What's Next?

It's a Stressful Life

Trigger warning for the next chapters or so: I have decided to introduce a mental disorder into my story. People fail to use them in popular television shows and I think it should be talked about more. It will deal with Rory and anxiety. I suffer with it, and I know people who's relationships have been affected by it. I am in no way trying to make it 'trendy' or 'popular', but rather see how it is portrayed in a relationship and how to cope if you or a loved one has it. Since I deal with it firsthand, I believe I can write about it somewhat accurately and also take note from what I have witnessed in my close friends and relatives. I appreciate everyone's support and I am always here if you need to talk. :-)

*****

"Haeven, stop. Don't touch that. Quit running. Babe, you need to eat your vegetables." These phrases were becoming so common in the Mariano household. With two six month olds and a two and a half year old, everything went hog-wild at almost all hours of the day.

"Get your bag, time for day care." Jess said as Rory was trying to wean Haeven off of her pacifier.

"Paccy!" Haeven whined and reached up to her mother.

"Sweets, daddy needs you." Rory checked her watch, two minutes to get out the door and head to work. She grabbed her purse and tried to sneakily make an exit.

Haeven noticed. "Mommy!" She screamed. She ran and hitched a ride on Rory's leg.

"I have to go, honey. Daddy is going to take you to daycare."

Haeven began crying and screaming more intently and forcefully.

"Any louder and she'll destroy the Dark Tower." Jess noted.

Rory ignored it and grabbed her screaming child into her arms. "If you're really good at daycare, mommy will bring you an extra special treat when she gets home."

Haeven was hushed as she got into her mother's embrace, but all she could think of was that her mommy was going to leave her at the big place with people she doesn't know. She heaved through some sniffs and pushed her head against Rory. "Mommy stay." She clenched her small hands around Rory's back.

Rory's heart was breaking. She didn't want to leave her child as she begged for her to stay. The wet tears were starting to make marks on her blouse and she knew she had to be strong. "Baby girl, I have to go to work. I promise I will see you later." Rory didn't know if Haeven fully understood but she could not baby her forever. Besides, what kind of parent would she be if she gave in every time Haeven cried; that ordeal would raise a spoiled child.

Rory handed Haeven off to Jess. "I love you so much, sweetie." Rory waved and walked out of the house.

*****

Jess pulled into the parking lot of the daycare. "Ready, guys?" Jess unbuckled all his kids' seat belts and got them out of the car. Haeven still had teary eyes and rosy cheeks.

"Hello, I'm Miss Emma!" A tall woman with curly brunette hair kneeled down to Haeven's height.

Haeven backed up and reached for her dad.

Jess put down the baby's carriers and picked Haeven up. "Look it's Miss Emma!" Jess encouraged. "She's going to play tons of fun games with you."

Haeven wiped at her eyes again. "Sleepy."

"Is there nap time here?" Jess asked.