Calliope & Erica

Chapter 17

6 months later

I sat on the bed staring at the ceiling. The fan spun in circles as I watched. Jack hit me in the face with his chubby hands. I had made a fresh start for us. We still lived in the same house, but Jack had a new mommy, and I had a new name! Calliope.

 He was 6 1/2 months old now. He could say some words, and walk with help. He was getting so big! "Mah mah mah!" he squealed as he hit my face.

"Okay! That's enough." I said as I sat up and spun around. I grabbed my phone as it rang. Erica. 

 I answered. "Hey babe! Jack missed you so much! When are you flying back?"

"Soon! Actually, i'm about to get on a flight home!"

"Great!"

"You hear that baby Jack? Erica is coming home!" He cooed as he heard her name. 

I sat him in his playpen and walked over to grab my book. I was glad to have Erica coming home soon. I could go back to work, and Erica got to bond with him. I sipped my boba drink. Jack saw it in my hand and reached for it. I rolled my eyes and picked a boba out for him to eat. We both loved boba tea.

It was mid-morning, meaning Erica would be home in time for dinner. I picked up Jack and carried him to the car. "Come on Jack, we're gonna go tot he store and buy some food for a special dinner with mommy!" 

When we reached the store, I got the things for chicken tortellini with a red wine, and oven baked green beans. By the time we got home, it was 4:30 pm. I prepared all of the ingredients, so it would cook faster when Erica got here. 

My phone made a ding sound, as Erica texted me and said she had landed. I smiled. Almost 5 minutes later the door bell rang. I hurried to let Erica in, she was early, but I has just happy to have her home.

"Eri-" I squealed before I was cut off. "Oh." I said monotone and rolled my eyes.

"Please, just listen."

"What? What could you possibly want now?" I yelled in a hushed voice, so Jack didn't call for me. She lost any right to see him after what she did.

"Alice, we were so happy. Why can't we be together? I can help you raise Jack, and-" I cut her off.

"Edith, NO!" I screamed "I cried for weeks. I called and apologized. I felt so bad. and then, you had the balls to try to take custody away from me? I don't what the f**k you have to say. YOU. TRIED. TO. TAKE. MY. BABY!" I screamed. In the distance, Jack starts to cry. I didn't bother correcting my name.

Edith broke into tear. I rolled my eyes "I have to go take care of MY baby." I said as I slammed the door in her face. I stood in front of the door, before I grabbed a piece of paper, I wrote my phone # on it. I opened the door. she looked up between her sobs. "Here, so you can know Jack is safe, but know that scum like you don't even deserve this." I whispered in a yell at her face and then I slammed the door once again. I walked over to Jack to calm him, when I saw Erica. She was bouncing Jack in her arms, and smiling in his face. I exhaled and chowed a tired smile. "Edith?" she asked

"Yes." I rolled my eyes. "I hate that she brings up old wounds."

"Yah, I told you though Calliope that you need to get a restraining order."

I looked at her with weary eyes. I shrugged and walked over to kiss her. I missed kissing her. Jack poked our faces, wanting the attention back. "Thank you for loving me. Your so great with Jack, and understanding about Edith!" 

"I love you, Calliope"

Now, I pulled everything out of the fridge, and started it cooking. We had dinner, and watched Mean Girls. We went to bed early, because I just wanted to cuddle Erica. 

"You make me so happy." she turned her head and looked at me. 

"Me too. I couldn't imagine being any happier." I kissed her lips, and rolled over to fall asleep.

I was happier then I remembered being in a long time. I vaguely remembered bliss with Edith, but it was hard to remember that once I loved her.