the photographer [c.h.]

thirty-three

"Your turn." Calum mumbled and I sighed, sitting up in bed.

I rubbed my eye and stood up, leaving the room. I walked down the hallway and to Travis's room, making my way to his crib. I picked him up and bounced him in my arms, trying to get him to quit crying. Travis cooed up at me after a while and I yawned, setting him back in the crib.

After a few minutes, I left his room and went to our bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I found the bottle of ibuprofen and took a couple pills, wanting the headache to stop. I took a look at myself in the mirror and frowned at my reflection. My cheeks were sunken in and I had dark circles under my eyes from lack of sleep.

I turned away from the mirror and left the bathroom, shutting the light off. I went into the bedroom and Calum was already back asleep. I climbed into bed and he instinctively wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer. I sighed in content and closed my eyes, just wanting to sleep as long as possible until Travis woke up again.

"Tired?" Calum mumbled against my neck and I nodded, smiling a little when he drew circles on my t-shirt covered stomach. "My mom is coming at 4 to get Sophie and Travis."

"G'night." I mumbled and Calum laughed a little, holding me close to his chest.

"Night, babe."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I yawned, bouncing Travis in my arms and stirring the mac and cheese that was on the stove, trying not to burn it. I heard Sophie run into the kitchen and sit down at the table. Calum came in a moment later and took Travis from me, giving me a small kiss. I finished with the mac and cheese and dished everyone out some, going to sit at the table.

I took small bites from my bowl, not really hungry, and Calum shot me a concerned look. I just offered a smile and Sophie started talking about how excited she was to go to Joy and David's house. Travis squealed from his high chair I closed my eyes momentarily, the noise making my head pound. I stood up to get everyone's empty bowls and Calum stopped me.

"Why don't you go take a nap and I'll clean up." He said and I nodded, sighing a little.

"Thanks." I said quietly and left the kitchen.

I walked to the bedroom and took off my jeans, changing into one of Calum's t-shirts. I got into bed and curled into Calum's pillow, his scent making me more tired. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, finally drifting off to a much needed sleep.

~~~~~~~

"Katie," I rolled over in bed, grumbling into the pillow. "C'mon, I made dinner." Calum laughed and I just groaned, not wanting to get up.

"Go away." I mumbled, curling up into the covers.

Before I knew it, the covers were being yanked off of my body and I let out a whine, keeping my eyes shut. I felt a weight on the bed next to me and I turned my head, peeking an eye open. Calum's face was right in front of mine and I stuck my tongue out at him.

"If I have to carry you to the kitchen, I will." He threatened and I laughed a little, finally sitting up.

"I hate you." I muttered and tossed my hair up into a ponytail, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. "What time is it?"

"Eight." Calum said and I frowned.

"Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" I wondered and stood up.

"I know how tired you've been so I figured I'd let you sleep." He shrugged. "And since the kids are gone, you never know how late we will be up tonight."

Calum wrapped his arms around my waist and I gave him a tight smile, wiggling myself out of his arms. I walked to the kitchen and Calum followed. I stopped in my tracks at the sight. There were candles all over the kitchen and two plates on the table, with a nice meal in place with two glasses of wine.

"Happy anniversary." Calum said from behind me and I turned around, bringing a hand to my mouth.

"Oh my god." I breathed out, putting my hand on my forehead. "I completely forgot. I'm so sorry. With everything going on and Travis and I've just been so tired. And you did all this and I did nothing-"

"Hey, stop." Calum said quietly and I sniffled, tears filling my eyes. "I'm kidding."

"What?" My voice cracked and Calum stifled a laugh.

"Our anniversary isn't for another few months." He laughed. "Oh my god, you should have seen your face."

"I was about to cry." I hit his arm and Calum continued to laugh.

We went to the table and I sat down, taking a drink of the wine. Calum sat across from me and we started eating, making small talk. I leaned back in my chair after my plate was empty and took another drink of wine. Man, I missed alcohol.

"When is your mom dropping the kids back off?" I asked and Calum swallowed his steak.

"Monday night." I cocked my head to the side. "We have the whole weekend, just us."

I nodded and gulped down the rest of my drink. I don't know why I'm so nervous. It's Calum. Ever since I had Travis, when Calum tries to get intimate with me, I just say that I'm really tired. After giving birth, I haven't been able to lose some of the excess baby weight and it's made me really self conscious. I know Calum doesn't care, but it's just a girl thing, I guess.

"I'm gonna go take a shower." I said, standing up after Calum took our plates to the sink.

"Can I join?" He said, smirking and I just shook my head.

"Um, maybe later." I stumbled over my words and cursed myself in my head.

Calum furrowed his eyebrows and I just left the kitchen, going to the bathroom. I shut the door behind me, hoping he would get the message to not come in, and turned the shower on. I stripped my clothes off and got in, letting the water wet my hair to my back. I closed my eyes, just wanting to chill out.