Trapping His Monster

1. Back To Normal

I covered my face to block the sun streaming in through the curtains. I wasn't ready to start the day. I rolled over to find Derek missing. I was sure he'd gotten up at least an hour before and showered. He never likes waking me up, if he doesn't have to. The alarm went off beside me, scaring me from my thoughts.

"Glad to see you're up," Derek said. I looked at the bathroom door to see him brushing his teeth. "Jasper has prepared breakfast already."

"Can't I sleep some more?" I groaned.

"No. I thought you were going out with your friends today."

"Ugh, I don't know what I was thinking when I made those plans."

"Well, it's your choice if you want to go out or not. No one's judging you for being lazy."

"Lazy?" I laughed. "No, I'm just tired from the lack of sleep I got. How did you do this when we were in high school?"

Derek went back into the bathroom. I jumped out of bed to join him. Since I was up, it was best if I started the day. Besides, I was kind of excited to see Abby's children. They were barely teens when I last saw them.

"Why don't you take your time getting ready and I'll meet you in the dining room?" Derek suggested. "I'll make sure the kids are ready to go to Christina's."

"Aww, really?" I smiled at him.

"Yes, love. It's the least I can do."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." He kissed my cheek and left me to myself.

It's been too long since I've actually been able to enjoy life. After my children had been kidnapped over five years ago, I hadn't been keen on them going anywhere out of Queens. When Hayden moved to Manhattan to be closer to his sister, I almost asked if they could live with me. Permanently. He probably wouldn't have liked that, but I couldn't trust anyone anymore.

Our arguments subsided and we became close friends again. Since he was already married to Caerá and had two kids with her, I always found time to help them out. I had another child of my own, so it was nice to have another reason to bond with Caerá. We had a lot of stories to share with each other. She never failed to make me laugh at how awkward of a father Hayden was.

"Actually, babe, I have to head out." Derek was looking at his watch when I entered the dining room. "I'm sorry we can't have breakfast together. I didn't think I'd be busy on our first day back."

"It's fine, baby. I'll have Jasper and the others whip up a nice dinner for you." I kissed his cheek. "Don't forget that Addi is coming, too. She wanted to see you."

"I'm surprised. She's always hated me before."

"Well, people change. They haven't seen us for three years. Plus, we came back with a kid. I'm sure she's wondering what happened."

"She's growing up too fast."

"Yeah..."

"Well, I'll see you tonight," he said. "Don't have too much fun without me."

"I won't. Love you."

"Love you, too."

My children joined me in the dining room. Mina picked up her half-brother and sat him in his highchair. I love that she's nice to him. I can't say the same for Tyler. He hasn't said anything to his brother, since finding out he existed.

"Good morning, Mina. Morning, Tyler. How did you sleep?" I asked.

"I'm not tired today. That's a first," Mina said with a smile.