Hey everyone! I just had to post a new installment because I really appreciate my readers so much and wanted to give you a little something in return for all your kind support. For the reader that asked if there will be a sequel to this story the answer is no, I am just going to keep it altogether as it is easier that was and I already have had a lot of luck with this one. For the reader that said I am a gifted writer I would like to thank you, reading your comment brought a tear to my eye. I've worked to get this story to where it is right now and appreciate all your support, love, and good vibes along the way. I am a truly blessed fanfiction writer to have so many loyal followers. Love you all! Enjoy - MJ123 :)
Later that night, Norma decided to call Alex and see how things were going at work, she'd truly hoped that their morning conversation had sunk in. She had Ella strapped in her high chair, a jar of unopened creamed spinach at her chubby little fingers. With one last smile at the baby, Norma dialed his cell and waited through the numerous dial tones.
"Hey," he answered, his tone rough and tired, "How's everything at house?".
She smiled at his question, it was one of best things about Alex the fact that he always wanted to know how she was doing and if she was okay, it sectioned him apart from the men she'd had, "There okay. Everything is okay. It's just me and Ella right now. The boys are out."
She could almost hear the question arising in his throat, "Where's Ella's mother tonight then?".
"Oh, Katie? She's at some college orientation party in Portland, said it's mandatory for anyone who was accepted," she explained, grabbing a tea spoon out of the kitchen drawer to feed Ella.
"A party? Doesn't sound too mandatory to me? Are you sure this is a good idea, Norma? Taking in a girl you barely know?" he asked, it was always in his best interest to look out for her best interest, that's what made them so dynamic.
She sighed, frustrated at his doubt with the new guest, "Of course, Alex! She'll be fine. But she's still young and she deserves to go and have a good time like the rest of the girl's that are her age."
Norma had to defend the poor girl, she remembered what it was like. When she was Katie's age, a mere 23, she was already tied down with Dylan and two jobs. Even when she was able to make friends, the never kept. Anyone she had ever come into contact with at that time only wanted to go out and party, drinking and getting into some sort of fleeting young blood themed trouble. But with a five year old latched to her hip, she knew she couldn't go out and enjoy the party girl lifestyle and for that she felt oppressed which made it harder and harder not to resent Dylan.
She could not bare to watch Katie go through the same thing. Never being able to live it up in a spare moment because of being a mother, she would only resent Ella and she was such a sweet baby, therefore a party was certainly not out of the question. She knew Alex wouldn't understand, he wasn't a parent, he had no idea what it was like. Then again, White Pine Bay was his baby, the town required tending to and looking after much like a newborn.
After a few moments, Norma heard Alex sigh, "Okay, I'm gonna trust your judgement on this one. But if you drag yourself into a shitty situation I can't promise that I'll feel bad because I warned you."
She scoffed and decided to veer off from the conversation before some kind of fight broke out and they turned bitter towards one another again, "It's going to be fine," she reiterated, looking to the fridge, "Now, why don't you come to the house and I'll heat you up some dinner. Just you, me, and the baby."
"Yeah, okay. I'll be there in five," he said before hanging up and packing all his belongings, leaving his office thankfully. It had been a long day, once he climbed into his SUV he could feel a bit of the stress floating away, any time away from that dreaded station was good on his part.
As he drove through his weary town, he thought about Norma and Ella. He never signed on for a baby, he wasn't good with them. He never babysat or had any nieces or nephews to practice on. It was hard for him, having to be so compassionate and gentle with another human being. Sure, babies were cute but they were a workload and a half, feeding, changing diapers, making sure they were entertained, he had no idea how Norma could've gone through it twice. Especially given her level of stress.
Alex was overall nervous about living with a baby, he wouldn't be able to get up in the middle of the night with her if she cried or watch it when no one else was home. He was almost afraid. That was something he'd never thought to mentally admit. The "big, scary, intimidation" Sheriff being afraid of a helpless newborn baby. Internally, he hoped he wasn't alone, he prayed their were other's out there who had conflict with children.
He sighed and braced himself once he pulled up to the Bates home, he knew what was waiting for him inside and this time it wasn't Norma in some sexy lingerie, it was her in full on mother mode. Tonight, he would've really preferred the lingerie.
Once inside and walking towards the kitchen, he threw on a small smile at the sight of Norma struggling to feed Ella some green stuff in a jar. "Hey," he announced, moving over to drop a hand on her back and kiss her head.
"Hey," she said, already frustrated with the task at hand, "C'mon, Ella...just one little bite, please?" her hand moved closer to the baby's mouth again, trying to gently press the food inside, but she kept moving her little face and letting a small whine leave her throat, insisting the food wasn't allowed anywhere near her.
Norma couldn't believe it, four months old and picky as hell. She took a deep breath and threw on a funny face, "Come on sweetheart, you have to eat," she cooed, putting the food close to her face again. The baby finally opened a bit, grudgingly accepting.
Alex laughed a bit and motioned to the fussy baby, "Finally, right? Looked like a struggle."
"Well, as you can see, I'm clearly a master, she finally agre-"
Norma's words were halted by a slew of icky green liquid on her face and shirt. Ella had spit up her food and it had landed all over Norma. Her face was pretty priceless, shocked and angry at the same time. Alex couldn't help but laugh at the situation.
"I-I'm so...I'm so sorry, baby...but," he laughed, looking at her and pointing at the mess the little girl had made.
She stood from the chair and dropped the spoon of the mini highchair table, "Fine. You think this is so funny? Why don't you try it!" she said, motioning to the baby sitting with a small smile on her lips after the fun she'd created.
"Oh, no way in hell, she'll do the same thing to me!" he defended, the last thing he wanted was to smell like regurgitated spinach.
"Well," she began, moving over to the sink to clean up, "You don't know that. Just try it! I need more that just me to help with the baby."
He sighed and sat in her chair, taking the wet spoon off of Ella's tray and filling it with the messy green food, "Um...okay," he started, looking to Norma who had her back turned, scrubbing at her shirt, "Uh-here...girl," his voice almost cracked under pressure, putting the food closer to her.
"C'mon kid, it's not that bad. Trust me, it doesn't taste bad at all," he said, trying to endorse the food to the baby who could barely understand anything at all. Yet a miracle happened, she opened her mouth, little eyelashes batting at him.
He took a deep breath and placed the food in her mouth, pulling the spoon out when she accepted. With a smile, he repeated the process, shocked that it was actually working. It was pretty enjoyable, watching her obey without any form of struggle. Alex was so caught up in the chore he didn't realize Norma's eyes on him.
Her heart softened automatically, watching him feed the baby, "Aw Alex look, she likes you," she giggled.
"Yeah, I mean I guess..." he shook it off, continuing to spoon the food into her small mouth.
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
Leave a review and let me know what you all thought! Thank you for reading - MJ
