Another Chance

Little Moments

Omniscient POV

Janet had always wanted love, laughter, and adventure with the person that she settled down with. It was something she thought she could get from Mauldin, but he didn't see it that way. Then there was Wissam. Wissam just wanted control and nothing more. He didn't want an equal. He wanted a spouse who was submissive. That was something she could never be. And she didn't want to. 

She remembered nights where she felt consumed by shadows where she was emotionally crippled. When she thought of all of the disappointments, to what she had now—she knew that someone that was made for her was waiting. Even then she still believed that something could be out there for her. Something that was good and worth it. 

The life that she envisioned with Darius turned into everything and more. She had never had a relationship like the one that she had with him, and he felt the same way. When Isabella entered the world it was a feeling she could never put into words. The moment she laid eyes on her, she understood a level of love she had only experienced once. That feeling came when Eissa was born. Before that nothing else even mattered.

Eventually the reality of parenthood set in which included sleepless nights and endless diaper changes setting in quickly for them. Darius started to feel that the demands of a newborn tested his patience. However, Eissa, was a surprise supporter. Eissa dove into his role as a big brother with an eagerness, always wanting to help. Whether it was fetching diapers or singing lullabies to soothe Isabella, Eissa was there. 

"Look, Mommy! I can rock her like this!" he declared one evening, gently swaying her in his arms gently. Janet watched, her heart swelling with affection for both her children. "You're doing a great job, sweetie," she encouraged. 

Just as they were adjusting to life as a family of four, Darius's father, Arthur, flew into London. With his arrival, came an unexpected wave of relief for Janet. Sure Darius was helping, but Arthur was more than just a grandfather; he was a seasoned caregiver.

He was ready to lend a hand in any way possible. From cooking hearty meals that filled the house with comforting aromas to changing a few diapers with surprising efficiency. He moved through the home like he had been there his whole life. Janet loved it. She was glad that he came to visit them. 

One evening, as Janet watched her father-in-law expertly chop vegetables for a stew, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over her. 

"You know dad," she said as he stirred the pot, "we really appreciate everything you're doing for us."

"Just know that I'm here to support you guys." He glanced at her smiling as she sat across from him at the kitchen counter.

"I know things have been weird with Gloria, and I don't want you to be in the middle of that." 

"I understand. That's my wife and I love her dearly. I'm not going to say what's going on with her. Maybe one day she can talk about why she makes the decisions that she does. Especially in this situation. Either way, I'm here."

"Thank you." She paused before continuing. "You have no idea how much that means to us."

Arthur looked up, a glint of humor in his eyes. "Well, my dear, it's not every day I get to spoil my grandchild. Plus, Darius and I have some serious bonding to do over baby duty!"

Darius laughed handing Isabella to his dad then wiping his hands on a towel as he entered the kitchen. "I've never seen you change a diaper so quickly in my life," he teased, nudging his father playfully. "You're setting the bar too high for me."

Arthur chuckled at his comment, then became quiet. 

Gazing at Isabella's sleeping face, Arthur whispered, "Thank you for naming her after my mother. You have no idea how much that means to me." He paused unable to speak further.