Once In A Lifetime | Jemi

Thirty Five

Joe had laid Mason down and sat with Zack on his lap until he fell asleep, he knew Zack just wanted to be close to his brother and now he would be able to sleep peacefully. Joe lifted Zack up in his arm laying him down on his bed covering his body with the duvet before leaving shutting the door behind him. He yawned as he brought Mason into his bedroom laying him down in the spare crib he had wanting to stay close to him for when he woke up in the night.

Joe woke up around six that morning from Mason crying, he brought him up in his arms wondering into the kitchen beginning to make a bottle for the fussy baby in his arms. He was tired, he'd admit that but he knew it was coming when he decided to take the boy boys on. He hoped Zack would sleep in a little longer. Joe soon sat on the couch holding Mason as he fed from the bottle.

"Hey your up early." Joe stated as Zack came over climbing up on the couch watching as his younger brother fed from the bottle.

"Mason." He mumbled.

"Did he wake you up?" Joe inquired Zack nodding his head looking at the screen as Joe turned the TV on for him. He planned to go out today with both boys, Zack needed fresh air too and he lived in an apartment so he couldn't just take him out into the backyard. He hoped in the future he would be able to play with Nevaeh and be her friend but not until he felt comfortable. "We're going out later." Zack shook he head quickly. "We have to Zack, good air will do you and Mason some good, look we'll only go for small walk and come straight back. Will you do that for me and Mason?" Joe inquired Zack hesitating but nodded his head. "Thank you, after breakfast."

Zack had a tight grip on Joe's hand as they wondered through the park on their walk. Joe had his spare hand on the stroller but they were walking slowly so he only needed the one hand. He was proud of Zack for coming outside, he knew he didn't really want to but it would be for the best for his brother especially. Zack whimpered when a ball came in front of them.

"It's okay it's only a ball look," Joe stated. "Why don't you kick it back to those boys?" Zack shook his head hiding behind Joe. Joe ruffled his hair slightly as the boys collected their own ball Joe beginning to walk when he had convinced Zack to stop hiding behind him and hold his hand again. They headed towards home Joe not wanting to push Zack into much more. He hoped it wouldn't take long for him to gain confidence. He was due to start kindergarten in late August and he hoped for him to start at the same time as all the other children.

"Joey!" He heard suddenly turning around seeing Nevaeh running towards him catching her when she jumped in his arms.

"Hi Nevaeh!" Joe cooed kissing her head gently. "Where's mommy?" Joe couldn't help but laugh as he saw Demi come over breathing heavy as if she had tried to keep up with her daughter. She had loads of energy now after recovering well from the operation.

"Sorry I tried to keep her away," Demi breathed pecking his lips gently. "Hi Zack." Demi greeted looking at the young boy who just looked away. Joe set Nevaeh back down on the ground pulling her dress back down.

"Hi I'm Nevaeh, let's be friends!" Nevaeh exclaimed Zack looking up at Joe who nodded his head gently to show him she was okay. Zack reached up for Joe who took him up in his arms making sure he had a good grip on him.

"I'll take the stroller." Demi stated taking the handle bars beginning to push. Joe followed not far behind keeping hold of Zack who was still a little weary of his surroundings. He stayed buried into Joe until they got back to the apartment and then he hid himself Mason's bedroom so he could be near his brother but away from the company in the house. Joe wouldn't send Demi and Nevaeh away though, he needed to get used to other people being around.