Maybe Baby

Man, We Was Lonely

Joseph Mazzello, better known as Joe, doing fine as an actor and living alone in the city, had been searching for somebody to talk with. 

Of course, he made videos occasionally, but to have a friend to socialize with would be preferred. A person to see every day, not solely on phone calls or likewise.

Now, he found himself in a intriguing situation: 

Sophie.

Sophie Claire Williams is a little girl, only around 1-and a half-years-old. Her mother had shown up to Joe's door one day and explained that she couldn't take care of her. Also that she believed that the baby was his.

"Well.. Yeah, I can raise her." He looked curious, unexpectedly taken aback by this news. But understanding, nonetheless. This could be the company he needed.

"I'm glad. I want her to grow up in a good environment. Sorry that I can't look after her, but.." The mother trailed off.

"But she's too little to have anyone else be her caregiver. No worries, I accept the responsibility. You could always visit." He completed. That earned a smile.

Sophie stared at the man with her big, hazel eyes. She had soft short brown hair that curled a little bit. The baby cooed happily.

"Here you are, love," the woman spoke to her child as she handed her over in a carseat, along with a bag of a few items. "This is your dad. He's going to take care of you. Goodbye, dear." 

"Bye-bye, mama." Sophie finally used words, letting the door close without any more words.

Joe suddenly felt nervous, but he smiled at his daughter. She looked so full of life and curiosity.

--

"Aaahh," Sophie was yelling from the floor calmly, out of her seat now. More like calling out. "Ungy." 

"You're hungry? Okay, let's see.." He searched the cupboards for anything a baby could eat. "..wait, what do you even eat?" Google would have the answer.

The two of them sat side by side as he pulled out his phone to figure out what to feed her. "Hm.. I think I have some of this. We'll have to go shopping later."

"Mmm." The girl said in agreement. She pointed at the kitchen. 

"Yes, I'll give you some now." Joe got up and decided on giving her some berries and cereal. 

Since there was no highchair, the toddler sat on the man's lap and happily ate her lunch.

---

It was a bit later, and both of them went to the grocery store, although she was very young, the girl helped out by pointing out the foods she ate, mostly by name.

"You're very clever, Soph. Which one do you want?" Joe held up two different kinds of oatmeal containers. 

"One," Sophie said and happily grabbed the second option. 

"Good choice." 

Joe pushed the shopping cart over to the next aisle, and they discussed different fruits. She knew most of the names, some only by color.

"Aww, your baby is so cute," a woman said nicely. "how old are they?" 

"Thank you. She's a year old." Joe said vaguely, putting on a semi-fake smile.

Sophie meanwhile during this interaction, covered her face with her hands. She wasn't too shy around people she hung out with, like her parents, but the idea of strangers made her nervous.

"How lovely." The lady said before walking away.

Joe instantly recognized this fear, and softly reassured her. "It's okay, you're okay. Sometimes people like to say hello. I'm here for you, I won't let anything bad happen." 

Soon enough, the groceries were paid for and taken back home. Joe put it all away, Sophie doing her best by handing her dad items one by one.

---

 Once the food was safely put in cupboards and the refrigerator, Sophie headed to the couch and curled up on her side, hugging a pillow. Joe noticed and frowned a little.

"What's wrong? You look scared?" 

"Yeah?" Sophie simply kept her place.

"May I sit with you?" He was patient with a gentle voice.

"Mhm," the toddler sat upright and moved over.

He sat next to her and waited there, and she leaned into his shoulder—more like his arm, actually, with how small she was—and cuddled.

"I know things seem scary, and it's okay to feel that. But you're safe." He spoke to his daughter as if he would another adult. No baby talk. He knew she understood. Because she fell asleep.

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I hope you enjoy this book, let me know if you have any ideas for future chapters. This is my first full story. This is a bit like (but not intentional copying) @Ahsoka98 's books, with the whole fictional famous daughter. Go check out their books, they're amazing.