Madalyn was up all night, pacing back and forth past Colin's room, past AJ's room.
Finally she found herself out in the backyard, sitting at the edge of the pool. Her feet were swinging back and forth, she was intently watching the small waves her feet were making in the cool, dark water. She didn't know why she couldn't sleep...Trevor was on her mind...as was AJ. They had barely spoken that whole evening. He hadn't even said goodnight before he went to bed. Colin was quiet as well..something quit uncanny for him. Usually he was bouncing off the walls, running around the house with the dogs, playing with AJ...just being a kid.
She was surprised when AJ sat down beside her, dressed only in the shorts he usually slept in, his feet dipping into the water. "Couldn't sleep?"
She shook her head, "Nope..too much on my mind. You?"
"Nope...I felt bad, me and you not talkin'.."
"Oh.."
"What did he say?"
"He was just being an ass..and trying to intimidate me.."
"You okay?"
She nodded, "Yeah.."
"What are you thinking about?"
"How much my life has changed since Colin was born.."
"The whole six years?"
"Yep.."
He smiled, "How has it changed?"
"Greatly. I had a boyfriend, now I don't. I didn't have a child, and boom, I was pregnant. I, now, have a son and I now have no man in my life except for him...and maybe you."
He smiled, "I remember, you called me that day you went into labor."
She leaned against him, "You were the only person I could call. Trevor was sick of hearing me whine so he left. My family wants nothing to do with me, or Colin. So, I called you when I finally figured out I was in labor."
He smiled and kissed her temple gently, "I had never been so scared in my life."
"Why? You weren't the one having the baby!"
"I just..you had become such a staple in my life and Trevor should have been there, not me."
"I know.."
"What brought all this one?"
"Seeing Trevor bring Colin home today...I realized how much I wanted us to be a family. It was supposed to be me, Trevor and Colin in a house...not just me, and Colin..in your house.."
"I like you two in my house. It feels lived in now.."
"I like living here too..and I love living with you AJ...I'm glad you didn't turn away from me.."
"I could never do that."
She yawned, "I guess now I'm tired.."
"Guess so..come on.."
AJ got Colin up the next morning before Madalyn woke up, the two went about making a huge breakfast for all three of them. "Ok little dude, go on upstairs and get your mom up, ok?"
"Ok...AJ?"
"Yeah?"
Colin looked at the floor, "You know...how I was really excited to see my dad?"
"Yeah..."
"What if I said I didn't really...want to see him again?"
AJ stopped what he was doing and knelt down in front of Colin, "What do you mean?"
"I mean...my..dad isn't what he used to be...he's changed and I'm not sure if I like how he's changed."
"How has he changed?"
"I don't know...he's just..meaner...and he doesn't like my mommy anymore.."
"Colin.."
"He doesn't..I watched him yesterday and he yelled at mommy..he was mad at her and she didn't even do anything.."
"Your dad didn't have a right to yell at your mom, and I know he's changed Colin..that's why your mom doesn't particulary want to go back to him..you understand that?"
He nodded, "I don't want to go back either.."
AJ hugged him, "She's not going to go back..anytime soon...as far as I know, you two are staying here."
"But do I have to see my dad again?"
"I think so..he wants to see you."
He sighed, "Ok...I'll go get my mommy.."
"Ok..and you know, you can tell me anything and it'll be between you and me..right?"
Colin nodded, "I know."
"Go on kiddo."
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