Never Be Afraid Again (sequel to We'll Carry On)

Here's to the New Year

Two Weeks Later

“WAAAAAAHHHH!!” I heard the shrill cry of Bandit through the baby monitor next to the bed. I groaned, rubbing my eyes, and got up to check on her. Bandit was fussing and rolling in her crib, her face a bright red from how upset she was. I leaned over the railing of the crib and scooped her carefully into my arms, holding her to my chest.

“Shhh, you’re okay, baby girl. Mommy has you now, it’s okay, baby.” I whispered into her baby hairs as I bounced lightly from one foot to the other. She continued to cry but this time it was softer.

“Is someone hungry?” I giggled when she stopped crying instantly. She was just like her dad, I swear. I hurriedly ran into the kitchen with Bandit on my chest and made her a bottle with one hand. After I warmed it up, we set back towards the nursery.

*********************

As soon as the bottle was gone, her eyelids got heavy, concealing her gorgeous doe brown eyes from me. She gave a small yawn and curled in towards me, falling asleep to the rhythm of my heart. I was completely taken in by her, studying her every feature. Her chocolate brown curls were almost to her ears, she gained a few pounds- I loved her little baby rolls, they were adorable- and she gained more of a personality. It seemed like time was flying past me too quickly for me to rein it in. My baby girl was almost two months old and more gorgeous every day. She truly was perfect.

**********************

I sat her back down into her crib, covering her up with a batman blanket, kissing her and cracked her door slightly on my way out of her room and into my own.

I crept stealthily back into bed like a ninja, sliding under the covers next to a very peaceful looking Gerard. He had been so busy lately, that it was nice seeing him finally getting some sleep. As soon as I was situated in bed, I felt a pair of warm arms wrap around me, pulling me into the body they belonged to.

“Where did you go?” Gerard grumbled in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

“A mommy’s job is never finished. Bandit woke up, so I fed her.” I sighed, adjusting myself in his arms.

“Awe, man. Baby, I would have gotten her, you need sleep.” He answered guiltily, more awake now. I shrugged it off and wrapped my arms around his.

“No, it’s okay, you worked today, plus I knew what she needed.” I lied, I had no clue why she was crying, but in the end, I got her back to sleep.

He buried his head into the back of my neck, pressing us together and we both fell back asleep simultaneously.

*******

Party. Tonite. Mine and Audrey’s place. Be there.

I looked at my phone and at my calendar; it was New Year’s Eve. I elbowed Gerard -who was next to me on the couch, playing with Bee- and shoved my phone towards him. He knew I didn’t want to go, but it seemed imperative that we at least show up.

“I’m not leaving Bee with a babysitter, she’s too young for that and I’m not comfortable with it, so she’s just going to come with us.” I huffed, going full mommy mode.

“Whatever you say, dear.” Gerard kissed my head and finished his coffee.

****

“So, why was it so important that we be here?” I asked Lindsey, whose lap I was now sitting on.

“I’m doing something huge at midnight, and I need you there. Hey, who has Bandit?” She asked, looking around the open living room.

“Audrey.” Was all I said, nodding my head towards my daughter and friend, who were laid out on the white carpet. Lindsey let out a breathy laugh and snaked her arms around my waist, waiting for the ball to drop.