We Come Alive 5

Temptation

Friday morning was early and dreadful for Ethan. He hopped down from his bunk in his room before he rolled off of it. Ethan made the familiar walk through the addiction facility until he got to the bathroom. After a peaceful shower, Ethan started getting dressed since no one else in the facility was awake. He had just zipped up his jeans and buttoned them when he heard footsteps walking in.

"Old habits die hard, huh?" Ethan smirked, grabbing his shirt he was going to put on.

"Huh?"

Ethan looked up at Craig. He was still living in the facility and was still bothering Ethan every day like it was a daily routine.

"You come in here every morning to see a glimpse of me." Ethan said, straightening his shirt he just put on. "Reason why?" He asked.

"Only friend I got." Craig admitted, going to the urinal and staring at the wall. He did his business while Ethan gathered up his stuff behind him. "Plus, your roomie Zane just sits there and stares at the wall. At least you talk back."

Ethan just nodded his head as he started heading out the bathroom. "Well, I'll see you tonight." He said, walking out the bathroom and through their general population. When he got to the exit door, a guard opened the door for him and escorted him through the facility with ease.

By the time Ethan got outside, he saw a car waiting for him. He smiled widely seeing the driver's door open and his girlfriend Christin get out. Ever since they started dating, Christin was supportive of Ethan trying to get out of the facility and get clean.

Ethan opened his arms and caught Christin when she jumped into them. He kissed her cheek then her lips when she looked at him.

"We gotta go before we're late." Ethan whispered to her.

Christin rolled her eyes playfully, but nodded her head agreeing. "Alright. Put your stuff in the backseat and let's go."

~**~

Meanwhile, while the house was empty since everyone left for work and school, Manny was laying in bed with Esmerelda laying on her chest gurgling. Manny got up, picked Esmerelda up with her, and went off into the living room to cook them some breakfast. Manny just breastfed Esmerelda while she walked around the kitchen putting the plates and pans away from her washing the dishes the night before.

After another hour of her usual routine of going back and forth of taking care of Esmerelda and then herself, Manny felt a sense of relief when the doorbell rang.

Esmerelda babbled loudly, even letting out a little shriek, when she knew what that sound meant. Manny ran her fingers through her hair as she slowly walked to the door.

"Who's here, munchkin?" Manny beamed loudly, earning another happy filled shriek from Esmerelda.

Manny opened the front door to see Bryce, Esmerelda's father, standing there. He smiled widely seeing Manny and walked in when she let him.

"She awake?" Bryce asked, wanting to know if he should be quiet or not.

Manny nodded her head, yawning. "Yeah, she is. She's in her playpen with her toys and cartoons. Watch her while I take a shower?"

Bryce nodded his head, but started making baby sounds when he saw Esmerelda in her playpen tossing a small teddy bear around in her hand. Manny smiled at the two seeing Esmerelda get so excited seeing her dad. But as much as it warmed her heart, Manny knew right now was her only time to change and shower.

"I'll be back." Manny announced walking off to the back.

Bryce looked back at her. "Take your time. Have some Manny time, not mommy time."