Save Me

Chapter Seven

I must have cried myself to sleep because I didn't feel Luca shake me awake straight away. I shot up, nearly knocking my poor baby off the edge of the bed, and took a moment to remember where I was. Not recognising the darkening room. I focused on Luca and finally noticed his upset expression. 

I pulled him up and sat him in my lap, "What's wrong, baby?", I asked, smoothing his growing hair.

"You wouldn't wake up for ages and ages!," He shakily exlaimed. I hugged him to me and rubbed his back. His small body shaking with tears.

"I'm sorry, baby. I was just having such a good sleep.", I said, giving him a smile. He stared curiosuly for a second before giving me a tentative smile in return.

"Okay, how about we see about dinner?", I asked excitedly. He nodded his head furiously and hopped down to the floor. 

I put on a jumper over my t-shirt and jeans then hurried after him. I checked the fridge for dinner type stuff and groaned when I realised I had only bought snacky type food. I checked the time and sighed in relief as I realised it was still early enough for us to eat out. 

I grabbed Luca's coat and helped him put it on before ushering him out to the car, after picking up my bag. I made sure he was strapped then got into my seat and started the engine. I drove around looking for someone to eat, hoping I could find somewhere different, other than the diner.

I chanced upon a frendly looking restaurant and found a parking space before carrying Luca inside. I looked around as I entered, pleased to see a pleasant looking restaurant. I stood by the little reception desk thing and looked around. 

"Can I help you Miss?", I turned and saw an older man standing holding menus.

"Hi, do you have a table available?", I asked politely. I remembered my manners, although not many people did.

"We sure do, just you two?", He asked, putting two menus back.

"Yes.", I smiled and followed him when he gestured. He lead us to a corner table, next to the large front windows. I put Luca down then sat opposite him. I was trying to get him to be a little bit more independant in some things.

I thanked the man after he handed me the menus, "A server will be with you shortly. But can I get you any drinks?".

"Two fantas if you have any.", I asked, he nodded and walked away. I looked over the menu and decided what to get. 

"Do you know what you want?", I asked Luca, just as our drinks were placed in front of us. I thanked the waitress who had ended up bringing them over. 

"Do you need a bit longer?", She asked, looking at Luca.

I nodded and read things off for Luca, knowing he was probably having trouble with reading. We both decided on cheese burgers and chips. We chatted as we waited for our food.

"What do you want for your birthday?", I asked feeling excited and upset. It was so close and he was going to be six! My little boy wasn't going to be my little boy forever. And that upset me, I had messed up most of his childhood so much. He hadn't been the happy little boy he should have been.

I stopped thinking about things I couldn't help and listened to his mindless chatter about what he wanted. He spoke even when our food was put in frint of us, even when he had a mouthful. "Don't speak with your mouth full, Luca.", I admonished. I couldn't help but smile when he grinned at me. 

We ate slowly, Luca playing with his chips as I watched people come in and out. When we had finished I asked Luca if he wanted any dessert. He looked at the pictures of cake and ice-cream on the menu and pointed to a chocoalte fudge cake. I told the waiter when she came to collect our plates.

After I had paid we left and walked around looking at shop windows. I picked Luca up and swung him around playfully. I grinned at the sound of his giggles and carried him into one of the food shops. I grabbed some breakfast items and some simple dinner thing before driving back home.

I was glad I had left the living room light on by the time we got home, as it was pretty dark. I put everything away then sat on the comfy sofa watching T.V with Luca for a while before going to start the bath for him.

 I had to practically drag him away from the T.V for his bath. I watched him get undresed then helped him get inside. The bath was only filled a little bit, so while he was playing around I left the door open and changed into a pair of pyjamas. Thankful that my room was right next to the bathroom.

I peeked in the bathroom and laughed at Luca's antics. I had managed to get some bath toys for him, and he was having fun playing with them. A knock at the door startled me, I got Luca out of the bath and quickly wrapped a towel around him. I peeked through the window. 

"Hey Natasha, what's up?", I asked, smiling.

"Hey, sorry it's late. But would you be able to look after Ben for a few days? I am so sorry to just drop this on you, but my dad was just rushed into hospital an hour ago. I've tried to find other people to look after him, but no one can.", Natasha looked close to tears.

"Of course, don't worry about it. You need to be with your dad. Just let me know what happens.", I gave her a hug, being careful of a sleeping Ben in her arms. I set Luca down and took Ben.

"Thank you so much. Here's his bag, there's clothes, toys and some snacks in there. You have my number if you need me. Call me if anytihng happens. Thank you so much.", I hugged her again then waited until she had kissed Ben goodbye and driven off, before closing the door and taking Ben to Lucas' room.

I laid him down and pulled the blanket over him. He shifted a bit until he was more comfortable then snuggled in to the blankets. I found Luca sitting onfront of the television and picked him up. I got him into some pyjamas and put him in bed next to Ben.

"Why is he here, mummy?", Luca asked tiredly. I tucked him in.

"Because his grandad isn't feeling well. His mummy has gone to help him get better.", I knelt by the bed and stroked his hair. 

"Is he going to be okay?".

"I don't know baby. But Ben is going to miss his mummy, so you have to be friends with him and let him play with your toys, okay?", I told him gently. He nodded and laid down.

I said goodnight then left, leaving a gap in the door. I left a lamp on in the hallway and turned the T.V off.

I collapsed into bed and quickly fell asleep.