Authors Note- I decided I should probably finish this story, because I started it, and I like to finish what I started, so here it is. The next chapter. It's short and crappy, but I think it kind of starts the rest of the story. This story will probably be another 5- 10 chapters long, it all depends on how I am feeling and how interested I am in this. Because at the moment I'm not all that interested in it. I will complete it though. I plan to finish my other stories too. So anyways thanks for all the reviews, here's the next chapter:)
"No, no, no... Jared is the one who loves cars." I correct, shoving another toy under the crooked and oddly decorated tree. I guess that's what happens when you open a box of ornaments, for five year olds, and let them have their way with everything.
"Oh... I figured it was one of the boys who wanted all this car stuff." He sighs looking down at another package and wrapping it. Ah Jared. He wants to be an auto mechanic, he has had an obsession with cars since I can remember. All I have done is feed it. Buying him as much car related stuff as possible, taking him to look in car dealerships, he even became friends with my mechanic, who taught him a thing or two about cars.
"Jordan isn't exactly a fan of cars. Or boy stuff at all. She's very girly." I explain, sitting down next to him on the couch. I look around the apartment. It's smaller than the mansion, a hell of a lot smaller than the mansion. I like it. It's quaint. Nice. A little cozy for five people, but that's okay. We brought a bunk bed, and a mattress from the mansion and put them in the triplets room. I tried to make it as homey as possible. Carter said he'd paint it for them if they wanted. They wanted.
"Yeah I was noticing that. Then I wondered who she got it from." He shoots me a playful look that I can't help but roll my eyes at then swat at his arm. His chuckles, tossing me a gift to wrap.
"I think that's one thing she got from you." He mocks being hurt and I laugh at him, and his poor acting.
Things have been going okay. We had that one fight earlier today, but since then we have managed to carry on conversations and actually get along. I kind of missed his company. The way he smiles at me, the way he looks at me. Everything. With every passing moment we seem to get more and more comfortable with each other. Like we use to be. Before everything went sour, when he could still stand to be around me. When bitterness didn't fill the air. For tonight the bitterness has mixed in the with the dust mites on the floor and given us a moment of peace. A well deserved one. After battling the kids into bed, and negotiating the number of bed time stories, I think we deserve to relax. And sitting here with him wrapping Christmas presents, well, it's pretty nice. We don't have too much for them yet, but we have some stuff. I brought things from home that I had bought there, and tomorrow I'm going Christmas shopping. Leaving Carter alone with the kids. I'm still a little on edge about it. My nerves are eating me alive just thinking about it. But I have to let him do it. I owe it to him. Besides I think he'll be fine. It's only for a few hours and I can always have Susan stalk them if need be.
"Today was... nice." Carter says sincerely, looking me in the eye. He looks at me with such intensity that I have to look away.
"Yeah, I agree it was nice. You know, when we weren't fighting." He laughs a little. "Look, I just want you to know, that I am not going to keep your kids from you anymore, I want them to know their father... Because they have a pretty great one. I was just afraid, and I'm sorry. Truly sorry."
He nods clearing his throat. The mood has suddenly changed to one more serious. I watch as he looks up at me, obviously embarrassed at bit. "Yeah well, I'm a little nervous about staying with them tomorrow, I won't lie. But I'm excited, I really- I really love them." He's beaming. "I know I'll screw up, but I love them more than they will ever know-"
"And that's what counts." My voice just above a whisper.
"Yeah." Our eyes lock, suddenly I don't resent him as much as I once did. He made mistakes, I made mistakes, but now everything has changed, everything is different- better. Newer. Like we have started over erased our past. Our faces move closer together, I can feel his breath on my lips.
"Mommy-" I turn my head to the side so quickly, I think I have whip lash.
"Yes-" I squeak, "Yes, Jared." Carter pulls a blanket over the presents, and I rush over to my son. His hair is a mess and his eyes glossy from sleep.
"I need some water." He croaks, he puts his hand on my shoulder as I carry him over to the kitchen. I pour him a glass of water, and he starts to drink it. I look over my shoulder, my eyes meeting Carters, I pull away from his gaze as quickly as possible, thankful that Jared walked in. That was not something that needed to happen. Not tonight, not ever. We're in the past. We can't go back to that. We have three little children to worry about now. It's not about us anymore, it's about them and what would be best. Sure having your parents together is every kids dream... But not like this, not when all they have done is fight then in a moment of weakness they succumb to each other and their need for sex and end up making a horrible mistake, and making everything that much more awkward.
"Done." Jared pushes the cup into my hand, and I set it down on the counter top, walking him back into his bedroom. I tuck him in, and check on the other two making sure they are alright.
"They asleep?" Carter asks once I've reappeared.
"Yeah, I think I'm gonna call it a night." I bite down on my bottom lip, my eyes fixed on the floor.
"Okay-" I gaze up briefly noticing that he doesn't look up from his wrapping, his jaw set in an upset frown. I sigh then turn towards his bedroom. He offered to take the couch and I am in his room, closer to the triplets. I hear him sigh loudly as I close the door behind me. I lean my head against the wooden door, damn it.