One of a Kind - A KathNiel Story

Chapter 9

The night before all felt like a blur, seeing what was happening through the windshield of the bus and ordering his son to hide before he dove inside. He didn't even think about it, he barely knew who she was. He'd yelled and screamed to the police about his son, he was terrified when they came back saying they couldn't find him, accusing him of making up lies. The biggest relief he'd ever heard was that she was caring for his son. He fell down onto his knees as Noah threw his arms around his legs and he locked his arms around his son, kissing his head and holding him close.

"I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry, Noah Padilla." He whispered, kissing his hair and Noah just held onto his Dad tightly around his neck, but he was still holding onto one of Leo's paws. He snuggled into DJ as he stood up, bringing his son with him so that Noah was against his hip. "I hope he wasn't any trouble?" DJ asked and Kath shook her head.

"No, he's been... he's been an angel," Kath assured him and DJ breathed a sigh of relief, kissing Noah's head again. "I found him hid behind my bus... he said that he hid from the police officers because they had guns and it scared him," Kath said and DJ sighed, nodding his head and he rubbed Noah's back slowly.

"You were a good boy going with Kath. I'm very proud of you." DJ said and Noah sniffled, holding onto DJ tighter.

"Are they letting you go?" Kath asked and DJ nodded his head.

"Yeah, they... they were getting me to see someone about my chest and I had to tell the story a dozen times before they seemed to properly listen."

"They didn't even ask for my side until just now," Kath said and DJ just rolled his eyes, which made her crack a smile and he smiled back at her. "But hey, do you know how you're getting home?" She asked and DJ hesitated before nodding his head.

"Yeah, I'll have to call a cab, I guess. My car is back at home." DJ said and Kath shook her head.

"No, I'm driving you... I wanna thank you for what you did. It was extremely stupid, but... I'm grateful for it." Kath said and DJ couldn't help but chuckle.

"It was very stupid." He agreed. "But I don't wanna put you out of your way or anything, it's fine... we're fine getting a cab, we don't owe each other anything - I helped you, you looked after Noah," DJ said.

"Oh, stop being so stubborn and take a ride." Kath encouraged and DJ smiled.

"Well, it isn't every day I get a ride home from a celebrity." He teased, chuckling when she rolled her eyes playfully but she walked beside him out towards her car. Kath opened the door for the backseat, letting DJ set Noah down on the seat behind the driver's seat. "Hey, who's this?" DJ asked, poking the toy lion gently and Noah instantly hugged the toy close to his chest.

"Leo," Noah mumbled.

"I gave him one of my old toys... he was a little anxious," Kath said and DJ was slightly taken aback by what she'd done for him, but he nodded his head and looked back to Noah.

"Then, bud, don't you think he should go back to Kath?" DJ said, but Noah shook his head.

"It's fine, we have an agreement," Kath said, smiling at Noah who gave her a shy smile in return.

"Are you sure?" DJ asked and Kath nodded.

"Trust me, he's fine... get in, I'll take you home." Kath encouraged and she shut the door gently for the backseat and she got into the driver's side as DJ got in the other side and she nodded as he recited his address to her. He lived in a decent neighborhood, mostly for young couples who were buying their first family homes. She grew up not far from where he lived. "Can I ask you something?" Kath said softly and DJ looked over at her.

"Sure."

"What were you doing in the parking lot last night?"

"I was working security... had nobody to watch Noah, so he came with me... it's not my usual job, but it paid and a friend of a friend needed help. I was leaving the venue when I saw what was happening." DJ explained, both of them being cautious with what they said since as Noah would be able to overhear them.

"Just know that I'm... unbelievably grateful. I don't even wanna think about what would have happened if you weren't there." Kath breathed.

"What does that mean?" Noah asked.

"Nothing, bud," DJ assured him before turning to Kath. "How's your head?" He asked and Kath couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

"Pounding, but I'll be fine... you wanna grab lunch? I didn't have much in the house for breakfast." Kath said and Noah perked up, cheering.

"Lunch?" DJ questioned, making Kath laugh.

"Yes, lunch. The meal between breakfast and dinner, do you want to have some with me?" She asked, DJ smiling as Noah continued to cheer.

"I guess the little man has answered for me... but sure, we'd love to." He said, smiling when he noticed her blushing. He didn't notice he was blushing too.