Fifty-Two Weeks

twenty

"In life, people like to build things.

Build relationships with other.

Build walls around themselves.

Build trust.

However, things tend break." -M.J.

---

After a few more hours of baby shopping, Scarlett and Ashton were back at her apartment. Both of their wallets were crying as they carried bags of newborn outfits, bottles, diapers (plenty more to come), and everything in between. The only thing left was the crib.

The employees were nice enough to load the box into Ashton's car, but now he faced the task of carrying it inside on his own. Scarlett offered to help but he flat out refused, claiming she needed rest after walking around all day. She offered to call Calum to help but Ashton was too proud to give in. Now here he was, swearing and straining to carry the heavy box into the apartment.

"Where do you want it?" He stuttered out, his strength slowly dissipating.

"We can build it in the living room and move it to my room later." Scarlett spoke, realizing her tiny room wouldn't allow them any space to create.

"Living room it is." Ashton mumbled and dropped the box into the center of the room.

"Careful!" Scarlett hissed and he huffed.

---

Several frustrating hours and a few swollen thumbs later, they were done. The crib looked beautiful, an identical copy to the floor model they fell in love with.

"Good team work Irwin family!" Ashton cheered and high fived Scarlett.

"I'm still a Pierce!" She whined and he chuckled.

"For now." He spoke under his breath and Scarlett pretended not to hear it.

"I could always keep our baby's name as Pierce too you know." She taunted and Ashton cocked his eyebrow.

"And why would you do that?" He pressed, wiping some sweat off his forehead.

"Just to piss you off." Scarlett laughed and Ashton's face was anything but amused.

"You're not funny." He pouted.

"Oh but I am!" She giggled and he launched forward, picking her up and swinging her around in his arms.

"You've been bad and bad girls get timeouts." He giggled as he set her down inside the crib.

"Ashton Irwin get me out of here now!" She yelled and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Actually, I'm rather tired. I think I'm going to take a nap." He smiled and walked off into Scarlett's bedroom.

"When I get out of here, you better run." She screamed.

Scarlett didn't want to stay in the crib and break it from her weight, but she was also scared of falling on the way out. She pushed herself up with her arms and swung one leg over. The sudden movement threw off her balance and before she knew it she crashed to the ground.

Ashton came out running as soon as he heard the loud bang. The sight before him made his heart stop and breathing hitch. Scarlett was sprawled out in an uncomfortable position with her eyes closed.

"Scarlett?" He spoke softly, his voice shook. "Scar, baby wake up..." He mumbled as he crouched down beside her. When he received no response he pressed his head to her chest and heard the soft thump of her heart which made him feel better.