Only The Strong Survive (Sequel to Survival)

Chapter 52- The Final Step

After dinner with her parents, Elsa felt so much lighter than she had a yesterday. She and Anna stayed for a few hours until they had to eventually return back home.

When they arrived back at the apartment Anna began to assort her belongings and promised to be in touch before she eventually parted.

It was maybe fifteen minutes later until Elsa heard a knock on her door. She had a vague feeling she knew who it was and she practically leapt over the couch to answer. When she opens the rickety door, she is greeted by one enthusiastic little boy.

"Mom!" Aidan grins, dropping his backpack on the floor and hugging her waist.

Elsa could't help it, she kneels down and wraps her arms around her son, smothering him in the process. "I missed you, sweetheart."

He was only gone for one night but it felt like forever and a day. As a mother, she hates being away from her child. They have been together since day one.

When she pulls back, Aidan places his small hands over her cheeks. "Are you feeling better?"

She didn't know the specifics on what Jack told their son but he must have told Aidan she was feeling unwell.

"Y-Yes, I am. Thank you." Her soul and heart flutter at his worry and sensitivity over her wellbeing.

She plants a grand kiss on his cheek. He must have missed her more than he lets on because he doesn't make move to wipe away his cheek which he normally does whenever she kisses him.

Elsa is then aware of Jack's presence looming outside her door, his body leaning against the wooden threshold, unsure if he should come in. So, she decides for him when she stands up from the floor and offers him a small smile.

That was the only invitation he needed before he crosses inside and holds her in his arms. Elsa wraps her arms around his neck, her hands stroking his hair.

"How are you feeling?" he asks, his face buried into her shoulder.

Elsa pulls away and slowly nods her head as if carefully considering her answer. "I'm...better."

He raises an eyebrow at her as if wondering if she is being honest or giving him one of her standardized answers.

"Honest," she clarifies, reading his skepticism.

Jack deemed that enough before leaning forward to kiss her. It surprised her. But she recovers and meets his kiss with one of her own just as loving and addicting as his.

"Mom! Dad! In case you forgot, I am right here!"

Indeed he is.

Jack and Elsa slowly tear away from one another and simultaneously look down at their son who glares at them.

"I haven't seen your mom in a while, Aidan. This is me showing how much I miss her."

Without much warning Jack wraps his arms around Elsa's waist to tug her closer. Unfazed by their son in the room, Jack resumes kissing her.

Aidan groans and dashes to his room.

The minute he exits Jack and Elsa let go and share a moment of laughter. As quickly as they laugh it just as quickly dies down.

Elsa lightly pushes Jack off her with her hands on his chest. "Now we can really talk."

They leave Aidan's bags against the wall and make their way to the small living room and take a seat on the well-worn velvet couches.

"So did Aidan behave?" Her usual question whenever Aidan stays over at his place.

"He did. A little stubborn but that's normal. I know where he gets that from." Jack gives her a pointed look to which she laughs.