Once In A Lifetime | Jemi

Forty Three

"Do you know where you're going tomorrow?" Joe inquired as he tucked Zack into bed who hugged tighter onto his stuffed bear nodding his head gently. "There's nothing to be scared about, Nevaeh will be there and I'm only a phone call away." Joe assured him watching as he was slowly falling to sleep. He kissed his forehead gently before standing up. He said goodnight to Zack who turned five a couple of weeks ago leaving shutting the door behind him. The past month had flown by Joe trying his best to prepare Zack for what would be happening. It was scary for any parent to send their child to kindergarten for the first time but Joe was frightened that Zack wouldn't cope. It had been another month and he hadn't spoken in that time, he was really starting to worry now.

Joe smiled as Nevaeh ran over jumping into his arms. She kissed her cheek gently as she greeted him. It was clear she was excited about today but she was a confident little girl and it wouldn't surprise him if she had loads of fun today and made friends. She had already promised both Joe and Demi that she would look after Zack today.

"Are you excited?" Joe questioned Nevaeh nodding her head as Demi approached them kissing Joe before helping Nevaeh back down from his arms holding her hand.

"Are you excited Zack?" Demi questioned looking at the boy who had a tight grip on Joe's hand again as he looked around, Joe could feel how nervous he was but he was trying to keep calm knowing if he panicked too much Zack would too. "He'll be fine Joe." He nodded his head gently lifting Zack up dropping him slightly into the stroller.

"Kiss Mason bye." He encouraged smiling as Zack kissed Mason's head. Soon enough they were all called into the building where the parents said their final goodbyes until later on that day. Joe and Demi watched as Nevaeh ran over Zack hesitantly following looking back at Joe who gave him a reassuring smile which gave him enough courage to enter the room.

"Just keep your phone close by in case something happens but I'm sure he'll be just fine, let's go for a coffee or something then we're close by if something happens." Demi suggested Joe nodding his head allowing Demi to lead them out Joe pushing the stroller.

"How are you holding up?" Joe asked making Dem laugh breathlessly."

"The only thing keeping me calm is the fact I know how much she will enjoy school, mixing with other children and making friends," Demi begun as they begun to walk side by side down the street. "I just never though this time last year we'd be at this place with her being in so much pain all the time. She already told me she's gonna tell everyone she has a new heart." Joe couldn't help but laugh.

"I start work next week and you start school, I'd like to go and not have to worry about either of them." Joe admitted.

"Zack will be fine, sure he doesn't speak much but he still plays like any other child. He may just prefer to play by himself until he opens up a bit," Demi answered. "As for Nevaeh we really have nothing to worry about."

"Mason will be having parties with his nanny while we're busy at work won't you." Joe cooed making Demi laugh peering into the stroller seeing that he was sleeping.

"Well it is tough being cute isn't it." Demi cooed too. They soon made it to Starbucks where they ordered a drink and sat down. They just wanted to stay here for an hour or two to make sure Nevaeh and Zack were okay but mainly Zack. They would be back there as soon as they can but they had faith in Zack that he would do well.

"How long will you be at school for until your qualified and can start work?" Joe inquired.

"Two years most likely, I'll pay all the loans off when I start working, it's costing a fortune." Demi complained as she stirred her hot chocolate.

"Why haven't you got coffee?" Joe asked.

"No reason, I was just craving this." She answered a small smile on her face.