Little Wonders

24. Falling asleep

A/N sorry for the long wait, i have exam coming up!

24. Falling Asleep

Darren sat on Rose’s lap, sucking on a lollypop. John was sat beside them, signing his name on an official looking piece of paper. They were sat in an office in his old children’s home.

Darren watched as the paper and pen were slid across the table to Rose. Rose picked up the pen and signed her name under John’s.

Darren had no idea what was going on – but he knew it was important.

*

John could feel Darren slowing down to an almost stop. John looked down at his newly adopted son to see Darren’s eyes almost closed. John placed his hands under Darren’s arms and lifted him up, ignoring the slight pain coming from his chest.

The pain was receding now, if slowly. It had been a while since he had been shot and John was happy enough to go back to work. Although, as last night’s conversation had proved, Rose would not allow him. So John tried to use his free time with Darren and Tony.

Darren placed his head on John’s shoulder and wrapped his small arms around John’s neck. John felt him relax and knew that the small boy had fallen asleep instantly.

It was late; around 9pm. Rose was walking in front of them, having only just noticed they had stopped. When John caught up to her, she smiled lightly.

“D’you want me to take him?” She asked.

“Nah, it’s alright. I’ve got him.” John replied.

“But your chest…”

“Is fine,” John interrupted her. He smiled as he held out his arm. Rose gripped his hand and together they kept walking down the street.

After they had signed Darren’s adoption forms, the three had gone to McDonalds for a bite to eat. They had then taken Darren into a toy store and got him a few new toys to go in his bedroom. Then they went and did a big shop on Jackie’s orders. By the time they dropped everything him it was time for them to go back out as they had booked tickets to see ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the pantomime. It had been a little treat to re-welcome Darren to the family. They were now walking back to the carpark to head home for the evening.

“It’s been a long day for him.” Rose commented as they crossed the road.

“And me.” John yawned. “I’m ready to climb into bed.”

“Long day for all of us; I think.” Rose said as they approached the carpark.

It went silent apart from the sound of cars rumbling past, heading home for the night. As they reached their car, John pulled the car keys out of his pocket to have them snatched away by Rose.

“I’ll drive.” She said, eyeing his chest. John rolled his eyes, but made no comment as he pulled open the back door and gently placed Darren into his car seat.

The small boy stirred but did not wake. John strapped him in, pulled on the seatbelt to make sure that it was in securely before he checked the child-lock was still in place. After that, he closed the door. He quietly got in the passenger seat as Rose got in behind the steering wheel. She looked into the back seat and smiled. John rested his head in his hand.

“I’m hungry.” He commented.

“You’re always hungry.” Rose sighed as she started the car.

John reached over and turned the radio on. It played quietly in the background as Rose pulled out of the carpark. The music was soothing and John found himself falling asleep. He often rubbed his eyes, trying to stay awake.

“Okay there, John?” Rose asked with a slight giggle to her tone.

“Fine,” John mumbled; his voice heavy with sleep.

When they reached the house, John got out and took the keys from Rose and went to unlock the front door as Rose went to get Darren. Rose carried Darren right up to his bedroom, where she woke him so it was slightly easier to get him changed into his pjs. She tucked him in (by this time he was asleep again), gave him a quick peck on the forehead and went over to the door.

“Goodnight Darren Smith.” She said as she flicked off the light and left, closing the door behind her.

She quietly walked back downstairs to see Tony saying goodnight. She smiled at him as she wished him goodnight. She went into the living room to find her parents snuggled up on the sofa, watching a movie.

“Hiya Rose.” Came her mother’s voice. “Did you have fun darling?”

“Yeah, we did. John more than me though.” She smiled.

“We guessed that.” Pete replied, nodding his head in the direction of the armchair. John was sat in the chair, head lolled back, mouth wide open. He was breathing deeply. He was asleep.

“I better get him to bed.” Rose commented as she went over to wake him.