Can't Do It Without You

Can't Sleep

Linda looked at the ceiling and sighed heavily. It was getting harder and harder to sleep. She had just about gotten used to no Danny by her side when she found out she was pregnant. The lonely nights were constantly filled with memories of Danny's hand on her stomach, smiling when the baby kicked. Early mornings were filled with the memories of when she had morning sickness, and Danny held her hair back for her.
Danny.... he never complained. Just took all the weird cravings, morning sickness, mood swings... all in stride. I wish he was here. Then maybe I could sleep and stop thinking about how much I want him home.
Linda rubbed her hands over her face and rolled on her side, feeling the baby kick. She smiled and put her hand on her belly, trying to stop her mind from thinking. She was almost asleep when she heard a small, quiet, "mommy?"
Linda sat up, "what's wrong?"
"I can' teep," Jack rubbed his eye, clutching his Police bear.
"Okay, you can sleep with me."
Jack climbed in the bed, and snuggled close to his Mama.
Linda closed her eyes and tried to think about sleep, but it wasn't working. She kept repeating sleep. Okay, Linda. Sleep, sleep, sleep in her head, but that didn't work either. She sighed and started counting; she didn't count sheep or any other animal- she just counted. Counted till she fell asleep, which sometimes took awhile.
*********
"Man! I wish I could drink caffeine!"
Mary smiled sympathetically, "another rough night?"
"Yes. At least I'm off today." Linda sat down. "Maybe I'll be able to sleep during the day."
"I can take Jack to the zoo or library or somewhere for a few hours so you can have some quiet time."
"Would you?" She put her hands on Mary's arm, "oh, thank you! You're a life saver!"
"No problem, dear. I'll take him out after lunch. Maybe he'll get to visit his grandpa in the great, big office."
Linda smiled, "as long as he comes back alive, I don't care. I trust you."
**********
Linda laid on the bed, sighing contently. She was already tired, so closing her eyes would probably have her asleep in no time. Half an hour went by, and she was still awake. She sighed and walked over to the cassette player. She searched for her mixtape, mainly consisting of NKOTB, and popped it in. She grabbed a baby magazine, letting her favorite band fill her ears. She remembered the conversation she and Danny had had about the first NKOTB album she had bought.
~~~~~~~~~
"Check it out!" Linda smiled widely, showing her boyfriend the new album she had bought. "Isn't it cool? Now I'm all set if I ever want an NKOTB party."
Danny chuckled, "you're cute, you know?"
"You're cute, too."
"I mean, who buys something just because the people on it are attractive?" He questioned, referring to the first time she bought a New Kids' album. She was one of the only people who had bought it when it came out in the stores initially. The New Kids didn't get much airplay when their debut album came out, which is why a lot of people thought Linda to be crazy.
"Uh, hello? Every boy who has bought a playboy magazine ever!" She had him there, "besides, they're not just cute. They're astounding.... expect the rap songs.
~~~~~~~~~
Linda sniffed as she flipped the magazine page. She had so many memories with Danny, but not enough. She wanted more, so much more. She wanted him with her, lazily running his fingers through her hair or up and down her arm while she fell asleep. She wanted to wake up next to him, snuggled close. She shook her head as if to get rid of the sad thoughts. Wishing isn't going to do anything. So I might as well stop before I send myself into a nervous breakdown.