Kim awoke first the next working feeling Adams arms wrapped around her body. She slept through the night with no nightmares again. It was so crazy to her that one person did this for her. She opened her eyes to see him fast asleep but wanted to wake him. She really wanted to see his eyes, deep and chocolate brown. She started to pepper his face with soft kisses watching him slowly wake up. Adam moaned softly at the feeling of Kim's lips all over his skin. He was loving the attention Kim was giving him. He was so happy in this moment and he hated to show her that he was awake because he didn't want it to end.
But he did open his eyes watching the smile grow on her face. It was literally ear to ear. "Good morning! Sorry I woke up but I really wanted to kiss you and didn't think you would mind." Kim shrugged as she rolled Adam on to his back and sat on him. She braced herself with her hands on his chest. "Well this is a pretty great way to wake up so I don't mind. And good morning to you too!" Adam pulled her down for a slow languid kiss. "I'm happy sitting here like this with you but the kids will be up soon. Maybe we should get up?" Kim suggested but Adam just laughed. "Well I mean something is up already but I guess you are right." Adam knew she would smack him but he didn't care. It was funny.
"You are crass! But I still love you Adam Ruzek!" Kim kissed him before getting out of bed. She of course had to make him pay for that comment by rubbing her core against him as she stood up. He moaned kind of loudly but laughed knowing she did that on purpose. "I love you too darling! Let's go see the kids." Adam kissed her as he got out of the bed. They walked out to see Eric had already made coffee and was sitting outside. "Let's wake the kids." Kim said as she walked towards their room. They slowly woke the kids and Allie ran out to see her dad but Riley just wanted to snuggle so Adam lifted him and carried him out to the living room.
Kim poured coffee for both her and Adam as Adam got drinks for the kids. Neither loved giving the kids a lot of juice so he got Milk for both kids. They settled the kids on the couch with the tv on before they made breakfast for the family. Kim wasn't a fan of Allie watching TV but right now it was fine. She was still waking up and really wasn't pay attention. Kim decided to make French toast to use up some of the leftovers in the kitchen. As Kim cooked Adam sat with the kids Riley was still snuggled but waking up more. He was watching the tv more and commenting on what he was watching.
Adam was thinking about the fact that they were leaving today and he hated it but he wanted to try to live in the moment as much as possible. He didn't want to think about sleeping alone tonight or the fact that Kim would have a nightmare. He just wanted to stay here and watch his family. He really considered Kim and Allie his family already because this was what he wanted. "Daddy potty!" Riley smiled as he started to get off the couch. "Okay buddy lets go." Adam followed him down the hall to the bathroom where Riley of course needed help but he was at least getting the potty training down. That was the important thing. When they returned breakfast was ready and Allie was already eating and Kim went off to invite Eric to eat with them. Sure it was awkward but it had to be done for this to work.
Adam got Riley situated in a booster seat that Kim had in storage before he sat at a spot close to Kim. "So Adam when do you head back?" Eric asked in a tone that was almost civil. "Later today unfortunately. I promised my folks they could see Riley tomorrow since they missed him so much this week. Though he will see my mom and step dad on Monday while I work." Adam answered knowing Kim was leaving tomorrow but he didn't know when Eric was leaving. "So you live close to Kim?" He asked trying to start conversation. "Actually I don't know. We never talked about what neighborhood we lived in but it doesn't matter as of Monday I'm in the same district as Kim. Where do you fly to next?" Adam asked knowing this guy was never home. "Um I'm flying to Orlando after stopping in Chicago to see Allie like every Monday." Eric's tine that time was a bit more forceful but Adam ignored it.
"Any thing special you want to do today before you guys leave?" Kim asked trying to keep the conversation lite. "Um well I need to check out of my place soon and then I thought I would spend it on the beach with you guys. I don't have to leave here till 3." Adam smiled at how Kim's face lit up. "I think that's a great idea. Allie convinced Eric to take her to get braids done in her hair with shells and ribbons so we can hang out while they are gone." Kim smiled knowing they would get some more time together while Riley was napping. "Can't wait. Well once I clean up our dishes I'm gonna head out to pack our stuff and check out but I will be back shortly." Adam kissed her head as he cleaned after him and Riley. It was the least he could do since Kim cooked.
Once Allie and Kim finished Adam took their plates into the kitchen as well and loaded the dishwasher. Eric watched and was annoyed. He felt like it was all for show, he wanted to see the real Adam. Little did he know this was the real Adam. "Alright. It's all cleaned up. Ry let's get going. We will see Kimmie and Allie later okay." Riley hugged Kim and Allie before walking towards his daddy. "See you soon darling. Love you!" "Love you too baby!" Adam left and Kim was sad but didn't show it. "Allie time to shower and get your dad started okay?" Kim suggested as she found Allie in front of the tv again. "Okay mommy!" Allie happily bounced to her room to grab her clothes before heading to the shower.
Kim took this moment to head outside to enjoy the view. It really was lovely. For the first time in probably forever she didn't want to go back to work. She just wanted to stay here in this bubble they created. She knew it was unrealistic but she could dream. That maybe was one of the best things about this trip, the dreams instead of nightmares. It was a welcomed change in her life. She couldn't wait to talk to Dr Charles about it on Wednesday. She had therapy every Wednesday mostly to talk about cases from the week that were hard to handle emotionally but also fir when the nightmares were bad or she started having flashbacks. He was her 4th therapist in 13 years. Every time she felt stuck with one she would move on to a new on. But he had lasted 5 years now. They had a good flow and he understood how she worked.
Kim heard the door open, she didn't even look. "If you came out here to bash Adam you can go back inside. I dint want or need to hear it. And if I want advice I have a therapist." Kim shut that down before he started shit. ' Look I'm just concerned. I've known you a long time. This isn't you." Eric replied trying to get through to her. "You're wrong. This was me before the rape. Happy, enjoying life. I want to be that me again, I like being that me again. The whole version that doesn't feel broken or damaged. The version who's not afraid every second of every day. You don't get it, that I understand but just think about this. The first night he stayed here I had no nightmares. Every night he was here I slept through the night, the nights he wasn't here I had nightmares. Shouldn't that mean something. I really think he's the key to fixing me. But even if he can't fix all of me, I like who I am when we are together. So please just be happy for me." Kim didn't know what else to say so she stayed silent and watched the ocean. She heard the door open again and a faint whisper of Okay before it closed again.
She sat shocked for a moment and thought did he really think they would get back together? He couldn't have actually thought that Right? Right! Before she put too much more thought into it Allie running out asking for help drying her hair. Why Eric couldn't do it she didn't know but she gladly came inside to help. As they sat doing Allies hair she colored a picture for Eric to take home to remind him of the trip. She worked very hard on it and while he thanked her and told her it was lovely the smile didn't shine. He was off and she knew it, she only hoped their daughter didn't. As they left to go to the beach braid place Kim sat outside once again. She enjoyed the calm. The storm had raged for 13 years and now it seemed close to over. But maybe it was just the eye of the storm. Where the world swirls around the calm center. Either way she wanted to enjoy it. Her buzzed awhile later that Adam was back, she replied that she would be right there to unlock the door.
"Hey I'm glad your back, I missed you already!" Kim hugged him tight letting his scent wash over her. It had a calming effect on her. "Hey no tears. We will see each other tomorrow. Now that I've found you I'm never letting go. You know that. It's not goodbye, it's see you tomorrow." Adam knew what she was thinking and feeling since he was feeling the same. "You want to hit the beach?" Kim asked knowing that was his plan. "Absolutely. Since Riley is awake we can't have snuggle time." Adam wiggled his eye brows so she got the hint. She just laughed and smacked his chest as she walked by.
"By the way. I was thinking when we get home we should do date night once a week without the kids to keep us fresh. It's going to be a challenge with two jobs and two kids but I think that could work. What do you think?" Adam hoped they were on the same page. "Sounds perfect! One night a week where we don't have to be worried about little ones walking in on us naked would be lovely." Kim kissed him before heading to change into her swimsuit. As they headed to the beach they walked hand in hand with Riley walking in front of them. He was very independent with some things and walking was definitely one of them. And if he fell it wasn't a big deal since it was sand. No harm, no foul.
Eventually Allie and Eric joined them on the beach. Eric fell asleep almost immediately and Allie just wanted to play in the sand. It was perfect. When Riley fell asleep Adam moved him into the shade to covered him with a blanket. He could sleep anywhere but Adam didn't want him sunburned so finding shade was a must. The afternoon flew by and before they knew it it was time for Adam and Riley to leave. Allie said her goodbyes in the house while Kim walked them to the car. She had tears in her eyes that Adam wipes away with his thumb. "I left a present on your pillow. Maybe it will help tonight." Adam whispered as he moved in to kiss her. They shared several heart stopping kisses before he had to leave. "Remember I will see you tomorrow and I love you!" Adam whispered in their last hug. "I love you too. Text me when you get home!" Kim kissed him before he got in the car to leave.
She cried watching the car drive away. But she knew tomorrow would be here soon enough. She headed back upstairs to see what this surprise was. She saw a bag and a shirt. The bag contained her favorite donuts and the shirt was the one he wore yesterday. It wasn't washed so it smelled like him. She smiled and thought maybe it would help. She left the shirt on her pillow and walked out eating her donut. It was so yummy and bad for her but she didn't care. Allie was playing a game with her dad talking about things she wanted to do and he was barely paying attention. He was watching Kim eat her donut. Even he could see she was really happy.
The rest of the night Kim was going through the motions. She wasn't exactly present but tried to but on a happy face. She decided to spend some time packing and doing laundry as a distraction since Eric was still there to tend to Allie. The condo complex only had a coin operated machine but Kim didn't care because it gave her a few moments where she could just feel sad. Especially when she found several pieces of Adams clothes in her wash bin. She didn't remember them ended up in there but didn't care. She was on a mission at the moment and that's all that mattered.
Around 7:30 she got the message Adam and Riley arrived home safely. She was thrilled to hear that and sent him a message back right away. After they put Allie to bed Kim packed up the kitchen items and moved some things back into storage. They had a locked closet in their place with personal items they left to make travel easier. She saw Eric watching her but needed to get these things done so they could leave tomorrow on time. "Kim can we talk?" Eric asked as he watched her walking around in a tailspin. "What's up? Can I pack while we talk?" Kim asked not waiting for a response. "Kim please?" Eric asked as he grabbed her hand to stop her. "Fine. What's up?" Kim asked as she sat down and pulled her knees into her chest.
"This whole thing has been a shock. I never thought you would move on. I always thought we would get back together at some point. Especially for Allie. I guess seeing you happy with him killed me inside a bit. But I really do want you to be happy. So if he's who makes you happy then I accept that." Eric was straight to the point they had done this dance long enough. "I'm sorry. I thought you knew we weren't getting back together. It's been since we found out about Allie that it's been over. We wanted different things. We were going different places. And I would never stay in a relationship just for my child. My folks did that and it killed us kids watching them fight all the time. But yes I'm truly happy with Adam. I haven't felt this happy since the rape. I need this not only for me but for our daughter." Kim felt horrible. How did she not have a clue. But maybe it's because they barely saw each other anymore. He was always on the road and she was busy working and raising a child. Well add another talking point for therapy.
Kim hugged Eric before walking to her room to pack more. Things would definitely be awkward now. Great she thought as she packed the last of her things. She grabbed a few things and brought them to the car. It was her car, kind of. Eric bought it for her and she now only used it when she was out east like right now. He would be driving it home to his place after dropping her and Allie at the airport. Packing the car was now a better distraction from the lovely awkward atmosphere in the condo. Could life get any more strange? Probably! When she returned she noticed Eric had gone to bed, Kim was thrilled. Started the dishwasher and took out the trash before heading to the deck.
She knew she needed to tell Adam but lord how she dreaded it. She Riley would be asleep already so she knew he wouldn't be distracted. "Hey Darling I was just about to call you. I miss you already!" Adam sounded to so happy. "Hey baby I miss you too! But I called for a reason and I know we said we have to be honest with each other about everything. Right?" Kim asked. "Your not breaking up with already are you?" Adam half laughed. "God no!" Kim laughed as Adam relaxed. "Then what's wrong?" Adam knew it had to be bad. "Eric confessed that he thought he and I would get back together! That's why he was being such an ass. I'm in shock!" Kim explained. It felt good to say it but also terrible. "Oh! Well I guess that explains a lot. And I already know what you told him since your not breaking up with me. But I assume things are awkward now and you are hiding on the deck." Adam laughed at the last part.
"Yes it's awkward, yes I'm hiding on the deck but he's in his room. I just didn't really see it coming. Like earlier I think maybe I thought that's where his head was at but I never thought he would actually say something. I feel terrible. No one likes to reject someone, especially a friend and the father of your child. But tomorrow please can we see each other. I need a hug!" Kim whined into the phone causing Adam to laugh. "Of course darling! When do you land?" Adam wasn't sure what her flight was like. "Um we land at 2. Should be home by 3 with getting luggage and driving home. I will text you the address so you can come over whenever you are done with your folks." Kim was now excited they had a plan in place to see each other again. She was more than thrilled.
"Sounds good but it also sounds like you need to sleep. So go to bed and call if you have a nightmare. Love you darling!" Adam could hear her tired voice the whole call. "Ok sounds good. Love you too baby!" Kim hangs up and goes right to bed. She put on the shirt Adam gave her hoping it would help her sleep soundly. Before getting under the covers she checked on Allie who was sound asleep and made sure the doors were locked before heading to bed. She read her book for a little bit before turning off the lights and falling asleep.
Kim awoke hours later having suffered a small nightmare. She laid awake tossing and turning for several minutes before she took out her phone to call Adam. "Sorry to wake you. It's wasn't that bad. Just needed your voice." Kim explained as she settled against the pillow Adam used. "Hey it's okay. I'm glad you called. Even if it wasn't that bad. You want to talk about it?" Adam asked as he laid in his bed. "It was just the aftermath of the rape. The exam, the questioning, seeing the evidence. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. The exam is pretty brutal and embarrassing. Especially when it's a man looking down there and your a kid." Kim tried not to give a ton of details. It was the middle of the night. No one needed to hear all that.
"You know I can even imagine having that happen. I obviously never had to do that but it can't be pleasant. And reliving it has to be just as bad. I wish this never happened to you and I wish I was next to you holding you tight." Adam sighed. He really wish he had the answers to stopping this nightmares for good, "the only good thing about reliving it in a nightmare is that I didn't have to feel the pain again. The samples and swabs can be painful so I guess tonight was only half as bad. I just want them to stop all together. Maybe I can get some answers on Wednesday. Dr Charles always gives great advice." Kim sighed heavily.
"I was hoping leaving you the shirt would help but I guess it didn't. I notice though that when we sleep together you don't have them. And I really hoped my shirt would help. We need to figure this out. You need sleep and I doubt either of us is ready to move in together." Adam mused as he laid in the dark. "What's sleep?" Kim laughed. "But really I had hope for the shirt too and maybe it's why the nightmare wasn't that bad. But you are definitely right I'm not ready to have you move in. That's a huge commitment and a huge change that I'm not ready for. But I am ready to spend more time together. I'm ready to be out in the open about us. I'm ready to build a life with you but it needs to be done with time. I've been a single mom for almost 6 years, this effects Allie and Riley too. So we can work towards it." Kim hoped that made sense and didn't upset him.
"Kim I completely understand. It would be different if it was just us. But our kids have to be okay with this too. I think they would be but we need to take time to figure it all out. Absolutely no rush since we have the rest of our lives together." Adam knew she was smiling. But he also knew she was fading. "Darling. Get some sleep. I will see you tomorrow. I love you!" Adam almost laughed when he heard a very soft faded love you. She was asleep again. He hung up and allowed himself to fall back to asleep as well. Adam dreamt that night of his future with Kim. He pictured a picnic with the kids at the same park they used as kids. He often went to that park after they broke up hoping to see her again but he never did. He knew it was a long shot but he had to try. Even as an adult he went there looking for her. But apparently fate had stepped in and he couldn't be more happy.