Our Little Family (COMPLETED)

Broken

After the accident at the school, they closed it down for a few days. Oakley had been living in fear since the lockdown. He's always been a Momma's boy but he refuses to leave Zoe's side. He's a lot less independent and fussy.

He cries whenever Zoe leaves and gets really upset whenever he has to nap or Zoe has something she needs to do for work. Due to Zoe being her own boss, she can work from home, it's just that all of her papers and her computer is at her work office so she likes to just go there to work. Now she can't because she has a fussy toddler demanding to be with her every second.

Zoe was sitting in the living room trying to type up a paper for work. Oakley sat cuddled into her side. As much as Zoe loves these moments with her son, it's very difficult to concentrate when he's basically sitting on her lap.

"Oakley, sweetie... Mommy really needs to get some work done. Could you give her some space for a little while"? Zoe asked nicely

Oakley didn't say anything, he just looked up at her and whimpered. It wasn't an act either, this poor child is actually really terrified. He has every reason to be after going through what he did.

Zoe sighed and then had an idea.

"Okay, so... how about I call uncle Connor and see if he can take you to go see the Go Karts again tonight"? Zoe asked enthusiastically, hoping this would be enough to make him agree to it and give her some space to work.

The young kid looked torn inside. He really wanted to go but not without his Momma. Finally Oakley nodded yes. Zoe pulled out her phone and call Connor. He agreed to the idea and Connor said he'd pick Oakley up.

Evan walked through the front door looking fairly exhausted. He had just worked until 2 am then headed right back into work at 7 that morning. He was finally getting home.

"Hey Ev". Zoe called not looking at him, but still looking deep into her laptop

"Hey, babe... where's Oakley"?

"He's getting ready for Connor to pick him up to go see the Go Karts".

"Why"? Evan questioned, falling next to Zoe on the couch

"Evan, the poor baby is scared to death. He hasn't talked since we picked him up from the school. He's been glued to my leg it seems like and he's 10× more fussy".

Evan nodded understanding what Zoe means and found himself falling asleep. Zoe chuckled at him and kissed his cheek. Zoe placed a blanket over him to let him sleep. Connor pulled up in his blue truck.

"Oakley! Uncle Connor is here"! Zoe called up the stairs

Zoe was waiting to hear the sound of little feet running down the stairs like she was very used to. She listened but didn't hear anything. Instead she saw her son walking slowly down with his head down. This instantly broke Zoe's heart.

Connor met them at the front door. With one look he could tell his nephew wasn't okay. He knew this look all to well, but to see it on a toddler... it wasn't right. Zoe had called Connor after the event at the school happened so he was fully aware of what happened.

"Hey lil me"! Connor greeted like normal

Oakley didn't say much, he just waved emotionless. Connor frowned while making eye contact with his sister. Zoe returned his frown.

"Well, ready to go"? Connor asked enthusiastically

The child nodded but not before looking to his mother for one last hug of reassurance. Zoe grabbed Oakley's Cars themed backpack with a snack, his toy truck signed by the driver and a family photo of Zoe, Evan and Oakley from a few months ago.

Connor placed one hand on Oakley's back which caused him to flinch ever so slightly. This made Connor really upset. This horrible event completely broke this childs spirit, not only that but, it's like he's not even the same kid anymore.

No one had to address the feeling of heartbreak in the room.

"Um.. well... we'll be back by 9 tonight... bye Zo, say goodbye to Mommy Oakley". Connor said trying to smile

Again, no words escaped the boys mouth, just empty space where his joyfully tones would've normally been. Connor lead the child to the car as Zoe waved from the front door.

Normally Oakley would've been frantically waving back but.... nothing. Connor could see the absolute devastation in Zoe's expression. It's a pained look of sorrow and worry. With one final attempt to get the boys happiness back, Zoe shouted

"Tomorrow we'll let you drive you're truck around"!

Oakley didn't even look up. His sad eyes burned into his feet. Connor started the truck and drove away.

ZOE'S POV
My baby is broken... he's completely gone! That sweet baby boy who used to wake Evan and I up by jumping on our bed, the same kid who always ran from me when I attempted to change his clothes, the same adorable child who could never dream of leaving me without a hug, kiss and a verbal goodbye... now he's a shell of the happy go lucky child he used to be.

There's nothing I can do either! I just have to sit back and watch my son fall into a hole of sorrow. He reminds me of Evan, with his anxiety but Connor with his sudden isolation and emotionless state of mind.

I sat down at the kitchen table with my head in my hands. Is this my fault? Could I have been a better Mom? Was there anything I could've done to prevent this? I shouldn't have made him go to school. If I wouldn't have, he wouldn't be so emotionally scared as he is now.

Tears fell from my eyes as I tried to conceal the sound. I didn't do a good enough job because I woke Evan. He slowly made his way to the kitchen to me. He rubbed his eyes sleepily until he sat down wrapping his arms around me.

"Zoe, you can't think for even a moment that it's your fault. I refuse to let you". Evan said shaking his head

"I shouldn't have made him go to school, Evan! If he would've just stayed home.... he wouldn't be so hurt".

"No, stop that, Zoe. There's no way you could've known. You can't blame yourself for any of this! You've got to remember, Oakley wasn't the only child in that school that day. You're not the only mother who took there kid to school that day, and I bet if people had any reason to believe something could possibly happen.... no one would've been there that day. It may take a while but... eventually Oakley will bounce back. The fact you're so worried about this.... well, it just proves you're an amazing Mom".

A smile of appreciation crossed my lips. I looked him in the eyes and gently wrapped my hands around his.

"Thank you, Evan. I guess there's a reason you have the job you have".

"Being a therapist isn't my only job, Zo. My job is to be a husband and a Dad, those jobs are way more important in my book".

I kissed his head, making sure he knew I loved him.

"I love you". He whispered

"You better". I chuckled resting my head on his chest.