The Way To Steal My Heart

I Want Something

When we left the amusement park, it was around noon. Lunch time.

While Norman was driving back to the apartment, I glanced in the back seat at Mingus. He was sound asleep, and I knew it'd take forever to get him up. But I smiled, loving how peaceful he looked. When we hit a bump, Mingus's head would bob, making his hair swish to the side, making a tuft land in the middle of his forehead. I turned in my seat, so that I was able to brush the hair out of his face. He didn't stir, but when I sat back correctly, I noticed Norman smiling at me.

"What?" I demanded.

"You're adorable." He simply stated, glancing back at the road.

"Why're you telling me that now?" I asked.

"Cause." Was all he said. Then we drove in silence, until we got to the apartment. I got out quietly, trying not to disturb him. When I got out, Norman rolled my window down.

"I'll wait out here with Mingus, if you wanna just make the food and meet us back out here." Norman said.

"Ok." I shrugged. I didn't mind.

...

When I got back to the car with the ham and cheese sandwiches, Mingus was awake, and he and Norman were chatting. But when I got closer, the conversation dropped.

"What're you two talking about?" I asked, arching an eyebrow as I got in.

"I was just telling Mingus that the season premiere for the Walking Dead was coming up, and I'm being interviewed." Norman explained casually.

"Ok. When is it?" I questioned.

"In 'bout three weeks." Norman said, putting the car into reverse.

"Cool." I said, placing the basket at the foot of the car.

"Yeah. Sadly, Mingus won't be there." Norman stated, looking kinda disappointed.

"Oh." I murmured, glancing back at Mingus.

He just shrugged. "Don't worry. I'll be here again at the end of school to annoy ya." He joked.

I laughed, smiling at Norman.

"So, where's this park we're going to?" Norman asked.

"Umm..." I murmured, taking out a map. Scanning it, I finally found a small park. W.E. Honey park. "How about here?" I asked, gesturing to the park. Norman glanced at it, then nodded.

...

At the park, it was peaceful. Several couples walked around, holding hands or walking pets. Children ran around at the jungle gym, and a few people were picnicking. Glancing around, I saw a perfect little spot. It was shaded by a giant oak tree, and was pretty distant from the others. Plus, it was fairly close to a lake. I pointed it out to Norman, and he agreed.

After getting our spot set up, we opened the basket. I took out a few ham and cheese sandwiches, a container of macaroni salad, potato salad, some cookies (that I made) and bottles of water. Handing Mingus and Norman a sandwich and bottle of water each, they thanked me. Mingus immediately dug into the sandwich. Once the first bite hit his tastebuds, his expression changed.

"Where's the sauce?" He asked around a mouthful.

"It doesn't work with ham. Plus, I'm out." I said, taking a bite of my sandwich.

"Oh." He mumbled, sounding disappointed.

"Y'know, if you're good, I'll let you help." I stated, taking out a paper plate to serve the salads.

"Really?" Mingus asked, his face brightening.

"Sure. Just don't tell anyone. It's secret." I stated, serving myself some macaroni salad.

...

After we ate, Norman and I sat against the oak tree. Mingus had gone over to the lake and was talking to some other boys. I rested my head on Norman's shoulder. He kissed the top of my head before resting his cheek on it.

"I love you Norman." I murmured.

"I love you Amanda." He mumbled back.

While enjoying the warm breeze, I watched some little kids playing by the waters edge. They were a little boy and girl. The boy grabbed a stick and jabbed it into the water. When it resurfaced, it had some moss on the end. The little girl, who was playing in the sand, had her back turned to the boy. He snuck up behind her, and was about to dump the moss onto her back.

"Ryder!" I heard a feminine voice call. A woman with long brown hair came storming over to them. Just then, the little girl turned around and screamed, running over to the woman. I couldn't help but chuckle. Then I felt longing. A longing for that.

I glanced up at Norman, who had his eyes closed.

What would he think of that? Having kids?

There's only really one way to find out.

What if he doesn't want any? I mean, he's 43. That's a little old to be having kids.

True. But if you don't do it soon, you'll be too old.

Ok.

I pulled away from Norman. He gazed down at me in confusion. Before he could say anything, I took his hands in mine. My heart started to flutter in my chest, and I felt sick.

"Norman," I began, but cut off to take a deep breath. "I need to tell you something."

"Sure anything." Norman murmured, leaning closer. Butterflies started to fly around in my stomach. My hands started to shake, and my throat felt parched.

I took a deep breath, and looked down. "Norman, I want kids." Carefully, I glanced up. Norman looked surprised. My face heated up, and I looked away, pulling my hands out of his. Tears started to bead in my eyes when I realized that I sounded so stupid.

I felt Norman's hand rest against my shoulder. His other hand took my chin. He made me face him. When he saw the tears running down my cheeks, he wiped them away. Once my cheeks were dry, he leaned in and gave me a small kiss.

"I do too." He murmured. Now it was my turn to be surprised.

"Really?" I asked, pulling away.

"I only want to if you wanna." He stated, cradling my cheek in his hand.

"Well, I mean, yeah. I didn't think you'd give in so easily." I said.

"Amanda, like I said, I love you. I want to do anything I can to make you happy. And if that means a baby, then I'll do it." He murmured.

"So if I want twenty kids, you'll still make me happy?" I questioned, smirking at him.

His jaw clenched. "Let's start with one first."

"Of course!" I laughed, nudging him. Then laughing from the lake drew my attention to it. Mingus was throwing rocks into the lake with the boys. Suddenly, I felt nervous. I turned to Norman.

"Babe, what about Mingus? How will he react to me having your baby?" I asked.

"Well, he'll have to face it." Norman stated.

"Yeah..." I muttered. I didn't want to betray Mingus, and I felt like I was by having Norman's child. I mean, I'm pretty sure Mingus was an only child. And he was thirteen. Thirteen years of being the only child.

"We don't have to tell him until it's positive." Norman broke my thoughts.

I nodded, and snuggled into Norman's side, watching Mingus and his friends throw rocks into the lake.