This Isn't Happening

Chapter 5- He's Back

So I think it’s been around three months since I’ve been here. I got here in December and it was now the beginning of March, so yeah… Three months.

Ryder was getting bigger and bigger as the weeks went by. He was crawling a lot now. He pulled himself up and held on to the couch the other day, and he even mumbled his first word which was “mamma”. Surprise, surprise.

There was still a slight chill to the air as I got out of my car to get Ryder from inside the daycare. Things were better at work then they were that first day, so I had no problem leaving Ryder with the nursery workers everyday.

The front door chimed and I noticed immediately the change of wall color. I mentioned to the owner that the walls were extremely bright, so now instead of the blinding, neon yellow, the walls were a shade of blue. Still bright, but it did help tone down the room.

This place was familiar now. I easily led myself back to Ryder’s “classroom” and opened the door. He was playing with some toys, but when the door opened and he saw me, he came crawling. “Mamma” he grinned, showing me his two front teeth that had just recently come in.

After saying goodbye to the workers for the weekend, we got in the car and drove home.

 The car ride didn’t seem so long now. It was almost like I had been living here my entire life. I put on the turn signal and pulled onto my road. Before I turned into my driveway, I saw Zayn’s house… and in his driveway sat his car. Was he home?

I hadn’t really thought much about him these past few months, other then the occasional text messages once every other week or so. I had a child to raise, and a job to go to. I didn’t have time to worry about a boy texting me back. Most of the time I didn’t even have my phone with me. If I was in Ryder’s room, my phone was most likely in the kitchen or living room.

 I didn’t notice him until after I turned off my car and was getting Ryder out of his seat. I hit the lock on my keys and then I saw him.

 Zayn was sitting on my front porch, with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. The blonde that had been visible in his hair before he left, was now completely gone. He had a single rose in his hand and before I could make it up the sidewalk, he came and hugged me.

I don’t know why he was being this nice. Yes, he came over a few times to help me move some furniture around, but that was it. Did I miss something? “Hey Ellie.”

 “Umm.. Hey.” I didn’t know what else to say. Was I supposed to hug him back? Was I supposed to pretend like I really missed him? “Welcome home.” I eventually said.

“It’s so good to be back. Although I haven’t actually been home yet. I came straight here. I wanted to be waiting when you go home. Oh…” He handed me the rose. “This is for you.”

I smiled and took the rose in my free hand. “Come inside.” I told him. I desperately needed to put Ryder down. He’s not as light as he was a few months ago.

 “So how’s it been?” Zayn asked me.

“Good. Things were rough at first, but everything is great now. And he’s been doing great at his daycare.” I nudged towards Ryder.

“He’s gotten big.” I nodded in agreement. “I’m not going to stay long today, but I was wondering if you wanted to come have dinner at my house tomorrow night?”

Wow. It had been a long time since someone had asked me out on a date. There was no way I couldn’t say yes… those warm brown eyes had persuaded me. “I’d love..” I looked at Ryder who was banging a toy car into the ground.

Zayn laughed before I could finish. “Bring him. He’s such a good kid, he won’t bother me at all.”

“Thanks.” And with that said, we both stood up and he hugged me once more before heading towards the front door.

“Be there at six.” He said and gave me a quick wave.

 I couldn’t let myself get excited. He was a superstar and even if we did have something together, there was no guarantee that it would last. He didn’t date his ex girlfriend very long. What made me any different? I wouldn’t let myself be a charity case.

 That night, I made a pizza for dinner and watched a movie after Ryder went to bed. When the movie ended, I sat in the living room in silence. Should I go to his house? I know I told him I would, but still…

He made the effort to wait for me and he was sweet enough to bring me a rose, so I guess my return present would be to go to dinner at his house.

I turned off the table lamp and headed to my room. Going to Zayn’s house would be interesting. Even though I have no idea what we’re going to talk about… it’d still be interesting.

The last thing I remember before falling asleep was mentally planning my outfit for the next day.