The Night I Was Saved

Chapter Twenty-Nine

It's almost thirty past three when we walk into my apartment. I'm carrying the car seat with Dais; it's a routine that's become natural, and Jo is carrying the three shopping bags with all the clothes we got for her and Daisy. I'm fucking happy that she's let me buy her some clothes, I could tell she felt nice while trying on something different than those comfortable clothes that Mercy bought for her. These clothes are hers, and I think she needed to have something that's completely hers.

I hope that the dress she bought will make her feel a little more at ease tonight. I know that Elif and Miryam go all out on New Year's Eve, and given how Jo reacted on Christmas Day when she wore leggings to my mum's, I know she would feel underdressed and very uncomfortable tonight if she wears just leggings while the others wear dresses.

On Christmas Day, I'd briefed my family and told them to wear trackies as well so Jo wouldn't feel uncomfortable. And because my family is so amazing, they agreed without hesitation. But today, I can't ask my friends to come in chill mode since they will leave after twelve to go out. Also, I doubt Elif and Miryam would willingly wear leggings and sweaters on a night like this.

I'm curious how tonight will unfold. The boys have been nagging my head off since they know Jo's staying with me. They want to meet her, and while I've tried to be relaxed about it to Jo, I have to admit that the closer it comes, I'm starting to feel a bit nervous too.

It's not that I'm worried or anything; I know they'll like her. Fuck, what's not to like? Jo is amazing, and when I saw her in that black dress, she took my breath away. She looked gorgeous, and for the first time, I saw what could've been. I saw a young woman that -if her life wouldn't have taken that drastic turn all those years ago- I could've met during a night out. Or in the restaurant where she could've worked. Or in the park where she would walk and where I would play football.

While she wore that dress -one that isn't supposed to be sexy in any way, but still is sexy as fuck without her flaunting anything- I saw a girl that I would've made work of. I would've pursued her. I would've wanted her in my bed for one night. And after that one night, I would've figured what an amazing, fun, sweet, and interesting girl she was, and I would've asked her for her number. In that alternative universe, she could've been the one that stayed longer than just that one night.

Ever since I met her, I've seen the girl with the baggage. And since just a few days, I know what that baggage contains and how fucking strong this woman is. After everything they did to her and everything she's been through -a true hell on earth- she now fights for a better life for her and her daughter. She never complains, and she never uses her past as an excuse. If anything, she's too hard on herself. And every day that passes by, I'm more and more in awe of her and the way she fights.

But when she tried on that dress today, I saw her differently. And it made me more smitten than I already was.

It's exactly the reason why I'm starting to feel nervous about tonight; Jo and Dais mean so much to me, and I want my friends to like them too. Because I know that they are here to stay. Josephine and Daisy won't leave unless they want to themselves.

"Thank you for today, Hero," Josephine says when I've put Daisy's car seat onto the floor. I'm unbuckling her belts, and I can feel that Jo is watching us. "I had fun."

"Me too," I tell her honestly while I take Dais out of her seat and lay her against my chest. She's still a bit sleepy, but she is squirming.

The moment I turn to face Jo, her eyes widen, and a second later she starts to giggle. "Oh Gosh. Be careful, she-"

My hand moves to Daisy's back, not fully registering what Jo says, and immediately I feel something warm and wet. Jo starts to giggle harder, and I can only imagine what I've got all over my hand right now.