mumbled as she reached up and rubbed her eyes. “I finished the spider webs.”

“Sleep, babe.” Asher spoke. “I can handle the kids if they wake. I want you to rest.”

Zoey shook her head, “no. You just got home. I want to spend time with you.” Slowly the girl sat up, “how was your day?”

“My day was good. Pretty sure I failed my history quiz, but, thankfully it’s not even twenty percent of our grade so I should be fine with my lecture points and the other quizzes this year.” He spoke. “The other class was cancelled because our professor had a family emergency. Mom and Dad seem to be doing okay. They were excited to hear we were decorating, but, not much else was really talked about.” He shrugged. “What about with you? Were the kids rough all day?”

Zoey huffed, “Well I started the morning with Cam throwing up on me. So, we took a family shower because you know Eli can’t be left alone for four seconds. After that I tried making an iced coffee and did some stretches. Wasn’t easy but it helped. Then breakfast went terrible.”

“But you’re breakfast is fantastic, how was it terrible? Aside from Eli throwing food in the floor per usual.” He spoke. “Did you get to at least enjoy your iced coffee??” He spoke, moving his hand so it was running through her hair. “I have a late class tomorrow, why don’t I make breakfast in the morning?” He questioned.

“Burnt. So we ended up just having toast and bananas.” Her eyes fell closed as he touched her hair, “Skip class.” She mumbled, only half serious.

“Toast in bananas used to be E’s favorite food.” Asher sighed. “I hope Cam loves it as much as E did. Just because I think it would be cute.” He smiled. He nodded, allowing his head to rest on top of hers as he moved it to rest on his shoulder. “Okay.” He nodded. “I’ll skip. I need to finish my paper anyways.”

Zoey slowly shook her head, “you can’t skip Ash. As much as I want you too. I’ll be fine. Really.”

“Honestly, I really need to. And I’m not just saying that because I want to stay home.” He spoke. “I didn’t get to finish my paper and if I skip class, that’s gives me another two nights to work on it before I have to turn it in. This professor is all about physical copies so I don’t have to turn it in online.”

sunninaspen:

Zoey shrugged, “she dozed off while I was decorating. In the bouncer. But like I said, E wasn’t having being ignored and kept waking her up.”

Zoey nodded, flopping down onto the couch, “Jesus. Now I could use a nap.” Her voice was mumbled as she reached up and rubbed her eyes. “I finished the spider webs.”

“Sleep, babe.” Asher spoke. “I can handle the kids if they wake. I want you to rest.”

Zoey shook her head, “no. You just got home. I want to spend time with you.” Slowly the girl sat up, “how was your day?”

“Burnt. So we ended up just having toast and bananas.” Her eyes fell closed as he touched her hair, “Skip class.” She mumbled, only half serious.

sunninaspen:

Zoey shrugged, “she dozed off while I was decorating. In the bouncer. But like I said, E wasn’t having being ignored and kept waking her up.”

Zoey nodded, flopping down onto the couch, “Jesus. Now I could use a nap.” Her voice was mumbled as she reached up and rubbed her eyes. “I finished the spider webs.”

“Sleep, babe.” Asher spoke. “I can handle the kids if they wake. I want you to rest.”

Zoey shook her head, “no. You just got home. I want to spend time with you.” Slowly the girl sat up, “how was your day?”