As they pulled up on the drive way, Zoe turned around to look at Jody.
"Nick, she's fast asleep, you'll need to carrier in. Just wait but, I'll go make a bed on the couch." Nick nodded and whispered,
"Good idea, let me know when." Zoe nodded and got out of the car as quietly as possible. She headed into the house and let out a sigh of relief. 'It's good to be home.' She thought to herself. She quickly set up a make shift bed on the couch and then went back out to beckon Nick in. Nick got out of the car equally quietly, undid jody's seat belt and gently lifted her out of the car. She stirred a little, but she did not wake. They locked the car snd headed inside. Nick lay jody down and tucked her in, planted a kiss on her forehead and then beckoned to Zoe to follow him into the kitchen. Zoe listened and followed him.
"You hungry?" Nick asked her quietly, once they'd reached the kitchen.
"A little. You?" He nodded.
"A bit. How about I make us a cheese toastie each?" Zoe nodded. She flicked the switch on the kettle and began to make some coffee as Nick bustled around making cheese toastie's.
"Lets just stay down here tonight, all of us I mean." Zoe said. "I'd feel a lot better knowing she is definitely okay."
"I agree with you. Especially with the nightmares she's still having." He said, as he pre-heat the oven.
"I know, I thought those would have stopped by now." She said, sadly.
"I don't think they'll stop until she knows what happened to her mum. I think its guilt and worry thats keeping them going." Nick told her, matter-of-factly.
"Thats true. Nick, if this woman is still alive, and they get the man behind bars. She's going to want Jody back. Isn't she?" She said, a tear escaping her eye.
"Possibly. But don't worry about that just now. Besides, you heard Jody! She doesn't want to go back."
"I think that will change when she see's her mum again." She began to cry softly. Nick shoved the oven tray and toast into the oven and strode over to her.
"Hey! Don't cry Zo'. Its not gonna end up like that, I promise." She burrowed her face on his chest.
"Well it might." She sighed and looked up at him.
"I love you." He smiled slightly as he said it.
"I love you too." Nick leant down and kissed her passionately and lovingly on the lips.
The next morning, Zoe awoke to discover herself lying on top of Nick's chest on the couch. She took comfort from the slow, rhythmic pattern of his breathing and lay still, enjoying his security for some time. Eventually, Nick opened his eyes to.
"Good morning beautiful." He whispered.
"Morning you. Sleep well?" She asked in reply.
"Yeah, you?" Zoe smiles.
"Course I did, I always sleep well with you." Nick winks at her.
"Naturally."
"Ah you two, stop all the luvy duvy stuff, its weird." Jody complains, laughing. Nick and Zoe both laugh at her.
"You won't be saying that when you're older and you've got to try and convince your father to let you have a boyfriend!" Zoe said, laughing.
"Ew! Stop! Mum thats so gross!" She squeals.
"Well, now I can relax." Nick says, contentedly. Zoe playfully slaps him.
"Leave her alone you!" She said, laughing. Jody suddenly shoots up, sitting bolt upright.
"Mum! We missed parents night!" She shouts.
"Calm down sweetie, I managed to go. You were asleep, otherwise you'd have known. I'm so proud of you baby girl! I got a glowing report from all of your teachers, and... All A's on your end of year report card! Well done gorgeous!" Zoe finished, Jody was beaming.
"Oh thank God! I was stressing out over that!" Zoe laughed at her.
"You're a bright kid, did you seriously expect anything less! Come here." She said, opening her arms for Jody to come and get a cuddle. She happily obliged.
"Actually yeah, I did. Bare in mind, I've missed quite a bit of school this year."
"True, but like I said, you are clever. Don't ever doubt that." Zoe said, sternly enough to make sure she was listened to.
"Okay, I love you mum." She kissed Zoe quickly on the cheek.
"I love you too."
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