ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING
When Zed's alarm sounded extra early the next morning, he groaned loudly and threw his pillow at it, knocking it on to the floor but not silencing it. Reluctantly he sat up in bed and retrieved the pillow and alarm clock. He dragged himself out of bed and into the shower. Fifteen minutes later, he jogged down the stairs dressed in his red boardshorts and windbreaker.
"Morning Pops," he said as he walked over to the coffee pot and poured himself a to go mug.
Zevon handed him the cream and sugar. "Good morning to you too."
He took a sip of his super sweet coffee. "Have I ever said how much I detest the early morning shift? Especially when I don't even get to enjoy being off that night."
Zevon laughed. "Well, I'm sorry, but I'm calling in one of my promised favors from back at Christmas. Plus I didn't go out for Valentines Day last night like someone..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know...And you know I don't mind staying at home with Zo. I just really hate going to work this early. What time are you leaving?"
"As soon as Addison and Bucky come to pick up Zoey for practice."
"Does Gloria know?"
Zevon shyly smiled. "No, I'm keeping it a surprise."
Zed grabbed a pop-tart out of the pantry, quickly ripping it open and taking a bite of both pastries at the same time. "Well, have fun. Drive careful. And um...as you so frequently like to remind me...Be safe."
If zombies could blush, Zevon would have been as red as Zed's lifeguard attire.
"See ya, Pops!" Zed laughed as he walked out of the kitchen and out the front door.
Z- 7:02 am: Good morning, Gorgeous! I'm sure you're still asleep, but I just got to work and wanted to send you a message before I did my first patrol run (guess which tower I'm stationed at today…) I love you. Miss you already.
Seen 7:05 am
A- 7:07 am: Good morning! Mom woke me up before they left this morning for the campaign event in Shoreline. I miss you! Are you still watching Zoey today? If so, I have an idea about
this afternoon. Text me when you get a chance. I love you!
Seen 7:46 am
Z- 7:48 am: I'm sorry you didn't get to sleep in. I know I was still tired this morning. Yup. Pop's is leaving right after you and Bucky pick her up. What's your idea?
Seen 7:48 am
A- 7:50 am: Trust me, I'm still worn out from last night...I'll be lucky if I'm not walking funny during practice today (did I mention how great Valentines Day was?) Anyway...Idea...I'm babysitting Aspen after practice while Bree and Gabby get mani/pedis. Why don't I bring Zoey with me and you can meet us at the Park?
Seen 7:51 am
Z- 7:52 am: That sounds like a great idea. I'll grab Puppy and bring him with me. Zo will love that. (Yesterday was pretty great….This place will never be the same)
Seen 7:52 am
A- 7:54 am: You know my parents are staying in Shoreline tonight…
Seen 7:55 am
Z- 7:55 am: You know Pops is as well…
Seen 7:56 am
A- 7:57 am:…
Seen 7:57 am
Z- 7:58 am: …So…Netflix and chill?
Seen 7:58 am
A- 7:59 am: LOL! You are such a goof-ball! Despite your lack of Netflix, yes. I'd love nothing more than to spend my Saturday night curled up on the couch "chilling" with you!
Seen 8:00 am
Z- 8:00 am: Sounds like a plan. I guess I should go focus on work. Although, given my patrol station today, that will probably be...I want to say hard, but I probably shouldn't…
Seen 8:01 am
A- 8:01 am: OMG! The water should be nice and cold. Go jump in if you need to!
Seen 8:02 am
Z- 8:03 am: No thank you! I'm not jumping in unless someone is drowning. It is way too freaking cold.
Seen 8:03 am
A- 8:04 am: Suit yourself, Handsome. Speaking of water and jumping, I'm going to go jump in the shower. I'll see you this afternoon.
Seen 8:04 am
Z- 8:05 am: You...Shower….Yup...going to go jump in the water now. J/K. I love you, Gorgeous. See you this afternoon
Seen 8:06 am
A- 8:07 am: I love you too!
Seen 8:07 am
"And she's got an extra outfit in her diaper bag in case an emergency wardrobe change is needed," Gabby said as she handed over Aspen's diaper bag. "Also, she hasn't napped yet, so she might get a little cranky. I'm sorry."
Addison smiled and picked Aspen up out of her stroller. "Nothing to apologize for! I'm not sure this little one knows how to be cranky. Do you sweetie," she cooed.
"Trust me. She does," Gabby laughed. "Thank you so much for doing this."
"You're welcome, I'm happy to spend time with her any chance I get." Just then Aspen started to cry and reach out towards her mom.
"See what I mean?" Gabby said apologetically. "Are you sure you don't mind watching her?"
Addison bounced her on her hip and made silly faces at her. "We're going to be just fine. Besides, if she gets too cranky, I'll just hand her to Zed. Does she still have her crush on him?"
"Looks like we're about to find out," Gabby smiled as she saw Zed and Zoey walk over with Puppy. As soon as Aspen saw him, she started to fuss more and reach for him.
Addison smiled and shook her head. "Well, at least she's got good taste."
Gabby smiled and kissed Aspen's cheek. "Okay, I've got my cell. Call me if you need anything."
"I will. Have fun!" Addison smiled and lifted Aspen's small hand to wave goodbye.
It was a perfect February afternoon. The sun was shining and a cool breeze was blowing. As Zoey ran ahead with Puppy, Addison held Aspen as Zed held her hand and pushed the stroller.
Zed looked over towards Addison, and for a moment he couldn't catch his breath. She was always gorgeous, but right now...The way the sun was filtering through the trees, the soft glow reflecting from her snow-white hair, the smile on her face as she looked down at the baby on her hip…. He couldn't do anything but smile and kiss the top of her head.
"What?"
Zed laughed and smiled some more. "Nothing."
"Z…," Addison warned, a smile playing on her lips. "What?"
"It's really nothing, Gorgeous. Just a fleeting...slightly terrifying thought."
"Care to share?" she giggled, hip checking him
Zed rolled his eyes and smiled. "Fine...she looks good on you," he whispered out quickly.
Addison stopped walking and turned to face him. "What was that?"
He took a deep breath. "I said, she looks good on you. You look good holding her. You're a natural…Happy! I said it!"
Addison reached up and kissed him softly. "You know, we've never really talked about it," she said as she took his hand in hers and started walking again.
"Talked about what?"
"Whether or not our someday might one day include kids."
Zed swallowed loudly. "I mean, sure one day in the very, very, oh so very far future…um...Addison dear..." he stopped walking and ran his fingers through his hair nervously. "What if we can't?" he whispered.
"What do you mean?"
Zed pointed to himself, "I'm a Zombie..." he then pointed to her "you're a Human...what if we can't have children?"
Addison pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. "Z…why do we use protection?"
"So you don't get pregnant."
"And why would we be concerned about that if I couldn't?"
Zed let out a slight laugh. "I see your point. Look, I'm not saying you couldn't get pregnant. Obviously, Zombies and Humans aren't that far apart biologically. What I'm saying is what if you can't carry a viable pregnancy because of those differences?"
"I think you're over thinking this, Zed."
"But what if I'm not?" He took a deep breath and raked his hands through his hair. "Addie, I love you. I...I just..."
Addison reached up and placed her palm on the side of his face, trying to get him to look at her. "I love you, Zed. Would it help ease your worry if I told you this very topic came up last month?"
"What?"
Addison re-positioned Aspen to her other hip. "Dr. Anderson and I had a very lengthy discussion one day while you were sleeping. It was right after he dropped the bombshell about our test results."
"And what did he say?" Zed asked, visibly shocked.
"Well after I finished blushing seven shades of scarlet and made sure the conversation would in no way, shape, or form get back to my father," she laughed before becoming serious once more. "Zed...we're each other's other half. We're a perfect match. The biological change happens for a reason..."
"Are you saying it has something more to do than being head over heels in love with each other?"
Addison laughed and kissed him. "It means we need to continue using protection for the foreseeable future because kids….they're definitely a possibility."
Zed let out a relieved sigh and laughed. "I never thought I'd feel this relieved at 18 having a discussion about having children."
Aspen chose that exact moment to reach her small arms out for Zed.
"I think someone wants you to hold her," Addison said smiling as she held Aspen out for him.
Zed reached out and picked her up into his arms, nestling her into his side. He smiled as she let out a wide yawn and began to close her eyes.
"And I think my ovaries just exploded," Addison giggled as she hugged him around his waist.
Zed rolled his eyes and kissed the top of her head. "Alright, Gorgeous. No more baby talk!"
"So, Zoey..." Zed began as they started to walk home from the park. "The way I see it, we've got two choices."
"And what would those be?" she asked as she crouched down to pet Puppy behind the ear.
"One. We could go to Lillian's and then go to Cheery On Top. Or, two. We can grab take-out and attack the ice cream we have in the freezer at home while we watch a movie."
"Ooooh. Tough call," Addison said with a smile.
Zoey stood back up. "Hmm...can I pick the movie?"
"On one condition….No High School Musical."
"Deal!" Zoey said with a victorious
smile.
"Why do I feel like I just got hustled?"
"You'll see! Come, on!"
Zed rolled his eyes and smiled as he grabbed Addison's hand and followed his little sister home.
"I said movie! As in singular!" Zed whined as he sat back down on the couch and handed Zoey a large bowl of chocolate ice cream.
"Oh come on, Big Bro! PLEASE!" Zoey begged with her biggest puppy dog eyes.
Zed gave her a look.
"Addie...help me out here!" Zoey whispered.
Addison giggled as she sat down next to Zoey and began to pout as well.
"Ahhh! Fine. Put the pouts away, both of you! Go ahead and start the second one."
"Yay!" Zoey said excitedly as she ran over and put in the second movie. "Don't worry, you'll like this one better. It has pirates!"
"Ooooh, I almost forgot about Harry Hook!" Addison teased as she stole a bite of Zed's ice cream.
"Great…," Zed said with a forced smile.
One hour and Fifty-one minutes later, Zed happily turned off the television as Zoey and Addison both continued to sing and dance around the small den.
"Alright, Zo...bed time."
"Awww, do I have to?"
"If you go now I'll tell you a story."
"Can you sing me a song instead?"
Zed smiled. "Deal. Now go get ready, I'll be up in a minute."
Zoey hugged him around the waist before rushing up the stairs to get ready for bed.
Addison smiled and shook her head.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Zed leaned down and kissed her cheek softly. "Are you coming up for bedtime or staying down here?"
"And miss you singing? Not a chance! I'm coming up with you."
Zed took her hand and walked up the stairs. "I'll be right in," he said quietly as he detoured into his room.
Addison walked into Zoey's room to find her already in bed. Zed walked in just a moment later holding his guitar.
"Alright, what will it be tonight?" he said as he sat down on the bed next to her.
"Hmmm...John Mayer!"
"Any song in particular?"
"Surprise me!"
Zed smiled and tucked her in. "You got it, Kiddo." He sat back up and started to whistle as he strummed his guitar.
"A great big bang and dinosaurs
Fiery rain and meteors
It all ends, unfortunately.
But you're gonna live forever in me
I guarantee, just wait and see
Parts of me were made by you
and planets keep their distance too
The moon's got a grip on the sea
And you're gonna live forever in me
I guarantee, it's your destiny
Life is full of sweet mistakes
and love's an honest one to make
Time leaves no fruit on the tree
But you're gonna live forever in me
I guarantee it's just meant to be."
He started to whistle again as Zoey yawned wide.
In that moment, Addison couldn't catch her breath. The sight before her was one of the sweetest things she had ever seen.
"Alright, Zo-Zo-Bear, sleep tight..." Zed whispered as he kissed her forehead.
"Night, Z. Night Addie."
"Goodnight, Peanut," Addison whispered as she and Zed walked out of the room.
As they walked back down the stairs Addison couldn't help but smile.
"What?" Zed asked looking over to her.
"Nothing," she said with a large smile.
Zed rolled his eyes and kissed her. "Tell me," he whispered against her lips.
She took a deep breath and laughed nervously. "You're going to make a great Dad one day."
It was Zed's turn to laugh nervously. "What did I say...No more baby talk!"
"What? I can't help it! That was like the sweetest thing up there."
Zed rolled his eyes. "Changing subjects...So...Wanna watch a flick?"
Addison's nose scrunched up in amusement. "A flick? What is this, 1955?"
"Don't make fun of me," he teased.
"It's fun though. I like seeing you get all worked up."
Zed shook his head and leaned over, "You want to see me worked up? I'll show you worked up." He whispered against her ear before launching into a full-scale tickle attack.
Addison fell onto the couch in a fit of giggles. "Ah! Stop! Please! Anything but that!"
When he gave her a momentary reprieve from his tickling torture, she looked up at him flushed and breathing hard. "Is this one of those moments like in the movies where you tickle me and then suddenly we're all heated and kissing?"
"Do you want it to be?" He hovered over her, ready to attack, with tickles or kisses, depending on her answer.
"I'm hoping it is..."
Before she could finish the statement he kissed her. Her hands wrapped around his shoulders, encouraging him down on top of her. The taste of her pulling him in for more.
Addison's phone began to ring from inside her purse, causing Zed to begin to pull away.
"Ignore it," she whispered, moving her hands up to pull his face back down to hers.
A moment later Zed's phone began to ring in his pocket.
"Ignore it," he smiled against her lips. Addison's hands moved under his shirt and along his back. Taking the hint he sat up and pulled his shirt over his head. "Better?"
"Much," she smiled pulling him back down to her.
Suddenly the house phone began to ring. With a frustrated growl, Zed pulled away. "This better be important."
Addison giggled and nipped at his bottom lip. "Hurry back!"
His eyes blazed as he looked down at her "Don't move." he threw her a wink before running to the kitchen to answer the phone.
"Hello?" He growled out. "Pops, calm down...Yeah. What's going on?….. Why?" As he listened his eyes grew large. "Ztergoge!"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry for the cliffhanger! Next update will be Thursday (if I can get past this damn writer's block...seriously, I didn't know if I'd have anything to post today)!
Obviously, I do not own the rights to "You're Gonna Live Forever In Me,"...That's all John Mayer. But if you haven't heard Milo sing it, go check it out. It's pretty great!
DWTS: #TEAMWITLO ! That backflip last night...WOW! Each performance has been phenomenal!
KK: My best advice would be to try to write a little bit each day! And read a lot! If you want to send me anything to look over, feel free (CapsWriter1031 gmail)
INSTAGRAM: I love that I've gotten to connect with so many of you through the IG account for this story! It's been so wonderful! If you're not following yet, give it a try caps1031