Further On (Zayn Malik)

Chapter 4

Before I go to the spa today, Zayn insisted we have a picnic in the backyard. I have Joel's back to my front, sitting in my lap while I'm cross-legged. Noah is being dangerous by the closed up in-ground pool that I have had to tell him repeatedly to get away from. I see Zayn coming back outside so I let him deal with it. Leaning back, I lay all the way down and Joel laughs looking back at me and I turn him around.

Holding him, I lift him up in the air and bring him back down and his eyes dance with amusement. Zayn is talking to Noah, walking over to us holding his hand.

"Are you hungry, Noah?" I hear Zayn.

Sitting up, I catch Joel off balance and he laughs. He laughs at everything. I see Noah taking a bite of his sandwich messily, Zayn staring down at him and Joel looking up at me.

"You said you were going to the store to get some things for the Hawaii trip for the boys right?"

Zayn nods. "You should really get going we've been out here for hours."

I get on my knees and let Joel's tiny hand wrap around my finger and stand him up. Trying to get him to walk, he makes one or two steps but the he falls on his knees.

"He'll walk soon Arielle, don't rush him."

"I'm not." I pick him up and walk into the house.

I sit him down on the mat in front of the couch with his toys and wait for Zayn. Noah runs in and tackles Joel onto the floor and he wraps his arms around his little brother. After, Joel struggles to sit upright then just gives up and lays on his belly.

"How long is this spa thing?" I stand in front of Zayn.

He shrugs, "I don't know, just make sure you try everything."

"Alright." I kiss his cheek and hug into his waist.

Out of nowhere, my car alarm sounds and I look out the window but I don't see anyone. Zayn laughs and I glare at him. What's so funny? Then I follow his gaze as he's looking at Joel who has my car keys in his mouth.

"Oh no . . ." I gasp and take his favorite teething toy away from him. He starts crying and I see Noah trying to cheer him up. Aww, my kind little boy.

"Can you get him the teething toy out the freezer."

Zayn shakes his head. "Do you ever see the look he gives me when I give him that. Arielle he likes your car keys."

"Germs, Zayn." I point out, grabbing my purse and getting ready to go.

Zayn goes to pick Joel up and Noah stands wanting Zayn to hold his hand while they walk me to the door.

Then I remember I have to tell Zayn what to get because who knows what he'll choose.

"Zayn," I turn to him calmly. I know that what I'm about to tell him is going to overwhelm him and it's going to go through one ear and out the next.

"When you go to the store, get the Huggies diapers not the Pamper brand because the Huggies last longer. Also, when you get the toothpaste, get the one with SpongeBob on it because Noah loves it. Get the two percent milk, and when you get the CapriSuns get anything but grape, Noah hates grape. When you get the baby lotion and shower gel get the Johnson's brand, okay, it's the only brand I trust against Joel's skin. Plus, get the Downy fabric softener for the house because we ran out. Get snacks for the plane, preferably animal crackers or goldfish either one they'll eat. Don't forget the fruit, you know what fruit to get right?"