Stained Recovery

Labels? || Chapter 39

"Do you even know how to fucking cook this, Ari?!" Courtney asked me for the millionth time today.

She was washing the vegetables over the sink and looking at me in disbelief. I decided to have my friends over for lunch since Cleo was taking Austin for his therapy. She insisted that I should have time for myself and have my friends come. Making this as a little get together since it's been a while since I met up with my friends.

"Shut up, I know how -- I've been cooking for Austin for the past three years so yes, Court. I know how to fucking cook this." I said in a clipped tone.

"Alright, don't be sassy with me! I'm just trying to figure out why we're rushing! It's so early -- you know Doug and Aaron will take years to arrive. Victoria's probably the only one to arrive on time -- and Jasmine, god -- don't even get me started!" She exaggeratedly shook her hands to get rid of the water from her skin.

This actually earned a glare from me -- I don't want water all over my marble counter, thank you very much.

I handed a napkin with my eyesbrows raised.

"Oh my god, you and your OCD!" She whispered.

My eyes rolled at her, letting her know she wasn't the only one frustrated. Well, I was frustrated for a couple of reasons and both were because of Cleo fucking Phillips.

"Sooo... are you gonna tell how it's going with your baby daddy?" She suggestively smirked at me, making me roll my eyes again.

At this rate, I'll probably be dizzy before we even let the bubbly out of the chiller.

"Shut up. And don't call her that — she's more than just that." I told her as I transferred some of the vegetables on a plate.

"Well, I mean — are you guys together... or something? I can't call her your girlfriend or... fiance, or wife. Unlabeled — is what it is." Courtney, bless her soul, mumbled under her breath. As if I couldn't hear the last few words.

I decided to not answer. Even to me — it was so unclear. I mean, yeah — we talked... but we still haven't gotten into labeling what we are.

The door bell rang making Courtney squeal.

"Ooooh! They're early!" She said before turning suspiciously to me.

"Or is it your baby daddy and little boy?" She added in a teasing manner before walking away to tend to who ever arrived.

I almost wanted to sock her eyes out. Years of knowing her, now I question why I was friends with her.

"Mommy!" I heard Austin's voice scream through the hall. An instant smile made it on my face.

Austin never fails to make my mood and my entire life better.

He came in, strutting his little cute self with his right arm in a cast and his "dada" right beside him, helping him to walk.

"Hi baby! How was your visit to the doctor?!" I beamed excitedly as I welcomed him to my arms.

"I can walk without help! But uh — just a little help from dada! My head didn't go ouchy today!" His wide, toothed smile made me chuckle.

His energy awakening the whole house, for sure. Austin's eyes so bright and happy — you could feel it radiating from him. Mixed features of Cleo and I starting to be visible as he spends time with her.

"Yeah, but you shouldn't strain yourself buddy. Dada got worried when you suddenly walked out to the car without me." Cleo said in a soft manner, as she stroked Austin's unrully curls.

My eyes darted at her. She looked a bit apprehensive to explain, as if I would get mad.

"I only did that because you were taking too long dada." Austin rolled his little eyes, making my own squint in curiousity.