Sandy's apartment
Sandy sighed as she packed Aaron's stuff into his bag. This weekend Aaron was going to be with Martin. What if something goes wrong or what if Martin isn't capable of taking him for the weekend? Sandy was nervous, this was the first time Martin would be with Aaron alone and it was the first time Aaron was away from her.
Aaron was sitting in his swing just looking around the room. His little wondering baby eyes fell upon a jittery Sandy. He just sat there smiling and cooing.
Sandy noticed Aaron's smile and said, "Is my little guy excited for his first big weekend with daddy?" She looked adoringly at her son. She couldn't help but melt at the sight of him.
I hope Martin is going to be ok this weekend. He hasn't had any much time with Aaron, or any baby for that matter. But he is going to do fine; he is Aaron's father he wouldn't let anything happen. Come on Sandy get a hold of yourself, you can do this. This is going to be a great weekend for all of us. Martin gets to spend time with his son and I get to finally have a moment to relax.
As she finished getting all of Aaron's things together, she decided to call Martin and let him know she was about to leave.
Brewer house
Martin was currently in his room working on his homework when his cell phone rang. He let it ring as he finished writing down the last answer and then picked up the phone and answered it.
"Hello, oh hey Sandy what's up?"
"Hi Martin. Listen, I'm going to be leaving for Glen Oak in a few minutes and I just wanted to let you to know." Sandy stated. She managed to remain calm while talking to him. She didn't want him to know that she was a little nervous.
"Ok, great. I'll see you soon." Martin hadn't even prepared the room yet.
"Bye Martin." Sandy said. She hung up the phone, picked her son up and the baby bag, and proceeded to leave her apartment. The two walked from the apartment to Sandy's car and she loaded Aaron into his car seat and placed the baby bag in the trunk of the car. Sandy climbed into the driver's side of her car, took a deep breath, fastened her safety belt, and began her journey to see Martin.
Martin couldn't believe that in a few hours he would have his son for the entire weekend. He would have Aaron morning, noon, and night for two days. Martin exhaled deeply as he thought about his son coming. It wasn't that he didn't want Aaron to come, he was just scared. He had never taken care of a baby before. What if he messed up?
I can do this…I'm his father…I can handle this. I need this time to get to know my son. I've never been around babies until now, but Aaron needs me. What if he starts crying and I don't know what's wrong? What if he gets sick, or gets hurt...Come on Brewer snap out of it. Your kid is going to be here in a while and you're already acting all frazzled. Martin felt this huge lump in the back of his throat.
He was so nervous that he fixed the room where Aaron would be staying three times. Everything had to be perfect for when Aaron got there.
Sandy pulled up into Martin's driveway and just sat there. Why am I so nervous? I guess I just want everything to go ok for Martin. He's going to be great, he loves Aaron. Sandy exited the car, collected Aaron's belongings, and placed them on the ground. She took Aaron out of his car seat, picked up the baby bag, and walked to the front door.
The sound of the doorbell rang in Martin's ear. They're here. Better go and answer that.
Martin opened the door to see Sandy holding Aaron in her arms. "Hey there's my little guy." Martin declared and then took Aaron from Sandy and placed a kiss on his forehead. Martin was so happy to see him.
"Yea well, he is definitely happy to see you. He was cooing the whole way down here, it's like he knew he was coming to see his daddy." Sandy smiled and grabbed one of Aaron's fingers.
"Please come in." He motioned for her to enter. "I have the room Aaron will be sleeping in all setup for him. Do you have all his things?" That was a stupid question. Of course she has all his things. Why did I ask that?
Before Sandy could answer his question, Martin chimed in, "Never mind. I'm just a little nervous, you know?"
It's true, he was nervous, but now that Aaron was in his arms, he didn't feel so scared anymore. Aaron gave Martin this look, like Aaron was trying to tell him that everything was going to be ok that weekend.
"You're not the only one who is feeling nervous. I am too! It's his first weekend away from me and his first weekend with you. Of course we're going to be nervous; you don't think any other parent goes through this. It's a normal feeling Martin, so don't beat yourself up, ok." I should learn to take my own advice,Sandy thought to herself now that Aaron was no longer in her care.
"I know. Would you like to stay for a little bit?" Martin offered. He knew that Sandy wouldn't see him that whole weekend, the least he could do was offer for her to stay a while.
"No, this is your time with Aaron and I want you to enjoy it. I have to go anyway, paper to write. Bye sweetie, be good for daddy." She kissed her son before leaving. "Have a great weekend, and you know my number if anything. Bye Martin." With that, Sandy was gone.
Martin looked around the empty room then at the baby in his arms. "Well I guess it's just you and me kid." Aaron looked up at Martin with his light hazel eyes and smiled, making Martin's heart melt with joy.
Aaron just keeps staring at me, I wonder why? Martin thought to himself as Aaron kept looking at him.
"Is there something on my face buddy?" Martin asked laughing and then kissed Aaron's cheek. "You are the cutest baby I have ever seen." Aaron smiled at this and grabbed Martin finger. This made Martin double over in happiness.
Martin brought Aaron up to his room and placed him in his crib for a nap. Martin sat in the chair next to Aaron's crib and watched him fall asleep. This glow came upon Martin's face as he saw his son move around in his crib sleeping. He smiled to himself and thought; now I know why parents love sitting next to their children in the rocking chairs. It's the most amazing thing watching them fall asleep and seeing their little body's move around. I've never noticed that Aaron has the cutest little yawn. Aw he's cooing.
Martin saw this as a sign for him to leave. However, as Martin got up to leave, Aaron whimpered, and then started to cry. It's almost like he's scared,Martin thought to himself.
Martin quickly picked Aaron up and started rubbing his back gently, letting Aaron know he was there.
In a calming voice Martin said, "Hey its ok. Daddy's here, don't cry." Aaron must have sensed that I was leaving, Martin thought as he continued to rub Aaron's back.
After a while of rubbing Aaron's back, Martin finally managed to get Aaron back to sleep and placed him in his crib again. Martin laid down on his bed and relaxed while his son slept.
It had been a several hours since Aaron had arrived and Martin figured that it was time to feed his son. Aaron had this look of happiness to his face.
"Is my buddy hungry? Well let's see what we have for you." Martin opened the fridge and looked back at Aaron. "We have milk, milk and more milk. Which do you want?" Martin asked laughing as he grabbed a bottle from the fridge.
Aaron, who was in his baby carrier, was cooing softly. As Martin went to go feed Aaron he tripped over his pants. Luckily, he grabbed the counter in time, but ended up dropping the milk bottle.
"Just great." He looked over at Aaron who looked as if though he was laughing at Martin. "You think that's funny. Huh. You think me dropping your bottle is funny. I'll show you funny." Martin went over and picked Aaron up from his carrier and kissed his cheek.
Aaron's eyes stayed focus on Martin's. He waved his little hands in the air and cooed. About 30 minutes after Martin fed Aaron, he began to cry.
"What's the matter little guy?" Martin walked over to Aaron and picked him up. But that didn't seem to make the crying go away.
What do I do? What do I do? Just calm down Martin, you'll just make things worse. Why is he crying? I fed him, played with him. He can't be sick. Martin thought for a second then realized; He probably needs a diaper change. I've never changed a diaper before.
He felt Aaron's diaper, it was mushy. Martin grabbed the diapers, wipes, and baby powder. Aaron who was still crying, was on his changing table.
"Ok, let's get you cleaned up." As Martin opened Aaron's diaper he almost died. "Damn!" Martin stepped back from the table. "Ohh that smells horrible. No wonder men don't change diapers. God that's gross." Martin looked at the diaper and felt like he wanted to puke. The smell was unbearable.
"For a baby you sure had to go. Whoa!" Martin said. Aaron by now had stopped crying and was watching Martin with curious eyes. After putting the clean diaper on Aaron, Martin now had to throw away the diaper, which meant he would have to carry it to the bathroom.
"Oh God this is gross." He wrapped the diaper in a tissue and held the diaper out in front of him. "This is nasty….just plain nasty. Next time, I'm not feeding you as much. Whoa."
When Martin put Aaron to bed for the night, he glanced over at the clock. 11:30! I have to get some sleepotherwise I will be tired all day tomorrow. Martin quickly grabbed his pj's and changed clothes while Aaron was calm. Laying his head on his pillow, Martin let out a sigh of exhaustion. He had had a long day with his son.
It was not even 12:30 when Aaron woke up crying. "Please no go back to sleep." A very sleepy Martin whined. Aaron kept on crying and crying, so Martin forced himself to lift his head off his pillow. He slapped the side of his cheek a few times in a vain attempt to wake himself up quicker.
Martin stood up and doing his best imitation of a zombie, walked over to his son's crib
"What's the matter Aaron? Why are you crying?" Martin asked as he picked up Aaron half expecting the little guy to answer him.
"Go back to sleep. Please." Martin begged. He saw Aaron rooting around as he cried and Martin said, "You can't be hungry. I just fed you a few hours ago."
Why is he crying? He was just asleep! Martin thought. A long yawn seeped from Martin's mouth. Right now he was too tired to really think. He picked up a bottle and placed it in Aaron's mouth.
"Wow. I guess you were hungry. Hey not to fast little guy. Don't want you getting the hiccups." Martin stated. He sighed with relief that Aaron had stopped crying.
When Aaron was done feeding, Martin patted his back to make him burp. Two minutes later Martin heard Aaron hiccup. It was the cutest noise Martin had ever heard. This little noise coming from this tiny baby was so funny. Martin put Aaron back in his crib and was just about to plop face first in his bed, Aaron began to cry again.
"What now?" Martin whined in a frustrated voice. He was tired and wanted to go back to sleep. But he knew his son needed him more.
"It's ok, I'm here." Martin said as he picked Aaron up. "Why don't you stay with me. Maybe you just need to be near me. I promise I'm not going anywhere."
Martin brought Aaron to his room and laid him in the middle of the bed. Martin got some pillows from his closet and made a little wall on one side of his bed, so when Aaron slept he didn't roll off.
Moving Aaron to where the pillows were, Martin got into his bed, and laid on his side, watching his son.
"There, I bet you feel a whole lot better." He said while watching Aaron's little eyes close as he drifted off to sleep. Martin then to closed his eyes, but before he did, Martin moved closer to Aaron and placed his hand on Aaron's tummy so that he knew Martin was there. Martin smiled before drifting off to a peaceful sleep.
The next morning Martin quietly got up and showered while Aaron slept. Martin carefully crept down to the kitchen and made a large pot of coffee. Wow I can't believe I'm drinking coffee. I don't like it, but if I'm going to be staying awake today I'm going to need this, Martin thought to himself as he swallowed some of the coffee. The taste of it was plain and dull. Martin added sugar, but the dull taste was still in his mouth.
It looks like a nice day outside; maybe I should take Aaron to the park? We could go for a picnic or just go for a walk. The park is a nice place to go on a day like this, especial for picnics. That's it! A picnic! I could take Aaron on a picnic and ask Ruthie to join us. It is a great way to spend time with both of them and get the two of them acquainted. But will she want to go? There's no harm in calling and asking, Martin thought to himself with a smile.
Martin loved the idea of the three of them spending time together. A glow came to Martin's face as he pictured seeing his son in Ruthie's arms.
He decided that he would call Ruthie after he got Aaron taken care of. Aaron woke up and started crying. Guess it's time for someone's breakfast, Martin thought as he ran up the stairs to his room. When Martin walked in the room he couldn't help but smile seeing his son lying there, waiting for Martin to feed him.
It was about 10:30 when Martin decided to call Ruthie and ask if she wanted to join him and Aaron for a picnic. God I hope she says yes, Martin thought as he picked up the phone and dialed Ruthie's number.
Camden house
Ruthie had just finished putting her laundry away when her phone rang. Looking at her caller ID she noticed it was Martin. She picked up the phone and said, "Hi Martin."
"Hi Ruthie. How are you?" Martin asked her.
"I'm doing fine. How about you?" Ruthie asked with sincerity.
"I'm fine. Aaron is staying with me this weekend. Sandy brought him down yesterday afternoon. Since today is such a nice day, I was thinking of maybe taking him to the park and was wondering if you would like to join us and have a picnic." Martin asked her. He hoped that she would say yes.
Ruthie didn't know what to say. She just stood there silent for a moment and then spoke. "Sure Martin. I would love to go on a picnic with you and Aaron. What time were you thinking of going?" Ruthie replied.
"I was thinking maybe around one." Martin quickly answered. He hadn't really thought about what time to go.
"That sounds good to me. So I will see you at one then." Ruthie said, as she smiled.
"Great! See you at one." Martin replied. He hung up the phone, sighed in relief, and went into the kitchen to prepare the food for the picnic. Martin knew it would take him longer to get ready than it would for him to make sandwiches.
Ruthie squealed in happiness as she hung up the phone. She was so excited about spending the day with Martin and Aaron. A rush of excitement surged through her body like electricity.
I can't wait to go on the picnic. It's going to be a great day, just the three of us. What should I wear? Oh No! I have to get ready. But what do I wear. Maybe a skirt? No…I'm going to be sitting on the ground so a skirt is out of the question. A nice pair of jeans will do and a nice top to match,Ruthie thought a little bit more about what she should wear.
Ruthie walked over to her closet and started looking through her jeans. She pulled out her light color hip huggers, a brown tank top, and a pair of white sneakers. Standing in front of her mirror she thought, this looks perfect. Now all I need to do is my make up and my hair. But how should I do my hair? Not that it really matters, but I want to look nice for Martin... and Aaron. Better hurry up and go get ready.
For an hour now, Ruthie has been contemplating about how to do her hair. She finally decided to do a half pony tail with her hair slightly wavy, but not curly. For her makeup, she had on lip gloss, mascara, and a little blush. Ruthie looked at herself in the mirror again and nodded. She was happy with her outfit; now all she had to do was wait till one o'clock.
Back at the Brewer house Martin was getting ready. He had decided on wearing a dark pair of jeans with a wife beater and a black open shirt over it. Aaron was dressed in a blue pair of overalls with a light blue shirt underneath.
"I think we look pretty good, don't you think so Aaron?" Martin said as he looked over at Aaron who was smiling. "Now all we have to do is get the rest of the food ready." Martin sighed. He still hadn't finished getting the basket ready. When he got off the phone with Ruthie he went to go start packing, but decided to get himself dressed as well as Aaron.
Martin placed Aaron in his carrier and brought him downstairs to the kitchen. What do I want to make. Hmm, I could make ham, cheese, and salami sandwiches. But what if Ruthie doesn't eat that. Martin thought to himself. He was so frustrated. Things had to go well at the picnic.
Martin turned his attention over to Aaron, who was sitting in his carrier cooing. "What do you think I should make?" Martin asked. Aaron, who had no idea what was going on, just sat there smiling and laughing.
"Oh I know what to make; peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Why didn't I think of this before? Ruthie loves these sandwiches; we would always eat them after school." Martin shouted in happiness now that he had finally thought of what to make. He walked over to Aaron and kissed his cheek.
"See Aaron you were a big help to daddy." Martin praised the little baby as he sat in his carrier.
Martin got out all the stuff and began making the sandwiches.
Meanwhile
What is taking so long? A very anxious Ruthie thought. Why is the time going by so slow? I'm so fidgety that I'm sitting here watching time go by. What time is it anyway? Ruthie turned her head and looked at the clock. Yes! Her mind shouted with joy. It's 12:45, only 15 minutes to go.
At the same time, Martin also looked at his clock. Wow, I can't believe how time flew. I haven't even gotten Aaron's bag ready. Better go do that now. Martin thought as he finished putting Aaron's bag together.
At one o'clock, Martin placed the picnic basket, Aaron's diaper bag, and the blanket into the back seat of his car. He grabbed Aaron, who was in his carrier, and walked to the Camden's house.
Walking up to the back door, Martin took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
Ruthie heard the knock at the back door and thought, He's here! She walked to the door and opened it.
"Hey Martin. Aw Aaron looks so adorable in his overalls." Ruthie said with excitement. She looked at Martin's outfit and thought, Martin looks so hot.
Martin simply nodded. He stared at Ruthie in amazement. She looks absolutely breath taking,he thought to himself.
"Yea I thought it be a good idea since it's warm out, but sometimes it gets a little chilly." Martin acknowledged that it would get chilly later on.
"I should bring a light jacket then." Ruthie loved the fact that Martin was so caring.
"Ok, let's go." Martin said anxiously as he walked to his car.
On the ride to the park Ruthie noticed that Aaron was being very quiet. "He is such a good baby, I've hardly heard him." Ruthie said as she turned her focus to the backseat where Aaron was. "You are such a good baby; and very adorable, just like your dad." Ruthie complemented. Aaron looked at her and laughed; his little hands waving in the air as he cooed.
Martin, who was in the front seat, was blushing uncontrollably. Ruthie noticed this and laughed. God Martin has a beautiful smile, and so does Aaron.
"What are you laughing at?" Martin questioned Ruthie.
"I'm laughing at how adorable your son is and how you can't stop blushing." Ruthie knew how embarrassed Martin was. That's what she loved about him.
The Park
They arrived at the park a few minutes later. "Hey Ruthie, could you get the basket while I get Aaron out of the back?" Martin asked knowing that he couldn't carry both Aaron and the basket.
"Sure I'll get it." Ruthie didn't mind having to carry the basket at all. "Do you want me to get the blanket also?"
"Yea...or would you rather eat at a table?" Martin had a confused expression on his face.
"Yea of course I don't want to eat a picnic table, there's no fun in that. The whole point of a picnic is to sit on a blanket and enjoy the fresh air." Ruthie responded. Her mind went blank for a moment. Great…just great Ruthie. You come here to spend the day with Martin and Aaron and the first thing you say is do we need a blanket. Ughh could I be any more nervous. Ruthie smacked herself mentally for that.
Martin smiled. He could see how nervous she was about today. She had been like that since he had arrived to pick her up. It was actually quite amusing to him. Knowing that she was all flustered gave Martin a sense of accomplishment, that he was lighting the spark between them again. The way Ruthie was acting, it was like her way of saying I love you. Actions speak louder than words, and right now, Ruthie's actions were speaking very loud and clear.
Martin found a nice spot near the lake and placed the blanket there. The scenery was amazing. Ruthie began setting up the plates while Martin got Aaron settled.
"So what did you make?" Ruthie's stomach was growling so loud that you could hear it.
"Well we have peanut butter and banana sandwiches, potato chips, fried chicken and for dessert, chocolate chip cookies." Martin answered, hoping she liked what he brought.
"Hmm, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, my favorite. The chicken sounds good to. But, where to start." She asked looking down at the food in front of her.
Martin laughed at her question. Just as he was about to answer Aaron whimpered. "Oh buddy I'm sorry, did I leave you out." Martin laughed and took Aaron from his carrier.
"Ruthie would you mind feeding him for a minute? I left his diapers in the car."
"Sure ..." Ruthie answered skeptically. I've never been alone with Aaron before. What if he doesn't like me?
"Thanks Ruthie." Martin carefully handed Aaron to her and then headed towards his car. Martin walked backwards a few steps watching the scene play out before him. What Ruthie didn't know was that the diapers were in his bag. Martin didn't go to his car; he went behind a tree and watched Ruthie with Aaron. I need to know how she is with him. I have to find out if things will work out. Please God, let them get along,Martin thought to himself.
Ruthie reached over and grabbed the bottle of milk. She looked at Aaron who was staring up at her. His curious eyes watching hers made her even more nervous.
"Well, here you go." She spoke in nervousness.
Ruthie placed the bottle in Aaron's mouth and watched him eat. He has Martin's eyes. I never noticed that.
Aaron suddenly got fussy in her arms. "Hey what's the matter?" Ruthie asked frantically.
Martin, who was watching from a distance, saw this. Oh noWhat's going on? Maybe this was a bad idea. Martin was now wondering if he did the right thing. No I have to trust her. I have to give her a chance like she did me. Martin just stood back and watched them.
Oh no! Ok take a deep breath Ruthie, you can do this. You have been around babies before. Aaron reminds me so much of Martin, and I guess I didn't want to see it because I wanted so much for this to be a dream, but it's not. She liked Aaron, he was cute and adorable. It was time for her to let the past go and see what was in front of her.
"Hey don't be scared. I won't let anything happen to you." She held Aaron up to her shoulder and patted his back. She placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, causing Aaron to smile. Laying him back in her arms, she tried feeding him once more.
Aaron sensed her calmness and let Ruthie feed him. "There you go." Ruthie said, sighing in relief.
Ruthie placed a hand behind Aaron's head and spoke to him in a warm voice, "You know…I was afraid of getting close to you. I thought that if I did, that I'd be letting the truth in… that your dad slept with your mom. And I didn't want that. I couldn't face the truth. I thought hiding it would make the pain go away, but it didn't" Ruthie admitted.
"Truth is, not facing my fears made me feel even more upset. Hiding from the truth only makes realizing it harder. I'm so sorry Aaron." Tears we forming behind hear eyes. She had been hiding from reality for so long that it finally caught up to her.
Martin could hear Ruthie's words. It brought tears to his eyes knowing that she had been hiding all of these feelings for so long. Guilt flooded his body, like waves, they just kept coming and coming. But he also felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Seeing her with Aaron like that, God she would make a great step mom,Martin thought as a smile came to his face.
"Was that good Aaron. It must have been because you ate all of it." Laughter filled Ruthie's voice. Aaron cooed and gurgled a bit. Ruthie grabbed his bib and wiped his mouth. "There, all better."
I wonder what is taking Martin so long. He should have been back by now. Ruthie was curious to why Martin had not been back yet.
Well I guess I know my answer now. I'd better get back before Ruthie suspects something. She probably already does. Martin thought and laughed to himself. But how do I explain not bringing back the diapers? I could just tell her I didn't realize they were in the bag. Yea that will work.
Martin headed back to the picnic area. "Hey, sorry I took so long. By the time I reached the car I realized that the diapers where in the bag." Martin tried to sound convincing.
"It's ok Martin. Besides, it gave me and Aaron sometime to get better acquainted." Ruthie stated.
"I don't know about you, but I'm starved." Martin was eager to get something in his stomach.
"Like the saying goes, a way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Ruthie doubled over in laughter.
Martin looked at Aaron who had been smiling at the both of them, and then at Ruthie who was laughing so hard that her face was red as a rose.
"Well Ms. Camden, if you say a way to a man's heart is through his stomach you're wrong, because you found a way to my heart and it wasn't through my stomach." He scrunched his face with a smile and shrugged his shoulders.
"Sit down and eat your chicken." Ruthie ordered in a demanding, yet, playful manner.
Martin sat down next to Ruthie, picked up a piece of chicken, and ate it. For the rest of evening Martin, Aaron, and Ruthie all enjoyed their peaceful day at the park.
AN: well guys that was ch 10. I hope you all liked it. It is my longest ch ever...I worked really hard on it.soo remember if you want updates you have to review...so no reviews no updates...I would like to get to maybe 185 reviews or even 179..lololo so remember to hit my little friend the review button...I want to say thank you guys for reading my story..Enjoy
