April woke up. She felt like she had just returned to her bed. Harriet was crying. It was April's turn. It was probably the fifth or sixth time Harriet had woken up that night. April got up and started walking towards Harriet room. April could hear Jackson getting up. He was still worried about April not being fully recovered. He was just being nice, she knew that, but it was hard having him there for her. They had long forgotten what boundaries meant.
She entered Harriet's room and picked her up. Jackson arrived. He was standing in the door. Even tired and sleepy, he looked very handsome.
- This is her revenge - April said dramatically .- She heard me say she was a boring miracle and now she will never let me sleep.
Jackson actually laughed at this one. April was glad. She had tried before without much success.
- I don't think babies hold grudges for that long.
April smiled at him. But then Harriet started crying even harder.
- Oh, sweetheart, don't be like this. - April swayed Harriet, trying to calm her down.
A part of April knew Jackson should be resting for his turn, but she thanked him for being there. A little voice in her mind reminded her that they weren't really together, that this would be temporary, he was being nice, considerate, but there may come the day when she would be alone and there would be no turns, no one there to keep her company while she tried to comfort Harriet. She didn't want that. She wanted to stay, she wanted their little family to work. She could ask him, but then again that would be selfish. He had every right to go on with his live, without April taking over it.
- Do you want me to help you? You look upset. Are you in pain?- he said.
- ¡Oh, no! I'm fine, just... a little tired. Don't worry, you should go rest.
- It's fine, really. You're the one in recovery.
- You have work tomorrow.
- It's fine, I promise.
- I'm fine, too.
They didn't insist, but neither of them moved. She didn't want to bother him, she was a guest, she shouldn't be rude. She was also too tired to fight.
Jackson got closer. He leaned and put his hand on Harriet's head. He was so close. April could almost feel his breath. He was smiling. He looked up and then stepped back. Not together, not actually together, April.
After a few minutes, she managed to calm Harriet and put her to sleep. She put her down on her crib. They left the room and started walking towards their rooms.
- Let's get some sleep. - Jackson said.
Then he put his arm over her shoulder, as if he was about to hug her in a reflex. He stopped and quickly withdrew his arms, but she had already seen it. They looked at each other then looked at the floor. April was confused.
- Rest well - he said. And walked straight to his room without looking at her again.
Ha! As if she would be able to sleep after that.
