Once In A Lifetime | Jemi

Thirty Two

Joe made his way into the hospital the next morning but not to go to work but to pick up Zack and Mason to bring them home and give them the childhood that they deserved. Demi had stayed overnight and was waiting for Joe to come back to meet the boys but she'd give them all space as well, she just knew Joe was unsure how to look after a baby by himself.

"Mason is just here," The nurse stated Joe smiling as he gazed into the plastic crib seeing a young boy sleeping peacefully. He hadn't seen him before but he knew it was going to be a joy to look after him and his older brother. He carefully lifted him up in his arms. "Good luck with him, he's a good baby so you shouldn't have much of a problem."

"Good cause I don't have much experience with babies, my girlfriend is helping me though for a couple of days." Joe answered saying goodbye to the team of nurses before he wondered over to the children's ward so he could collect Zack, he thought if he brought Mason with him it might be easier to get him to come home.

"Mason." Zack mumbled as Joe entered his room Joe smiling as he sat down on the bed so Zack could see his younger brother.

"You and Mason are coming home with me, do you think you'd like that," He could see how hesitant he was but he nodded his head gently. "I'll take good care of you both, I promise. We'll have a good time and you won't have to worry about Mason getting hurt because I won't let that happen." Joe found himself reassuring the young boy all the time, just how worried he was about his environment but he hoped he'd settle down soon enough and live a normal childhood.

When Joe arrived back with Zack and Mason Demi hid in Joe's bedroom for a little while like planned. They didn't want to cause any stress towards Zack but he would have to get used to her because she'd be around a bit.

"This is Mason's room; do you think he'll like it?" Joe inquired as Zack followed him in. He still had some wounds but they were healing nicely and so were his ribs. He'd have some scars but nothing serious left behind from his parents. Zack nodded his head gently watching as Joe leaned down laying a sleeping Mason in the crib. Joe lifted him up to make sure his younger brother was okay before holding him against his hip. "Do you want to see your room?" Zack nodded his head again allowing Joe to keep hold of him as he entered the room next door. His eyes lit up at the sight of his new room Joe smiling as he set him down on the floor again straightening out his shirt. Zack didn't say anything but his eyes wondered around the room in awe enjoying what Joe had created for him. Joe lifted him up sitting him on the bed as Demi entered the room. He could instantly see him tense up not being able to recognise the woman in front of him.

"Hi Zack, my name is Demi." Demi greeted softly.

"It's okay Zack, this is my girlfriend. She's going to be coming over a lot, you don't have to spend much time with her but you should get used to her being around." Joe explained Zack looking towards the ground. Demi could feel sympathy ooze throughout her body for the young boy, how terrified he was about everything.

"I'll leave you too be for a bit; I'll see you in a little while." Demi promised wanting to make sure he would see her again.

"I know this is all very scary for you but you'll get used to being here and me, I'll make something special for dinner and we'll just chill for the day with Mason," Zack nodded his head gently still looking around the room. "I'll leave you to yourself for a little bit and explore your new room." Joe rubbed his arm gently before leaving the room shutting the door behind him.

"How is he?" Demi inquired Joe shrugging his shoulders.

"It's going to take a while for him to feel comfortable here I guess." Joe answered sighing slightly but Demi comforted him quickly.