We're Older Now

Chapter 27

WEEK 2:
"Xavier, why are still here?" I ask him as I stroked his hair. He's laying down on my hospital bed with me at almost midnight on a school night. His head against my chest and his arms over mine.

"I can't sleep without you." He mumbles softly.

I sigh and hold him as he falls asleep in my arms. At least tomorrow is Friday meaning he has the weekend. And I should be able to go home by Tuesday next week.

"He- oh sorry." The doctor walks in, hushing when he sees Xavier.

It's the last check of the night before we all go to bed.

"How's my girl?" I ask.

"She's so much bigger and stronger. Almost the size of an average new born." I smile.

"When can we take her home?" I ask. He smirks. I ask him this every day.

"Well, we will see how she is on Tuesday and If I think she has put on more weight and her lungs are a little bit stronger she can go home when you do." I grin at him.

He just chuckles. And shakes his head. Turning to the door he looks back at me.

"Get some sleep." I nod my head and let myself fall asleep.

It's about 5am and I wake up before Xavier does. I turn to the bedside table where my phone is and call the principal.

"Hey, sorry I just wanted to call in sick for Xavier." I say in a whisper down the phone.

"He's having a hard time sleeping is he?" I hear the caring tone in his voice and smile.

"Yes he's currently asleep on the hospital bed with me. He didn't get to sleep until midnight." He chuckles softly down the phone.

"Okay. Well take it easy. I'll get a sub to come in for his class" I smile.

"Thank you." I hang up.

Three hours go by and Xavier wakes up. He looks up at me, bags under his eyes. He leans up and softly presses his lips to mine.

"What time is it?" He asks. I smile and stroke his hair.

"It's eight in the morning." He looks wide eyed at me and checks his phone.

"Shit, I'm late for work." He says getting ready to get out of bed. I take hold of him and pull back down onto the bed.

"I already called in for you. You're so tired all the time Xavier you need a day off." He sighs and gets back into bed, moving up slightly and putting his arm around behind my head, bringing me closer.

"I love you." I smile and kiss his neck softly.

"I love you too." He smiles and rests his eyes again, trying to get a bit more sleep.

Our doc comes back in half an hour later and Xavier wakes up again, this time he stays awake. Standing up and stretching.

"Good morning. Take the day off?" Xavier nods and scratches his bed head.

"I'm going to get a coffee. I'll be back." He says as he walks to me and kisses my forehead before walking out to the cafeteria.

"Is he okay?" I nod.

"He's just really tired. It's been a lot for him these past couple weeks." He nods.

"Has his parents come to visit the baby?" I shake my head.

"He hasn't told them. He wants to wait until we're home. He doesn't want to worry them." He purses his lips and nods.

"I get that. But I think he really should get someone to help him." I nod my head. I do agree with him.

After he finishes his check up I decide to call Michael, Xavier's brother and Sally to come in and help Xavier. I finish my last phone call just as he walks in.

He smiles at me. That adorable smile he gives me every time he sees me.

"Who was that on the phone?" He asks.

"Sally. She's coming to help out and so is Michael. Don't even try to argue with me. You need help, you're too tired and it's not like I can do much right now." He sighs and kisses my cheek.

"You shouldn't have worried them." I roll my eyes.

"Family is there for a reason." He sighs and nods.

A couple hours go past and Sally arrives. She has some clean clothes for Xavier and some food. He moans at the smell of the food.

"How's my favourite sister in law." I laugh as Michael hugs me.

"I'm your only sister in law." He smiles and nods.

"True but still." I roll my eyes.

"I'm good thanks. Have you gone to see our little girl yet?" He shakes his head.

"I'll go do that now and steal your fiancé for a minute." I smile and nod.

"As long as you bring him back." I say with a laugh as they walk out.

Once they are gone Sally walks up to me and gives me a hug.

"How have you been feeling lovely?" I smile and shrug.

"I've been better. But it could be worse. So I'm okay." She smiles.

"You really are ready to be a mother. You're here sitting in bed with stitches in two parts of your body yet you're more worried about your partner and your daughter." I smile.

She clasps my hand and gives me a loving smile.

"Just don't forget about look after yourself too." I nod.

"Don't worry I won't forget and if I do, Xavier will remind me. We look out for each other." She smiles.

"I just adore how in love you two are." I blush and laugh softly.

"Has he told his parents." I shake my head.

"He doesn't want to worry them. I think it's more he doesn't want the stress of them hovering around him." I say honestly. She nods.

"They only mean well but they can be hard on him sometimes." I nod in agreement. I've seen it myself.