Big thanks to Sherry and Paige for beta-ing and helping me plot out my story so far! I couldn't do this without you!
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"Did you stand there all alone?
Oh I cannot explain what's going down
I can see you standing next to me
In and out somewhere else right now
You sigh, look away
I can see it clear as day
Close your eyes, so afraid
Hide behind that baby face"
-Cage the Elephant-
EPOV:
The sun is blistering and sweat is pouring down my body. I can't remember the last time I worked outside…I believe it was high school, mowing our lawn. How embarrassing is that?Thankfully, I had the good sense to workout while I was fucking around.
As soon as work is finished, I'm starving and not in the mood for chit-chat. I don't think I'm anti-social per se…but there are just some days that I don't desire company. Now that I have Charlie to get home to, it's hard to really stick around and make small talk.
I jump into my truck, which has practically fallen apart after years of use, and head to the nearest spot to eat. There isn't much around my job site, but there is a local coffee shop that must have some sort of food.
I clean up my appearance the best I can before going in, but regardless of what I do, I'm covered in sweat and dirt. Shrugging my shoulders in defeat, I jump out of my truck and run inside in an effort to be as quick with this trip as possible. I order an Americano and whatever sandwich looks like it hasn't been sitting around all morning, and stand by the counter to wait for my order.
I feel the energy in the café change as soon as I hear the door chime. My breath catches in my throat as I see the beautiful brunette from the supermarket. She doesn't see me at first, fumbling with her purse, but as soon as she finds her wallet, her eyes shoot up to meet mine. They widen as they take in my appearance, and I can't help but grimace. I must look pretty rough, especially to someone like her….so polished…so beautiful. I meet her eyes again and find that she is still looking at me. I can't determine whether she likes what she sees or not.
I give her an awkward smile before I quickly look away, mentally kicking myself for not being more put together. My name is called, and I quickly retrieve my food, keeping my head down this time. Beautiful stands by the only door in the café, and as I walk past her, I can't help but look up. She's smiling at me!It's a small, shy, smile, but a smile nonetheless. My heart is pounding as I make my way past her and as soon as I walk out the door, I kick myself for not saying anything.
I have nothing to offer, so what is there to really say? A thought like this would usually get me down, but with my beautiful brunette occupying my thoughts, it's impossible to feel depressed. I feel lighter on my drive home.
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Changing diapers is more difficult than I could have ever imagined. I've been changing these for weeks and still haven't gotten the hang of it. How do people make this look so easy?Charlie is kicking his feet and giggling as I do my best to change him.
"Come on Charlie, behave for your uncle," I say as I pull the dirty diaper out from underneath his bottom, ball it up, and throw it in the trash.
He giggles and cocks his head to the side, gazing up at me for a moment, before he squeals and waves his hands around. I chuckle at him, unable to concentrate as he wiggles about. I open my mouth to say something else, and close it immediately as I see urine shoot up toward my face. I cringe as it gets all over my face, and throw my hands up as a shield to his attack. When he is finished, I grab a baby wipe and furiously wipe my face. I'm no germaphobe, but getting pissed on is still pretty disgusting.
"Buddy," I complain, after I have sufficiently wiped off my face.
He giggles and claps his hands at me, and the corners of my mouth twitch. I can't help but smile at him, so innocent and untroubled. I manage to get another diaper on him, although he is still fussing for me to hold him. I slip him into his onesie and pick him up as soon as I can, and hold him tightly in my arms. He squeals again and wiggles around until he gets comfortable.
"Why don't we watch a movie together buddy?"
Charlie's eyes light up, but it's not as if he knows what I'm suggesting. With him in my arms, I make my way to the kitchen to grab a drink from the fridge. I open the fridge to find water, juice, soda, and dad's beer. My eyes stay trained on the chilled Lager…Hawk One, one of my local favorites. My hand reaches for it, and it's as if I am right back to where I was. Charlie begins to babble in my arms, and my hand moves toward the Pepsi instead.
Back in my room, I lounge on the couch with Charlie and flip through Netflix. "What do you want to watch buddy?"
Charlie giggles and babbles, before grabbing a hold of my thumb. Feeling nostalgic, I settle on Land Before Time,wanting to share it with Charlie. I angle him toward the television so he can see, but he is too busy staring up at me to notice the movie playing.
"Hey buddy," I smile at him, watching his face light up, "Hey Charlie."
He giggles, watching me curiously.
"Look at the dinosaurs baby."
Charlie looks toward where I'm pointing, and grins at the television. Kicking his little legs, he squeals, and holds onto my thumb tighter. I hear the floor creak, and my eyes shoot up to find my dad leaning against the doorframe.
"Just wanted to check on you," he smiles.
Dad is back from his business trip, and I hope that his return will be soothing for mom. Perhaps he will cause her to ease up on me. I have so much to worry about, Charlie, a new job, and saving money for a move…I don't need the added stress my mom provides.
"We've missed you," I comment as I tickle Charlie's stomach.
"How have things been? I know it's been quite the transition."
A small smile crosses my face. Dad might have not realized the problems in our family, but he is a kind and genuine man. He always treated Seth and I equally…no matter what I did. In high school when Seth was a sports star and I was in and out of in-school suspension, dad never showed a preference. And if mom had, I never truly noticed, way too wrapped up in my own life.
"It's been fine, the new job has been good…I mean, it's a steady income." I shrug my shoulders, knowing that it doesn't sound like much.
"That's wonderful Edward," he says, voice strong with sincerity. "You still want to get your own place?"
While it is an extra expense, I know the separation will be beneficial for me. "Yeah, I'm saving up. I thought I would get an apartment between work and home."
"Whatever you think is best," Dad says, before making his way out of my room. He hesitates for a moment, and turns around to face me. "I'm very proud of you, Edward."
I don't know what to say.
A/N: I'm glad Edward has someone in his corner. He needed someone rooting for him and he has a great dad in Carlisle. I'm so glad you guys love my tattooed daddyward! It's incredibly fun writing a story all in Edward's POV!
Also, isn't it funny that Edward was embarrassed that he was sweaty and dirty…because he would look incredibly hot like that lol.
Song- "Cigarette Daydreams" by Cage the Elephant (Saw them last year!)
