Safety Net

26

Jo and Alex lumbered to the car with Hazel in her car seat. They tried keeping the snow out of her face, but it was no use. She popped her eyes open as the white flakes fell on her nose. Instead of crying, she simply looked around. Her eyes gleamed with wonder. This was so fascinating to her, being a few days old and all. Jos eyes wandered to Hazel, for the tenth time since they left the hospital. "Alex, look. I think she likes the snow." She beamed. Everything Hazel did was a marvel in her parents eyes. Every blink. Every breath. Every stretch of her fingers. Even her cries.

Alex looked at her, smirking. He pulled her hat down and wiped her pink nose. "She's going to freeze." He chuckled, walking faster to the car.

They walked in. Hazel had somehow managed to get into Alex's arms. He sat down on the couch. He hadn't even notice Jo stop in the doorway. This loft brought back so many forgotten memories (that she would've loved to keep forgotten).

He put his hand on Hazels tiny bottom, putting his head on the armrest. He left one spot open for Jo. Maybe, they could actually talk about what happened. Or maybe, they could just enjoy their company. He didn't know which he wanted more. Both would be beneficial.

She shuffled into the living room, sitting down on the old leather couch they found on eBay. It was comfortable, so why replace it? She kept her head down. It was obvious she was upset.

"Jo, you okay?" He whispered, trying not to wake the sleeping baby on his chest. After no response, he nudged her with his foot "Jo?"

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine. I just forgot- I remembered how many bad things happened in this loft." She frowned. "We still haven't talked-"

"I know. We need to." He paused "None of that should've happened. I'm sorry." He sounded genuine, and if she knew any better, he was. "Paul's trial-"

"No. please..." She spat— almost begged. "I don't want to think about him." She still refused to be left alone or to go get groceries alone. She needed someone there, so she felt safe.

"Sorry."

There was a long, thick silence before he spoke again. "Maybe tomorrow night when Hazel is asleep, we could get takeout and talk?" He suggested.

"I think that will be best," She nodded. "But, for now, I'm going to lay down." She stood up and limped to their bed, practically falling asleep before her head even hit the pillow.