The Baby Project

Chapter 15

I knowwww it's been so soo soooooo long !!

Writers block is a thing and dealing with a small mini me is definitely hard 😅

I DID NOT EDIT THIS SO I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY MISTAKES!!

But here we gooooo

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*Talia's POV*

   It had been a couple days since our vacation that we took to try to cheer me up after my parents passing and we are finally back home. We had an amazing time despite that one night. I'm still worrying constantly at what that was or could've been. Different scenarios playing in my head repeatedly. I know it didn't seem like much but i still have this gut feeling that something was off.

  I did eventually tell Ryder what happened after his persistent bugging. He didn't comment much on it but comforted me nevertheless.

My nerves have been on alert since the incident, leaving me constantly jumpy with everything.

:::::::FLASHBACK::::::::

We just arrived home and I was so glad to be back. Ryder pulled into the driveway and put the car in park, "You grab him and go ahead inside, I'll get the bags" he said while starting to get out the car.

I opened my door and climbed out the car and opened the door to the back seat. Andrew was passed out probably from the long car ride and barely sleeping the night before from Ryder letting him eat marshmallows until 11pm! I mentally curse at him for that.

Andrew looks so peaceful. His head hanging to the side and his tablet still tight in his little grasp. I sighed wondering how'd I get so lucky to have such a handsome little boy fall into my life.

I began to unbuckle him and he didn't even stir. I carefully lifted him out of his seat along with his tablet, making sure I didn't drop it.

I look over to see Ryder trying to grab all the bags at once, "I'm not taking multiple trips. One and done baby!" I shook my head at him as he smirked at me. I started to the door, unlocking it carefully not to wake Andrew.

As the door swung open I could've sworn I saw a shadow in the living room. I felt uneasy but decided it was definitely my head playing tricks on me. I walk into the house further and I realize my head was right. There's someone huddled beside the couch.

My breath hitched in my throat and it felt like a pit grew in my stomach. My heart beating a mile a minute. I'm sure whoever the intruder is can hear my heart as it thuds loudly against my chest . I stood so still not sure of what to do. How did they get in? I hear Ryder still struggling outside with the bags so I know he'll be no help in this.

A dark figure stepped out from the hallway closer to me and before I could react the lights turned on, blinding me. I squinted my eyes from the sudden change.

"SURPRISE!!" I was engulfed in a set of arms, my eyes still trying to adjust. I let out a blood curdling scream. Waking up Andrew in the process. His little head shot up and immediately he cried out.

"It's us ! Calm down!" Casey exclaims, trying to settle me. Wes took Andrew in his arms to stop his cries.

"I-I-Im sorry," I stutter out. My body still in shock, tears brimming my eyes. I blinked them back not wanting to seem over dramatic. I felt a big pair of arms wrap around me, "It's okay. Sorry guys we had a scare while on vacation and we've been a little on edge." Ryder said while holding me tightly, his grip never faltering. I could stay like this forever.

"We just wanted to surprise you guys," Wesley spoke up this time, his eyes softened when our eyes met. I nodded giving a small smile. Thankfully it was them. I couldn't imagine if it was anyone else.

:::::::::END FLASHBACK:::::::::

    I continued to fold our clothes while sitting on the bed. Andrew was down for a nap in his room. While Ryder was in the basement playing video games. Once he realized there was a basement he decided to make himself a man cave. I was almost done, then I was gonna join Ryder. I enjoyed watching him play. Occasionally, he would let me try but I sucked at it so bad.

  I placed Andrew's clothes in his little basket. I'll put it away later, not wanting to wake him up. He's been super whiny lately and only naps have been our savior. I stand up and place his basket in the corner of the room. Turning back to the rest of the clothes I quickly put all of them away.

   Grabbing the now empty hamper, I make my way out of the room. Stopping by the laundry closet to stuff the hamper in there. I continued down the steps. Looking out the front window I notice the clouds getting darker. Looks like it's going to storm.

I used to love storms but now they only remind me of my parents. Growing up when it would storm my parents and I would all go out onto our enclosed porch and just sit there, talk, play games and watch the storm as it passed. It was beautiful and a great bonding time. I closed my eyes, memories of them flashing through my mind. I let out a shaky breath and went into the kitchen to grab a cup of water. I really do miss them and I have no clue what I'm going to do after this whole baby project is over.

   The stress of everything is weighing me down. Just wanting to forget about everything I make my way into the basement.

"Just hit the damn ball!" Rider was yelling at the tv. completely in the zone with his game. He's playing the one where the little RC cars play soccer with a huge ball. I liked watching him play but definitely not playing it. If I did play a game it would either be the shooting game I think it's called 'Cod' like the fish or 'minecraft'.

I flopped down on the couch behind him since he had his gaming chair pulled close to the tv. I turned on the baby monitor that we keep down here and set it up on the side table next to the couch. I reached for the blanket that's draped over the couch and got comfy.

Ryder turned back and gave me a cheesy smile after his game ended. "I finished the laundry. Figured I'd come watch you play now." I cuddled into the blanket more. He gave me a soft smile, "More like come watch me win because I'm the best!" He boasted as he turned around, getting ready for the next match to start. I giggled at his cocky behavior. He was a good player but it's not like he won every game.

It's probably been 30 minutes of me watching him play multiple games and of course him still yelling at his teammates who can't hear him at all. I didn't notice at first how heavy my eyes felt as I watched him play. The sound of the rain hitting the house was not helping either. I was getting super tired. after fighting it for a couple of minutes, I allowed myself to drift into a deep sleep.

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Welp

I literally just wrote this in an hour and a half. I really don't understand how I can go from struggling to write 500 words to busting out 1000 in an hour.

I again want to apologize to everyone for taking so long to update.

Thank you for sticking around !! I really appreciate it!

- Kimberly 💕