You've Got it Bad

Twenty One

Jade's POV

When morning came, I stretched and yawned. The sunlight was peeking through the windows, and it definitely woke me up. Last night was rough, but something about today already felt different. Lighter even.

I glanced over and saw Jaden still sprawled out next to me, with his little head tucked into my side. It was already past 10 and he was still out.

Suddenly, I remembered he's a heavy sleeper just like me. I smiled to myself because I was going to enjoy learning and re-learning all of these little things about him.

I rolled out of bed and decided to get a head start on the day. I went to shower and brush my teeth with the complementary travel accessories the motel provided.

I put back on my clothes from yesterday, and just as I was pulling my hair up in a ponytail, the sound of Jaden's scream rocked through my entire body.

I darted back into the bedroom only to find him sitting in the middle of the bed with tears streaming down his face. I immediately ran over and pulled him into my arms.

"What's the matter, baby?" I asked him, softly stroking his head, my heart pounding against my chest.

"I... thought... you... weft... me." He managed to speak in between sniffles.

He wrapped his arms around my neck and squeezed me.

"Awww, baby. I told you mommy won't ever leave you again. You're okay now. Let's get dressed, yeah?" He nodded and I walked him into the bathroom to shower.

I got him cleaned up and dressed for our day out. It was time I bought him things to get him settled in. First, I had to make a stop at the bank to pull the little bit of money I had out of my savings.

We went and got breakfast, then to the mall for a few new outfits, pajamas, underwear, and a new pair of shoes.

Of course he had to be fitted for everything, and I let him give his input on the outfits because I wanted him to be comfortable.

He seemed to be having fun with me, but when we walked by the play area in the middle of the mall, and he saw all of the kids, he hid behind my leg.

"You wanna go play for a bit?" I asked, but he shook his head quickly. "Are you sure? It looks like fun."

Again, he shook his head and grabbed my leg tighter. I definitely didn't want to force him.

"Okay then, how about some ice cream before your haircut?" His eyes lit up as he looked up at me.

"Yes, pwease!" He grinned.

We ate ice cream together while I asked him to tell me new things about himself. As much as a three year old could. He was very chatty, as always, and went on and on about cartoons and toys and how his favorite color was green now.

"You ready for your haircut, bub?" I asked him as we cleared the table.

"Will it hurt?" He cocked his head to the side and the cutest little expression came over his face.

I giggled. "No, baby. It won't hurt at all."

His hair was currently a little bit past his shoulders, which I didn't mind, but it looked damaged.

"Just take the damaged parts off, nothing too dramatic." I told the barber and she nodded.

She chopped it to about neck length and I loved it. I paid her and we left. Since I had a little bit of money left, as a treat for being such a good boy, I decided to take him to the toy store and let him pick out what he wanted, which made him very happy.