Jax (Wattpad Version)

Abby

Jax

After loading Elise and her stuff into the car, I drove to the park. She talked nonsensical bullshit during our drive, which reminded me of some club members.

I found a parking spot, then grabbed her and her stuff. Once I had her strapped into a stroller, we headed to the playground equipment. I unhooked her, helped her out of her stroller, and placed her in a swing.

Other parents stared at me as I pushed Elise on the swing. "Got a problem?" I asked.

Everyone shook their heads and dragged their kids away. Fuck 'em. Their precious babies will grow up to be assholes since their parents are.

I gave Elise a gentle push as she laughed. After twenty minutes, I pulled her out, placed her in her stroller, and headed to an empty park bench. I sat down, dug through her diaper bag, and dumped some Cheerios on the tray. Then I handed her a sippy cup. Elise ate her Cheerios and drank from her sipped cup.

"Oh, she's the cutest little girl," someone said.

I glanced at a woman with a brown ponytail wearing pink sweatpants and a pink hoodie, leaning near Elise.

The woman noticed me looking at her. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overstep. I couldn't help but notice your little girl." The woman offered me a friendly smile.

"Are you here with your kids?"

"Uh, no kids. I was just taking my daily walk."

"Do you always make it a habit of crowding small children?"

The woman's brows lifted, then knitted as her forehead wrinkled. "I'm sorry. I'll leave you alone." She turned and started to leave.

Elise watched me as she ate her cereal.

I cursed to myself. "Wait."

The woman stopped, turned to me, and played with her fingers.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."

The woman relaxed and smiled. "It's okay. I would be cautious of strangers, too, especially with someone as adorable as your daughter."

"What's your name?"

"Abby."

"Jax and this little one is Elise." I tickled Elise as she giggled. Then I looked at Abby. "Did you want to join us?"

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose."

"You're not." I moved over.

Abby took tentative steps toward us and sat down on the bench next to me. "I'm glad to see you gave Elise Cheerios as a snack. Most people give their kids junk, which isn't healthy for them."

"You sound like you know a thing about kids since you don't have one."

Abby looked at me as her brows knitted.

"Sorry, I didn't mean how it sounded. I'm not used to dealing with people on an intrapersonal level."

"You sound overwhelmed. I'm sure your wife would understand."

"No wife."

"Girlfriend?"

"No."

"Oh, I didn't realize you were a single father. I apologize for assuming."

"It's fine. I lost Elise's mom a few months ago."

Abby stared at me with her jaw slacked. "I'm sorry to hear about your loss."

"Yeah."

"How has it been adjusting to being a single parent?"

I glanced at Abby. "It's been a little rough, but Elise and I are learning together."