The Gang Leader's Shorty

Chapter 29

Two months later, Lexi PoV-

Things have been going great lately for Cole and I; we helped James with his new job, getting half price drinks at Costa now, he moved out within a few weeks and got an apartment right down the road from us.

Rounders is just amazing because we have the finals next week and our graduation! It's crazy to think we could win the championship for the first time. I'm really hoping to get a scholarship for rounders but also in music, which is quite a hard decision that I will have to face when the time comes. 

For the couple of months we have fought tirelessly to gain custody of Ryder. When social services visited our home, they were impressed with our resources and quality of life and deemed our house safe for him. However, they were slightly concerned about our living situation such as Cole and I being unmarried and young, still going to school. Therefore, the agreement was for us to become Ryder's foster parents until we graduate. Once we can prove that we've graduated and have a steady future plan ahead of us, they will allow us to adopt him. 

As we turn prepare to turn the calendar from July to August in a few days' time, we also prepare for our final last day at high school, including graduation and the rounders finals and we receive our scholarships if we've earned them! "Lexi, can you go and wake up Ryder?" Cole asks and wraps his arms around my waist from behind.

"Sure, what time is it?" I reply and he checks his watch, "10:30am, I didn't think a kid could sleep this long!" We both chuckle. Ryder does a lot of sleeping as he's still adjusting to a new way of life with us. I walk up the stairs and to the second floor. We gave him James' old room so he can be near someone if he needs them, hence his proximity to the twins who were not impressed with their new Xbox curfew being Ryder's bedtime. 

Currently, we aren't doing too good with money. Our situation could be a lot graver but Cole has been so used to having a steady income and being able to buy things when he absolutely needs them but, with an extra mouth to feed, the money is being stretched. I spoke to Cole about downsizing the house but, because the build is so old, the mortgage isn't too high and almost paid off due to Cole's ambition to be out of debt. He shot down my suggestion before I could even explain my reasoning. I also spoke to him about us both getting jobs, he said no to that, also. 

Cole is a very proud person. He doesn't want to be seen working his ass off to survive and make money, however, I have been picking up weekend shifts at a corner shop by Jess' house for the extra cash. Cole wasn't too happy but I made sure he knew that I can do whatever I please and it is bringing in a little extra cash that can at least pay for three days worth of food for Ryder if we shop at the right place. 

Our one main struggle is Ryder's tuition. As soon as we found out that we were being granted custody of Ryder once we graduate, we put his name down for nursery in advance but the fees are astronomical! However, I managed to convince Cole to sign Ryder up for some public nurseries with cheaper fees but good reviews. However, since Ryder isn't old enough for nursery just yet, we had to find a babysitter. 

She is fresh out of high school and is looking for money to eventually pay her college tuition. She has decided to work as a babysitter until she has enough money, then go off financial aid after her first year. Her first year will obviously be later than anticipated but she is aiming to join a college next year. Her wage isn't too high, it is manageable, so she stays at our house during our school hours with Ryder since her high school graduated earlier than ours.

As I enter Ryder's room, I see the baby blue walls with his little race car bed and his white wardrobes in the corresponding corner. His en-suite on the left as you walk in, however, we use that to store a lot of his toys since he doesn't use it just yet. I tip toe to his bed and gently sit next to him and shake him awake lightly, "Ry, wake up!" I whisper and kiss his forehead.