The Walks of Life

Chapter Nine

Haden had been in an irritable mood ever since he ran into Karloff. His students had gone crazy the rest of the day which only added to his frustration. He also got off work an hour late which meant he ended up missing his evening class. It also meant that Aiden wasn't going to sleep well tonight because he had fallen asleep again right before Haden picked him up. Aiden was also teething so he cried the whole way home which made Haden even more irritable.

"You're home late," Cole observed as Haden walked in the front door.

"Don't remind me," Haden growled. Aiden was still screaming and Haden was about to go bananas.

Cole almost sensed his bad mood and quickly excused himself. Haden was glad he could take a hint.

"Hey, hey!" Xavier tried to greet him.

"What are you doing here?" Haden asked.

"Wow, no hello?" Xavier asked in mock offense.

"Hello," Haden grumbled.

"Red alert! Red alert!" Xavier shouted loudly. "Haden is a bad mood! Haden is in a bad mood!"

"Shut up!" Haden yelled in annoyance. Aiden gurgled and laughed.

"See! He thinks I'm funny!" Xavier pointed at Aiden.

"Xavier, are you torturing your brother?" Katrina asked from the living room.

"No! No! Not at all!" Xavier yelped back. He winked at Aiden and then took off down the hall.

Haden rolled his eyes and threw his keys onto the side table. Aiden was beginning to fuss and Haden looked at his watch. Seven o'clock on the dot. Aiden was never late for his feeding. He always made sure his father knew when he needed food.

Haden took Aiden out of his carseat and hurried into the kitchen. Amaya was doing something in there, but moved so Haden could get to cupboard.

"Will you hold him for a second, Aunt Amaya?" Haden asked as he struggled to make Aiden a bottle.

"You look exhausted, Haden," Amaya said as she took Aiden from him.

"I am exhausted," Haden said as he shook the bottle. "This new formula doesn't mix well."

"It mixes better when the water is warm," Amaya explained.

"Oh. That makes sense."

"Hey, Haden, why don't you go do something tonight?" Cole said as he walked into the kitchen. "You obviously need a break."

"But-" Haden started to argue.

"No buts," Amaya shook her head. "We will watch him for you. Besides, I don't think you've had a night to yourself since you brought him home. Even parents need a break."

"Ya, you wanna know what happened last time I babysat so they could have some alone time?" Noah said sarcastically as he walked into the kitchen.

"Will you let it go already?" Cole asked. "You have an adorable sister now thanks to you! I mean-me! I mean your babysitting! Ugh. Nevermind."

Haden burst into laughter and Noah followed suit. Amaya rolled her eyes and continue to feed Aiden his bottle.

"Are you guys sure?" Haden asked.

"Absolutely sure!" Amaya nodded. "Maybe you should go see Natalie and Scales. They've been asking about you."

"What time do you guys need to go to bed?" Haden asked.

"Oh my word, GO!" Cole said. "We'll put him to bed! We can handle it! Go have fun!"

"Thanks, Guys!" Haden kissed Amaya squarely on the cheek and lightly punched Cole in the arm. He took off and Amaya smiled.